Grindelwald to Männlichen to Wengen? Or reverse?

We will be based in Murren for four nights in September. On one day, we hope to go up to Männlichen and hike to Kleine Scheidegg. Does it make sense to start by traveling to Grindelwald, gondola up to Männlichen for the to Kleine Scheidegg and back, and then cablecar down to Wengen? Could we do the Grindelwald-First gondola with hike to Bachalpsee on the same day (assuming early start and cooperative weather)? If both could be done the same day, would it be better to start in Grindelwald or Wengen? Suggestions are appreciated.

Lots of different combinations possible but I would suggest taking the train to Wengen from Lauterbrunnen then walk up to the cable car in Wengen and take it to Mannlichen. Hike to KS then take the train to Grindelwald and cable car to First. Hike to Bachalpsee then return to First and cable car down to Grindelwald. Then train to Lauterbrunnen. Definitely can be done in a day. If you get to Bachalpsee by mid afternoon I would suggest returning to Grindelwald by way of hiking down to Waldspitz then Bort from Bachalpsee. It’s very scenic, not crowded, and takes about an hour longer. From Bort you take the cable car to Grindelwald.

Mark

Thank you Mark. This is exactly the information we were looking for. We couldn't have figured this out on our own - including the extra suggestion of extending the Bachalpsee hike to Bort.

The section from Mannlichen to KS takes 1.45 hrs, is slightly downhill and easy. First to Bort takes 2.45 hrs total. It is slightly uphill to Bachalpsee then downhill to Waldspitz/ Bort. There is a nice outdoor restaurant at Waldspitz for a beer and late lunch if you want.

the main problem with your original plan is the cable car from Grindelwald to Mannlichen does not actually leave from Grindelwald but rather Grindelwald Gund which requires a 30-45 min walk or catching a bus from Grindelwald to Grindelwald/Gund

Mark

Mark,

Three years ago, we took a quick 5 minute train ride from Grindelwald to Grindelwald Grund.

Yes, you can walk, take the local bus or the short train ride. The buses seem to run more frequently than the train. Anyway by starting in Wengen you avoid that necessity.

Mark