Trip code: W07CF 4.8 (5 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Meiringen is the most prominent settlement in the Haslital Valley which stretches from the Grimsel Pass to the peaceful waters of Lake Brienz at the eastern end of the Bernese Oberland. The valley is ideal for walking holidays exhibiting a rich variety of landscapes with lush pastures, dazzling cascades, tight gorges and several tributary valleys equally worthy of exploration. The Haslital Valley has been used as an important route for centuries as no fewer than five passes feed into the valley: the Brunig, Grimsel, Grosse Scheidegg, Susten and Joch pass. These provide easy access to the towering peaks adorned with snow fields and bright shining glaciers found in a great arc to the south. Amongst them stand Titlis (3290m) the Sustenhorn (3560m) and the Wetterhorn (3760m). There's enough here to keep the enthusiastic walker content for many a day! The Haslital also offers the Aare Gorge and the Open-Air Folklore Museum at nearby Ballenberg.
Meiringen really has something for everyone ranging from gentle alpine meadow strolls to demanding summit ascents. There are leisurely walks through flower strewn meadows of the Hasliberg with the high peaks of the Bernese Oberland as a backdrop. A superb integrated network of cableways, post buses and trains can take you in all directions to reach spectacular locations quickly and easily.
Discover the melting waters of the Rosenlaui Glacier which cascade down the valley in swirling torrents, cutting spectacularly through a deep gorge before reaching the renowned and spectacular Reichenbach Falls. The Reichenbach Falls provided the scene of the fictional death of Sherlock Holmes at the hands of arch enemy Professor Moriarty. A statue of Holmes (complete with deerstalker and pipe) stands in the tree-lined square by the former English church now the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Walk through pretty hamlets whilst enjoying views of the famous Eiger. This walker's paradise can be approached on foot directly from Meiringen but most walkers choose to travel part way by post bus to gain height.
Nearby lies the enchanting Engstlenalp at the foot of the Joch Pass giving access to the Marmot Trail (where you might also see wild goat and ibex) and which is the start of the 'Paradise Way', a magnificent contour route to Meiringen famed for its flowers and butterflies. Visit the wild Grimsel Pass giving access to the Grimsel glaciers, including the Rhone Glacier where you can explore the lateral moraines. Here you can make the relatively easy ascent of the Sidelhorn (2745m) in about 2 hours. We could go on and on and on! The potential for walking is limitless, hence many clients return year after year.
Meiringen, a typically Swiss market town, lies on the river Aare whose white glacial waters briskly flow into Lake Brienz a few kilometres west. A special feature of Meiringen as a walking centre is the access afforded to the very extensive and varied walking opportunities both in the locality and further afield. Meiringen is a perfect base for walks and excursions both in summer and winter. It's well served by banks, shops, hotels and restaurants and as its name might suggest is the birthplace of the meringue. Its people are welcoming, kind and hospitable.
Read more about this holiday in our Meet the Expert blog with Paul.
Arrive in Meiringen to prepare for your wonderful week of walking. Below are just a selection of the many walks that are available in and around Meiringen. Meiringen owes much of its prosperity to the Victorian tourists brought in by the tale of the last battle between Moriarty and Holmes at the mighty Reichenbach falls.
If you arrive early enough, then you could undertake the Reichenbach falls walk before or after dinner, otherwise it makes a great route in combination with the Brienz Nature Walk.
You stay at Hotel Meiringen or Hotel Victoria.
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The Brügger family have been welcoming guests to Hotel Meiringen since 2018 and they and their staff, pride themselves in giving a high standard of service. Conveniently located in the centre of Meiringen for access to buses and the train station.There is a generous buffet breakfast and three-course dinner with excellent vegetarian options.
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Located just 100m from the bus and railway station, this contemporary hotel is owned and run by Franziska and Simon Anderegg. It is just off the main street so is convenient for shops, banks and a supermarket. Simon is responsible for the kitchen and presents delicious creative dishes for all tastes. There is always a choice on the menu, vegetarians are well catered for. An extensive buffet is provided for breakfast.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
This walk is ideal for your first day. It has a little bit of everything and is a good option to familiarise youself with the Hasliberg geography, with numerous variations for shortening the walk.
There's plenty of scenery on show today. Begin with a short train journey from Meiringen to Brunig, from here you follow the Hasliberg Panorama Way through open meadows famous for orchids in late Spring with incredible views of the Eiger and Monch mountains. You'll return to Meiringen via a modern sculpture garden which is well worth a look.
Today's walk is a little more adventurous, with some light scrambling, but definitely worth the effort!
Take a bus from Meiringen to Nessental Triftbahn then take the cable car up to Trift. From the Berghaus, drop to the river, and then it's a steep initial climb. The fairly well looked after but rocky route contours up into the glacial lake bowl and a monumental suspension bridge! Very pretty views most of the way in and out, with several complete changes in environment.
This is a classic ridge walk to the summit of Augstmatthorn (2137m) offering fantastic views over Lake Brienz and the mountains beyond. A beautiful train journey from Meiringen to Interlaken starts off your day before ascending at a 64% gradient on the Harder Kulm funicular. Upon reaching ‘The Top Of Interlaken’, you gradually ascend through woodland where you’re likely to spot the local deer alongside spectacular views of the bright blue Lake Brienz below.
Enjoy a rest day exploring the charming village of Meiringen. There are plenty of options if you'd like to continue walking, as well as lots of excursions including the famous Jungfraujoch rail journey; this is a once in a lifetime experience to the 'Top of Europe' at 3,400m. We also highly recommend taking a mountain railway and cable car journey to Schilthorn 'Piz Gloria', famous for being featured in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service', with its revolving restaurant and unmatched mountain views.
This is certainly one to tick off your list! With a gradient of 106%, Gelmer Funicular isn't just any old funicular journey. This hair-raising ride presents spectacular views over the Grimsel Valley and nearby mountains. Once at the top, the stunning Gelmer Lake offers a beautiful circular walk.
One of the great classic walks of the Bernese Oberland, with spectacular views and scenery at every turn. Beginning with a train to Schynige Platte via Interlaken, your walk starts with a steady climb as you make your way to Faulhorn summit. Upon reaching First, you can take the gondola down to Grindelwald which is well worth exploring before taking the train back to Meiringen.
Say fond farewells to Meiringen as you depart on the train.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £223.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Zurich airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
