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Intro

Grindelwald is well known for its green slopes and views of the Eiger. This loop is the perfect way to enjoy the scenery as you run along the road less travelled.

Description

A popular tourist spot in both summer and winter, Grindelwald and its surrounding trails offer a breath-taking experience. From Grindelwald, two lifts take you up to First (2,168m). Sit back as the town shrinks in the distance and the mountains loom ever closer. Most of the run stays above 2,000 meters with incredible views of Wetterhorn, Eiger and Schreckhorn. The route begins with an easy traverse towards Grosse Scheidegg. From there, you leave the ski area and begin your ascent shortly after a cluster of farm buildings at Scheidegg Oberläger. It’s a steep path to Wart, but the nearly 1,000-metre gain doesn’t seem so strenuous as you run alongside the Geissbach river. Soon, the terrain turns into grey scree as you approach the end of the ascent to Wart beneath the towering Schwarzhorn.

Besides a few short passages, the rest of the route is almost all downhill. Run along the rocky Hinterbirg down to the turquoise lakes of Häxeseewli and Hagelseewli while enjoying the seclusion of the wild grey landscape before reaching the busier Bachsee lake. The entire descent is exceptional, especially the rocky trail after Bachsee. A smooth, maintained trail and short forest path take you to Bort, where you can ride the same cable car back to Grindelwald for a drink or an ice cream in town.

Tip from ALPSinsight: Taking the cable car up to First and down from Bort leaves you with more time to enjoy the views from up high. 

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Grindelwald
Destination
Grindelwald
Start Point
Grindelwald First (top of Firstbahn)
Target Point
Grindelwald Bort (Firstbahn middle station)
Direction
Round trip
Altitude (meter above sea level)
2712 m
Ascent
1091 m
Descent
1694 m
Distance
19 km
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
July - October
Theme
With panoramic view
Route GPX Download Route-GPX

Map

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Quick Facts

Route number

Distance

19 km

Ascent

1091 m

Travel information: Grindelwald

  • Grindelwald Bus Ticket Grindelwald - Grosse Scheidegg

    Experience a spectacular bus journey from Grindelwald to the Grosse Scheidegg. Enjoy stunning Alpine... from CHF 27
    Offer details


    valid: 07.06.2026 - 18.10.2026

    Learn more about Bus Ticket Grindelwald - Grosse Scheidegg
  • Grindelwald Hiking ticket Grindelwald - Holenstein with the cable car

    Take the 10-person gondola lift between Grindelwald Terminal and Holenstein. This ticket is perfect... from CHF 19
    Offer details


    valid: 07.06.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Hiking ticket Grindelwald - Holenstein with the cable car
  • Grindelwald Fly-Line Ticket Pfingstegg

    With the Fly-Line ticket, you soar over 350 metres through the forest at Pfingstegg. An integrated... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 07.06.2026 - 25.10.2026

    Learn more about Fly-Line Ticket Pfingstegg
  • Grindelwald Childcare and lunch Bodmi Arena in Grindelwald

    The Snowli Club takes care of children from 3 years old. It is open weekdays between 10:00 and... from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 14.12.2026 - 02.04.2027

    Learn more about Childcare and lunch Bodmi Arena in Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Day Spa at the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort in Grindelwald

    Visit the sauna area of the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort in Grindelwald during one day for as long... from CHF 195
    Offer details


    valid: 07.06.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Day Spa at the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort in Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Glacier Canyon and Crystal Museum

    * Entry to Glacier Canyon* Entry to Grindelwald Crystal Museum* Free parking from CHF 22.91
    Offer details


    valid: 07.06.2026 - 06.09.2026

    Learn more about Glacier Canyon and Crystal Museum
  • Grindelwald Half-day private freeride lesson in Grindelwald

    Experience a freeride ski lesson in the Grindelwald First ski area for skiers without freeride... from CHF 350
    Offer details


    valid: 19.12.2026 - 04.04.2027

    Learn more about Half-day private freeride lesson in Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Custom Guided E-Bike Tour Grindelwald

    Explore Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region on a tailor-made e-bike tour with your local bike guide.... from CHF 260
    Offer details


    valid: 16.06.2026 - 23.10.2026

    Learn more about Custom Guided E-Bike Tour Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Ticket Eiger Express from Grindelwald terminal

    Travel with the modern Eiger Express cable car directly from Grindelwald Terminal to the... from CHF 40.60
    Offer details


    valid: 07.06.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Eiger Express from Grindelwald terminal
  • Grindelwald Grindelwald First snowboard group lessons

    Learn lots of new techniques and tricks in this snowboard course for advanced children and adults.... from CHF 89
    Offer details


    valid: 14.12.2026 - 04.04.2027

    Learn more about Grindelwald First snowboard group lessons