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Berner Oberland area itinerary

We will be staying in Lauterbrunnen for 3 nites/2 full days, first wk Oct. We plan on doing the Schilthorn area the 1st day and the opposite Jungfrau area the 2nd day. Considering we want to do all lifts/cable cars/trains in both areas, we are thinking of purchasing the Swiss Half Fare Card ($134) which will give us 50% off all tickets inc the two highest peaks. I need some recommendations on how to travel to see all the villages & sites that there is available.

Thought of doing the 1st day as follows:
Cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp, then train to Murren, then cable car straight to Schilthorn (weather permitting). From there, back to Murren, funicular to Allmendhubell. Then back to see Murren, next hike down to Gimmewald, with cable car down to Stechelberg, if time allows walk to Trummelbach Falls, finish with bus back to Lauterbrunnen. (Won’t want to hike back). Does this sound good?

2nd day as follows:
Lauterbrunnen to Klein Scheidegg, then straight on to Jungfrau (weather permitting). Take train back down to Wengen so to take the lift to Mannlichen, hike from Mannlichen to Klein Scheidegg, then train to see Wengen, and then back to Lauterbrunnen.

The Swiss Half Card will make the cost of all this approx. $186.00 + $134 (card) = $320/person.

Costly but we are getting in everything we want to do. If weather is poor, can cut off the two highest points.

Opinions??

Thank you!

Posted by
2545 posts

Both of these trips will be weather dependent. Check the webcams early in the morning, because if the weather is bad you will have no view and have wasted a lot of time and money.

If the weather is clear in the morning, go straight up to the Jungfraujoch. The clouds may roll in later in the morning and you will have missed your chance while hiking down from Mannlichen. Same with Schilthorn - take the fastest, most direct way up if the weather is clear. Do the hiking later.

Have a plan B ready for the day, just in case. If you get to one of the two mountain tops with good weather within a two day time period in the fall, I would consider that success.

Posted by
400 posts

Thank you travel4fun! Mountain tops first then hike. Got it!

Posted by
290 posts

Ditto for travel4fun’s advice to check the weather cams and get to the mountain tops first if the weather is good so you can enjoy the views. That’s the most common scenario.

You may get a day where it’s cloudy in the morning, but clears by afternoon, so be flexible (that happened to me in Zermatt).

You mentioned taking a cable car from Murren to Gimmelwald. Depending on the weather and how much time you have, you might enjoy walking from Murren to Gimmelwald. It’s just over 2 km, and very pleasant.

From Stechelberg you mention taking the bus back to Lauterbrunnen. If you have time, you may want to stop at Trümmelbach Falls; you can also walk from there to Lauterbrunnen. It’s about 3 km and 40 minutes. Hiking through the valley is beautiful. Or you can exit the bus closer to Lauterbrunnen and walk to Staubbach Waterfall.

All the best,

Raymond

Posted by
400 posts

Thank you Raymond! You had a couple very good suggestions. I redid my itinerary with your suggestions added, I think it’s better and feasible. Do you agree?

Posted by
33819 posts

all looks good to me. Do take the advice to watch the weather and get an early start for going up the mountains... screens in hotel room or hotel, and at the transportation stations

Posted by
290 posts

Linda,

You're welcome. Your new itinerary looks good. There are some beautiful views of the the valley on the train ride from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen and then back down. I hope the weather cooperates.

All the best,

Raymond

Posted by
400 posts

Thank all so much!

Jim, I did look into the Berner Oberland Pass; and I think if one of the mountain peaks doesn’t look possible, that would be a very good way to go. But for 230, plus 99 (Jungfrau), plus 52 (Schilthorn), it becomes a bit much. But without going to say Jungfrau, it now makes it definitely worth it. Thanks!