Grindelwald First to Schynige Platte Hike via Faulhorn

📍 Location

This stunning hike is situated in the Bern canton, in the heart of Switzerland. The trail’s highest point, Faulhorn, reaches an impressive 2.618 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps.

🚂 Accessing Grindelwald First by Public Transport

Grindelwald First is easily accessible from Zürich HB, making it a perfect day trip if you’re staying in the city. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. For an early start, I recommend catching a 7:00 am train, allowing you to begin the hike around 10:15 am. Here’s the exact connection I used on August 27, 2024:

🚂 07:02 Zürich HB – 07:58 Bern
🚂 08:04 Bern – 08:58 Interlaken-Ost
🚂 09:04 Interlaken-Ost – 09:40 Grindelwald Bahnhof
🚌 09:44 B121 Grindelwald Bahnhof – 09:47 Grindelwald Firstbahn
🚠 25 minutes by gondola to First

I completed the 17 km trail in about 6 hours, including a lunch break and a quick detour to the famous First Cliff Walk. The weather in late August was beginning to cool, but still pleasant enough for hiking. Although I didn’t swim in the alpine lakes due to time constraints, it’s a great option to consider if you’re feeling adventurous!

Be mindful of your return trip, as trains descending from Schynige Platte can be infrequent. Here are the last two departures:
🚂 17:01 Schynige Platte – 17:53 Wilderswil (🚂 Train to arrive back in Zürich HB at 20:28)
🚂 17:53 Schynige Platte – 18:45 Wilderswil (🚂 Train to arrive back in Zürich HB at 20:58)

For efficiency, I hiked the trail in reverse, starting at Grindelwald First and ending at Schynige Platte, which saved time on the elevation gain. Keep in mind that the Firstbahn gondola closes at 17:30, so plan your hike accordingly if you prefer the traditional route.

🥾 The trail

Distance: 17 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 900 m up, 1.100 m down

There’s something magical about hiking in Switzerland, and this particular trail combines jaw-dropping landscapes with a challenge that’s accessible to most hikers. From the pristine alpine lakes to the iconic Faulhorn summit, this hike has quickly become one of my favorites. If you’re short on time, doing the route in reverse like I did can save you a bit of effort while still offering incredible views throughout the day.

Essential Tips for Hikers

Whether you’re a seasoned solo hiker or just beginning, a few key preparations can make a world of difference for a safe and enjoyable day in the mountains.

1. Offline Navigation Tools

When hiking in remote areas like Schynige Platte, reliable internet access isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why I always plan ahead with offline maps. I download the GPX track from Outdooractive, which I then upload into my GPX Viewer app on my iPhone. This ensures that I have the entire route stored offline. So, I can stay on track even if I lose reception.

Another favorite of mine is Mapy.cz, where I downloaded the full map of Switzerland. What’s great about Mapy is that it shows all marked hiking trails offline. This makes it incredibly easy to re-plan my route mid-hike if needed. This has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion when I’ve needed to adjust my course due to weather or other factors.

2. Keeping an Eye on the Weather

Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. I always use multiple sources to monitor it before and during my hike. My go-to sources in Switzerland are the MeteoSwiss website and SRF Meteo app. MeteoSwiss offers detailed forecasts for the entire region, while SRF Meteo gives me real-time updates right on my phone. Checking both ensures I’m prepared for any sudden changes in weather conditions.

3. Pack Smart

Besides my navigation tools, I make sure to carry enough water, snacks, and extra layers. This includes rain gear, as weather and temperatures can shift quickly in higher altitudes. Also, pack a power bank to keep your phone charged. Navigation, tracking apps, and taking photos can drain the battery faster than usual.

When preparing for the Schynige Platte hike, packing the right essentials can make or break your experience. From ensuring you have the right gear to staying comfortable on the trail, thoughtful preparation is key. To make sure you’re fully prepared, I’ve put together a comprehensive one-day hiking packing checklist that I’ve refined over the years. 

By taking these precautions, even hiking in groups feels safer and more enjoyable. I hope these tips will help you feel more confident. Enjoy exploring the beauty of Schynige Platte or any other Alpine trail!

🎒 What to Pack

• 💧 Enough water
• 🥪 Snacks
• 🧥 Extra layers and rain gear
• 🔋 Power bank
• 📱 Offline GPX navigation

❓ FAQ: Grindelwald First to Schynige Platte

How long is the First to Schynige Platte hike?

I completed my 17 km route in about 6 hours, including lunch and a short detour to the First Cliff Walk.

How difficult is the hike?

It’s a long moderate mountain hike. My route had around 900 m of ascent and 1,100 m of descent, so you need good hiking fitness.

Is it better to hike First to Schynige Platte or the other way around?

Both directions work. I started at First and finished at Schynige Platte, which reduced the climbing on my route.

What is the highest point of the hike?

The route crosses Faulhorn, one of the major viewpoints of the hike and the highest section of the route.

Do I need to watch the mountain-transport times?

Absolutely. This is a point-to-point hike dependent on the First gondola and Schynige Platte railway, so check the day’s final departures before starting.

When is the best time to hike First–Schynige Platte?

It’s a summer high-altitude hike and needs snow-free trails plus operating mountain transport. I did it in late August, when temperatures were already starting to cool.