First – Faulhorn (2681m) – Schynige Platte

This hike may offer some of the most beautiful views in the Alps. It leads past a stunning mountain lake, several huts, along the Schynige Platte panorama trail and ends at an alpine garden. If you only have a few days for hiking in the Alps, this may be one to consider.

Take the gondola from Grindelwald up to First, where the hike starts. From here follow the path towards Bachalpsee and Faulhorn.

Follow the path towards Bachalpsee while stopping from time to time to enjoy the fantastic views of the Bernese Alps and glaciers.

When reaching the lake, make your way along its right edge. Be sure to look back once reaching the other side of the lake as the views across the water are stunning.

From Bachalpsee the path starts turning uphill, passing Burgihitta, before leading up to the top of Faulhorn. Here you will find a mountain hotel which allows for a refreshment or even a stay overnight.

From Faulhorn, take the path west, which leads along a ridge with fantastic views. During spring and summer it is covered in flowers. At the end of the ridge the path leads to Berghaus Männdlenen hut, where the next refreshment awaits. Here you have another opportunity to spend the night and cut the hike in half.

At the Berghaus, take the path to the right which leads along a shallow gully. After a while it will make a sharp left turn around the Sägissa ridge and afterwards leads towards Güwtürli, a beautiful mountain pass. Along here the path very gently leads downhill, which makes this a pleasant and easy walk.

From Güwtürli it is only a couple more bends in the path to reach the panoramic walk along Schynige Platte. When you reach a fork in the path, choose the one on the right to make your way along the upper path. You will need to climb up a short ladder in order to reach the upper path. Though this effort is well rewarded by the stunning views across Brienzersee and Thunersee lakes from the top.

Enjoy the beautiful panoramic walk above the lakes, which eventually leads to the botanical alpine garden at Schnyige Platte. Many small paths cross through the slope that makes up the botanical garden. It is displaying over 700 different alpine plants, making it quite easy to spend a good bit of time here.

Once you are ready to get back to the valley, make your way to the Schynige Platte railway station, from where the train will take you down into Wilderswil.