On a vacation packed with epic hikes, this one easily ranks among our all-time favorites. After boarding the historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte, we set out on our first and only ridge hike, with Interlaken and Lakes Thun and Brienz stretching out on one side and Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau towering on the other. The panoramic views alone put this trail in the “best hike we’ve ever done” category. We climbed past the Faulhorn summit and the stunning Bachalpsee, ending at Grindelwald First, where adventure continued with the cliff walk, Trottibike ride down the mountain, and a well-earned fondue dinner inside a gondola in Grindelwald.

🗓️ Itinerary

This plan came from our August 26, 2025 visit (Day 7), based in Lauterbrunnen.

• 🌦️ Check Jungfrau.ch webcams – Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First
• ☕️ Quick breakfast at accomodation
• 🚆 7:01 AM – Transit: Lauterbrunnen → Schynige Platte (76m)
  • 🚆 7:01 AM – Train: Lauterbrunnen →Wilderswil (15m, every 30m at xx:01/:31 from 5 AM – midnight)
    • 🚌 The Lauterbrunnen → Zweilütschinen train was replaced with a bus due to damage along the route
    • 🚆 7:11 AM – Train: Zweilütschinen→ Wilderswil (5m) 
    • 🚶‍♂️ 7:16 AM – Walk to Train Platform
  • 🚂 7:25 AM – Cogwheel Train: Wilderswil → Schynige Platte (52m, every 30m at xx:05/:25/:45 from 7:25 AM – 6:25 PM, 💡 Sit right side for mountain views and left side for lake views)
• 🌄 8:17 AM – Arrive at Schynige Platte
  • 🎶 Optional: Free Alphorn concert from 11 AM – 2 PM (⏰ if you start late or end here)
• 🥾 8:20 AM – Start hike: Schynige Platte → First via Faulhorn
  • 10.3-11.2 mi, 6-7.5h total (3.5-5.5h to Faulhorn depending on stops)
  • Panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, along with shimmering alpine lakes – Thun, Brienz, Sägistalsee, Hagelseeli, and Bachalpsee.
  • 🌿 Schynige Platte → Daube via the Panorama Trail (~30m, 0.8 mi with lake and mountain views.💡 The starting point for the Panorama Trail wasn’t clearly marked, and we ended up walking through the restaurant to reach the path along the lakes. There is also a more direct option that passes through the Alpine Gardens (Alpengarten), but to connect back to the main ridge you must take the left turn near Gumihorn toward Daube. Missing this junction means skipping the best part of the hike – the ridge section with expanding views over both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. If time is limited, take the route through the Alpine Garden, but don’t miss the turn-off to Daube.)
  • 🌊 Daube → Loucherhorn junction (1-1.5h, 1.6 mi mostly flat ridge hike with incredible views of Lake Thun and Brienz)
  • ⛰️ Loucherhorn → Pass Sägistalsee → Faulhorn (2.5-4h, 5.2 mi steep ascent to 8562 ft. ⏰ Skip climb to the summit at 8796 ft based on time/energy)
    • 🧺 Picnic stop along hike
    • ☕️ Coffee and rest stop at Berghütte Männdlenen, rustic hut tucked into the valley 💡Bathroom is free to use with a purchase.
    • Backup: Berghotel Faulhorn (Rustic with 360° alpine views from one of Switzerland’s highest mountain inns. Limited menu – simple hot dishes like soup, cheese, sausages.)
• 🥾 1:00 PM – Continue hike: Faulhorn → Bachalpsee → First (2-2.5h, 3.6 mi descent)
  • 💡 Walk to the far side as you approach the lake to avoid crowds 
• 🌉 3:30 PM – Arrive at First and start activities including descent to Grindelwald:
  • 🧗 First Cliff Walk (20m, ~0.5-1.5h wait)
  • 🪂 First Flyer Zipline: First → Schreckfeld (10m, skip if long lines)
    • 🚠 Backup – Gondola: First → Schreckfeld (5m, every 1m, last departure 6 PM)
    • 🥾 Backup – Hike: First → Schreckfeld (~30m, 1 mi on a gravel trail)
  • 🪂 First Glider: Start and end in Schreckfeld (15m, skip if long lines)
  • 🛷 Mountain Carts: Schreckfeld → Bort (15m, skip if long lines because we’ll do carts at Sunnegga)
    • 🚠 Backup – Gondola: Schreckfeld → Bort (9m, every 1m, last departure 6 PM)
    • 🥾 Backup – Hike: Schreckfeld → Bort (~45m, 1.9 mi gradual descent)
  • 🚲 Trottibike: Bort → Grindelwald (20m, rarely lines)
    • 🚠 Backup – Gondola: Bort → Grindelwald (11m, every 1-5m, last departure 6 PM)
    • 🥾 Backup – Hike: Bort → Grindelwald (~1h, 2.5 mi steep but shaded trail)
• 🛷 Optional: Pfingstegg Toboggan Run and/or Fly-Line (⏰ time/energy permitting, 10 AM – 6 PM)
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk (15m) from Grindelwald town center to the Pfingsteggbahn cable car station
  • 🚠 Cable Car: Grindelwald → Pfingstegg (5m, every 15m at xx:00/:15/:30/:45 from 8:30 AM – 6:45 PM)
  • 🎟️ Buy a toboggan ticket (CHF 6/ride or multi-ride discounts)
  • 🎢 725 m (out-and-back loop to start), 2m per run, you’re towed uphill in the sled before racing back down
  • 🚠 Cable Car: Pfingstegg → Grindelwald (5m, every 15m at xx:00/:15/:30/:45 from 8:30 AM – 7 PM)
• 🧺 Pick up picnic lunch for next day in Grindelwald (Coop/Migros grocery)
• 🍽️ 6:00 PM – Dinner @ Restaurant Belvedere in Grindelwald (🎟️ RESERVE Fondue gondola – CC deposit of CHF 10/person charged if no show, can cancel up to 6h before, 2h limit. 🌾 Confirmed they can serve 100% GF w/o cross contamination for the fondue gondola. The cheese will be prepared in a separate pot and served with GF bread.)
• 🚆 7:17 PM – Train/Bus: Grindelwald → Zweilütschinen → Lauterbrunnen (40m, every 30-60m at xx:17/:47 from 5:47 AM – 10:41 PM, 🚌 Same bus transfer requirement at Zweilutschinen due to closure)
• 🛌 8:26 PM – Return to Nussbaumerhaus 3 chalet in Lauterbrunnen

💡 Tips

• 🌦️ Weather check: Check the Jungfrau.ch webcams (Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First) before committing – weather makes or breaks this itinerary
• 🚌 Check the SBB website or app for any unexpected transit issues: Lauterbrunnen → Zweilütschinen leg was replaced with a bus due to track damage
• 🌄 The Panorama Trail start is unclear – go through the restaurant for the lakeside path. If taking the Alpine Garden route, turn left near Gumihorn toward Daube or you’ll miss the ridge with the best lake views.
• ⏰ If short on time, stick to the 3.6 mi Schynige Platte Panorama Trail loop, which includes the phenomenal ridge hike section – the highlight of the route with the best lake views.
• 🌊 Avoid crowds: Walk around to the far side of Bachalpsee for fewer crowds
• 🎢 At First: prioritize the Cliff Walk, trottibike to Grindelwald, and gondola transfers – skip zipline, glider, and carts if lines are long
• 🛷 Pfingstegg toboggan is only possible if time/energy allows after Grindelwald town (closes 6 PM). We were exhausted after 2 days of long hikes and opted to skip. This is likely best to do if based near Grindelwald.
• 🚠 Book in advance: Unique fondue gondola experience at Restaurant Belvedere is only available via reservation.
• 🧺 Grab groceries for next day’s picnic at Coop/Migros in Grindelwald, taking note of early store closures.

📸 Summary

🚂 Cogwheel Train: Wilderswil → Schynige Platte

The historic cogwheel train from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte set the perfect tone for the hike, slowly chugging up the mountainside with sweeping views of the lakes and valleys below. The vintage wooden cars and rhythmic climb made the journey feel like stepping back in time. As a funny side note, Scott ended up sharing his seat with three friendly dogs, which made the ride even more memorable and added a little extra charm to the experience.

🥾 Schynige Platte to Grindelwald First Hike

The Schynige Platte to First hike is a true bucket-list trek, stretching 10–11.2 miles over 6–7.5 hours (depending on route and stops) with some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Switzerland. Starting with the Panorama Trail to Daube and Loucherhorn, the route follows a ridge with sweeping views over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz before continuing past the tranquil Sägistalsee and up to the rugged Faulhorn summit. From here, the trail descends toward the popular Bachalpsee, where walking to the far side offers a quiet haven, before reaching Grindelwald First, an adventure hub perched high above the valley.

📈 Hiking Stats

Time: 4 hours moving, 7.5 hours elapsed to allow photo and snack stops
Distance: 11.2 miles (18 km)
Max Elevation: 8562 ft at Faulhorn base (7.6 miles); 8729 ft at Faulhorn summit
Cumulative Ascent: 3707 ft
Cumulative Descent: 6278 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Direction: We started in Schynige Platte to catch the ridge hike in the clear, quiet morning and to ride the historic cogwheel train. Ending in First gave us access to adventure activities like the Trottibike ride to Grindelwald, creating a natural flow from remote ridges to a lively hub. Approaching Bachalpsee from the Faulhorn side was especially rewarding, with the lake unfolding dramatically against the peaks. The tradeoff was a tough ~4 mile uphill climb to Faulhorn, but the nonstop panoramas made it worth it.
Additional Resources: Garmin Data, EarthTrekkers Tips, AllTrails Schynige Platte – Grindelwald, First, AllTrails Panorama Trail Loop Only

🌿 Panorama Trail Ridge Hike: Schynige Platte → Loucherhorn

The day begins with a steady climb out of Schynige Platte, where the trail quickly opens to sweeping ridge views over both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. This stretch toward Loucherhorn is a photographer’s dream, with jagged peaks on one side and shimmering blue lakes on the other. The path is quite exposed, making every step feel like a true alpine ridge adventure. The start of the Panorama Trail, however, was a little confusing, and we actually found ourselves walking through the restaurant terrace before realizing it connected to the path along the lakes. Another option cuts more directly through the Alpine Gardens, but unless you take the left turn near Gumihorn toward Daube, you risk missing the most spectacular part of the hike. That ridge section is where the trail truly comes alive, with ever-expanding views that stretch from the turquoise lakes far below to the jagged alpine peaks on the horizon – one of the most unforgettable highlights of the route.

More videos: YouTube Short, TikTok

360 Photo

⛰️ Hike: Loucherhorn → Faulhorn

Past Loucherhorn, the real climb begins – a relentless 4-mile uphill trek winding over rocky terrain toward the base of Faulhorn. The effort is balanced by spectacular overlooks of Sägistalsee shimmering below and the turquoise expanse of Lake Brienz in the distance. Around mile 5.6, we stopped at Berghütte Männdlenen, a cozy mountain hut tucked into the valley, for a quick coffee and rest before tackling the final stretch. At 8,795 ft (2,681 m), the Faulhorn summit rewards hikers with sweeping 360° views across the Bernese Oberland, crowned by a historic inn perched on its peak. After that demanding ascent, we decided to skip the last push to the top, perfectly content with the panoramic views we’d already earned.

360 Photo

🌊 Hike: Faulhorn → Bachalpsee → First

From Faulhorn, the trail descends along a sweeping ridgeline where Bachalpsee gradually comes into view, perfectly framed by the jagged Schreckhorn – whose name fittingly translates to “peak of terror.” The lake itself is one of Switzerland’s most photogenic, its still surface mirroring the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Walking around to the far side as you approach offers a quieter, more secluded vantage point away from the crowds. The final stretch to First is gentle and scenic, guiding you into Grindelwald’s high-alpine playground where the adventure continues.

Other Videos: YouTube Short, TikTok

360 Photos

🎢 Grindewald First

At Grindelwald First, we wrapped up the hike with a mix of alpine thrills and scenic descents. We started with the dramatic First Cliff Walk, where the metal walkway clings to the cliffs before jutting out into a platform high above the valley. From there, we took the gondola down to Bort, skipping the First Flyer zipline, the First Glider, and the mountain carts since the lines were long and we had similar activities planned elsewhere. The real highlight came at Bort, where we hopped on Trottibikes and rode down to Grindelwald through chalet-lined meadows.

🧗 First Cliff Walk

Suspended high above Grindelwald, the First Cliff Walk combines heart-pounding exposure with phenomenal views. The metal walkway wraps around the cliffs with sweeping alpine scenery in every direction. We opted not to wait in the long lines for the main platform, since the views along the walkway itself were already stunning – making it an equally memorable way to experience this thrill.

🚴 Trottibike: Bort to Grindelwald

After a long day on foot, the Trottibike ride from Bort to Grindelwald was a completely different kind of thrill. These oversized scooters with chunky tires let you glide effortlessly through alpine meadows and shaded forest paths, all on a clearly marked route with a few signed detours along the way. With the valley unfolding below and cowbells echoing in the distance, it was an exhilarating and uniquely Swiss way to cap off the mountain experience. Check out our timelapse video and route below (3.2 miles in a little over 20 minutes).

Other Videos: Entire Ride at Normal Speed, Insta360 X5 Timelapse, Insta360 GO 3S Timelapse

📈 Biking Stats

Time: 22:33
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.2 km)
Cumulative Descent: 1,682 ft
Additional Resources: Garmin Data

🏡 Grindelwald

Our route from the Schynige Platte to First hike naturally funneled us into Grindelwald, making the village both a scenic gateway and a transition point. After descending from Bort by Trottibike, we found ourselves in the heart of this lively alpine town, framed by the dramatic Eiger North Face. The mix of chalet-style shops, cafés, and mountain gear stores gave the village an energetic yet authentic Swiss charm. By chance, we even caught a portion of a live Alphorn concert, the sound carrying beautifully through the valley and adding to the alpine atmosphere. It was the perfect place to unwind, have dinner, and catch our train connection back to Lauterbrunnen.

🚠 Fondue Gondola at Belvedere

Dinner doesn’t get more magical than stepping into a private fondue gondola at Restaurant Belvedere. Instead of gliding through the air, the gondolas are set up as cozy, stationary dining cabins, creating an intimate alpine atmosphere. Bubbling pots of cheese are served with fresh accompaniments. Watching the mountains shift from daylight to twilight while sharing fondue in this unique setting was the perfect finale to an epic day.

360 Photos