Schilthorn - Birg - Grauseeli - Rotstockhutte - MurrenWalk 8101
Canton - Bern / Berne - Jungfrau Region
Author - Hotel Alpenblik Mürren
Length - 13.0 km / 8.1 miles
Ascent - 150 metres / 495 feet
Descent - 1400 metres / 4620 feet
Time - 4.00 hours
Grade - moderate
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This is a high mountain walk and is suitable for walkers with experience. The route starts at the summit of the Schilthorn (2970 m.) and descends (using a very interesting route) to the traffic free village Mürren situated high above the Lauterbrunnen valley.
Start - the mountain station of the Schilthorn Cablecar. There are two ways of reaching the cablecar from Lauterbrunnen. Either (1) take the Post Bus to Stechelberg and board the cablecar at the valley station or (2) take the cablecar and train to Mürren and board the cablecar at the midway station. 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.
From the summit of the Schilthorn descend east to Birg. Ignore any paths descending to Grauseeli on this section of the route. Birg (2677 m.) is a satellite summit to the Schilthorn and offers exceptional views east towards the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau with the village of Mürren far below.
Leave the summit of Birg using the same path as on the approach and descend to the col (2599 m.) and a junction of paths. Turn left and descend to the Grauseeli. Continue to descend into the Schiltal losing height quickly. After a short way turn right for Wasenegg, maintaining similar height across the east side of the Schilthorn.
Climbing slight you reach the top of the Wasenegg, a well-defined ridge running east. Ignore the ridge path and instead descend south. Reaching a transverse path turn left for the Rotstockhütte with its fine views and good food.
Retrace your steps and follow the clear path that follows a line parallel to the Wasenegg ridge in the direction of Speilbodenalp. After approximately two kilometres the path descends steeply over the crags at the eastern of the Wasenegg ridge to reach Speilbodenalp. From here it is an easy walk through pleasant meadows to Mürren.
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 the Jungfrau Region
A guidebook to the Tour of the Jungfrau Region, a 111km trek from Schynige Platte to Wilderswil in 9-12 days through the Bernese Oberland under the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau, exploring both well-known and hidden valleys, surrounded by soaring peaks, glaciers, lakes and ridges. A good first Alpine trek with plenty of bad-weather alternatives.