My husband and I are traveling to Switzerland in February with our 6 month old son. We love outdoor hiking and are looking forward to winter hikes. We've been debating between Murren or Grindelwald and curious if anyone has any feedback they may be able to share on the two? If you've stayed in either place in the winter, are there easy/moderate walks that you'd recommend?
Thank you!
We split our time, a week in each, between Grindlewald and Murren a few years ago. First, you'll be pleased with either...spectacular and charming locations. G'wald is a bit more accessible as getting to Murren involves the terrific little funicular above the train stop in Lauterbrunnen. G'wald offers more lodging and dining options, but the views from Murren are amazing. Our trip was September, so weather may be a factor, probably moreso in Murren than G'wald. You might also want to consider Wengen, a base that suited us well in the 1980s for a family trip. The extensive and well-marked trail system will serve you well from either village. I can't comment on winter hiking, but you'll find lots of info on-line, as well as books on hiking in the Jungfrau region. No doubt the TI offices have trail maps as well. (A rewarding hike is to the Bachalpsee, above G'wald; very easy if you take the cable car up to First to start the walk. We continued on to the Falhorn peak, then down to Bussalp (bus back to G'wald); I wouldn't do that in snow, but we're 70+ and getting more cautious.) Reserve a day (with clear weather) for the unforgettable trip to the Jungfraujoch/Top-of-Europe experience. Pricey but sure to be memorable. Feel free to send a PM if you'd like more specifics on our hotel and dining recollections.
Bon Voyage, we envy you!
Much of the area above Mürren is ski pistes, which you must avoid on foot. You need to look for the groomed walking trails, called Winter Wanderwege., to walk safely and in comfort. Here are some suggestions near Mürren:
https://mymuerren.ch/en/winter/see-do/#category60
More in the area, including from Wengen:
https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/winter-hiking/
I believe the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg trail is groomed for winter walking. This you would access from Wengen by cablecar, then train down to Wengen after. Or from Grindelwald by gondola then train.
Be aware that the Swiss Alps just received a massive amount of snow, something like 6 feet over a short time. Train and car travel has been affected and people were stranded by lack of transport ( I.e. 13,000 people In Zermatt).
Your trip is still weeks away, but the excess snow conditions and avalanche danger may persist into your visit. Be sure to confirm the safety of any trails you choose before heading out.
It appears you haven't booked lodging yet? note that many hotels will have a minimum stay requirement during ski season, from 3-7 nights. For apartments, it is often a 7-night minimum.
One of many articles about the snow conditions:
In February, you'll get more sun in Muerren than Grindelwald, which is in the shadow of the Eiger. Muerren is much more of a quintessential Swiss village. As Lola pointed out, it is also a ski resort, very popular with Brits and finding a booking there in February could be an issue. February is Winter School Break season in Europe, and when families take their annual ski vacations.
Re the recent snow storm: Why do I always miss out on all the fun. But if the Zermatt rail line is down for any length of time, the Papperla Pub could run out of liquor, and that would be a disaster.
After several days of evacuating 100 people an hour from Zermatt by helicopter the train which carries 250 an hour restarted yesterday. There are still hunts for missing people, one man is feared caught by an avalanche.
Thanks for all the help. I booked a hotel in both Grindelwald & Murren a while back as they're both cancelable up until 24 hours prior. That said, I think we're going to keep our reservation in Murren. Spoke with the hotel yesterday and they said they actually even provide a breakfast voucher up at Schilthorn. Dually noted about the avalanche -- Murren seems to be OK at the moment, but will keep an eye out there. Anyone have any favorite restaurants they'd recommend there? Thanks again.
Mürren restaurants we like:
For Swiss food and local atmosphere, Stägerstübli
For something different and more vegetables, Tham's Asian restaurant
For a more upscale dinner with an interesting menu, the dining room at Hotel Bellevue Crystal
In Mürren, I had delicious meals at the the Hotel Blumenthal and the Hotel Bellevue. Not cheap, but worth every rappen.
We stayed at the Eiger Guesthouse in Murren and I really enjoyed their food. Not as fancy and a very small restaurant, but soooo good!
