Grosse Scheidegg – Wildgaerst (2891m) – Bachsee – First

The area around Grindelwald is certainly popular and can be busy during the summer. If you would like to enjoy the amazing views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau without the crowds, this hike up Wildgaerst may be the one for you.

The hike starts at Grosse Scheidegg, which can be reached by Bus from Grindelwald and from Meiringen. From the pass, follow the hiking signs towards First, which lead along a ridge with amazing views on both sides.

After a bit over a kilometer, you see a path turning off to the right towards Scheidegg Oberläger. Follow that path until Oberläger, where you turn left and then left again at the next junction.

Now the path starts leading uphill along a wide valley, following a small stream. At some point the green turns into rocks and the path keeps leading uphill. Be sure to stop occasionally and look back. The views are simply stunning!

It’s about 800 Hm until you reach Wart pass. Here a path turns right to head up to the top of Wildgaerst. It’s only another 200 Hm to the top now.

Once you have enjoyed the views from the top, make your way back down to the pass, then head right. It’s now downhill past Häxeseewli and Hagelseewli, two little mountain lakes.

After the second lake, you could immediately turn right or continue until the next junction and then turn right. If you continue along the signs to First directly, the walk will be shorter but you will miss the amazing views of Bachalpsee lake from above.

It’s now towards Burghitta, a small wooden hut. The path turns uphill slightly but not very much. Once you meet the trail coming down from Faulhorn, turn left. There is now the view of Bachalpsee below. Amazing!

Make your way down to the lake, which might take a while because of all the photos you will want to take. The path turns left around the lake and after the lake left at a junction. From here it is only about 1.5 km to the First gondola station, from where the lift takes you back down into Grindelwald.