5 Autumn Hikes
Jungfrau Region's Blogbuster Series / Nr. 44
If hiking were a band, they would go on a great farewell tour in autumn - before leaving the natural stage to the snow and the winter lovers. Many even claim that autumn is the best time of the year for hiking. The temperatures are pleasant and the landscape offers a fascinating cocktail of colours.
So: We hope you have your ticket ready for the farewell tour of the hiking season. Because here come 5 great autumn hikes:
#1 Hochmoor above Meiringen
The highest moor in Europe and a view as far as Central Switzerland. Accompanied by the blaze of colors of autumn, this circular hike is a very special experience.
From Meiringen train station, you first take the bus in the direction of Grosse Scheidegg. Get off at the Kaltenbrunnen bus stop (right next to the Kaltenbrunnensäge mountain inn) and then follow the signposts in the direction of Hochmoor. The path first leads steeply up to the Kaltenbrunnenalp and over flowering alpine meadows you finally reach the plain of the colourful high moor. We assure you, the overwhelming view rewards the effort. After crossing the high moor, one reaches the uppermost Wandelalp, which is divided into three parts. You get back to Meiringen through the middle Wandelalp, Iseltwald, via Falchern to Willigen.
Hiking time: approx. 5h 15min
Further notes: Please do not leave the marked paths in the high moor.

#2 Staubbachbänkli
The Staubbach Fall is known to be the symbol of Lauterbrunnen. However, this pleasant short hike starts in Wengen - the car-free mountain village is the venue of the Lauberhorn races every January, with one of the most notorious downhill runs in the Ski World Cup.
From the train station in Wengen, you first walk in the direction of the Coop and then cross underneath the route of the Wengernalp Railway (if you want to get to the Jungfraujoch or Kleine Scheidegg, you can take the yellow-green train in Wengen). Continue along the road until the turn-off at the Hotel Bären. Here you keep to the left and walk uphill past the Schweizerhof and the chalets Breithorn and Rainhus - and enjoy the view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The road then leads through a shady little forest and leads to Mary's Cafe, not far from the finish area of the Lauberhornrennen. From here the Staubbachbänkli is only a few minutes away - a magnificent view of the waterfall and the snow-covered mountain peaks of the Lauterbrunnen Valley awaits you. For the way back to Wengen you can choose between different routes (follow the signs).
Hiking time: approx. 1h


#3 First – Bachalpsee – Hiendertellti – Grosse Scheidegg
A hike through secluded, wild and romantic areas as an ideal autumn tour. Starting point is First, at just over 2,000 meters - with the gondola you glide up from Grindelwald in about 20 minutes.
Grindelwald-First is a real adventure mountain with offers like the First Flyer or the Mountain Carts. If that’s too much for you, there is a way to get out into nature a bit more. But it's nice that you can have both here. At the beginning you have to do a short but steep ascent to the Gümmihütte. After a short up and down, the path passes the hut and then climbs up to the ridge. Soon you will be greeted by two small mountain lake Bijous - first the Hagelsee and then the Häxensee. Along the Hiendertelltis, the path leads over rubble to the Wart with the Blau Gletscherli. From here, the trail continues to Wischbäch - Oberläger back to the ridge and finally along this ridge to its destination: the Grosse Scheidegg.
From Grosse Scheidegg the bus takes you back to Grindelwald – but of course you can also hike down. By the way, the Grosse Scheidegg connects the two villages Grindelwald and Meiringen. So if you start early and have enough endurance, you can also make a detour to Reichenbachtal or Meiringen.
Hiking time: approx. 4h 50m
Further notes: Hike for safe mountain hikers. Only to be done in good weather conditions.



#4 Tanzbödeli
Word by word the translation of this hike is “dancing ground” - so whoever goes on this hike must be able to dance well. This is of course nonsense - this round trip to the Tanzbödeli only requires good physical condition. But you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
The first section of the route to Gimmelwald provides a leisurely start. Once there, it's down into the Sefinental and finally up again on the other side of the valley through the Busenwald. The ascent is about 700 meters. The viewpoint Tanzboden can be reached by a small detour. From here you have a breathtaking view of the whole Lauterbrunnen valley. Of course, you are still allowed to take the opportunity to perform a little dance here. When the dancing is finished, the route continues to the nostalgic Hotel Obersteinberg. The path now leads down, past the Hotel Tschingelhorn, towards Stechelberg. A little earlier the route branches off again to Gimmelwald. You can of course also take the gondola from Stechelberg to Mürren.
Hiking time: approx. 5h 30m

#5 Lobhornhütte
Hike to the guardians of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Hm, sounds a little like something of "Lord of the Rings", like the guardians of the ring. A bit far-fetched, isn't it? But the connection we're making here is definitely justified. Because in 1911, a then 19-year-old J.R.R. Tolkien hiked through the Swiss Alps - and through the Lauterbrunnen Valle. Not many people know that it was here that he drew inspiration for the "Lord of the Rings" landscapes.
But now to the hike. Similar to Rome, there are many paths leading to the destination. The charming wooden hut with a direct view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is located on a high plateau above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. From Mürren the hike leads along the Mountainview Trail to Marchegg. The name says it all: the view of the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps is magnificent. After a short descent to Sousläger, the trail winds its way over rough and smooth towards the hut.
At the top it’s worth it to take a longer break. A more beautiful view of the triumvirate is almost impossible. Southwest of the hut, the Lobhörner are enthroned above the valley - the Dolomite-like peaks immediately catch the eye despite the famous mountain trio. On the way back to Mürren, you will have another fantastic view of the unique mountain world of the Jungfrau Region. The hiking trail leads over open fields and through fragrant needle forests back to the idyllic little village.
Hiking time: approx. 7h
Further notes: The Lobhorn Hut is of course also suitable for a special overnight experience - especially if you plan another tour the next day.


These are 5 tours, so here are 5 final points to keep in mind when hiking in autumn:
- Plan tour according to day length and daylight
- Check snow and general weather conditions
- Bring suitable clothing and wear good shoes
- Check timetables and routes, as travel times may vary in the low season
- Take sufficient food and especially water with you
What are you waiting for: Out of the fog, up to the mountains!