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We’ve visited Grindelwald three times — first in early October 2022, then twice more in June and July 2026 — and hiking is one of the main reasons we keep coming back.
What makes Grindelwald such a good hiking base is the variety.
You can use mountain trains and gondolas to shorten a route or remove a big climb, choose anything from an easier panoramic trail to a more demanding mountain hike, and still feel like you’re seeing a completely different part of the region each day.
After hiking several trails across the wider Jungfrau region, we were surprised by how each trail felt unique.
In this guide we’ll compare the best hikes around Grindelwald based on the views, difficulty, crowds, time needed and overall experience — including which ones we’d choose if you only have time for one or two.
Best Hikes in Grindelwald at a Glance
The best hike depends a lot on the experience you want.
Bäregg Hut is our top choice for glacier scenery and fewer people, while Schynige Platte is hard to beat for wide-open panoramas. If you want maximum views without a demanding hike, Männlichen is the better place to start.
Best overall: Bäregg Hut
Best for panoramas: Schynige Platte Panorama Trail
Best views for little effort: Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
Best easy lake hike: Bachalpsee
Best short hike: Männlichen Royal Walk
Best full-day hike: Schynige Platte – Faulhorn – First
Best for dramatic mountain scenery: Eiger Trail
| Hike | Distance | Time | Elevation | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bäregg Hut | ~5.5 km return | 2.5–3 hours | ~400 m gain | Moderate | Glacier views & fewer crowds |
| Schynige Platte Panorama Trail | 5.8 km | ~2 hours | 221 m gain/loss | Easy to Moderate | Panoramas & epic trail |
| Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panorama Trail | 4.5 km | 1 hr 20 min | Mostly downhill | Easy | Big views for little effort |
| Bachalpsee Hike | ~6 km return | ~1 hr 50 min | ~110 m gain | Easy | An easy hike with an alpine lake |
| Männlichen Royal Walk | 2 km return | ~40 min | ~120 m gain | Easy | Shortest hike & summit views |
| Schynige Platte – Faulhorn – First | ~16 km | ~6 hours | ~825 m gain | Hard | Full-day alpine experience |
| Eiger Trail | ~6 km | ~2 hours | ~730 m descent | Moderate | Dramatic mountain scenery |
These Are the Hotels in Grindelwald We’d Choose
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel (Our Top Pick) – Choose it for warm Alpine interiors, excellent food and a peaceful spa with Eiger views.
👉 See prices & availability →
⭐️⭐️ Boutique Hotel Panorama – Choose it for a quieter setting, modern rooms and wide mountain views from the balconies.
👉 See prices & availability →
⭐️ Jungfrau Lodge – Choose it for an affordable central stay with breakfast and excellent Eiger views, despite the smaller rooms.
👉 See prices & availability →
Map of Hiking Trails
1. Bäregg Hut Hike – Best for Glacier Views & Fewer Crowds
Distance: ~5.5 km return
Time: 2.5–3 hours
Elevation gain: ~400 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Start & finish: Pfingstegg
Getting there: Cable car from Grindelwald to Pfingstegg
Best for: Glacier views and a quieter trail
If we had to choose just one hike around Grindelwald, Bäregg Hut would be our pick. It is relatively short, yet it takes you into a much quieter part of the mountains with close views of the glacier and the steep valley around it.
From Pfingstegg, the trail gradually climbs towards Berghaus Bäregg. There are several waterfalls on the opposite side of the valley, although during our visit they were almost completely dry. The glacier views get better as you climb, and higher up the path becomes narrower and slightly exposed in places.
We never found the exposure extreme, but we also wouldn’t describe this as an easy hike based on the distance alone. We carried our baby here, but we are experienced mountain hikers and felt comfortable on this type of terrain.
The hiking route does not actually end at Bäregg. Experienced hikers can continue towards Schreckhornhütte SAC, but from Bäregg onwards it becomes a much more demanding blue-white alpine route rated T4, with exposed terrain, chains, fixed ropes and ladder sections.
Our verdict: Choose Bäregg if you want glacier scenery, a quieter trail and something a little more adventurous than the easiest panoramic hikes around Grindelwald.
2. Schynige Platte Panorama Trail – Best for Panoramic Views
Distance: 5.8 km
Time: ~2 hours walking time
Elevation gain: 221 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Start & finish: Schynige Platte railway station
Getting there: Train from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte
Best for: Mountain and lake panoramas
Schynige Platte is not directly above Grindelwald, but we would still include it among the best hikes to do from the area. Few short trails give you this much variety, with Lake Brienz and Lake Thun on one side and the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and surrounding glaciers on the other.
We hiked the Panorama Trail on a clear weekday in June 2026 with our one-year-old daughter in a hiking carrier. The train was completely full, but once we started hiking, the trail was surprisingly quiet.
Our favorite section was between Daube and Oberberghorn, where the path follows the ridge with both lakes below and the Bernese Alps behind you. There are some drops beside the trail, but we found it much less exposed than the Stoos Ridge Hike, and the more sensitive sections are secured.
Getting there is the main trade-off. The historic cogwheel train from Wilderswil takes around 50–60 minutes each way, and costs around CHF 68 return. We drove from Grindelwald, parked beside Wilderswil station and took the train from there.
Our verdict: Choose Schynige Platte if you want one of the best combinations of mountain and lake views without committing to a long or particularly difficult hike.
3. Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panorama Trail – Best Views for Little Effort
Distance: 4.5 km
Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Start: Männlichen
Finish: Kleine Scheidegg
Getting there: Gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen
Best for: Big mountain views without a demanding hike
If you want an easy hike but still want the unforgettable mountain scenery, this is one of the best choices. The trail runs from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in front of you for much of the walk.
The route itself is straightforward. It is mostly downhill in this direction, with no major climbs or difficult terrain, so you can spend more time looking around instead of watching every step.
It takes around 1 hour 20 minutes without long stops, although we’d allow longer because there are plenty of places where you’ll want to stop.
We originally planned to extend the day by continuing onto the Eiger Trail. When we visited in late June 2026, however, it was still closed. We changed our plans, hiked down to Alpiglen instead and took the train back to Grindelwald from there. It was a good reminder that even in late June, some higher trails can still be closed depending on the conditions.
If you only want to do the Panorama Trail, the logistics are even easier. From Kleine Scheidegg, you can simply take the train back down to Grindelwald rather than retracing your steps.
Our verdict: We’d choose this trail if you want a relaxed hike with consistently good views and very little effort compared with most of the other hikes in this guide.
4. Bachalpsee Hike – Best Easy Hike with a Lake
Distance: ~6 km return
Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
Elevation gain: ~110–190 m
Difficulty: Easy
Start & finish: Grindelwald First
Getting there: Gondola from Grindelwald to First
Best for: An easy hike with an alpine lake
Bachalpsee is one of the easiest hikes on this list. From First, the trail stays high above Grindelwald, with open views across the surrounding mountains for most of the route.
The trail is wide and straightforward, and it takes less than an hour to reach Bachalpsee. We liked that you are surrounded by mountain scenery right from the start.
Bachalpsee itself is particularly famous for the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the water when conditions are calm. Even if there is wind and you don’t get the reflection, though, we still think it is a beautiful place to stop.
We’d also leave some extra time for Grindelwald First itself. There are several activities around the top station, and the First Cliff Walk is an easy addition before or after Bachalpsee.
The main downside is popularity. This is one of the best-known walks from First. If you want a longer hiking day, you also don’t need to turn around here — Bachalpsee lies on several longer routes, including the Schynige Platte–Faulhorn–First hike we cover further below.
Our verdict: Choose Bachalpsee if you want an easy half-day hike with alpine lake and plenty of attractions.
5. Männlichen Royal Walk – Best Short Hike
Distance: 2 km return
Time: ~40 minutes
Elevation gain: 120 m
Difficulty: Easy
Start & finish: Männlichen mountain station
Getting there: Gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen
Best for: A short summit hike with excellent views
The Royal Walk is the shortest hike on this list, climbing from the Männlichen gondola station to the summit in around 25 minutes. It is only 1 km each way, but there is enough uphill to make it feel like a hike rather than just a viewpoint walk.
Once you reach the top, the view opens up in almost every direction. You can look down into both the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys, with Wengen below and Mürren visible across the valley, while the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rise behind you.
We wouldn’t travel to Männlichen only for the Royal Walk, though. It makes much more sense combined with the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg, since both start from the same mountain station. Do the Royal Walk first, return to Männlichen, and then continue towards Kleine Scheidegg.
The path is wide and uncomplicated, with a few fun activities along the way.
Our verdict: Add the Royal Walk if you’re already visiting Männlichen. For only around 40 extra minutes, the summit views easily justify the detour.
6. First – Faulhorn – Schynige Platte – Best Full-Day Alpine Hike
Distance: ~17 km
Time: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Start: Grindelwald First
Finish: Schynige Platte
Best for: A full-day alpine experience
If you want one proper full-day hike from Grindelwald First to Schynige Platte would be our choice. It links several places that are already worth visiting on their own and takes you much further into the mountains than the shorter hikes in this guide.
We haven’t completed the entire traverse yet, so we want to be clear about that. We have, however, hiked significant sections at both ends — from First to Bachalpsee and around Schynige Platte — and this is one we definitely want to return for.
Starting at First, the route first takes you past Bachalpsee before climbing towards Faulhorn, the highest point of the day at 2,681 m. From there, you continue across a much quieter alpine landscape towards Schynige Platte Panorama Trail.
The official route takes around six hours of walking, so this is one hike where you need to plan the day around the mountain transport. The Schynige Platte Railway is your way back down to Wilderswil, so check the timetable before you start and leave enough buffer to comfortably reach the last train. The railway operates seasonally, so the last departure can vary depending on when you visit.
Our verdict: Choose this if you want one long hiking day that combines Bachalpsee, Faulhorn and the landscapes around Schynige Platte.
7. Eiger Trail – Best for Getting Close to the Eiger
Distance: 6.1 km
Time: ~2 hours
Elevation: ~730 m descent
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Eigergletscher
Finish: Alpiglen
Getting there: Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher
Best for: Walking directly beneath the Eiger North Face
The Eiger Trail is very different from the wide panoramic hikes around Männlichen or Schynige Platte. You start at Eigergletscher, right below the Eiger, and follow the mountain trail downhill to Alpiglen with the North Face towering above you for much of the route. The official trail is 6.1 km and takes around two hours.
We actually planned to combine this with our Männlichen Panorama Trail day in late June 2026, but the Eiger Trail was still closed when we arrived. Grindelwald publishes the current status of the Eigergletscher–Alpiglen trail online.
This is also not the hike we would choose for the best view of the Eiger — from Männlichen or across the valley, you can appreciate the whole mountain much better. The reason to hike the Eiger Trail is almost the opposite: you get so close to the North Face that you can see the scale of it better.
From Alpiglen, you can take the train back to Grindelwald, so there is no need to climb back to the starting point.
Our verdict: We’d choose the Eiger Trail if you want to experience the Eiger up close.
How Many Days Do You Need for Hiking in Grindelwald?
If hiking is one of the main reasons you’re visiting Grindelwald, we’d plan at least two full days. That gives you enough time to choose two very different trails without trying to squeeze everything into one long day.
If You Have One Day
For one hiking day, we’d choose Bäregg Hut if you want a proper mountain hike with glacier views and fewer people.
For something easier, combine the Männlichen Royal Walk with the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg. You get excellent views throughout the day without much climbing.
If You Have Two Days
This is probably the sweet spot for most visitors. We’d combine one easier panoramic hike with something more adventurous:
- Day 1: Royal Walk + Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panorama Trail
- Day 2: Bäregg Hut
You could swap Bäregg for Bachalpsee if you prefer an easier second day or specifically want to visit Grindelwald First.
If You Have Three Days
With three hiking days, you can add either Schynige Platte Panorama Trail or Bachalpsee — the scenery and trails are different enough that each day still feels new.
If you’re an experienced hiker and want one bigger mountain day, you could instead dedicate a full day to the First–Faulhorn–Schynige Platte traverse.
We’d also avoid planning every hiking day back-to-back if you have flexibility. Mountain weather can change quickly, and keeping one day flexible gives you a better chance of doing your priority hike in good conditions.
Which Travel Pass Is Best for Hiking in Grindelwald?
If you’re planning several hikes, a transport pass can save quite a bit compared with buying mountain tickets separately.
Jungfrau Travel Pass is the option we’d check first for a hiking-focused stay in Grindelwald. It covers most of the transport used for the hikes in this guide, including First, Männlichen, Eigergletscher, Kleine Scheidegg and Schynige Platte.
Swiss Half Fare Card can make more sense if Grindelwald is part of a longer Switzerland trip, as it gives discounts on public and mountain transport across the country.
Swiss Travel Pass is mainly worth considering if you’re already using it for a train-based trip around Switzerland.
For a trip focused mostly on hiking here, we’d compare the Jungfrau Travel Pass with individual tickets first.
You can also buy eligible passes and transport tickets through GetYourGuide. If you book in their app, use our code THEMANDULS5 for 5% off.
Best Time to Hike in Grindelwald
For the hikes in this guide, July to September is the safest period if you want the widest choice of open trails. Higher routes can still have snow well into June, while mountain railways and gondolas start reducing or ending summer operations again in autumn.
We visited in early October 2022 and twice in June and July 2026, and conditions varied noticeably. In June, some trails were still closed even though the main mountain transport was already running. July gave us more options, but it was naturally busier.
September would probably be our first choice if hiking was the main purpose of the trip: generally good trail access, fewer peak-summer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Whatever month you visit, check the live hiking trail status before choosing your route. Opening dates depend on snow and current conditions rather than a fixed calendar date.
Where to Stay in Grindelwald
Grindelwald is more spread out than it first appears, and the best hotel depends on whether you prioritize mountain views, easy transport or a quieter place away from the busy village centre.
Here are the three hotels we would choose, each for a different reason.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel – Our Top Pick
We stayed at the Aspen and would happily return. The warm wooden interiors feel cosy and new, while the peaceful location below the Eiger makes it easy to switch off after a full day outside.
The food was one of the biggest highlights of our stay. The hotel also has a 300 m² wellness area with saunas, steam facilities and a whirlpool, all surrounded by mountain views.
This is the hotel we would choose when the stay itself matters as much as the hiking. The trade-off is that it sits outside the centre, so it is less convenient if you want to walk to Grindelwald’s restaurants and transport every evening.
Best for: A peaceful Alpine stay with excellent food, a proper spa and Eiger views.
👉 Check availability and current prices →
⭐️⭐️ Boutique Hotel Panorama – Best Mid-Range Stay
Boutique Hotel Panorama combines a quiet setting above the village with wide views over the Eiger and surrounding glaciers. Its 14 modern Alpine rooms and suites each have a private balcony, giving the hotel a more personal feel.
The adults-only concept makes it especially appealing to couples who want a calm, base away from the busiest part of Grindelwald.
Best for: Couples looking for a quiet boutique hotel with private balconies and strong mountain views.
⭐️ Jungfrau Lodge – Best Budget-Friendly Option
We stayed in the Annex Crystal and would choose Jungfrau Lodge again when keeping accommodation costs lower is the priority. The rooms are simpler and slightly smaller, but many offer direct Eiger views that you would normally expect from a more expensive stay.
Grindelwald railway station is around a 5–7 minute walk away, breakfast is included, and a nearby bus stop makes reaching the lifts easier. For the best experience, we would choose an Eiger-facing room in the Annex Crystal.
Best for: Budget-conscious hikers who want breakfast, convenient transport and excellent Eiger views.
FAQs
Yes, but the right trail matters. We completed all of the hikes we personally did around Grindelwald with our baby in a hiking carrier. We loved how many playgrounds there are.
For the easier routes such as Bachalpsee, the Royal Walk and the Männlichen Panorama Trail, sturdy walking shoes can be enough in good conditions. For Bäregg, Schynige Platte and longer mountain routes, we prefer proper hiking shoes with good grip.
It varies a lot. Bachalpsee and the trails around Männlichen are among the more popular options, while Bäregg felt noticeably quieter when we visited. Even at Schynige Platte, our train was completely full but the hiking trail itself was surprisingly peaceful once people spread out.
Final Thoughts
Grindelwald is one of our favorite hiking bases in Switzerland because the trails feel genuinely different from one another. You can spend one day walking beneath glaciers, another on an easy panoramic path, and the next heading much higher into the mountains.
If we had to pick just one, we’d choose Bäregg Hut. For an easier day, we’d combine the Männlichen Royal Walk with the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg, while experienced hikers looking for a full-day route should consider First–Faulhorn–Schynige Platte.
Whichever you choose, check the trail status before heading out — especially in early summer, when higher routes can still be closed even if the lifts are already running.