First—Bachalpsee
• Hiking Duration: Approximately 2 hours round trip
• Transportation Options:
1. Route 1:
Grindelwald → First (Take the cable car from Grindelwald; available at any time, 25-minute ride; first departure at 8:30 AM) → Bachalpsee (2-hour round trip) → First (take the cable car back to Grindelwald; last departure at 6:44 PM).
2. Route 2:
Grindelwald → Gross Scheidegg (Take a bus; 36 minutes; first bus at 8:05 AM, departs every 30 minutes; ticket price: 11 CHF) → Bachalpsee → First (take the cable car back to Grindelwald).
• Tips:
Bus tickets are cheaper than the cable car, but require more walking. Not recommended for children, the elderly, or those with low stamina.
• Why It’s Recommended:
The trail from First to Bachalpsee is a simple and popular hiking route. The path is flat, with a short uphill section. It’s a favorite among visitors to First. Bachalpsee is known as one of the most beautiful spots in the Alps. Along the way, wildflowers dot the trailside, with snow-capped mountains and clouds close at hand. On clear days, the reflection of the Jungfrau in Bachalpsee creates a picture-perfect view.
Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen
• Hiking Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
• Transportation Options:
• The trail passes the Wengenalp train station, where you can take a train to Wengen if you’re tired.
• Alternatively, take a train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengenalp and then hike to Wengen.
• Why It’s Recommended:
This downhill trail from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen is gentle and comfortable. You can follow the train tracks, with one side offering views of the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger peaks, and the other side showcasing the quaint trains. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. If you’re not up for the full hike, you can take the train halfway.
• Tips:
It’s recommended to take the train to Wengenalp and start your hike there, as the latter half of the trail boasts the best views.
Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
• Hiking Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Transportation Options:
1. From Grindelwald: Take the cable car from Grindelwald Grund to Männlichen (30 minutes).
2. From Wengen: Take the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen.
• Why It’s Recommended:
The 5 km trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is mostly downhill and very easy. From the Männlichen viewing platform, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, as well as Wengen and Lauterbrunnen Valley below. Near Kleine Scheidegg, you can capture photos of the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger peaks side by side.
• Tips:
Start from Männlichen and head toward Kleine Scheidegg so you’ll face the mountains along the way. Walking in the reverse direction means the mountains will be behind you, and you’ll need to keep turning around for the views.
Allmendhubel to Mürren
• Hiking Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Transportation Options:
Mürren → Allmendhubel (Take the mountain funicular from Mürren to Allmendhubel) → Mürren.
• Why It’s Recommended:
The trail from Allmendhubel to Mürren is the famous Flower Valley Trail. The path is very gentle, making it ideal for children and the elderly. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, flower-filled meadows, grassy slopes, and valleys with waterfalls and rivers. Spring and summer are the best times to visit.
Allmendhubel itself also has a short circular trail around the hilltop, taking about 20 minutes. Along the route, you can see local alpine plants, including various types of edelweiss, with stunning views.
Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg
• Hiking Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Transportation Options:
Start from Lauterbrunnen Station. If you’re tired during the hike, take bus route 141, which runs every 30 minutes.
• Why It’s Recommended:
The trail from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg follows the valley floor, covering about 5 km. You’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, rivers, and waterfalls, passing through charming villages with cozy chalets. You’ll also see grazing cows and sheep, creating a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere.
Mürren to Gimmelwald
• Hiking Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Why It’s Recommended:
This downhill trail from Mürren to Gimmelwald is easy and scenic. On clear days, you’ll have stunning views of the mountains above and Lauterbrunnen Valley below. Passing through Gimmelwald, a picturesque village adorned with flowers, you’ll see paragliders soaring in the sky, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual visitor or a professional hiker, Switzerland has something for everyone. Feeling inspired? For those traveling independently, we recommend purchasing a Swiss Pass, which offers half-price discounts on public transport (trains, buses, ferries, and some cable cars) and is very cost-effective.