Schwarzhorn via ferrata - Grindelwald

4.32 km long
Difficulty: medium
Via Ferrata
  • 5:00 h
  • 4.32 km
  • 850 m
  • 100 m
  • 2,078 m
  • 2,928 m
  • 850 m
  • Start: First, Grindelwald
  • Destination: Schwarzhorn

The Schwarzhorn is the highest pre-Alpine peak. Throughout the route, the view of the north cliffs of the Bernese Alps is impressive.
From First, a road leads towards Grosse Scheidegg. After about 15 minutes, a signpost directs you onto a hiking trail to the foot of the Schwarzhorn. The white-blue-white marked path leads into the "Grosse Krinne" and further to the start of the via ferrata. You follow the wire rope and the ladders, which have no protection points. Then you follow the ridge up to the summit. Halfway, a bench invites you to take a break.

The via ferrata has been renovated in the lower half up to above the ladders according to the latest via ferrata standards (the upper part will be renewed next year)! The crossing over Grossi Chrinne has also been equipped with a continuous rope and steps in the slabs.

If the Schwarzhorn stands quite in the shadow of the Faulhorn (2681 m), despite the great panorama, it is probably because the path is somewhat more challenging and summit climbers cannot sit on the terrace shouting "Miss, a beer!" So the Schwarzhorn remains a destination for self-supplied visitors. Some of them have carried not only food and drink in their backpacks for over ten years but also a via ferrata set. Since 1995, wire ropes and some rather airy ladders have hung on the southwest ridge, providing a light adrenaline rush. You can also experience this on the "First Cliff Walk" since autumn 2015. The circular route at the gondola mountain station First consists of a walkway on the rocks of the rocky summit, a suspension bridge, and an ascent walkway with a viewing cabin facing the high mountains of Grindelwald. Neither via ferrata gear nor hiking boots are needed to walk the cliff path.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Trail
Path
Via ferrata

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment: official via ferrata gear, gloves, sturdy mountain boots, medium-sized backpack with hip belt, sun protection, rainwear, first aid kit, picnic, sufficient fluids, mobile phone.

Directions & Parking facilities

In the center of Grindelwald. On foot or local bus to the First valley station.
By train via Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, then on foot (or local bus) to the First valley station. Gondola to First. From the First mountain station, descend on the hiking trail to Distelboden, then ascend via mountain path to Chrinneboden. At altitude 2407, turn left to Grossi Chrinne.

License (master data)

Safety guidelines

According to the via ferrata scale: B to C (K2 to 3, moderately difficult to fairly difficult).

Nearby

Contact

Schwarzhorn via ferrata - Grindelwald
Grindelwald