Alpine Bike
Overview
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Distance 37 km
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Ascent 1900 m
Intro
Easy, long ascent through Reichenbachtal up to Grosse Scheidegg at the foot of the mighty Wetterhorn cliffs. In a second loop, breathtaking descent to Grindelwald with spectacular, close-up views of the nearby glacier and snow-covered summits.
Description
The climb starts immediately after you cross the Aare river. A number of twists and turns take you up almost 400 metres of elevation to the Zwirgi. Although you cannot see it, the 300-metre-high cascade with its seven waterfalls is close by. The area has become famous around the world thanks to Sherlock Holmes: In Conan Doyle’s story, he and his nemesis Professor Moriarty fall into the seething foam after a fierce struggle.
Continuing on surfaced road, the route climbs further. The high moor of Chaltenbrunnen extends on a sloped terrace. Preserved in its original state, this is an important area for animals of the Swiss Alps. The Klein and Gross Wellhorn and the Rosenlaui Glacier appear quite close by. Further along the Reichenbach valley, you suddenly find yourself in front of the age-old Hotel Rosenlaui. It takes you back several hundred years in time. The hotel has been accommodating guests since 1771. Inside, much is still as it was in the Belle Époque period at the start of the 19th century. This is a good time to stop for a break in the garden restaurant.
Suitably refreshed, you can set off again – uphill. It’s around 600 metres of elevation up to the Grosse Scheidegg. From the Schwarzwaldalp, the massive, rugged rock face with glacial extensions and the small waterfalls of the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn dominate. To the right, the landscape features natural flora, pastures, flowers and forests. From the top of the pass, you get a first view of the 1,800-metre-high north face of the Eiger and the 4,000-metre peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
You can enjoy this view for around four kilometres. The steep climb to the Firstbahn marks the end of leisurely section. And the start of the crowds: While you’ve probably only come across a total of a dozen people over the last 20 kilometres, you’ll meet a dozen within a maximum of 20 metres here. Visitors from around the world want to see the mountain scenery, hurtle down on the First Flyer or queue up for the First Cliff Walk. It stays busy until the Bachsee lake. Nonetheless, the view of the mountain peaks reflected in the water is breathtaking.
While you’ve completed the climb, this doesn’t mean you can relax: The descent to Bachläger is technically demanding – including for your thighs. But that panorama! The summit views now also feature paragliders. The route feels easier and you naturally go faster on the gravel road – don’t miss the turnoff at Strahlgässli. Because now comes the last fantastic section of the trail, down 500 metres of elevation before the final few metres to your destination in Grindelwald.
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
| Start location |
Meiringen
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Grindelwald
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
1900 m
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| Descent |
1450 m
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| Distance |
37 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
22 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
10 km
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| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
5 km
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| Technical requirements |
Difficult
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Theme |
With panoramic view
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Quick Facts
Route number
