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Looking out of our hotel window on our first day I remember spotting some chalets way up high on the side of the mountain and wondering how on earth people got up there.
Being Switzerland the answer is simple, of course: you catch a bus. And when you get there the bus, and possibly the driver, stop for coffee.
Having caught the bus up from Grindelwald, this is then a walk of three thirds:
- Firstly, a steepish drop down through the high alpine meadows with fine views over the surrounding countryside, before crossing over the Bussalp road near Holzmattenlärgar
- Secondly, a level stretch through fields and trees to meet the Waldspitz road at Holewang (where thereʼs a loo).
- Thirdly, a steady climb up, initially along the road and then tracks, through forest with only occasional breaks in the trees, followed by an equally steady drop down again through thick forest. Then, just as the forest begins to drag, the delightful lower alpine meadows around Bort.
Like all Swiss footpaths, the route is clearly sign-posted all the way. The posted time was 2hrs (if I remember correctly) and at a leisurely Strolling Guides stroll, it took about three.
Section 1 - Bussalp to Holzmattenlärgar
Section 2 - Holzmattenlärgar to Holewang
Section 3 - Holewang to Bort
From Bort you can either catch the gondola cableway or, better, hire up a trottibike (a sort of overgrown scooter) and free-wheel all the way back down to Grindelwald.
There is something very satisfying about getting all the way from the high alps to the village without using motorised transport.