To the Breitenboden Alp in the Reichenbach Valley
Short facts
- start: Schwarzwaldalp
- destination: Zwirgi
- medium
- 14,99 km
- 5 hours 15 minutes
- 830 m
- 2108 m
- 974 m
- 100 / 100
- 40 / 100
best season
From Schwarzwaldalp, the route follows the sunny slope of the Reichenbach valley via Pfanni to the wide basin of the Oberster Stafels of Breitenbodenalp. The view across the flower-filled alpine meadows to the Eiger, Wetterhorn, Wellhorn, Engelhörnern and as far as the Titlis area is magnificent. In 2011, the Breitenboden Alp Cooperative was awarded the cultural landscape prize of the Oberland-Ost region for its services to the preservation of this scenic jewel.
Afterwards, you hike gently up and down above the forest line out of the valley. The huts at Grindelfeld and Grindelschärm belong to Alp Grindel. A narrow path leads steeply down to Alp Chaltenbrunnen. From there, a winding gravel road leads partly across pastureland and partly through mountain forest to Seilialp, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Rosenlaui and Wetterhorn for the last time. The last part of the descent is again very steep, leading down to Zwirgi on a forest path.
General information
Directions
Schwarzwaldalp - Breitenboden - Grindelschärm - Seilialp - Zwirgi
Safety Guidelines
- Regularly check the location and compare it with the schedule. In this way, alternatives, shortcuts, demolition, etc. can be considered in good time.
- In the event of bad weather, turn back in good time or seek shelter. If thunderclouds are gathering, it is advisable to abort the tour as soon as possible.
- Do not leave the marked paths. Stay on the official hiking trails even if trails look like shortcuts. Some of these paths are not maintained and can end in a dead end.
- Lost? Stay together as a group and return to the last known point. Wait for better visibility or call for help.
- Plan enough time and energy reserves for the descent.
- Slow down and take breaks.
- Steep grass, scree and snow slopes are safer to tackle on the ascent than on the descent.
- For the descent, choose the easier option or take the train down to the valley.
- Avoid herds of cattle calmly and at a sufficient distance. Keep dogs on a leash.
- In encounters with guard dogs, the following applies: Remain calm so that the dog realises that you are not a danger to the herd. Keep a generous distance from the herd.
- Allow mountain bikers to pass without obstructing their ride unnecessarily.
Equipment
- The sun's rays are particularly intense in the mountains. Sun cream with a high protection factor, a sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection should therefore be part of your luggage.
- Even in summer and in good "starting weather", warm clothing and rain protection are part of the equipment. The onion principle with several layers of clothing is recommended.
- Day hiking backpack with rain cover
- Sturdy and comfortable shoes
- Clothing adapted to the weather and hard-wearing (onion principle)
- Charged mobile phone
- Pocket pharmacy
- Beverages and food
- Pocket knife
Tip
At the starting point on the Schwarzwaldalp there is an old, traditional sawmill. The sawmill, which is operated by a 3.4 m high water wheel, is over 100 years old. It can be visited during public guided tours.
Getting there
From Basel and Geneva, the fastest route to the Jungfrau Region is via Bern. From Zurich, the route via Lucerne and the Brünig Pass is recommended. The pass is open all year round.
From the south, travel to the Jungfrau Region via the Grimsel or Susten Pass. Both passes are only open in summer. An alternative is the Simplon Pass with subsequent car transport through the Lötschberg tunnel.
Parking
The municipality of Meiringen has 835 public parking spaces in the village centre and at the valley station of the Meiringen-Hasliberg cable cars. A large multi-storey car park is located in Hasliberg-Wasserwendi directly by the gondola lift to Käserstatt.
Public transit
Thanks to its central location in Europe, Switzerland is served by international trains from over 12 countries. Within Switzerland, Intercity trains run from Basel and Lucerne directly to the Jungfrau Region. Travellers from Zurich change trains in Bern. The trains run every half hour.
From Interlaken and Lucerne we travel comfortably on the Zentralbahn panorama trains directly to Meiringen. From Brünig-Hasliberg we have several post bus connections at our disposal.
Weather

This tour is presented by: Jungfrau Region Tourismus AG