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

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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.