Blogs from Grindelwald, South-West, Switzerland, Europe

For 365 days of the year, the summit of Jungfraujoch is covered in snow. A group of us are going to the “Top of Europe”. It is a spectacular glacier and we can enjoy the incredible views! It’s another early start this morning. The alarm went off at 5:45, which allowed for a 10 minute snooze, which felt like I was actually sleeping in! I showered last night, and sorted all my stuff for today so that I could move myself with less hassle this morning. I do find that being prepared the night before helps with the early mornings! I was down for breakfast in good time at 6:30. At 7:30, we headed out for the journey up the mountain, which we are told, is a highlight in itself, providing panoramic views of mountains, lakes ... read more

We considered that a continuation from yesterday was in order for today since the weather was good, so we got the train to Grindelwald and then the Post Bus to Grosse Scheidegg where we had finished yesterday. We liked the look of walking down to Schwartzwaldalp from the far side of the valley rather than down the middle where we usually go. First, we headed across the saddle then off down to an Alp below the mountains - no people of course. The views to the Wetterhorn and beyond were magnificent as we were at waterfall height and looking directly to the glaciers. The first part of the hike was great until we decided to take a track down rather than a 45 minute longer route. It was down over grass, rocky rough paths, bog and ... read more

Wow, what a day this was. After breakfast in Montreaux, we hit the road again, first stop, the famous ski/climbers destination, Zermatt, Switzerland. The first part of the leg was through rolling hills at the foot of some beautiful mountains. This was wine country, with Vineyards placed in every available piece of land. There were. Vineyards planted on steep hills that made you wonder how they tended and harvested the grapes. After the turn at Visp, the scenery changed significantly. We began our climb into Zermatt, with steep, switchbacked roads, and gorgeous scenery beyond each turn. One has to stop in Tasch, the town prior to Zermatt, and take a train the rest of the way In, as cars are not allowed in town. Our first impression of Zermatt was a little disappointing, as it is ... read more

It's was good day for a hike so we decided on our most favourite trail in this area which is from Schwarzwaldalp down to Meirengen. We got the subsidised bus up to Grosse Scheidegg which is a steep and winding ride with the claxon horn warning on bends and hidden parts of the road to oncoming traffic and bikes. The view from the Scheidegg is wonderful looking back down to Grindelwald in the distance. It sits right under the Wetterhorn mountain with sheer convoluted rock faces straight up like the Eiger. This countryside really is magnificent with soaring peaks and rock faces all around. Since we had the kids with us we got the bus down to Schwarzwaldalp where it flattens out and then is a few kilometres down to our destination. Our walk started across ... read more

After Brendan and Tracey's long trip to Milan yesterday we figured on keeping to something shorter and easier and the Lauterbrunnen Valley Circuit is always worthwhile as it can all be done on the Swiss Pass for transport. A walk up the valley is always lovely but this time we took the bus to Stechelburg well up towards the head of the valley. At the Seilbahn Station we got the cable car straight up the cliff to Murren where we had a slow wander through the car-less town looking across the valley towards the high alps and Wengen. This is a great area for hiking as it's well away from main routes. It is also the link station to the Schilthorn cable way. We had a picnic lunch in the middle of town (Swissies lose out ... read more