Paloma
Table of contents
Thanks to its breathtaking mountains and views, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s best-known areas internationally. Most people visit only First, the most hyped attraction in the area. However, if you like hiking and only visit First, you’ll miss many of the beautiful views that come with other hiking options near Grindelwald.
Because here’s the thing: First is just one of the places you can start a hike from. Take the train to Eigergletscher, and you can walk downhill to a lake with the Eiger north face right in front of you. Ride the cable car up from the village, and you can get closer to the same glacier you’ve probably been staring at from the street. Or hop on a historic train, the kind that screams “I’m in Switzerland,” and end up on a ridge looking down at two lakes.
In this guide, I've put together the 5 best hikes in Grindelwald, ordered from easiest to hardest. Each one starts from a different station, so you can pick the one that fits your day, the weather and your legs. You’ll also find a hiking map, how to get to Grindelwald and where to stay.
Grindelwald Hiking Map
How to get to Grindelwald
Reaching Grindelwald by train is easy and probably the best way to explore, especially if you plan to stay for several days. In fact, during peak season, Grindelwald gets crowded, and big traffic jams can build up when entering and/or leaving the city.
By Car & where to park
It takes about 1h10 from Bern, 1h30 from Luzern, and 2h20 from Zurich to reach Grindelwald.
If your hotel doesn't have parking, you can park at the Eiger+ Parkhaus or at the Pfingstegg cable car parking lot.
By Train
Reaching Grindelwald by train is extremely easy. No matter where you're coming from, you'll need to get to Interlaken first, then take a train to Grindelwald. The ride from Interlaken to Grindelwald lasts about 36 minutes.
Once in the city, reaching the cable car stations to the different trail starts on this list is easy, either by walking or public transportation.
Where to stay in Grindelwald
Each hike on the list starts at a different point, so staying centrally or near a bus stop is a good idea.
Best hikes in Grindelwald
1. Fallbodensee Hike: Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg
Moderate | Point-to-point | 1.5 miles | 40 minutes | Full-price: 86 CHF total
This short hike is high reward. After a picturesque gondola ride to Eigergletscher, you will walk alongside the iconic Eiger peak.
You will walk downhill for about 20 minutes before reaching the famous lake Fallbodensee.
Granted, this is an artificial lake, but it still offers one of Switzerland's most iconic landscapes, with the mountains and sky reflected in the water. And while it can get crowded, it's not as crowded as you might think, since it is still less popular than other places in Grindelwald.
Finish your day by walking or taking a train to Wengen, then on to Lauterbrunnen.
Read my full Fallbodensee guide for more details.
2. Bachalpsee Hike from Grindelwald First
Moderate | Out-and-back | 4.6-mile | 2.5 hours | Full-price: 76 CHF return
If you have limited time in Grindelwald and can only do one hike, I'd recommend this one. This short, non-technical hike takes you through some of the greenest meadows to a breathtaking viewpoint, where you'll see the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, two lakes, and, if you're lucky, their reflection on the lakes.
The elevation gain is relatively low, and the path to the lakes rises gradually, with 2 or 3 slightly more challenging sections. Don't miss this hike, especially if you're already planning on visiting First.
Use my complete guide to hiking to Bachalpsee to plan your day.
3. Schynige Platte Hike
Medium | Loop | 3.6-mile (5.9 km) | 2 hours for the panorama trail | Full-price: 68 CHF return
Start your day with a 50-minute ride on a historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte. Then, choose a hiking loop that matches your fitness level and available time. The most popular loop is the panoramic one.
If you pick a loop that takes you along the ridge, you will get unobstructed views over the stunning, turquoise Lake Brienz. Then, on the other side of the mountain, you will get to see Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the same peaks you can see from Bachalpsee, but from another angle.
Several photo opportunities with a frame prop await you. However, this is a popular destination, and getting onto a train going down can be chaotic, and if you miss your train, you will be stuck for 40 minutes waiting for the next one.
Read the full Schynige Platte guide to know what to expect and how to plan your day.
4. Pfingstegg to Bäregg Hut Hike
Hard | Out-and-back | 3.4 miles (5.5 km) | 3 hours | Full-price: 32 CHF return
This is the lesser-known hike on this list, and the only one that gets you closer to a glacier you can actually see from Grindelwald.
A 10-minute cable car ride from Grindelwald takes you to the trail start. At first, the hike is easy to moderate and takes you along the lower glacier, through a scenic valley, but the last section before the hut becomes challenging. At the hut's terrace, you can grab a drink and a snack with a view.
On this day, you will come for the hike and stay for the toboggan and fly line right next to the cable car station.
Make sure to read the complete Pfingstegg to Bäregg Hut Hike guide.
5. First to Faulhorn to Schynige Platte
Hard | Point-to-point | about 10 miles (16 km) | about 6 hours | Full-price: about 75 CHF total
This combines two of the previously mentioned hikes: the Bachalpsee Hike and the Schynige Platte Hike. You will start with the regular Bachalpsee Hike, but instead of stopping at the viewpoint behind the second lake, you will continue uphill to the Faulhorn Hut, then descend toward the Schynige Platte train station.
I haven't personally done this full hike, but I have done the two main parts separately, and this is a long, challenging hike. On this hike, you'll reach the area's highest point, and on a clear day, you will get an amazing 360-degree view.
Make sure you plan enough time to finish your hike and catch the last train down from Schynige Platte.
Passes and Lift Prices for Grindelwald Hikes
Jungfrau Travel Pass
The Jungfrau Travel Pass includes all the tickets you need for the First, Schynige Platte, and Kleine Scheidegg hikes. However, the pass doesn’t include the Pfingstegg cable car.
Always double-check that your pass is valid before you go, as the validity conditions may change.
In 2026, Jungfrau Travel Pass prices are 210 CHF (3 days), 235 CHF (4 days), 270 CHF (5 days), 290 CHF (6 days), 310 CHF (7 days), and 330 CHF (8 days) for adults. Children aged 6 to 15 pay 30 CHF for any length, and an extra day costs 45 CHF for adults.
Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card
These travel passes give 50% off the First gondola, Schynige Platte cogwheel train, and the Pfingstegg gondola. You also get a discount on the Eiger Express and the train from Kleine Scheidegg to Lauterbrunnen.
Berner Oberland Pass
Pfingstegg gondola and Schynige Platte cogwheel train free, plus 25% off the Eiger Express and the train from Kleine Scheidegg to Lauterbrunnen and a 50% discount on the cable car up to First.
Hiking in Grindelwald FAQs
1. Which Grindelwald hike is easiest, and which is hardest?
The easiest is Fallbodensee: 2.4 km, all downhill, about 45 minutes to 1 hour of walking. Bachalpsee (7.4 km, 200 m of climbing) and Schynige Platte (5.9 km, 340 m) are both medium. Pfingstegg to Bäregg Hut is the hardest, at 5.5 km with 427 m of climbing.
2. Is Schynige Platte in Grindelwald?
No. You reach it by cogwheel train from Wilderswil, near Interlaken. It’s included on this guide because it’s a short trip from Grindelwald, and there's a direct train connection.
3. Can I do two hikes in one day?
Yes. Bachalpsee takes about 2.5 hours and Fallbodensee about 1 to 1.5 hours. But I would rather combine Bachalpsee with the First Cliff Walk and other activities at First (fly, cart, etc.).
The Pfingstegg to Bäregg takes 2.5 to 3 hours, so you can do this hike in the morning and then go to Fallbodensee in the afternoon.
The Schynige Platte hike is far from the other hikes, so I wouldn't combine it with any other hike on the same day, except if you're doing the First to Faulhorn to Schynige Platte hike.
The final answer is that it is up to your judgement, so adjust it to what you’d actually do.
4. When do the trails and lifts open?
Trails usually open from May to the end of October. Some trails may open earlier and close later, depending on weather conditions. Snow can stay on higher trails such as Bachalpsee into early summer, so check recent trail reports before you go.
5. Is the bus free in Grindelwald?
With the Grindelwald guest card, which hotels usually provide, some lines 121, 122 and 123 are free. Always double-check with the tourist office, because the lines and validity zones change.
