Route: Lauberhorn from Kleine Scheidegg
Area: Lauterbrunnental, Switzerland
Date of walk: 18th June 2024
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 3.5 miles
Ascent: 1,100 feet
Weather: Sunny and warm
It was forecast to be a very warm day, so we caught the early morning train out of Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, set in a spectacular position at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. We headed north towards Rotstecki and encountered a ‘path closed’ sign. We checked with staff at the nearby restaurant who confirmed that the sign related to the Panorama Trail and not our intended route, which coincided with the former for a short distance. We walked around the sign and soon turned off to start the climb up Lauberhorn (2,472m)
It was easy going at first although a few remaining small snowfields obscured the path and caused us to leave the route from time to time. The path, when we were on it, was fairly vague at times and we needed to navigate carefully. About half way up we enjoyed the sight of a couple of marmots peering out of their burrows. Further up, below the ski lift station, another snowfield barred progress. It was set on a slant and, while there was no danger to life, a slip could have caused danger to limb. We decided to leave the path and made a steep uphill climb directly to the ski lift station, from where we made it to the summit ridge (note that the map page shows our improvised route, when snow is not covering the paths the correct route should be obvious). The ridge is set in a spectacular position, with a fence protecting against the huge sheer drop on the other side. It was a thrill to see a golden eagle glide by, sadly not close enough for a photo. We climbed to a secondary summit at 2,428m and decided t0 give the main summit a miss as this involved a there and back detour
We then set off on the descent, much easier than the ascent as the path was obvious and there were no snowfields to avoid. Eventually we joined up with the Lauberhorn Trail and followed this back to Kleine Scheidegg. The views had been fabulous throughout
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View from our base in Wengen and we walk to the nearby railway station to catch the train to Kleine Scheidegg
We alight at Kleine Scheidegg (2,061m)
Looking up to today's target, Lauberhorn on the left. We'll follow the wide path on the right before branching off to start the climb
The Jungfrau beyond Kleine Scheidegg...
...and now Mönch and Jungfrau
We pass by a restaurant
Just beyond the restaurant we encounter a closure sign. Our route coincided with the path to Mannlichen, but only for a very short distance, so we checked at the restaurant to be completely sure
Game on, and we continue past the sign, but only for a few yards before turning off to the left
We follow a narrow path, initially towards the Jungfrau
Occasional marker posts keep us on course as the path becomes fainter
The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are well seen from here
The Wetterhorn towering over Grindelwald
There are still a few patches of snow around, which will cause us to vary our route further up
Jungfrau
The Eiger and Mönch
Looking down to Kleine Scheidegg
Summit of the Lauberhorn ahead but fortunately the path turns left here and traverses across the slopes
The skiers' cable car at the top of Lauberhorn is a good navigation guide
Reflections of the Jungfrau in a mountain pool
We saw several marmots in this area
Checking to see if the coast is clear
Grindelwald below
A patch of snow covers the path here. We didn't have microspikes and avoided the risk of a slip and slide by turning right and climbing directly up to the cable car station. The angle was steep but it was a straightforward climb
We reach the cable car station - the summit ridge is just behind it
The Jungfrau from Lauberhorn
The summit ridge is on the edge of a precipice and a fence gives protection. Reaching the true summit requires a there and back diversion
We were content to enjoy the views from a secondary summit
The Lauterbrunnen Valley and Murren perched on the edge of a cliff
Looking back to Lauberhorn - Mannlichen is beyond it
We start the descent, with the comforting fence on our right
Glorious views of The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on the way down
The Lauterbrunnen Valley, and Mürren mid picture
We cross another snow patch as we head towards Jungfrau
Kleine Scheidegg below the Eiger
We pass by the start of famous Lauberhorn Ski Race - an incline of up to 42%, over 1,000 metres of difference in altitude in two and a half minutes, the longest skiing descent in the world and the race with the fastest passage in the World Cup (over 100 mph)
Crocus, flowering about 4 months later than those in our garden
The north face of the Eiger dominates the scene as we continue to descend...
Kleine Scheidegg below, and the end of a fantastic walk
