Side Trips:

There are tons of side trips from various sections, towns, & villages along the Alpine Pass Route. From various day hikes out of Lauterbrunnen to Gimmelwald, a day hike up from Wegen passing the Kleine Scheidegg, an alternative route from Braunwald to Urnerboden.  Our favorite side trip is the hike to Lake Oeschinensee which is actually along the Griesalp to Kandersteg stage of the APR. You can either take the long hike from Griesalp or as we did, take a train to Kandersteg and hike up a trail then service road to this beautiful lake where you can rent paddle boats and canoes.  The icy lake is a lovely turquoise color and there are a few waterfalls that you can row and explore.  There is a restaurant next to the lake and you can pick up the main trail and hike to the Hohturli pass at 2873 meters, one of the highest passes on the Alpine Pass Route.