Backpacking in Switzerland in June, looking for suggestions

Posted by Gazer (OC, CA) on 12/26/23 12:21 AM

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum, so please forgive me if I did not follow the guidelines, it was not on purpose )

We are a group of okay hikers looking for a suggestions on our Switzerland "backpacking" trip.
Our level: We've hiked and/or regularly hike Mt Mt Elbert, La Plata, Mt Whitney, Mt Shasta, Cactus to Clouds e.t.c. Nothing too crazy but can do things if necessary.
What we are looking for: a 4-5 nights "backpacking" chill scenic hiking route in Switzerland in June the way you can sleep at huts/hostels/inns/hotels and ideally eat real food for lunch as well, at least sometimes, so basically hiking from civilization to civilization while seeing the best Switzerland got to offer.

Here’s a master plan https://s.geo.admin.ch/vkyx9g6mo2j8
~36 miles with ~12k elevation, looks easy
Hiking left to right. We have up to 5 nights, theoretically we will still have time to hike from Grindelwald to Iseltwald but can finish at Grindelwald and take a bus/taxi to Iseltwald.

Looking for any suggestions,
Regards,
Tony

Posted by wanderweg

Nashville, TN

12/26/23 05:29 AM

415 posts

When in June are you talking? There can still be snowed in trails up at those elevations. If you want to hike from Oeschinensee to Iseltwald, I think you need to look at July-September if you want a clear route.

Also, I wouldn’t consider that route “easy” - the section between Oeschinensee and Mürren is no joke. It’s doable of course, but going into it with the mentality that it’s easy would be a mistake.

I’m unclear why you need to backtrack to Iseltwald?

Posted by WengenK

Wengen

12/26/23 08:59 AM

1653 posts

What you are planning to do is part of the "Via Alpina". That is a nice trek. Not to technical, but does require a sufficient level of fitness.

What I would suggest is that you familiarise yourself with the route here:
https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-1

The Schweizmobil website is a great resource. They have a map, where you can add information on accommodation and public transport. Switzerland has a nationwide mass transit network, and would be good to familiarise yourself with that as well.

Now back to the route: I would suggest you start in Meiringen and walk to Kandersteg. The Meiringen - Grindelwald part is quite nice, and should not be skipped. Also doing it in that direction is better if you are not certain of your level of fitness. Along the first two sections there are plenty of opportunities to bail out and take a bus for example. Then on the Lauterbrunnen - Griesalp - Kandersteg part there is also the possibility to bail out at Griesalp in case the ascent over the Sefinenfurgge wore you out...

As to the state of the trails: We won't know that till summer starts. The Blüemlisalp hut is open from mid June. Once they are open you can always give them a call (you should anyway to reserve a spot) and ask about the state of the trails.

Posted by Gazer OP

OC, CA

01/09/24 01:56 AM

2 posts

@wanderweg thank you for reply. We will move our trip the way we will start hike late June so there will be less snow, worst case we will not summit couple of peaks along the way, I guess.
Iseltwald is where our kids will stay while we hike, it's just a destination, no actual need to hike down there, can take a public transportation.

@WengenK thank you for all valuable information, will definitely research the route from Meiringen