Easy walks near Interlaken (Switzerland) Grindelwald First to Grosse Scheidegg

I have walked this path on numerous occasions over the years, and have never ceased to be astonished by the spectacular vistas that it offers. The route can be completed in only 1 hour 40 minutes, and there are no unduly steep bits. The gondola station is a 10 minute walk, from the railway station, up Grindelwald’s main street.

The long gondola ride to First (2167m) stops at Bort and again at Schreckfeld, where it turns sharp left for the final stage of the ascent. The most popular walk from First follows a broad, uphill path to the Bachsee (2265m). Our path to Grosse Scheidegg (1962m) heads downhill, and is also wide and well made.

Some fellow walkers may seem rather well kitted out with mountain gear that includes helmets. But don’t worry that you are ill-prepared; they will soon turn left and head for the summit of the Schwarzhorn. Soon though you have a decision to make, you can continue along the wide path or follow the mountain trail (bergweg).

Most choose the latter. The mountain trail is higher, narrower, gently undulating and more uneven underfoot. Small rivulets cross it from time to time and wooden bridges see you across streams.

The advantages of the mountain trail are the enhanced views and the feeling of being close to the ‘living’ mountain. There are, depending upon the season, flowers aplenty, and if you remain still for a while some of the mountain fauna might reveal themselves. This year we were very lucky.

At one point two adult marmots were playfully wrestling just a few metres to our right, while close on our left a young marmot was moving slowly from rock to rock, occasionally pausing. At the same time on a ridge high above us, two stately steinbock were surveying the scene. The wide path remains in view for much of the way, and there are a couple of opportunities to head downhill and rejoin it.

Once, when persistent rain had made the trail slippery and very muddy in places, we took advantage of this option. The route grants you 1 hour 40 minutes of unimpeded, fantastic vistas. The view across the valley is dominated by the stark faces of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn.

These imposing edifices flank the Mättenberg, a cuddly child between two stern parents. Even if the walk had no other attractions the view of these three mountains and their glaciers would make it worthwhile. As the path begins to bend towards Grosse Scheidegg, so the scene shifts.