Grindelwald, Switzerland - Hikes and Pastoral Views

 My big summer vacation this year was spent in Switzerland and nearby France. One of the highlights of the trip was a few days in Grindelwald, a classically Swiss mountain village that is not as developed as Zermatt, but still offers the same level of outdoor adventure. The food in Grindelwald was outstanding, the view from the Airbnb featured the north face of the Eiger in all of its glory, and the hiking in the surrounding mountains was first class. One hike started at the top of the Grindelwald First Gondola that was followed by a short trek over to the alpine lake Bachsee. The lake foreground and mountain background is featured in many pictures through the years. I also enjoyed the Swiss cows feasting on grass near the lake, who were friendly and inquisitive. My travel partner Carly and I then hiked back down to Grindelwald from Bachsee, had lunch at a mountain hut halfway down, and then coasted to the valley, where we then feasted on gourmet pizza at Onkel Tom's Weinlokal (I highly recommend this place!). A walk around Reformierte Kirche was also peaceful and proved to be a good spot for photography. For anyone interested, here is the link to the Airbnb with the super Eiger view...the hosts were outstanding people...no regrets.

Map of Grindelwald is here.

Eiger West Flank - Grindelwald, Switzerland

 Carly Kovacik and myself made an attempt on the Eiger West Flank during mid August. We took the first gondola up to the Eigergletscher station. We then made our way up easy slabs, eventually reaching a slightly tricky low class 5 move that had some consequences if one were to slip. We also decided not to rope up after this section since a fall by one person would undoubtedly pull the other unanchored partner off the mountain. Soon we reached another cliff, that although could be ascended unroped, seemed formidable enough to turn back from since we couldn't find a way to properly belay the climb up and over the obstacle. Our attempt on the West Flank was now over. We descended back down the slabs, and then earned our dinner and drinks by hiking all the way back down to Grindelwald. The scenery was outstanding along the way, and I particularly enjoyed the deep narrow flumes full of rushing cascading water.

The Eiger is located here. YouTube video is here.