Hiking the Swiss Alps: A First-Timer's Guide to Interlaken & Grindelwald
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland is the postcard definition of Swiss alpine perfection. With towering granite walls, icy glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and mountain trains, it is a hiker's paradise.
Here is everything you need to know to plan a dream hiking trip around Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen.
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Top 3 Scenic Day Hikes
1. First to Bachalpsee Lake (Grindelwald)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlight: A wide, gentle trail leading to a crystal-clear alpine lake reflecting the jagged peaks of the Schreckhorn. On a clear day, the mirror reflection is breathtaking.
2. The Eiger Trail (Alpiglen to Eigergletscher)
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Walk directly beneath the towering, legendary 1,800-meter North Face of the Eiger (Eigerwand). Watch climbers scale the sheer rock face through binoculars!
3. Schynige Platte to First Ridge Hike
- Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlight: High-altitude panoramas overlooking both turquoise lakes, alpine meadows bursting with wild orchids, and rustic mountain huts serving hot rösti.
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Must-Experience Mountain Railways
- Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe): The highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters, built right through the mountain rock.
- Harder Kulm Funicular: Ascend from Interlaken in 10 minutes for sweeping aerial views over the two lakes.
Money Saving Tip: Purchase a Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass if staying 3 or more days. It includes unlimited rides on local trains, cable cars, and lake steamers.
