From the town, it is possible to set out each day in a different direction using the incredible network of cablecars, postbuses and mountain railways. You can thus reach the high places quickly and easily without the necessity of long uphill climbs out of the valley. There are over 300km of well-marked footpaths, which range from gentle strolls to high ridges and even glacier exploring. In spring you can follow the melting snows into meadows of glorious Alpine flowers. In summer the high ridges and rugged glacial scenery become accessible. In autumn the landscape is painted with a riot of colour as the first frosts come. The potential for walking is limitless. Meiringen has none of the trappings of mass tourism. It is a small market town with excellent shops, banks and facilities. Thankfully, it remains unspoiled and very Swiss. The local people are welcoming, kind and hospitable
This is a ‘centre-based’ self-guided walking holiday.
2023 Departure Dates & Costs
Self-guided daily departures based on 2 persons from mid-May to mid-October
Cost: $1,375 USD/$ 1,650 CAD per person
High season supplement June 19 - Sept. 17 $ 70 USD/$ 80 CAD
Meiringen highlights
- Panorama’s of the Swiss Alps
- Hike Beneath the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau
- Encounter lakes, gorges, glaciers, waterfall and dramatic Alpine scenery.
- Enjoy active days, and stay in comfort at a 4 star hotel with great amenities
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Meiringen (D)
Make your own way to Meiringen your base for the next eight days. Located on the main railway line from Luzern (30 mins) to Interlaken (1 hour and 10 mins), Meiringen is easy to reach. The Haslital, one of the large valleys in the central alps, where Meiringen is situated stretches from the Grimsel Pass to the Lake of Brienz in the Bernese region. Meiringen is also the home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the 'high street' where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls. A funicular railway may be used to take you to the top of the falls; otherwise it is 30 minutes’ walk out of town. You can visit the 'Sherlock Holmes Museum' which is housed in the old Anglican church in the 'open area' by the Park Hotel which is itself a national monument.
Days 2 to 7: Daily walks to choose from (B,D)
Throughout these 6 days, there are many walks you can take. The area offers walks of varying difficulty and length. You will receive a set of route notes you can use for your desired walk.
From the town, it is possible to set out each day in a different direction using the incredible network of cablecars, postbuses and mountain railways.
Below is a sample of the possible walks you can take.
Hasliberg (Panorama Way). 12 km/7.5 miles.
- You start with a 10 minute train ride. Take the train from Meiringen(600m) up to Brünig Pass (1100m) where the walks starts through the forest before traversing the open alpine meadows above Meiringen. This is an ideal introduction to the area in almost any weather.
- You can try eating at “Rost House” for lunch at Wasserwendi.
- After lunch, continue on the Panorama Way to Reuti (1045m) and either take the cablecar or walk down to Meiringen through the forest.
- This is an ideal introduction to the area in almost any weather.
ReichenbechValley Circular Walk.
- Take the bus to the little hamlet of Gschwantenmad. There is no rush to cover the first 5 km along the Reichenbech River to Schwarzwaldalp where you can have lunch in the cosy mountain restaurant. The standard fare is a cauldron of delicious goulash soup served with fresh crusty bread or a vegetarian alternative.
- Walk the circular route via Rosenlaui finishing at Kaltenbrunnen from where you take a bus or taxi back to Meiringen.
Hasliberg Heights
- To gain initial height, take the cable car to Käserstatt(1524m above Meiringen). Set out on the magnificent high-level walk across the Hasliberg.
- There is an option for lunch at Bidmi before completing the walk across the alpine meadows and descending through the forest to Meiringen.
Wengen to Kliene Scheideggasliberg Heights
- Travel to the chic resort village of Wengen by train and then walk up through the forest and pastures to the pass at Kleine Scheidegg.
- Return by train either to Wengen or Grindelwald. You can always opt to walk down rather than up or for a longer day walk up and down.
- There are great views towards the Eiger and Jungfrau from the Kleine Scheidegg.
Have an easy day
- Take a short local walk or travel further afield. Visit the city of Luzern or Bern by train or head up to the Jungfraujoch, or to the Piz Gloria of James Bond fame.
The Romantic Way
- Take the postbus from Meiringen to climb on spectacular twisting roads to Gross Scheidegg (2000 m) at the heart of the mountains with the 12,000’ peak of the Wetterhorn towering above and views of the north-face of the Eiger.
- During the walk, there are spectacular views of the Rosenlaui Glacier.
- This is a gentle contouring walk, not at all strenuous. A visit to the Reichenbach Falls can be incorporated into the itinerary during the afternoon.
Paradise Way
- Head northeast on the bus to the picturesque mountain lake of Engstlenalp beneath the pass. From here, walk all day through the meadows of wonderful flowers and beneath rugged limestone crags where the eagles nest.
- The grand panorama ahead is the Bernese Oberland Massif with literally hundreds of peaks and glaciers in view. The walk ends at the cablecar station above Meiringen.
Other Possibilities near Meiringen include:
- The Ballenberg Open-Air Musem at Brienzwiler where you can see a variety of traditional farm buildings from all over Switzerland
- The beautiful lakeshore town of Brienz, where you can sit at a waterside cafe and admire the view across the lake to the mountains of the Oberland.
Day 8: MArrangements end after breakfast (B)
Depart Meiringen by train for your onward journey.
Additional Information.
Grading: Moderate 3, although any day can be as easy or (up to a point) as hard as you care to make it. Day Stages: Anything from 2 to 8 hours or more - depending on your preference.
Accommodation: Hotel Alpbach - this 4 star hotel has warmly furnished rooms with with free Wi-Fi and TVs and room service. Other amenities include a spa area with a sauna and a steam room, in addition to an upscale restaurant featuring 4 cozy, wood-paneled dining rooms, a bar and a terrace.
What’s Included:
- 7 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
- 7 Nights Accommodation in a 4-star hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
- Information pack including route notes and maps
- Emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- Lunches & Beverages (including tap water!)
- Travel Insurance
- Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
- Personal Expenses Such as Laundry and Phone Calls