Schynige Platte to First via Faulhorn

The Schynige Platte to First walk via the Faulhorn is the best-known high-level day hike in the Interlaken region of the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. It runs about 15 km point to point, with roughly 800 m of ascent and 1,100 m of descent, and takes 6 to 7 hours. The trailhead is Schynige Platte, reached by train from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil and then the cogwheel railway, which operates in summer with final departures on 25 October 2026. The finish is Grindelwald First, where the First gondola descends to Grindelwald and a train returns to Interlaken Ost in about 35 minutes. No permit is needed. The route is rated hard because of its length, altitude and exposed sections rather than technical climbing. The trail follows the Männdlenen ridge, climbs to the Faulhorn at 2,681 m, then descends past Bachalpsee toward First. Surfaces vary between grassy ridges, stony tracks and rocky sections, and there is little shade, so sun and wind exposure are significant. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau remain in view for hours, with Lake Brienz and Lake Thun to the north. Refreshments are available at the Berghotel Schynige Platte at the start, the Faulhorn mountain restaurant near the summit, and at First, which serve as the main sources of water and shelter. Because the route is long and weather can change quickly, storms in the afternoon are a real hazard and there are few places to hide on open ridges. Turn-around points are limited once the Faulhorn is passed, though the descent toward Bachalpsee and First is straightforward. Hikers should check snow reports for the Faulhorn, as snow can linger into early summer and return in autumn. Starting on one of the first trains gives the best chance of finishing before the last gondola.