Hiking near Gimmelwald

Rick's Switzerland guidebook lists the most popular hikes with maps. On the ground all the trails are well signposted. Most all these hikes are more "service roads" than rugged wilderness trails. So hiking shoes should be more than enough. But there are more challenging hikes like the ridge walk from Schynige Platte? to First. For this type of hike sturdy hiking boots, and poles are a must. Keep in mind that poles must be checked when flying. For a home base, flip a coin, all the towns in the region are good: Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Murren, Gimmelwald, Grindlewald.

Here's a link to lots of hiking in the B.O. Lots of maps and other information. http://www.myswissalps.com/berneseoberland/berneseoberland-hiking.asp?lang=EN Here's another link for hiking closer to Gimmelwald. http://www.gimmelwald.com/hikes.html

I believe Sara's second paragraph describes the hike from Schynige Platte TO First, and then down to Grindelwald. This is the same hike mentioned above by Michael. And yes, it is spectacular. It is known as the Panoramaweg and takes you along the ridge between the lake (Brienzersee) and the Grindelwald Valley. You can take a short detour to the hut on top of the Faulhorn for lunch or a snack and a great view: www.faulhorn.ch For this hike, you take the train from wherever you stay to Wildersil and ride the cogwheel train up to Shcynige Platte. Lots of hikes, both moderate and challenging, right from your door whether you stay in Gimmelwald or Mürren (more lodging choices in Mürren). They are listed on the two Gimmelwald websites, gimmelwald.ch and gimmelwald.com These won't include the hikes on the other side, above Wengen, or on the Grindelwald side. You can get more information on these from the website posted above, and from the local TI. To minimize the travel to various trailheads, we generally stay in two towns, Mürren and either Wengen or Grindelwald. Next time we are going to try this place perched on the hillside above Grindelwald. You get there by the First gondola (unless you want to hike up): http://www.berghaus-bort.ch/ However, for a short stay of 3 days, I would suggest one base, specifically Mürren for good access to the hikes. You'll have to ride down to Lauterbrunnen and take a train to Wilderswil for the Panoramaweg hike, but others like Schilthorn, Oberhornsee, or Rotstockhütte are right from your doorstep.

I home based in Lauterbrunnen and also Gimmelwald (Murren would also be a good choice). I thought Grindelwald a bit too touristy. But from a location/access standpoint there probably aren't bad choices if that is your only concern. From a gear standpoint, you only need a mid weight hiker. I actually did all my hiking in running sneakers and although my feet were killing me from the down hill portions of the hike, I truly didn't need any additional traction. So mid weight hikers should be appropriate. Hiking poles are not necessary but you would fit in nicely with all the nordic walkers in the region. But unless you rely on hiking poles regularly, they aren't a must have. If you want to pack lighter, forget about poles. I did a 13mile hike from First to Grindelwald (missed the gondola down into Grindelwald or it would have been 9-10 miles) and it was one of the most spectacular Swiss hikes. At the trail head is a Lowa boot outpost where you can trial their boots. I stuck with my running shoes, but ultimately bought a pair of Lowa once back in the States. Also, I hiked up the Schilthorn starting in Gimmelwald, but took the Gondola down. For the hike up the Schilthorn a pair of poles may have been nice for the last bit at the end where it gets a bit steep and if you want to hike down definitely use poles. There is so much great hiking, around every turn is a more beautiful vista! Enjoy!