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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 From Grindelwald: Jungfraujoch ticket including train reservation

    Book your ticket from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch and travel without queuing to the Top of Europe.... from CHF 249.20
    Offer details


    valid: 11.06.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about From Grindelwald: Jungfraujoch ticket including train reservation
  • Grindelwald Ticket Firstbahn to Grindelwald First - Top of Adventure

    Take the Firstbahn up to Grindelwald-First - Top of Adventure. The summit is known for its wide... from CHF 38
    Offer details


    valid: 11.06.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Firstbahn to Grindelwald First - Top of Adventure
  • Grindelwald Bodmi Arena ski school children group lessons for beginners

    This ski course offers children at the Swiss Snow League level the perfect learning environment with... from CHF 79
    Offer details


    valid: 14.12.2026 - 04.04.2027

    Learn more about Bodmi Arena ski school children group lessons for beginners
  • Grindelwald Rope Park Indoor Grindelwald

    The indoor rope park in Grindelwald offers you over 40 elements to climb, shimmy and slide. An ideal... from CHF 36
    Offer details


    valid: 08.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Rope Park Indoor Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Ticket Glacier Gorge Grindelwald

    Visit the glacier gorge in Grindelwald! An easy hike takes you through the rocky gorge and to the... from CHF 21
    Offer details


    valid: 11.06.2026 - 29.11.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Glacier Gorge Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Ultimate starter package ski hire Grindelwald

    If you've never skied before and would like to give it a try, this ultimate starter package with ski... from CHF 377
    Offer details


    valid: 11.06.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Ultimate starter package ski hire Grindelwald
  • Grindelwald Männlichen Ski School Group lessons for children

    Children learn to ski in groups in the Männlichen ski area. This ski course offers children at the... from CHF 89
    Offer details


    valid: 14.12.2026 - 04.04.2027

    Learn more about Männlichen Ski School Group lessons for children
  • Grindelwald Paragliding Grindelwald from First

    During this unforgettable paragliding flight from Grindelwald First - also known as Top of Adventure... from CHF 220
    Offer details


    valid: 11.06.2026 - 25.10.2026

    Learn more about Paragliding Grindelwald from First