SIR RANULPH FIENNES HIS WAY
SELF-GUIDED BERNESE OBERLAND EXPLORATION
GRINDELWALD WANDER
This month, top British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, embarked on his latest extreme challenge - climbing the North Face of the Eiger (6,000ft). Ok, so you may not have the prestige of the world’s most prolific explorer with an extensive expedition catalogue under your belt, with Walks Worldwide’s self-guided trek exploring the Bernese Oberland, below the mighty trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, will certainly contribute to an awe-inspiring experience – but won’t guarantee a O.B.E! The 8-day self-guided Grindelwald Wander from Interlaken to Mϋrren, departs daily from Zurich, June to October 2007.
The tour begins with a train journey to the beautiful lakeside community of Interlaken. Next day, another spectacular train journey via Wilderswil and the famous wildflower gardens of the Schynige Platte, where breathtaking views of the varied natural landscape, from fertile forests and alpine pastures to almost overwhelming views of the gigantic trio of Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau, unfold. Spend the night in a picturesque mountain guesthouse on the peak of Faulhorn. Descend via foot or cable car to the famed alpine village of Grindelwald, the usual starting point for ascents of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn and popular summer activity resort with many miles of hiking trails across the Alps. Next up, the option to travel to the high mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg by train, although it is infinitely more rewarding to tackle this ascent on foot as there are numerous opportunities to stop and take in the towering black north face of the Eiger – and Sir Ranulph’s latest challenge. Here, walkers can take a rest, spending the day relaxing and enjoying the astonishing views. Alternatively, walk along the foot of the Eiger up to the Eigergletscher station and continue by train to the famed Jungfraujoch (3,454m), Europe’s highest railway station. On the short ascent to the traffic-free village of Mϋrren, a short detour offers superb views one of the region’s highest waterfalls. The following day, climb the Schilthorn (2,970 m) – also known as Piz Gloria where sequences of the James Bond film O.H.M.S.S were shot. Here, the panorama spans from the Titlis, Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger, over the Bernese Alps, Jura mountains and even across to Mont Blanc.
The tour costs £675 p/p including accommodation in hotels and refuges, full baggage transfers, some meals, route notes and maps. Flights are not included but are available through Walks Worldwide.
