Walking SwitzerlandGrosse Scheidegg - FirstWalk 8007
Canton - Bern / Berne - Jungfrau Region
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 4.0 km / 2.5 miles
Ascent - 305 metres / 1007 feet
Descent - 100 metres / 330 feet
Time - 1.50 hours
Grade - easy
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This is a straightforward hike on well maintained footpaths. Even the ascent is hardly noticeable as the views across the valley to the Wetterhorn, Schrekhorn and Eiger occupy your mind.
Start - the hotel at Grosse Scheidegg which can be reached by Postbus from Grindelwald and Meiringen. See Transport Map for the Jungfrau Region.
End - top station of the Grindelwald to First gondola lift. This provides a comfortable and scenic descent with connections in Grindelwald by train and post bus to destinations throughout the area.
From Grosse Scheidegg take the signed path to First that heads north with the slopes of the Schwarzhorn ahead. The path climbs gently crossing a small hill (Chiemattenhubla) before descending again to a junction of paths and tracks at Gratschären. A track and a path go left. Ignore the lower track that leads to Oberläger instead taking the clear footpath that runs above it.
This path is a delight, offering views south over Grindelwald to the mountains and glaciers beyond. The immediate landscape is rough grassland that rises on your right to the interestingly shaped summit of the Schwarzhorn. The path climbs a little, meandering across the mountainside crossing a number of small streams on the way.
The end of the route is the top station of the Grindelwald - First Gondola lift which soon comes into view.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:25000 - Sheet SW 2520 - Jungfrau Region
Wanderkarte - Wengen, Mürren & Lauterbrunnental - 1:40000
Recommended Books
Tour of Mont Blanc
An essential guidebook for walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km route typically takes 11 days to trek around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic treks. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route.
Walks in the Engadine - Switzerland
A walking guidebook to 100 day walks in the Engadine, Val Bregaglia, neighbouring valleys and the Engadine National Park. Varying from gentle rambles to adventurous high-level routes for the experienced mountain walker. Each route ranges from 2 to 10 miles long, visiting forests and meadows, high mountain landscapes, lakes and passes.
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving.
Do do not exceed your capabilities.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Sitzerland is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps at the most detailed scale where possible. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed, and corrective action taken if necessary.