Itinerary
From fondue in a rucksack to a nice cold “Schwarzmönch”
Culture and culinary delights are what it's all about on this three-day tour, during which you’ll visit an Alpine cheese dairy, drink local beer, go on a hike with a rucksack full of fondue and enjoy brunch against a backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Day 1: Breakfast in the mountains and a “Schwarzmönch”
The first day begins in Mürren, with a guided tour up to the Schiltalp. At the top, mountain farmers demonstrate their craft. Alpine cheese is made here over a period of several months. It requires huge cauldrons, a wood fire, a large warehouse and much more besides. After learning about the cheese dairy, guests can enjoy a tasty breakfast in the mountains. The entire tour, which starts and ends in Mürren, takes about four hours. Back in Mürren, you take the cableway down to Gimmelwald. Here, we recommend you treat yourself to a local “Schwarzmönch” beer in the Hotel Pension Gimmelwald. There's no better way to end the first day of the tour than with a cold beer and a view of the surrounding mountains.
Day 2: The highest waterfall and a fondue rucksack
The second day starts in Stechelberg. From here, you hike to Lauterbrunnen along a leisurely stretch of the Lütschine river. Alternatively, you can take the bus. Even from quite a way off you’ll be able to see the imposing Staubbach Waterfall, the highest freefalling waterfall in Switzerland and the landmark of Lauterbrunnen. The Staubbach Waterfall is illuminated during the peak season. In summer, you can view it from behind the water thanks to a specially designed viewing gallery. Afterwards, take the train to Wengen, where you can rent a fondue rucksack from the Tourist Office. With it safely on your shoulder, set off on the Mendelssohn hiking trail to the Wengernalp, stopping along the way to prepare and enjoy your cheesy treat. When you get to Wengernalp, take the train to Wengen, where the second day ends. Don’t forget to return the fondue rucksack to the Tourist Office.
Day 3: Männlichen
The third and final day starts in Wengen. With the Royal Ride, a very special aerial cableway. Basically, you travel up to Männlichen not in the cabin but on an open-air balcony on top of the cabin. It's a regal experience – and one that continues once you get to the top. The Royal Walk takes 20 minutes from the mountain station to the summit of the Männlichen, and to the viewing platform that is shaped like a crown. The view from here, which encompasses the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau triumvirate, is simply … fit for royalty. As is the mountain brunch, which you can enjoy on the large sun terrace of Berghaus Männlichen. In summer, this is the venue for numerous traditional events, including the Bergfrühlingsfest (mountain spring festival), the Trachtenfest (traditional costume festival) and the big Alphorntreffen (gathering of Alphorns). The Panorama Trail is a leisurely walk of just over one hour to the Kleine Scheidegg, offering a constant view of the impressive range of mountain peaks. From the Kleine Scheidegg you can travel back to your accommodation via Grindelwald, Wengen or Lauterbrunnen.
