BOE 14; Hiking Day in the Swiss Alps

Posted by Jeff G on 02/01/22 11:20 PM

Has anyone been on these hiking trips. Can you recommend what type of clothing and gear you might need for a September hike? I know the weather could be variable, but would like some generalities. We have hikes multiple 14ers and usually prepare for those in a specific way with a set gear and layering of clothes.

Question, do any of these hikes require good hiking boots, walking sticks, thick winter type coats. It seems like these items I would take on a September hike of a 14ern in the rocky mountains would be a challenge to take on the COE14 tour.

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

02/02/22 12:06 AM

8332 posts

You will want layers. Base, warmth, raincoat with hood. You would want those whether you were hiking or not. There is a complete range of possible hiking trips from gentle walks on paved trails to more strenuous climbing. There are also mountain lifts/railways that provide quick gain in altitude up mountains. You can make this day as tough or easy as you would like.

I have collapsible hiking poles that I fit in my suitcase and check the bag. You can also get hiking poles to use when you get there. I wear a hiking shoe. I would not think you would need much more for most trails unless you plan to do some climbing.

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

02/02/22 01:48 AM

4674 posts

If you're going to be in the cities, they can be in the 80's in September, so also bring a set of summer clothes. I was there last Sept., brought my mountain clothes, and baked in the cities- a lesson learned! Have a great trip!

Posted by Threadwear

Fort Myers, FL

02/02/22 04:47 AM

1658 posts

It appears the type of hiking that day is up to you. There are plenty of very nice hikes that are not very complicated and do not need much hiking gear other than a basic backpack and a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. Your guide can inform you of all hiking trail possibilities from Lauterbrunnen.

There is a very nice hike by taking a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp and hiking to Murren for lunch then you can hike down to Gimmelwald and take a cable car down to the Lauterbrunnen valley (Stechelberg) and hike or bus to visit Trummelbach Falls. From there it is an easy bus ride or walk back to Lauterbrunnen to your hotel.

Posted by Carrie

Chicago

02/02/22 11:24 AM

2660 posts

Adding the link to the great hiking guide forum member shoe put together of hiking in the BO area. It includes many helpful tips and great pictures.

https://lauterbrunnenhiking.wordpress.com/

I was in Switzerland this past Sept. and walked everywhere in my very comfortable Brooks Ghost running shoes. We got caught in the same heat as pat, so prepare for some warm days too.

Posted by Jeff G OP

02/02/22 03:44 PM

46 posts

Thanks for the replies everyone. This gives me a good idea what to expect and has been a great help!

Posted by kjander

02/16/22 05:37 AM

2 posts

My husband and I were on the tour in July of 2019 and weather was very hot that summer. We took the gondola up from Wengen and hiked the Mannlichen to Kleinesheideg route . Then we took the train down to the valley and another gondola up to Murren and Gimmelwald, walked down to the valley again. It was total of 12-14 miles of light hiking in Merrill barefoot trekkers, light REI hiking pants, a sortsleeved shirt with a light workout jacket. We did not need waking sticks, gear or boots for these activities. It was a combo of dirt and paved paths. Our favorite day on the whole tour!