Grindelwald Hikes

This trail is a favorite for first-time hikers. It’s mostly flat or downhill and offers incredible views of the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass flower-filled meadows and get a chance to see paragliders soaring through the sky. The well-marked 5.5-kilometer trail takes about 1.5 hours and is perfect for families. Along the way, you'll walk through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer, pass dramatic cliff faces, and get close-up views of glaciers. The best part? You can take a cable car up to Männlichen, making this hike accessible even for those who prefer minimal uphill climbing.

Distance: 5.5 km

Duration: 1.5 hours

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: Cable car to Männlichen, perfect valley views, wildflowers in summer.

The trail combines natural beauty with local culture in the most charming way. The Apple Fritter Trail gets its name from the region's fruit cultivation history, and as you walk the 4.6-kilometer path, you'll discover six informative boards sharing fascinating facts about local farming traditions. The trail ends at Brandegg, where you can try the famous apple fritters of Switzerland!

Distance: 4.6 km

Duration: 1.5 hours

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: Family-friendly, great views, and a tasty reward at the end.

This hike is one of the most popular in Grindelwald. A short cable car ride takes you to First, and then you walk through mountain paths to reach Bachalpsee—a stunning lake that reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror.

Distance: 5.8 km

Duration: 1.5 hours

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: Scenic lake, photo opportunities, picnic spots.

This trail is for those who are fascinated by geological wonders, offering a unique glimpse into Grindelwald's dramatic landscape. Take a short cable car to Pfingstegg and enjoy a peaceful walk through forests and past an old marble quarry until you reach the Glacier Gorge. This easy 1-hour-10-minute walk provides peaceful views of Grindelwald village below and showcases the power of glacial forces that shaped this valley over thousands of years.

Distance: 2.3 km

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Best Time: May to October

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: Glacier views, geological formations, peaceful forest walk.

This hike takes you from the mountain station at Berghaus First down to the famous Grindelwald village, offering a perfect introduction to moderate hiking. The scenic walk takes you mostly through a paved path, but the trail can be steep in sections, so good hiking shoes are essential. 

Distance: 7.7 km

Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Natural springs, great views, changing landscapes.

This trail combines three amazing destinations in one journey: the peaceful lake of Bachalpsee, the panoramic summit of Faulhorn, and the quiet meadows of Bussalp. Known as one of Switzerland’s most photogenic hikes, it offers ever-changing views—glacial lakes, grassy hills, distant peaks, and even glaciers. With a great mix of terrain, it’s ideal for adventurous hikers who enjoy variety and want to experience some of the best alpine scenery in the region.

Distance: 10 km

Duration: 3 hours 50 minutes

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Photogenic alpine trail, scenic lake, summit views, changing landscapes, varied terrain.

This trail teaches you all about marmots—fluffy mountain animals, i.e, the Giant Squirrels you might see along the trail. There are learning stations for kids and beautiful alpine scenery throughout.

Distance: 7 km

Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Wildlife spotting, meadows, and hills.

This famous trail runs along the base of the Eiger’s towering North Face, a 1,800 m-high vertical wall steeped in dramatic mountaineering history. You'll feel like you're walking in a movie scene, with sheer rock faces, waterfalls, and sweeping views of the Grindelwald Valley and Kleine Scheidegg. Informational panels along the way share stories of early climbers and their heroic or tragic attempts to conquer the Eiger, adding a powerful historical layer to your hike.

Distance: 6 km

Duration: 2.5–3 hours

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Difficult

Highlights: Close-up of Eiger, glacier views, alpine thrill.

Often called one of the best hikes in the world, this stunning 16 km alpine trail takes you from First to Schynige Platte, offering an ever-changing panorama of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. From mirror-like alpine lakes and flower-filled meadows to narrow ridgelines with jaw-dropping views, this trail is a photographer’s dream and a hiker’s challenge.

Along the route, you’ll pass the peaceful Bachalpsee, climb toward the panoramic Faulhorn summit (2,681 m), and walk along dramatic ridges that reveal sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, as well as Lake Brienz shimmering below. The trail’s diverse terrain keeps things exciting, from gentle inclines to rocky sections requiring steady footing.

Distance: 16 km

Duration: 6–8 hours

Best Time: June to October

Difficulty: Difficult

Highlights: Epic landscapes, panoramic ridges, and a scenic train ride from the end.

Mountain weather can change very quickly. It may be sunny when you start, but cloudy or rainy at the top. Always bring:

• A waterproof jacket
• A warm layer (like a fleece or light sweater)
• Gloves and a hat in cooler months

Even in summer, temperatures at high altitudes can be chilly.

Don’t push yourself too hard on your first day. Start with something easy and enjoy the scenery. If you’re feeling confident, try a longer hike the next day. Grindelwald’s trails are well-marked and range from relaxing walks to full-day treks.

Let someone know where you're going and when you’ll return

• Carry a small first-aid kit
• Bring enough water and snacks
• Avoid hiking in fog, storms, or if you see snow on the trail
• Use walking poles if you’re doing steep or long hikes

You might see marmots, goats, cows, and even golden eagles. Take pictures but keep a safe distance. Do not feed wild animals. Also, always carry your trash back with you—help keep the mountains clean for everyone.

Switzerland’s transport system is one of the best in the world. Many hikes start or end near cable car stations or bus stops. This helps you avoid going back the same way. Make sure to:

• Check timetables in advance
• Carry a Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass for savings
• Try planning point-to-point hikes (e.g., First to Bussalp) and take a bus/train back