Grindelwald is a stunning alpine village located in the Interlaken-Oberhasli district of the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. Nestled amidst the Bernese Alps it is a hikers’ paradise at the base of the mighty Eiger North Face and the Wetterhorn.
Grindelwald is 1,034 m (3,392 ft) above sea level and has a rather small population of about 3,800 people. However, this number grows considerably during peak seasons. Grindelwald has been a major tourist destination of both Switzerland and the Alps since the golden age of alpinism in the 19th century.
It truly is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers. With its stunning mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and picturesque trails, Grindelwald offers a wide range of hiking opportunities for all levels of experience.
So, what are the best hikes in Grindelwald, Switzerland? Join me as I run through the best hiking trails in the area so you can head out on the hiking trails that suit you best.
Table of Contents
Schynige Platte to First (via Faulhorn)
The hike from Schynige Platte to First (Grindelwald First Mountain) is one of the most stunning hiking trails in the area. You can either do the hike in a single day or split it up into two days, staying the night at the lovely Faulhorn hut along the way.
Starting at Schynige Platte, a mountain ridge with panoramic views, the trail leads you through lush meadows and alpine pastures. What makes this hike so special is the uninterrupted view of countless mountain peaks you will see along the way which features the most famous peaks in the region – Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.
After the Schynige Platte, you will pass by the Faulhorn, where you can soak in the awe-inspiring vistas. The route then descends through forests and meadows before reaching the endpoint at First where you can grab the cable car back down the mountain.
One of the top highlights of this hike is seeing the stunning landscape reflected in the waters of Bachalpsee Lake close to the First cable car station – if it is a windless day you will get some incredible photos of the lake’s reflection.
- Hike Type: Point-to-point
- Distance: Approximately 16 kilometers
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
The Eiger Trail
The Eiger Trail is an iconic hike that takes you along the base of the legendary Eiger North Face in Grindelwald, infamous in the world of rock climbing.
It’s a popular trail and an excellent one to start your trip with so you can get into the groove before taking on more challenging trails.
The hike winds through rocky terrain, offering breathtaking views of the towering Eiger, the neighboring Mönch, and the Jungfrau.
As you hike, you’ll pass by glaciers, alpine meadows, and waterfalls, immersing yourself in the dramatic beauty of the Swiss Alps.
This is a relatively short hike for the Jungfrau region but it does have some steep drop-offs despite having a low elevation gain of 100 m on the way up and 800 m on the way down.
The trail starts at the Eigergletscher ( Eiger Glacier) train station and ends at another stop, Alpiglen, where you can get the train back down the mountain. It is mostly downhill, and you can skip the train and actually follow the trail all the way back to Grindelwald Village if you want to keep hiking.
- Hike Type: Point-to-point
- Distance: Approximately 6.4 kilometers
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Panoramaweg: Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
The Panoramaweg trail (panorama trail) from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is another popular trail in the Jungfrau Region and one that is doable by all abilities.
It is a rather short trail and one that gives you magical panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic jewels of the region – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Starting at Mannlichen, which you can access via cable car from Grindelwald, the trail follows a gently sloping path through alpine meadows. The path is relatively flat and will take you from the Lauterbrunnen Valley back to Eiger.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped peaks. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, and you can add on more hikes at the endpoint, which is where the Eiger trail begins.
- Hike Type: Point-to-point
- Distance: 4.7 kilometers
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
First To Bachalpsee
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The hike from First to Bachalpsee is pretty much the shorter reversed-loop version of Schynige Platte to First. Starting at the First cable car station you take a leisurely stroll on the other side of the Grindelwald valley from Eiger on an easy path to the stunning Bachalpsee Lake.
Anyone can do this trail, you could even do it in flip-flops if you like, so it is one of our favorite hikes to do with the whole family.
If you can, pick a day without much wind. It will pay off when you see the reflections of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau on the crystal clear alpine waters of Bachalpsee. Early mornings are usually best for this before the weather builds.
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: Approximately 6.5 kilometers
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Glecksteinhutte Hike
The Glecksteinhutte hike takes you to the charming Glecksteinhutte mountain hut, nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by towering peaks with amazing views along the way. It is by no means an easy hike and should only be taken on by fit hikers.
If you are very fit, you can do the hike in one day or split it into two days by staying at the Glecksteinhutte overnight, making it much more manageable. Plus, you will be able to stay in a cozy mountain hut and see the incredible views that come with sunrise.
The hike starts at the Abzweigung Gleckstein bus stop outside of Grindelwald. It then climbs the wall of the gorge and continues up to the hut at 2316 meters above sea level. It is tough but very rewarding.
- Hike Type: Out-and-back
- Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Grosse Scheidegg to Bussalp
The hike from Grosse Scheidegg to Bussalp is a scenic trail that takes you through alpine meadows, forests, and quaint Swiss villages.
Starting at Grosse Scheidegg, the trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks as you make your way toward Bussalp.
Along the way, you’ll pass through flower-filled meadows, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and soak in the stunning landscapes. The hike concludes at Bussalp, where you can catch a bus back to Grindelwald.
- Hike Type: Point-to-point
- Distance: Approximately 14 kilometers
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut
The hike from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut is a challenging yet rewarding adventure. Starting at Pfingstegg, you’ll ascend steeply through forests and alpine terrain, eventually reaching the Baregg Hut.
The hut provides a stunning vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a break, enjoy a meal, and soak in the natural beauty before making your way back down to Pfingstegg.
This hike is recommended for experienced hikers seeking more of a challenge and you can stay overnight at the hut to make it a little easier if you want to. Be sure to book the hut in advance though.
- Hike Type: Out-and-back
- Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Hardergrat Hike
The Hardergrat Hike is a legendary alpine ridge traverse that offers one of the most exhilarating and scenic experiences in the Grindelwald region. It is a serious challenge with mega rewards but should only be done by fit experienced hikers.
Starting from the Harder Kulm, accessible via a funicular from Interlaken, the trail follows the jagged ridge line towards the Augstmatthorn. The initial section of the hike is relatively moderate, but as you progress, the trail becomes more challenging and requires careful navigation and sure-footedness.
As you make your way along the ridge, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, Mönch, and other majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps. The sparkling waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun can be seen below.
One of the highlights of the Hardergrat Hike is the stunning viewpoint at the Augstmatthorn. Here, you can take a well-deserved break and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas. The surrounding alpine meadows provide the perfect spot for a picnic or a moment of tranquility.
From Augstmatthorn, the trail continues along the ridge, gradually descending towards the village of Brienz. The descent can be steep and challenging at times, requiring caution and concentration.
- Hike Type: Point-to-point
- Distance: Approximately 25 kilometers
- Time: 10-12 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grindelwald great for hiking?
Yes, absolutely, Grindelwald is great for hiking with its network of trails that cater to all levels of experience. From leisurely walks to challenging alpine treks, there is something for everyone and some of the views you can experience along the way are simply mind-blowing.
Which hikes in Grindelwald are considered easier for beginners?
The Panoramaweg trail from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg and the Bachalpsee hike are excellent choices for beginners.
These trails offer some of the most stunning views of all the hikes, are short walks, and the trails are very gentle.
How long does it take to hike down Grindelwald-First?
The hike from Grindelwald-First to the valley typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. The descent has beautiful views and it is a great way to extend some of the shorter hikes and save some money on public transport too.
