Easy walks near Interlaken: Grosse Scheidegg to Rosenlaui and beyond

If you're looking for an easy yet breathtaking walk near Interlaken, the route from Grosse Scheidegg to Rosenlaui is a perfect choice. This leisurely downhill trek, lasting about 1.25 hours, offers stunning mountain scenery and the chance to explore two of the area's top attractions. You'll encounter the glacial gorge at Rosenlaui, and if you're up for it, you can extend your walk to Zwirgi, which takes you to the top of the Reichenbach Falls—the famous fictional setting for the epic showdown between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty. Plus, the hiking path is conveniently close to the post bus route, giving you flexible travel options.

Getting to Grosse Scheidegg

Grosse Scheidegg (1962m) is not accessible by private car. Instead, you must take the post bus from Grindelwald bus station, which operates from late May to late October.

• Tickets can be purchased from the wooden hut at the bus station, conveniently located next to the railway station.
• If you’ve traveled by train from Interlaken, be aware that the connection time can be tight.
• If the bus appears full, don’t worry—a second bus is usually available.
• Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass should note that free travel is only available as far as Hotel Wetterhorn; beyond that, a discounted rate applies.

The scenic bus journey takes about 34 minutes and is a delight in itself. Upon arrival, the Berghotel at Grosse Scheidegg, built in 1893, features a lovely rear terrace with superb mountain views.

The Hike Begins

A nearby signpost marks the start of the path leading down the Reichenbach valley to Rosenlaui.

• To your left is the Schwarzhorn, while to your right, you’ll see the dramatic peaks of the Wetterhorn, Wellhorn, and the striking Engelhorner.
• The path varies in width, sometimes narrow and occasionally muddy, as it traverses meadows and passes through forests.
• From time to time, it crosses a looping single-track road that is mostly traffic-free, except for post buses heading to Schwarzwaldalp.

After about 30 minutes, you will face a choice:

• You can continue straight ahead or detour to the right towards a picturesque spot where you’ll first encounter the Reichenbach.
• The riverbed here is wide and shallow, with rivulets meandering between light-colored rocks, making it a perfect picnic spot for families, especially on sunny Sundays.

About 45 minutes into your hike, you'll reach Schwarzwaldalp, where the chalet-hotel offers a chance for refreshment.

Continuing to Rosenlaui

The final 30-minute walk to Rosenlaui (1328m) is mostly through woodland, so keep an eye out for hazardous tree roots.

• At times, the path runs close to a narrow road that is no longer traffic-free.
• Eventually, you’ll pass the entrance to the romantic Rosenlaui glacial gorge, which is open from the end of May to the end of October.
• A round tour of the gorge takes about 45 minutes, with an entrance fee of CHF 8 (half price for children aged 6-16).

Nearby, the 230-year-old Rosenlaui Hotel evokes the glamorous early years of tourism. Here, you can board the post bus bound for Meiringen (Swiss Travel Pass is valid), where you can catch a train back to Interlaken.

Walk Extension to Kaltenbrunnen and Zwirgi

If you're up for more adventure, consider extending your walk to Kaltenbrunnen and Zwirgi.

• The 35-minute walk to Kaltenbrunnen follows a path that runs close to the Reichenbach and is very worthwhile.
• Initially, the descent is slight, with open views and a wide river that may even appear bluish as it babbles over light grey rocks.
• As you continue, the descent steepens, and the river narrows, crashing over larger rocks as it gains speed, preparing for its spectacular final tumble to join the Aare near Meiringen.

When you reach the Kaltenbrunnen restaurant, you can either catch the post bus or continue for another 30 minutes to Zwirgi.

• Zwirgi is located at the top of the Reichenbach Falls, where a 100-year-old funicular transports you down to the outskirts of Meiringen.

This hike offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and the thrill of adventure, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the Interlaken area.