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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 Hiking ticket Grindelwald - Schreckfeld with the Firstbahn

    Ride the Firstbahn between Grindelwald and Schreckfeld one way or back. This ticket is perfect for... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 15.05.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Hiking ticket Grindelwald - Schreckfeld with the Firstbahn
  • Grindelwald Private hike from Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee with a Swiss triathlete starting in Grindelwald

    Climb the First on a private guided hike and continue walking to the Bachalpsee near Grindelwald.... from CHF 310
    Offer details


    valid: 16.05.2026 - 22.04.2027

    Learn more about Private hike from Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee with a Swiss triathlete starting in Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Hiking Ticket Grindelwald - Bort with the First Railway

    Ride the First Railway between Grindelwald and Bort one way or return. This ticket is perfect for... from CHF 21
    Offer details


    valid: 15.05.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Hiking Ticket Grindelwald - Bort with the First Railway
  • Grindelwald Bus Ticket Grindelwald - Bussalp

    Experience a scenic bus journey from Grindelwald to Bussalp. Along the way, enjoy stunning Alpine... from CHF 27
    Offer details


    valid: 15.05.2026 - 18.10.2026

    Learn more about Bus Ticket Grindelwald - Bussalp
  • Grindelwald Indoor Ropes Park Grindelwald

    * Entrance to the Indoor Ropes Park* All the necessary equipment and instructions from CHF 42.58
    Offer details


    valid: 18.05.2026 - 20.05.2026

    Learn more about Indoor Ropes Park Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Glacier Canyon and Crystal Museum

    * Entry to Glacier Canyon* Entry to Grindelwald Crystal Museum* Free parking from CHF 22.93
    Offer details


    valid: 15.05.2026 - 16.08.2026

    Learn more about Glacier Canyon and Crystal Museum
  • Grindelwald Private e-bike tour from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen

    You ride an e-bike with a private guide from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen. The tour takes you along... from CHF 202
    Offer details


    valid: 17.05.2026 - 31.08.2026

    Learn more about Private e-bike tour from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen
  • Grindelwald "Discovery Tour" private e-bike from Grindelwald

    You’ll ride an e-bike with a private guide for two hours around Grindelwald. Off the beaten path,... from CHF 139
    Offer details


    valid: 17.05.2026 - 31.08.2026

    Learn more about "Discovery Tour" private e-bike from Grindelwald
  • 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: 23.05.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Hiking ticket Grindelwald - Holenstein with the cable car