FATMAP by Strava

Bachalpsee

Bernese Oberland

Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren

Superb and varied riding opposite some huge mountains.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
13 km
Ascent
176 m
Descent
1.3 km
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1 km
High Point
2.3 km
Gradient
14˚
Bachalpsee Map

Rides don't get much more scenic or varied than this route, which also enjoys a superb effort:reward ratio - just look at the stats of how little uphill is required for a whole lot of downhill! The trail takes in everything from easy jeep tracks to steep, root-y single trail and rocky, technical terrain.

Description

Start out by riding the First cable car to its fourth and final point, which (somewhat confusingly) is called "First". Head north-northwest out of the cable car station and follow a steep jeep track which climbs quickly to reach the Adi's Skibar, Freie Republik Oberjoch. Go past this and then ride much more easily down and then briefly up again to the Bachalpsee lake. The lake is incredibly positioned, and on a calm morning you might be lucky enough to see the famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland reflected in it. Whether you're looking at the reflections or the peaks themselves, the view is staggering, with the Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn, Wetterhorn and Eiger all lined up ready to be admired.

You've barely earned a rest at this point but with a view like this, it's hard to resist taking some time to sit and ponder the panorama. When you do get riding, head east-southeast onto a rocky track and follow this down some technical, burly terrain towards the tree line. The views are fabulous all the way down but the riding is tough in places, with some large rocky steps and sustained technical terrain.

You'll all too soon reach a collection of chalets - keep going and then, upon reaching the tree line, you arrive at the Berggasthaus Wildspitz, which is a great place to grab a coffee and a cake. Carry on downhill on a combination of jeep tracks and steep, root-y tracks through the forest to the Aellfluh viewpoint. From here, a fun and easy singletrack traverses back towards the First cable car and then tracks and roads take you back into Grindelwald village.

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Road sections
  • Roots
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens
  • Wooden Feature

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area