Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Allmendhubel is particularly good for families. The entertaining Adventure Trail chil-
dren's hike—with rough and thrilling kid-friendly alpine rides along the way—starts from
here. This is also the departure point for the North Face hike and walks to Grütschalp (see
here
). While at Allmendhubel, consider its Flower Trail, a 20-minute loop with nice moun-
tain views and (from June through Sept) a chance to see more than 150 different alpine
flowers blooming.
Cost and Hours:
7.40 SF one-way, 12 SF round-trip, 6 SF round-trip with Swiss
Pass, mid-June-mid-Oct daily 9:00-17:00, runs every 20 minutes, tel. 033-855-2042 or
033-856-2141,
www.schilthorn.ch
.
Mürren Via Ferrata (Klettersteig Mürren)
Mountaineersandthrill-seekerscantesttheirnervesonthisone-miletrailalongthecliffrun-
ning from Mürren to Gimmelwald. A
via ferrata
(“way of iron” in Italian) or
Klettersteig
(“climbing path” in German) is a cliffside trail made of metal steps drilled into the moun-
tainside with a cable running at shoulder length above it. Equipped with a helmet, harness,
and two carabiners, you are clipped to the cable the entire way. Experienced mountaineers
can rent gear (25 SF from the Gimmelwald hostel or Mürren's Intersport) and do it inde-
pendently; others should hire a licensed mountain guide. For a peek at what you're getting
yourself into, search “
via ferrata
Switzerland Murren” at
www.youtube.com
.
The journey takes about three hours. While half of the route is easily walked, several
hundred yards are literally hanging over a 3,000-foot drop. I did it, and through the most
dangerous sections, I was too scared to look down or take pictures. Along with ladders and
steps, the trip comes with three thrilling canyon crossings—one by zip line (possible with
guide only), another on a single high wire (with steadying wires for each hand), and a fi-
nalstintonaterrifyingsuspensionbridge(whichyoucanseefromtheGimmelwald-Mürren
cable-car—look for it just above Gimmelwald).
Cost and Hours:
95 SF, includes gear and donation to the Mürren Via Ferrata Associ-
ation, guided tours in small groups of 4-8, tel. 033-821-6100,
www.klettersteig-muerren.ch
.
These are all good places for a drink after dinner:
Eiger Guesthouse
(a popular sports bar-
type hangout with pool tables, games, and Internet terminals),
Stägerstübli
(where old-
timersnurseadrinkandgossip),
HotelBlumental
(withacharacteristiccellar—livelywhen
open), and
Hotel Bellevue
(with its elegant alpine-lounge ambience). All of these places are
further described under “Sleeping in Mürren” or “Eating in Mürren.” In July and August,
youcanenjoyoccasionalfolkloricevenings(someWednesdays,attheSportzentrum—listed
earlier, under “Helpful Hints”).
