Route: Grindelwald Grund – Swing Canyon – Grindelwald Dorf – Eiger Ultratrails – Marmorbruch – Grindelwald Grund
Date: 24.09.2024
Length: approx. 14 km round trip
Elevation gain: around 850 m
Total time: about 7–8.5 hours including lunch break
Leaving the parking area at Grindelwald Grund in the fresh morning air, I began my hike along the Schwarze Lütschine, the mountain stream whose clear, lively waters accompany the first steps of the way. On the right-hand side you do see beautiful typical Swiss mountain houses, and behind them, the mighty Eiger, with its famous North Face, rose almost vertically into the sky.
To its left, the graceful Mönch came into sight, and further beyond, the sharp pyramid of the Wetterhorn appeared, its flanks still streaked with lingering snowfields. The valley here was still quiet, with only the sound of the rushing water and the occasional train passing by on the Bernese Oberland Railway.
Not long after setting out, I made my first stop at the famous Canyon Swing.
Here, the Weisse Lütschine has carved a deep gorge, its waters thundering far below. Even if you are not taking the plunge yourself, it is worth pausing to watch the daring jumpers step off into the void before swinging through the narrow canyon. The spot offers a dramatic perspective on the raw, untamed energy of the valley, and the mix of excitement from the jumpers and the roar of the river makes for a memorable moment — and a good early photo stop.
From here, the path led me steadily upwards, the scenery opening with each step. The mighty Eiger, with its famous North Face, the graceful Mönch and the sharp pyramid of the Wetterhorn are accompanying me almost the whole day. A great start at a wounderful sunny day.
Looking across to the left, above the clustered chalets of Grindelwald, I could see the broad ridge of the Faulhorn massif and the rolling slopes of the First area. At certain bends, the valley spread out like a picture postcard — a green patchwork dotted with chalets, framed by snowy peaks — perfect spots to pause and take photographs, especially in the warm morning light that painted the mountains in golden tones.
Eventually, I reached the centre of Grindelwald and the Hotel Restaurant Fiescherblick, the ideal place for a midday rest. Sitting by the window with a view of the distant Fiescherhorn, I enjoyed a well-earned lunch. The Fiescherhorn, with its glacier-covered summits, seemed almost unreal in its grandeur, a reminder of the high alpine world just beyond the valley’s reach.
After lunch, I set out again, this time following the Eiger Ultratrail route. The ascent now became steeper, pulling me towards higher ground and ever closer views of the Eiger’s dark wall. Every few minutes the perspective shifted, revealing new angles of the Mönch and, behind it, the Jungfrau, her snowfields gleaming in the sun. Turning to look back over my shoulder, the panorama of Grindelwald below and the wide sweep towards the Faulhorn made for another perfect photo stop.
Unfortunately, it has been already 5 p.m. and the weather forecast predicted rain. So after this gorges view to the Glacier, about 30 minutes, before the Bäregghütte, I turned back.
I did not see the Bäregghütte, which is perched high above the valley. I missed the view of the hut, which sits in a location that feels suspended between earth and sky, with dramatic views down to the Unterer Grindelwald Glacier and across to the Schreckhorn, its jagged profile unmistakable. This would have been perhaps the most breathtaking vantage point of the entire hike, a place to stand still and simply take in the immense scale of the Bernese Alps.
But this view, gave me an Idea, how it would look like. Isn`t it a great Panorama?
On my way back, I hiked via the Marmorbruch path. The trail wound through rocky slopes and forest, with occasional clearings giving glimpses back to the Eiger and Wetterhorn. The sound of the Schwarze Lütschine returned as I approached the valley floor, bringing the hike full circle to Grindelwald Grund.
By the time I reached the parking area again, the afternoon light had softened, casting a warm glow over the mountains. The day had been a perfect blend of peaceful valley walking, thrilling canyon views, close encounters with legendary peaks, and high alpine viewpoints — and I was totally exhausted.
By the way, it didn’t rain. So I must have missed some fantastic views. But my camera was sttill filled with images of the Eiger, Mönch, Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Fiescherhorn that I would surely treasure long after leaving Grindelwald.