Day 31 - Mannlichen - Kleine Scheidegg Trail

Today we went on Rick Steves' favorite hike: the Mannlichen - Kleine Scheidegg trail.  It is a perfect package: grand rewards for little output - it is easy.  It wouldn't be my first recommendation!  But let's let Rick keep sending the crowds there!

Our journey started at the Lauterbrunnen train station and took five hours round trip (included a long break for lunch).

We took the train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen (Wengen is inaccessible by car) (adults CHF 6.80) and then the gondola to Mannlichen (adults CHF 22).

View down to Lauterbrunnen valley from train window

We went up the gondola with a large group of Americans who thought it was funny to rock the gondola and joke about the cable breaking.  It's not funny.

At the top, rather than start the trail right away, we turned left for the "King of the Mountain" view. It is 15 minutes straight up, and 100% worth it!

King of the Mountain view from top of Mannlichen

Looking down the 15-minute trail to the Mannlichen cable car station.  You can see the trail to Kleine Scheidegg curving left around the mountain.

The Mannlichen - Kleine Scheidegg trail is a 2 -1/2 mile flat, gravel road.  

The unchanging view to your left for the entire 1-hour walk is of the Grindelwald valley.

Peaks Monch and Jungfrau tower over the Kleine Scheidegg train station

I misread my notes. We were supposed to stop along the way at one of the many benches for a picnic lunch - like everyone else was doing (per Rick Steves' advice).  When we got to the end of the trail, there was nowhere to have a picnic.  Kleine Scheidegg is the train station hub that takes you either up to the Top of Europe (Jungraujoch) or back down the mountain.  It has several places to buy a sit-down meal or drink.

Lunch outside the train station - you can see our view reflected in the window behind us.

The view of Jungfraujoch was the second highlight of the hike.

Curiosity drove the next decision:  hike down to the Wengernalp train station.  "30 minutes of gorgeous views" is an exaggeration Rick! Just as it started getting good, we got to the train station.  And there was no way I was going to coax my aching body or anyone else's to continue walking down!

The trail to the Wengernalp station was only a slight improvement over the last hour of walking.  

Watching the para gliders jump out of the helicopter, Greg observed out loud what I was thinking: in pictures you don't realize how fast they free fall!  I entertained not missing out on the para gliding opportunity until I discovered its cost:  CHF 450.

Watching people drop out of helicopters.

We took the train from the Wengernalp station all the way back down to Lauterbrunnen.  It was slow and hot.

In the evening we packed up our 5-day stay and followed the strict rules for exiting the flat.  The Switzerland "tax" for small trash bags is CHF 3.  We would be fined CHF 35 if we put any recycling in it.  We walked our glass and plastic into town to the two recycling bins - which are not conveniently in the same location.

Logistics:
- The cost of the train ticket back down the mountain to Lauterbrunnen depends where you catch it.  Kleine Scheidegg to Lauterbrunnen is adult CHF 29.80.

Today's stupid mistake:  Today it was my intention to let my international plan lapse for a few days.  With AT&T I can receive texts for free.  I had no idea it would cost over $100 to receive 5 picture texts.  By activating the plan again, the charges were removed.