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
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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 Swiss Alpine Pass Route - Via Alpina Route 1
Guidebook to the Alpine Pass Route following the Swiss Via Alpina 1, a 360km trek east-west across Switzerland, from Sargans, on the border of Liechtenstein, to Montreux, including prologue from Liechtenstein. A demanding 3-week trek described in 18 stages, crossing 16 passes including the 2778m Hohtürli. Requires good fitness and experience.
Tour of Mont Blanc
An essential guidebook for walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km route typically takes 11 days to trek around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic treks. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route.