dossier

Day 2: Wilderswil to Mürren 16km/10mi/6hr
A valley path climbs through oak forest (look out for red deer) to the sleepy hamlet of Isenfluh for the first view of the Jungfrau, over 3000m of ice-clad, rocky wilderness! Walking through meadows dotted with butterwort and golden hawksbeard, you reach Thomas and Jasmin’s friendly hotel with great views over the Eiger and Jungfrau.

Day 3: At Mürren
With its pretty pedestrian streets, and stunning views over the Big Three, Mürren has inspired famous travellers for centuries. It’s easy to laze the day here, or Ralph can suggest various walks, from a fragrant ramble in the Blumental meadow to a hike up Sefinenfurgge pass (2612m). Alternatively, take the cable car (pay locally) to the James Bond revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn for views over Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

Day 4: Mürren to Wengen 18km/11mi/6 1 /2 hr
A long descent past cows munching green meadows (they still cut hay with scythes here) into the Lauterbrunnen valley and the Trümmelbach falls, an amazing ‘corkscrew ’ waterfall thundering inside the mountain. Ascending past the Mönch, choked with rock and ice takes you past Agnes and Willi’s farm. Why not stop for a cool drink under the shadow of the Jungfrau before arriving in Wengen?

Day 5: At Wengen
You could relax savouring the view over Lauterbrunnen valley from the hotel terrace complete with whirlpool bath (pay locally), but it’s a shame not to take Europe’s highest railway to the icebound Jungfraujoch (3454m), for a panorama over the Great Aletsch glacier, Germany ’s Black Forest and the Italian Alps. Alternatively take the Bira cable car for 360 o view over your whole region.

Day 6: Wengen to Grindelwald 18/km/11mi/6hr
Today’s walk over the Kleine Scheidegg Pass follows the footsteps of Goethe, Byron and Tchaikovsky. The ascent enjoys views over the ice walls of the Mönch. After lunch, you descend in the shadow of the Eiger’s sheer North Face - stunning views all around.

Day 7: At Grindelwald
The most exciting option is a walk to Grindelwald’s two glaciers. Explore the shimmering blue world of the ice grotto in the upper glacier before following a path hewn out pink, purple and green marble to the sun trap restaurant terrace at Stieregg, an oasis of green in the lower of Grindelwald’s twin glaciers. A good chance of spotting ibex on the slopes and golden eagles circling overhead.

Day 8: Grindelwald to Wilderswil 16km/10mi/6hr
By gondola to the start of the one of the Alp’s most panoramic walks. First stop, Bachsee Lake, then a climb through rocky high-mountains bright with saxifrage to the Faulhorn (2680m), and a heart-lifting panorama over the Bernese Oberland. After lunch in the restaurant, you descend through grassy marmot country to the railway station at Schynige Platte (2067m) to arrive in Wilderswil and your hotel in the timber-clad houses of the old town.

Day 9: Return home
We take you to the station by taxi in time for your return train.