Runners - Jungfrau Marathon
Discussion
Pistonheads runners and Swiss folk -
I've already posted this into The Pie and Piston forum, but was told it may be wise to post here too. Anyway, I'm off to Switzerland to run the 25th annual Jungfrau Marathon.
The race itself is on September 9th, but it's a perfect excuse for a run out into the Alps, so I'll be driving over a few days before.
Is there anyone here who is running the race, or while I am over, fancies a drive out in the mountains?
Unfortunately I don't have lots of time to waste, but I'm not on a really tight deadline either.
Also - what are the rules on camping? Can I just pitch up anywhere, so long as it's not someone's garden? Or do I have to find official campsites?
Thanks all!
I've already posted this into The Pie and Piston forum, but was told it may be wise to post here too. Anyway, I'm off to Switzerland to run the 25th annual Jungfrau Marathon.
The race itself is on September 9th, but it's a perfect excuse for a run out into the Alps, so I'll be driving over a few days before.
Is there anyone here who is running the race, or while I am over, fancies a drive out in the mountains?
Unfortunately I don't have lots of time to waste, but I'm not on a really tight deadline either.
Also - what are the rules on camping? Can I just pitch up anywhere, so long as it's not someone's garden? Or do I have to find official campsites?
Thanks all!
First of all, I'm very jealous that you're doing the run. Unfortunately I'm under surgeon's orders of no more long runs.
The good news is that you're not that far from some of the best roads in Switzerland. Go south past Brienz and you have the choice of the Susten or Grimsel. You can combine them with the Furka, the pass made famous by the scenes in Goldfinger and that DB5. It's possible to make a figure-of-8 by adding the Gothard and Nufenen. The longer route is a good day in duration and you'll probably be worn out (so might not be good the day before the run). Don't miss the cakes at the Grimsel Hospiz.
Wild camping is prohibited in Switzerland. In truth it happens but you'd have to be away from other options in the mountains and leave no traces. In possible locations you'll probably find a SAC hut.
There are lots of campsites near Interlaken but it'll be full of caravans. My wife has stayed at the site at Grindelwald which might be convenient after the run if you take the train down from Kleine Scheidigg. Swiss campsites tend to be expensive but well organised and clean. The TCS (the local equivalent of the AA) have a bunch of decent ones. You probably are best booking especially in Interlaken.
The good news is that you're not that far from some of the best roads in Switzerland. Go south past Brienz and you have the choice of the Susten or Grimsel. You can combine them with the Furka, the pass made famous by the scenes in Goldfinger and that DB5. It's possible to make a figure-of-8 by adding the Gothard and Nufenen. The longer route is a good day in duration and you'll probably be worn out (so might not be good the day before the run). Don't miss the cakes at the Grimsel Hospiz.
Wild camping is prohibited in Switzerland. In truth it happens but you'd have to be away from other options in the mountains and leave no traces. In possible locations you'll probably find a SAC hut.
There are lots of campsites near Interlaken but it'll be full of caravans. My wife has stayed at the site at Grindelwald which might be convenient after the run if you take the train down from Kleine Scheidigg. Swiss campsites tend to be expensive but well organised and clean. The TCS (the local equivalent of the AA) have a bunch of decent ones. You probably are best booking especially in Interlaken.
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