Grindelwald Summer & Hiking Guide: Best Hikes & Day Trips

Männlichen Royal Walk & Panorama Trail

Männlichen is one of the easiest places to get a huge mountain panorama with relatively little walking. Start with the Royal Walk to the summit viewpoint, then continue towards Kleine Scheidegg on the Panorama Trail.

The Panorama Trail is roughly 4.3 km and takes around 1 hour 10 minutes at a normal walking pace. Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau stay in front of you for much of the route.

First – Bachalpsee

Take the gondola to First and walk to Bachalpsee, one of the best-known mountain lakes in the region. The well-maintained trail reaches the lake in roughly an hour, with around two hours needed for the return walk.

It is a very good choice when you want impressive scenery without committing to a long or technical mountain hike.

Eiger Trail

Starting at Eigergletscher, the Eiger Trail follows the base of the world-famous North Face before descending towards Alpiglen.

The official route takes about two hours. The trail passes steep Alpine meadows, streams and waterfalls, with unusually close views of the Eiger.

Pfingstegg – Bäregg

This is one of our favourite alternatives to the busier First and Männlichen areas. From Pfingstegg, the UNESCO theme trail climbs towards Berghaus Bäregg above the former Lower Grindelwald Glacier.

Allow roughly 2½–3 hours return from Pfingstegg. The route combines glacier views, forest and open mountain terrain, and the hut terrace is an excellent place to stop before walking back.

Grindelwald Glacier Canyon

Walk through rock galleries and tunnels deep inside the dramatic gorge carved by the former Lower Grindelwald Glacier. The route follows the thundering Lütschine between rock walls rising up to 300 metres.

The highlight is the 170 m² walkable Spiderweb suspended seven metres above the river. Allow around 1–2 hours. The canyon is also a useful option when clouds hide the mountain views.

Pfingstegg Toboggan & Fly-Line

Pfingstegg combines two very different rides above Grindelwald. On the summer toboggan run you control your own speed through the curves, while the Fly-Line offers a gentler suspended glide through the forest.

Both attractions start close to the cable-car mountain station and can be combined with the hike to Bäregg. Operation depends on the season and weather, and the toboggan run closes when the track is wet.

First Cliff Walk & First View

The First Cliff Walk follows a metal walkway along the rock face before reaching a viewing platform that projects out over the valley. It is an easy way to add a little excitement to a trip to First without booking one of the faster adventure rides.

Nearby, the First View vantage platform presents nine perspectives on the surrounding Alpine panorama. Both combine naturally with the walk to Bachalpsee.

First Trottibike

The Trottibike is a large scooter with bicycle-style wheels, a suspension fork and strong brakes. It is different from the three-wheeled Mountain Cart and covers the final 3.5 km descent from Bort to Grindelwald.

Helmets are provided and the minimum height is 125 cm. A popular option is to ride the Mountain Cart from Schreckfeld to Bort and then continue down to the village by Trottibike.

Canyon Swing Grindelwald

Jump from a platform 90 metres above the Glacier Canyon, free-fall for around 50 metres and then swing between the rock walls at speeds of up to 120 km/h. This is one of Grindelwald's most intense adventures.

The minimum age is 14 and advance booking is strongly recommended. Participation also depends on the operator's current weight, health and weather requirements.

Paragliding

Grindelwald is one of the most spectacular places in Switzerland to try paragliding, with views of the Eiger and the surrounding Alpine peaks. Several local paragliding schools offer tandem flights for first-time passengers as well as complete courses for those who want to learn to fly.

Flight options and take-off points depend on the weather and conditions. Contact a local school for current availability, age requirements and course dates.

Via Ferratas

Grindelwald is surrounded by some of the most memorable via ferratas in the Bernese Oberland. The Rotstock route beside the Eiger North Face is a particularly good introduction for fit hikers who are comfortable with heights.

Other possibilities include the Schwarzhorn above First, the more demanding Ostegg route and, on the other side of the valley, the famous exposed Mürren–Gimmelwald via ferrata.

If it is your first time, OUTDOOR Mountain School Grindelwald offers introductory courses and guided tours with equipment and instruction.

Mountain Biking

Gravel roads, forest tracks and Alpine singletrails make Grindelwald a great base for both conventional mountain bikes and e-MTBs.

Mountainbike Grindelwald offers guided E-MTB discovery tours, private singletrail tours and customised rides for different ability levels. Bike rental is also available around Grindelwald, including close to Grindelwald Terminal.

First Flyer – 800 m Zipline

If you are looking for a long zipline-style ride, this is the one. The First Flyer runs for 800 metres from First to Schreckfeld. Up to four people travel side by side at speeds of up to 84 km/h, at points around 50 metres above the Alpine meadows.

The required body weight is 35–125 kg. On busy days queues can become long, so Jungfrau Railways recommends arriving early and using the adventure activities before midday.

First Mountain Cart

This is probably the closest thing to go-karting in the Alps. Jungfrau Railways describes the Mountain Cart as a cross between a go-kart and a sledge, with a low centre of gravity, wide wheels and hydraulic brakes.

The route follows a 3 km natural road from Schreckfeld to Bort. Riders control their own speed and helmets are provided. The minimum height is 135 cm.

There are some steep and more difficult sections, so it is more than just a gentle sightseeing ride.

First Glider

First also has a second flying attraction that is easy to confuse with the Flyer. On the First Glider, four passengers lie face-down beneath a giant eagle-shaped glider.

The system first pulls you backwards from Schreckfeld towards First and then releases you for an 800-metre flight back down, reaching speeds of up to 83 km/h.

Minimum height is 130 cm and maximum body weight is 125 kg. Together with the First Flyer and Mountain Cart, it makes First much more than just a hiking destination.

Canyoning

Canyoning combines rappelling, natural rock slides, pools and jumps in narrow gorges. The Interlaken canyon is a good introduction, with relatively gentle obstacles and a total experience of about three hours.

For a bigger Alpine experience, the Grimsel canyon starts with a spectacular 50-metre rappel and continues through glacier-fed pools, slides and jumps.

Guided High-Alpine Tours

Grindelwald is an ideal starting point if you want to go beyond normal hiking trails. OUTDOOR Mountain School Grindelwald organises guided summit climbs, glacier tours, climbing routes and multi-day Alpine trips.

Options range from introductory glacier experiences to serious objectives such as climbing the 4,107-metre Mönch or spending two days on the Aletsch Glacier with an overnight stay at the Konkordia Hut.

These tours require suitable fitness and conditions, and the exact programme depends on experience, weather and mountain conditions.

Rafting on the Lütschine

The Lütschine starts in the valleys around Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen and offers one of the region's classic summer adventures.

The main Lütschine rafting tour uses continuous Class III–IV whitewater and requires strong swimming ability. The river section starts in Lütschental and finishes at Lake Brienz.

For younger families or anyone looking for a gentler introduction, OUTDOOR also offers Family Rafting on an easier Class I–II section.

Golf Grindelwald

Grindelwald has its own nine-hole golf course at the foot of the Eiger and Wetterhorn, plus a driving range, putting and short-game practice areas.

It is unusually accessible for visitors: during the week the club manager can allow beginners to play after a short introduction, while weekends are reserved for players with a handicap or official course permission. Club sets can be rented on site and no tee time is normally required.

Mountain View Trail to Mürren

The Mountain View Trail is a roughly two-hour panoramic hike above Lauterbrunnen, crossing flower-filled Alpine meadows towards Allmendhubel with views across to Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

For an easier alternative, walk from Grütschalp via Winteregg to Mürren in around 1¼ hours.

Play Tennis in Mürren

Mürren has four outdoor sand courts at Sportchalet, 1,650 metres above sea level and right at the edge of the mountain plateau.

Mürren Tourism describes them as having probably the most spectacular view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Courts can be booked individually, and rackets are available to hire on site.

Jungfraujoch

Travel from Grindelwald Terminal via the Eiger Express and Jungfrau Railway to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres. At the top, visit the Sphinx viewing platform, Ice Palace and Glacier Plateau.

The views reach across the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding high-Alpine peaks. Even in summer, bring warm clothing and allow time to adjust to the altitude.

Schilthorn & Birg Thrill Walk

Continue above Mürren to Birg for the 200-metre Thrill Walk attached to the rock face, with a glass floor, crawl-through tunnel and rope sections. The walkway is included with the cable-car journey.

Higher up, Schilthorn combines a 360-degree Alpine panorama with the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant and attractions connected with the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge

A compact but dramatic walk through polished rock, waterfalls and narrow passages below the Rosenlaui Glacier. It is easy to combine with the scenic route towards Grosse Scheidegg and Meiringen.

Aare Gorge

Near Meiringen, the Aare has cut a spectacular passage through the limestone. Walkways and tunnels take you for roughly 1.4 km through the gorge, making this a good option when you want something impressive without a long mountain hike.

Lake Brienz, Giessbach & Water Activities

Explore turquoise Lake Brienz by scheduled boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For more action, guided water activities in the Interlaken area also include jetboat rides, wakeboarding and waterskiing.

One of the best combinations is a lake cruise to Giessbach Falls. The water descends in 14 cascades, a walking path passes behind one of the falls, and a historic funicular connects the boat landing with the Grandhotel Giessbach. Brienz can also be combined with the steam railway to the Brienzer Rothorn.

St. Beatus Caves

On the north shore of Lake Thun, St. Beatus Caves combine an underground cave system with waterfalls, a museum and views over the lake.

The caves are a particularly useful option when the mountain weather is uncertain. Temperatures inside remain cool, so bring an extra layer even on a warm summer day.

Trift Bridge

The Trift Bridge near Gadmen is one of the most spectacular suspension bridges in the Alps: roughly 170 metres long and around 100 metres above the gorge.

From the upper Trift cable-car station, the standard round trip is about 6 km and roughly 3 hours 20 minutes. Treat this as a full-day excursion from Grindelwald rather than a quick stop.

The small Trift gondola has limited capacity, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Schynige Platte

You do not have to walk the full six-hour route to enjoy Schynige Platte. The historic railway, Alpine Botanical Garden and shorter panorama trails make it a very good destination in its own right.

Around 800 Alpine plant species can be seen in the botanical garden, and the shorter Panorama Trail takes roughly 2½ hours.