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The Grosse Scheidegg

Grosse Scheidegg

The Grosse Scheidegg

Arguably the most scenic cycling pass in the Alps

START: Interlaken

FINISH: Interlaken

EFFORT: Medium

DISTANCE: 80km, Clockwise Loop

VERTICAL: 1500m

The immediate Jungfrau Region is not known as a road cycling destination. However, it is home to what may be Europe’s best cycling pass, the Grosse Scheidegg. Not only does the road pass directly beneath alpine walls and glaciers towering 1700 meters above, and includes views of the famous Eiger Nordwand - what is one of the biggest selling points is the fact that it is closed to cars and only a few meters wide. You’ll enjoy all that the pass and region offer without cars or motorbikes buzzing you. The only sounds you're likely to encounter are the occasional Swiss PostAuto horn and cowbells. Done as a loop from Interlaken, this is an absolute all around great ride that also includes a 15km cruise along the turquoise waters of the Brienzersee.

You can see ALPSinsight's own Alain Rumpf and Dan Patitucci ride the Grosse Scheidegg in this video by Scott Bikes.

TIP: While tempting to look heroic on Strava, you’ll regret not stopping for the views of what is certainly one of the most stunning road rides in the world. At the very least, sit in the sun for a few minutes on the Grosse Scheidegg pass itself and soak in what you are amongst.

For information on how to book this trip contact: info@alpsinsight.com
PatitucciPhoto
Uphill Athlete
Trail Butter
View Map on Switzerland Mobility
Grosse Scheidegg

One turn away from the top of the Grosse Scheidegg's east side.

Grosse Scheidegg

Riding the Grosse Scheidegg from the east side has a spectacular final few switchbacks beneath the Wetterhorn

Grosse Scheidegg

Cyclists all imagine the perfect climb; narrow, car free, good pavement, and huge views. This is it.

Grosse Scheidegg

Tiny rider on a tiny road in a HUGE landscape.

Grosse Scheidegg

The Eiger's famous north face hides in the cloud above Grindelwald, on the Grosse Scheidegg's west side.

Grosse Scheidegg

Lots of media attention on the Grosse Scheidegg by PatitucciPhoto/ALPSinsight.

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Comments 33

  1. Reply

    We are very interested in riding The Grosse Scheidegg . We are planning a trip in September. Is the weather favorable that time of year? Are there any specific weeks you would recommend? Also where do we rent bikes?
    Thank you for any information.
    Karin

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      Hi Karin, September is typically a more stable month for weather, but no guarantees…! For bike rentals, check Imboden Bikes in Lauterbrunnen. Have fun.

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  3. Reply

    If you are in good shape… running 3 miles a day and working out would you say this is doable? I am concerned about the level of strenuousness.

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  4. Reply

    Hello “Admin”!
    I looking to take on the Grosse Scheidegg Loop and possibly others in and around the area. I’ll possibly be solo, are there guided rides or “club” rides that frequent these passes?

    Best, James USA

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      Hi James, there aren’t any club rides that I know of but there are private guides available. One of the partners here at ALPSinsight guides it. If you’d like we can help. Best to email alain@alpsinsight.com.

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    Hello,
    I would like to know if there is a lot of car traffic on the road between Interlaken and Meirigen?
    Thank you
    Maude

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      Very little if you stay on the north side of the Brienzersee and then follow bike roads. You can also ride the south side of the lake if you are okay with some gravel roads. After the lake is a great bike road.

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        We were able to do it last Saturday. It was really beautiful !!!
        Thank you very much for your advice! Indeed there were not many cars along the lake.
        The busiest part was the last part from Grindelwald to Interlaken just after the bike path. But nothing big deal.
        Maude

  6. Reply

    This road looks incredible. I arrive in Grindelwald this Sunday, I’m a nordic skiier and hope to roller ski up Gross Scheidegg and then take the bus back down. Do you know if roller skiers are allowed on this road? Also, is the bus free?

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      I’m not sure about the rollers skis, it’s probably fine. Heads up on how narrow the road is and you’ll have to completely step off the road to let the bus pass. The bus isn’t free, it’s Switzerland! It’ll be costly. Have fun.

  7. Reply

    Is the mentioned route best clockwise or counterclockwise? (climb the Grosse Scheidegg from Grindelwald or from Innertkirchen?)
    Looking to climb it one of the next few days.. Thanks in advance!

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      In my opinion, the best way to do the loop is clockwise. The Meiringen side climbs better. But, it’s not so different. Just be sure to do it! 😉

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        Hi there! Thanks for the reply and I did the trip on the first of august, clockwise as suggested. Beautiful trip! In the first part of the climb I ended up on a part of dirt road, because I tool the alpine cycling route, probably not exactly what was intended. I think I should have stayed on the main road in Shattenhalb and turn right on the scheideggstrasse. Instead I turned right on the alpine route in Shattenhalb:
        https://www.strava.com/activities/2582590226
        Nevertheless: beautiful route.

        Thanks for the suggestion.

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      Hola curt, has fet la ruta en bicicleta elèctrica?
      Sóc un persona de 72 anys i peso 90 Kg. I tinc dubtes si la bateria de 625 kw seràsuficient. A la Grosse Scheidegg, es pot carregar la bateria?

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      Might be too early, but it all depends on how big the winter was. Best to check in around April May.

  10. Reply

    Hi,
    I will be in Grindelwald from 20 to 23 July 2020. I would like to climb Gross Scheidegg. I was going to just rent a bike from Imboden in Lauterbrunnen and follow course on my Garmin. I see on your website you mention guides. I was wondering what services do you offer for a guide and organising bike rental.
    Any assistance would be much appreciated.

    Regards
    Tom Colligan
    Brisbane Australia

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      Hi Tom, Thanks for the note. Yes, Alain, here at ALPSinsight does a lot of guiding. He will email directly. I hope it all works out for you! Dan

  11. Reply

    Hi – great video! Where is the cafe at the end (and can you get a boat across from there)? Thank you for the reply 🙂

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      Thanks, James – yes, there is a boat that connects several ports, including the cafe in Oberhofen, on Lake Thun.

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    I’ll be there to climb from Meiringin on JUN24. What kind of gear do you suggest? Is a wind vest and sleeves enough?

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  14. Reply

    Hi!

    Is the route asphalt / paved all the way and suitable for a road bike?

    Thanks in advance

    N

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  15. Reply

    Thanks for the info! Hopefully I’ll be doing this loop soon. I’ve trekked in the area extensively but never biked up from the Meiringen side.

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