Winter hiking

Not in the mood for skiing or snowboarding? Don’t fancy a strenuous snowshoe hike? But you’d still like to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the sunshine in the snow? Then we’ve got just the thing for you. Whether you’re walking past the frozen waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, taking in views of the famous trio – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – or escaping the crowds in the idyllic Reichenbach Valley, these five winter hikes have something for everyone.

The starting point of this short winter hike is easy to reach by gondola from Grindelwald Grund or by cable car from Wengen. From the Männlichen mountain station, the trail takes you to the summit of the Männlichen in around 25 minutes, where a viewing platform shaped like a crown awaits. The breathtaking panorama – from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Breithorn, Lake Thun and the Wetterhorn – is simply … fit for a king!

High above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, this winter hike takes you from Grütschalp via Winteregg to Mürren. The views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are second to none – the famous trio stays in sight the whole way. The trail winds along the sunny slopes and is superbly groomed. The car-free mountain village of Mürren marks the turning point of the hike, where charming wooden chalets exude cosiness and rustic appeal. On the way back to Grütschalp, the Männlichen range – with the Faulhorn range behind it – provides a magnificent backdrop. Alternatively, you can make the return trip by train – a ride you won’t forget in a hurry. Promise!

The Reichenbach Valley is known for its picturesque scenery. As far back as 200 years ago, renowned artists and poets found inspiration here. In winter, far from the bustle of the ski slopes, you can set off on this beautifully laid-out winter trail along the flat valley floor.

From Grindelwald, the starting point of the hike is easy to reach by gondola. Once you arrive at First, you’re ready to go. Right at the start, there’s a short, steep climb up to the Gummihütte, followed by gentle ups and downs all the way to the frozen, snow-covered mountain lake. Along the way, you can enjoy an impressive mountain panorama featuring the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn. Allow about 100 minutes for the round trip.

In the idyllic Lauterbrunnen Valley, much revolves around water – and in winter, around frozen water. This hike, which you could just as well call a stroll, takes you past the Staubbach Falls and the Trümmelbach Falls, among others, before the trail crosses the Weisse Lütschine river after the Breithorn campsite and continues to Stechelberg, home of the Mürrenbach Falls. You can return to Lauterbrunnen the same way or take the PostBus for a more relaxed ride back.