Grutschalp - Allmendhubel - MurrenWalk 8001
Canton - Bern / Berne - Jungfrau Region
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 6.0 km / 3.8 miles
Ascent - 450 metres / 1485 feet
Descent - 410 metres / 1353 feet
Time - 2.50 hours
Grade - easy/moderate
Click thumbnails for larger images.
This walk provides a useful introduction to the area with excellent views of the three main peaks - the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch - together with an excellent overview of the landscape of the Lauterbrunnen to Mürren area.
Start - the upper station of the Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp cablecar, which takes just 4 minutes to complete the 690 metre height difference. The service runs frequently and connects with trains to and from Mürren. See Transport Map for the Jungfrau Region.
End - the railway station in Mürren where regular trains take you back to Grütschalp with connections to Lauterbrunnen.
Exit the funicular station and turn left. Cross the railway tracks and follow the footpath to a junction. Turn left following the signs for Allmendhubel (2h 30m). The path forks right off the wider direct path that leads alongside the railway to Mürren and begins to climb steadily through a mixture of woodland and pasture. The views improve immediately with the Jungfrau (4158m), Mönch (4107 m) and Eiger (3970 m) looking majestic across the Lauterbrunnen valley. As with all paths in this area the signs and waymarks are excellent with arrival at Pletschanalp unlikely to have tested your navigation skills.
Ignore the path forking left that descends to Winteregg and keep to the high level path that contours easily across the mountainside. A short descent and reascent bring you to a rocky area just west of Maulerhubel. From here a descent into a wide grassy area and a steeper climb out bring you to the col west of Allmendhubel. Turn right and follow the sign to the top station of the Allmendhubel funicular to enjoy the view before returning to the col from where an easy descent into the traffic free village of Mürren is signed.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:25000 - Sheet SW 2520 - Jungfrau Region
Wanderkarte - Wengen, Mürren & Lauterbrunnental - 1:40000
Recommended Books
The Tour of the Bernina
Guidebook describing a 9-stage (119km) route around the Piz Bernina massif in the Alps on the Swiss-Italian border near St Moritz, and the 8-stage (94km) Alta Via Valmalenco exploring the Valmalenco valley, in the shadow of Monte Disgrazia. The Tour of the Bernina is suitable for first-time trekkers but the Alta Via needs some experience.
Tour of the Matterhorn
A guide to the 145km Tour of the Matterhorn, described anti-clockwise from Zermatt and visits 6 valleys via Zinal, Arolla and Breuil, offering spectacular views of 25 peaks of over 4000m. The route also links up with the Chamonix to Zermatt walkers' Haute Route and the Tour of Monte Rosa. Includes two glacier crossings and takes 8 to 10 days.