The simple way to a perfect Swiss trip

➤ Overwhelmed by all the options? Let our Switzerland experts craft your custom independent trip. Save time and travel with confidence. See how it works

Grosse Scheidegg-Meiringen: the facts

  • Hiking time: 3h45
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Elevation: 596 – 1966 m
  • Distance: 13.0 km
  • Terrain: meadows and forests
  • Region: Jungfrau Region and Hasli Valley (both in the Bernese Oberland)

About this trail

During this hike, you’ll follow the way of the stream called Reichenbach until the Reichenbach Fall, where the water rumbles down over 100 m (330 ft).

The hike starts at Grosse Scheidegg, a pass at the base of the Wetterhorn. You can enjoy a beautiful view of, among others, the Eiger. Then you’ll start hiking down the valley where you will cross meadows and forests on your way. Every now and then there is a great view of the remarkably shaped rock formations on both sides of the valley.

Directions and map

How to reach Grosse Scheidegg

You will first travel to Grindelwald by car or by train. Take the bus to Grosse Scheidegg from there. There are limited bus services from Meiringen to Grosse Scheidegg as well.

Alternatively, you can walk to Grosse Scheidegg from Grindelwald-First.

How to travel back from Meiringen

Trains to Brienz/Interlaken, Lucerne, and Innertkirchen depart from the rail station in Meiringen.

Hiking route

Just follow the signposts until you arrive at the Reichenbach Fall. Sometimes you have to walk on the road for a short while. You will pass the Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui about halfway, where you can see how the melting water of the Rosenlaui glacier worms its way through a narrow canyon (an entrance fee applies).

You have descended about 1,100 m (3,600 ft) from Grosse Scheidegg when you arrive at the Reichenbach Fall. You will pass the waterfalls before you reach the mountain station of the funicular. The funicular saves you from descending even more and takes you to the Hasli valley, from where it is a 20-minute walk to the railway station in Meiringen.

Grosse Scheidegg-Meiringen trail on a map

Maps are available to members only
Check out all the benefits members have access to
Create a free account
Map

Promotions Copy link to clipboard

Viator

Find budget activities in Switzerland.

Members-only promotion

Members-only
Members-only promotion

This promotion is available to members only. Check out all the benefits members have access to.

Klook

Find budget activities in Switzerland.

These promotions are offered by our trusted partners.
Find other promotions
All about Grindelwald-First and the Bernese Oberland Copy link to clipboard
Grindelwald valley and surrounding mountains from First

Grindelwald-First

The First is a mountain near Grindelwald with amazing views and adventure activities, such as the Cliff Walk and the …
The town of Interlaken and the Bernese Alps seen from Harder Kulm.

Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland is a popular Swiss holiday region south-east of the city Bern. You'll find a very diverse landscape …
More blog articles of interest Copy link to clipboard
The castle of Oberhofen, surrounded by a wall and pine trees.

Free with the Swiss Travel Pass in the Bernese Oberland

The Swiss Travel Pass includes a lot of free panoramic trips in the Bernese Oberland.
Local train between Täsch and Zermatt

Hike Täsch-Zermatt

Walk along the railroad in the Matter Valley to the famous mountain resort Zermatt.
Bench with view of Schreckhorn and Grindelwald, between First and Grosse Scheidegg

Hike First-Grosse Scheidegg

Easy walk across alpine meadows with great views of the Jungfrau massif. You can continue by bus or on foot …

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 9100 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.

Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.