Best of Grindelwald Hikes

Panorama Trail: Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg

Starting point: Männlichen

Ending point: Kleine Scheidegg

Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 miles)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Best season: June to October

The Panorama Trail is an easy, mostly downhill walk offering stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Perfect for families and those short on time, this well-marked trail lets you enjoy alpine meadows, cliff faces, and glaciers with minimal effort.

Tips

• Start early in the day to enjoy the trail with fewer crowds and catch the best light for photography.
• You can stop at Restaurant Grindelwaldblick for a snack and to admire the views before continuing to Kleine Scheidegg.
• Wear sturdy shoes, as some sections may be rocky, and be cautious of falling rocks in certain areas.
• Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, even in summer.

Apple Fritter Trail: Holenstein to Brandegg

Starting point: Holenstein

Ending point: Brandegg

Distance: 4.6 km (2.9 miles)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Best season: June to October

The Apple Fritter Trail combines a delightful walking experience with educational elements about fruit cultivation in the region. The trail leads you through lush meadows and serene woods, with views of the Eiger, Schreckhorn, and Wetterhorn mountains. Along the way, six informative boards share facts about fruit cultivation. 

Tips

• The trail ends at Brandegg restaurant, famous for its delicious apple fritters—a perfect treat after your hike.
• Bring a small picnic to enjoy at one of the barbecue sites along the trail.
• Keep an eye out for local wildlife, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

First to Bachalpsee

Starting point: First mountain station

Ending point: Bachalpsee

Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 miles)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Best season: June to October

Start from the First mountain station and head towards Bachalpsee, framed by towering peaks. The trail begins with a steep ascent before transitioning into a gentle path through beautiful alpine meadows. The lake itself is a dream - reflecting the surrounding mountains; it's the perfect spot to sit back, relax, or simply soak in the views.

Tips

• Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake, as there are many benches and scenic spots to relax.
• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
• Take your time to enjoy the wildflowers along the trail, particularly in late spring and early summer.

Pfingstegg - Glacier Gorge Trail

Starting point: Pfingstegg
Ending point: Glacier Gorge
Distance: 2.3 km
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Best season: Spring to Autumn
This easy trail starts at Pfingstegg (take the Pfingstegg cable car up) with peaceful views of Grindelwald. Wander through the valley, past an old marble quarry, and towards the dramatic Glacier Gorge. When you're ready to head back, you can either hike back to Grindelwald or catch a bus from the gorge entrance.

Tips:

• Make the most of your time at Pfingstegg by enjoying the toboggan run and fly-line before starting your hike.
• Take a moment to explore the marble quarry, where you can learn about Grindelwald's history with this unique stone.
• If you’re short on time or energy, consider taking the bus back to the village from the glacier gorge.

UNESCO Theme Trail: Pfingstegg to Bäregg

Starting point: Pfingstegg
Ending point: Bäregg
Distance: 5.6 km
Duration: 2 hours 25 minutes
Best season: Summer to Autumn

The UNESCO Theme Trail is a fun and educational hike! Starting at Pfingstegg, you'll wander through meadows and forests before climbing up to the Bäregg mountain hut. Along the way, you'll find interesting stations that teach you about the area's geology and environmental issues. And don't worry, you'll be rewarded with amazing views of the Fiescherhörner peaks and the remains of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier.

Tips:

• Consider staying overnight at the Berghaus Bäregg and start early for an unforgettable experience surrounded by alpine beauty.
• Use the smarTrails link to access digital content that enhances the educational aspects of this trail.
• Start early in the day to enjoy the best lighting for photography, particularly as you approach the glacier.

Hotel Wetterhorn - Grindelwald (Terminal) Trail

Starting point: Hotel Wetterhorn
Ending point: Grindelwald Terminal
Distance: 5.8 km
Duration: 1 hour 37 minutes
Best season: March to November
This easy, point-to-point trail offers a leisurely hike from Hotel Wetterhorn to Grindelwald Terminal. The trail is popular among hikers for its gentle elevation and scenic views, making it suitable for families and dog owners. The route winds through peaceful landscapes, providing opportunities for solitude during quieter times of the day.

Tips:

• This trail is perfect for a hike with your dog, and in some areas, they can be off-leash.
• Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the trail in peace, avoiding peak hours.
• March to November is the best time for this hike, with stunning seasonal landscapes.

First - Grindelwald

Starting point: Berghaus First station
Ending point: Grindelwald village
Distance: 7.7 km
Duration: 3h 20m
Best season: June to October

Start your hike at Berghaus First, accessible by gondola. Enjoy a scenic downhill walk through forests with stunning mountain views. Fill up your water bottles at public fountains along the way. The trail is mostly paved but can be steep, so wear good hiking shoes.

Tips:

• Bring hiking poles to help with the steeper sections.
• Start early to avoid the midday sun, as there is little shade.
• Even in wet weather, this trail remains enjoyable, but be prepared for some slippery spots.

First - Bachalpsee - Faulhorn - Bussalp No. 2

Starting point: First
Ending point: Bussalp
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 3h 50m
Best season: June to October
Start at First and walk to Bachalpsee, a beautiful blue lake. Then, climb up to Faulhorn, a historic mountain hotel with amazing sunrises and sunsets. Finally, hike down through the peaceful Bussalp valley and catch a bus back to Grindelwald.

Tips:

• Before starting, experience the thrilling Cliff Walk near the First station.
• Pack a camera; the views from Faulhorn are unmatched.
• Plan a picnic at Bachalpsee to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Grindelwald - Abbachfall - Bussalp No. 22

Starting point: Grindelwald railway station
Ending point: Bussalp
Distance: 5.8 km
Duration: 2h 31m
Best season: March to November

Start your hike in Grindelwald railway station and walk through the village streets, ascending steadily until you reach the Abbach Waterfall. Then, hike through forests and meadows with beautiful mountain views. When you get to Bussalp, you’ll find a peaceful place to relax.

Tips:

• Pause at the Weidli for a beautiful panorama of the valley.
• The waterfall is most impressive in the spring when the water flow is strongest.
• End your hike with a meal at the Bussalp restaurant, which offers fantastic views.

Grindelwald Grund - Brandegg - Alpiglen - Kleine Scheidegg No. 34

Starting point: Grindelwald Grund
Ending point: Kleine Scheidegg
Distance: 9.6 km
Duration: 2h 50m
Best season: June to October

Start your hike in Grindelwald Grund and climb up to Brandegg station. The trail gets narrower as you hike to Alpiglen, then follows the famous Eiger North Face to Kleine Scheidegg. Enjoy amazing views of the mountains along the way – it's a popular hike for a reason!

Tips:

• Don’t miss the famous apple fritters (Öpfelchüechli) at the Brandegg restaurant.
• Stop at the Alpiglen restaurant for a break and enjoy the panoramic views.
• The hike is steep, so take your time to fully enjoy the scenery.

Marmot Nature Trail: First - Grosse Scheidegg No. 17

Starting point: First station
Ending point: Grosse Scheidegg
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 2h 05m
Best season: June to October

The Marmot Nature Trail starts at the First station (take a 30-minute cable car ride from Grindelwald). This moderate hike is perfect for enjoying alpine meadows and mountain views. Plus, you'll learn all about marmots, the cute giant ground squirrels that live here. The trail goes up a bit and then down towards Grosse Scheidegg. From there, you can hike back to Grindelwald or take a bus.

Tips:

• Take your time reading the informational boards about marmots; it's a great way to engage with the natural surroundings.
• Plan a stop at the Grosse Scheidegg mountain restaurant for a relaxing break with stunning views.
• Bring binoculars to spot marmots in their natural habitat.