The Climbs of Grindelwald

Mention the name Grindelwald and many people might conjure up images of fantastic beasts and think fondly of the Harry Potter juggernaut previously deployed to dupe the unsuspecting masses. 

Assuming you are not the aforementioned many people you might alternatively follow my train of thought to what could conceivably claim to be one of the prettiest and scenic places on this earth; I mean the village of Grindelwald, Jungfrau region, Canton of Berne, Switzerland.

It is here that the old man and I find ourselves on the next part of our odyssey.  Though I had previously experienced the eye candy that is the Jungfrau region, places like these can never be gorged upon in sufficient enough quantities to fill your boots. 

We pension at a comfortable apartment following the scenic train journey from Lucerne via the alpine pass to Meiringen and then along the shores of the Brienzersee (taking in the possible last resting place of dear Sherlock) to Interlaken, and finally connecting to Grindelwald. 

Sitting on the patio enjoying a convivial we gaze upon the north face that has tempted both real and fictitious characters for quite some time – I don’t get that lure, mainly because of a craven desire to walk up other possibilities unassisted by nothing more than thick twine to enjoy the same or similar spectacular views.

We have several days in which to appreciate what has been afforded to us by Mother Nature and the intrepid Swiss!  And appreciate it we do, in spades.  A written description here of the sights seems barely adequate, safe to say you need to gaze upon our companions Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau from the neighbouring Schilthorn on a clear, sunny day; or experience the same view closer up and across the icy waters of Fallbodensee after a short but sharp climb from Kleine Schiedegg; or enjoy inter alia that view again from the wonderful hiking track between Murren and Grutschalp;

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or marvel at the Lauterbrunnen valley from atop of Mannlichen on a similarly clear day (a truly awesome view); or look wonderously over the blue waters of Bachalpsee to the snow-capped backdrop that is another part of the expansively spectacular Bernese Alps; or, following a winding bus ride, take in refreshment at Bussalp and then meander through the alps, climbing and then gradually descending to whence you came, but not before experiencing alpine territory at close hand (and foot).

Or you could simply breathe in the scenery after using one of the chronologically efficient public transport variants: including the immense and amazing but indescribable Trummelbachfalle; or the floor (some albeit flat walking required) of the impressively walled Lauterbrunnen valley; or the Grindelwald Valley from anywhere along the trail connecting Kleine Schiedegg and Mannlichen; or the cliff walk at First, affording views down the verdant slope all the way to Grindelwald and across the other side to the alps; or simply meander around the quaint village of Wengen following a gondola descent from Mannlichen.  You get most of the picture (there is more)?

I know and understand that alpine weather can be variable and is best seen and appreciated with the aid of our Sun and blue skies (unless you have a fondness for otherwise frozen water, mist and planks attached to your soles).  It is here we thank our guardian angel for the mainly pleasant regional climes we encountered, knowing they would probably be more associated with the previous three months, rather than late September.

I have deliberately truncated my platitudes in a effort to merely whet your appetite and sincerely hope you can create your own opportunity to visit this place and enjoy your own experiences.  Note: I have received nought commission, kick-back, incentive, in-kind, honorarium or otherwise to write this – just get there if you can (and good luck with the weather)!