Hiking

Via Alpina
Stage 12, Lauterbrunnen–Griesalp

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Via Alpina
Stage 12, Lauterbrunnen–Griesalp
The sunny terrace of Mürren lies directly opposite the Eiger, Mönch &Jungfrau. The trail leads on via Alpine pastures, vantage points such as Bryndli and sturdy huts such as the Rotstockhütte to the Sefinenfurgge, the impressive pass into the Kiental.
Lauterbrunnen is situated between gigantic peaks and thundering waterfalls. The water from the Staubbachfall plummets 300 m down from the left side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is Switzerland’s highest freefalling waterfall. The valley is also one of the largest nature preserves of the country. A steep trail leads from the train station into the forest and flattens out a bit after climbing about 200 m in elevation. A beautiful uphill path takes you to Louwibach creek and past the Staubbach, which then becomes the country’s highest waterfall. Crossing several other creeks, the trail changes to a gravel road in Mittelberg and continues along the railway tracks. You’re not far from Mürren now.
The former Walser settlement of Mürren is located at the foot of the Schilthorn. The mountain is known around the world because of the James Bond movie “On her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Mürren itself has no motorised traffic and at 1650 m, it is the highest year-round populated village in the Canton Bern. After a few more minutes the route changes from a paved road to a path. Cross the meadows, with the Gspaltenhorn straight ahead, and then follow a steep zigzag path up to Bryndli. Past the Rotstock Hut above the Sefinental you continue uphill to the top of the pass. The trail steepens between Hundshoren, Hundsee and Horen. A highlight at the highest point is the view from Sefinenfurgge of Schilthorn, the Kiental valley and Blüemlisalp Mountain - simply breathtaking.
After about 500 altitude meters, the steep descent over steps and gravel paths changes to a bright green meadow. Continue along the creek and past the beautiful waterfall to reach the upper Dürreberg in approximately one hour. Back on a gravel road and past the lower Dürreberg, you will arrive at Griesalp in another hour or so. This is where the physically demanding hiking trail from Lauterbrunnen to the Kiental Valley with the fantastic views ends.
The former Walser settlement of Mürren is located at the foot of the Schilthorn. The mountain is known around the world because of the James Bond movie “On her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Mürren itself has no motorised traffic and at 1650 m, it is the highest year-round populated village in the Canton Bern. After a few more minutes the route changes from a paved road to a path. Cross the meadows, with the Gspaltenhorn straight ahead, and then follow a steep zigzag path up to Bryndli. Past the Rotstock Hut above the Sefinental you continue uphill to the top of the pass. The trail steepens between Hundshoren, Hundsee and Horen. A highlight at the highest point is the view from Sefinenfurgge of Schilthorn, the Kiental valley and Blüemlisalp Mountain - simply breathtaking.
After about 500 altitude meters, the steep descent over steps and gravel paths changes to a bright green meadow. Continue along the creek and past the beautiful waterfall to reach the upper Dürreberg in approximately one hour. Back on a gravel road and past the lower Dürreberg, you will arrive at Griesalp in another hour or so. This is where the physically demanding hiking trail from Lauterbrunnen to the Kiental Valley with the fantastic views ends.
The sunny terrace of Mürren lies directly opposite the Eiger, Mönch &Jungfrau. The trail leads on via Alpine pastures, vantage points such as Bryndli and sturdy huts such as the Rotstockhütte to the Sefinenfurgge, the impressive pass into the Kiental.
Lauterbrunnen is situated between gigantic peaks and thundering waterfalls. The water from the Staubbachfall plummets 300 m down from the left side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is Switzerland’s highest freefalling waterfall. The valley is also one of the largest nature preserves of the country. A steep trail leads from the train station into the forest and flattens out a bit after climbing about 200 m in elevation. A beautiful uphill path takes you to Louwibach creek and past the Staubbach, which then becomes the country’s highest waterfall. Crossing several other creeks, the trail changes to a gravel road in Mittelberg and continues along the railway tracks. You’re not far from Mürren now.
The former Walser settlement of Mürren is located at the foot of the Schilthorn. The mountain is known around the world because of the James Bond movie “On her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Mürren itself has no motorised traffic and at 1650 m, it is the highest year-round populated village in the Canton Bern. After a few more minutes the route changes from a paved road to a path. Cross the meadows, with the Gspaltenhorn straight ahead, and then follow a steep zigzag path up to Bryndli. Past the Rotstock Hut above the Sefinental you continue uphill to the top of the pass. The trail steepens between Hundshoren, Hundsee and Horen. A highlight at the highest point is the view from Sefinenfurgge of Schilthorn, the Kiental valley and Blüemlisalp Mountain - simply breathtaking.
After about 500 altitude meters, the steep descent over steps and gravel paths changes to a bright green meadow. Continue along the creek and past the beautiful waterfall to reach the upper Dürreberg in approximately one hour. Back on a gravel road and past the lower Dürreberg, you will arrive at Griesalp in another hour or so. This is where the physically demanding hiking trail from Lauterbrunnen to the Kiental Valley with the fantastic views ends.
The former Walser settlement of Mürren is located at the foot of the Schilthorn. The mountain is known around the world because of the James Bond movie “On her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Mürren itself has no motorised traffic and at 1650 m, it is the highest year-round populated village in the Canton Bern. After a few more minutes the route changes from a paved road to a path. Cross the meadows, with the Gspaltenhorn straight ahead, and then follow a steep zigzag path up to Bryndli. Past the Rotstock Hut above the Sefinental you continue uphill to the top of the pass. The trail steepens between Hundshoren, Hundsee and Horen. A highlight at the highest point is the view from Sefinenfurgge of Schilthorn, the Kiental valley and Blüemlisalp Mountain - simply breathtaking.
After about 500 altitude meters, the steep descent over steps and gravel paths changes to a bright green meadow. Continue along the creek and past the beautiful waterfall to reach the upper Dürreberg in approximately one hour. Back on a gravel road and past the lower Dürreberg, you will arrive at Griesalp in another hour or so. This is where the physically demanding hiking trail from Lauterbrunnen to the Kiental Valley with the fantastic views ends.
Length
22 km
Ascent | Descent
2000 m | 1400 m
Hiking time
9 h 00 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
difficult
Arrival | return travel
Season
More …
Mürren - Lauterbrunnen
Duration
22.11.2022 - 12.05.2023
Reason
Stone chipping
Path closed until May 2023!
Status
validated
Data source: Swiss Hiking Federation and Cantonal hiking associations
Saving metres in altitude Mürren
There is an aerial cableway/a train between Lauterbrunnen (Seilbahn) and Mürren BLM that saves about 650 metres in altitude.
Hint
Beware: long section, please note overnight accommodation possibility in Mürren and the Rotstock Hut.
More
Hints
Arrival | return travel
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Via Alpina hiking pass
With the Via Alpina hiking passbook, you collect 38 stamps with memories to cherish. The stamp stations are located at each stage start and finish. More information about the hiking passbook.
Overview map of all stamp stations
Contact
Gestione della segnaletica
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the communities.
Schweizer Wanderwege
Monbijoustrasse 61
3000 Bern 23