The Grand Balcony
If you walk one ridge in the Bernese Oberland, walk this one. The trail starts at the cogwheel terminus of Schynige Platte and runs the high balcony all the way to First, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau filling the sky on your right for hours. The Faulhorn at the midpoint is the high col, with a historic mountain inn just below the summit. The Bachalpsee waits near the end.
Duration
~6 hours
Distance
16 km
Elevation gain
900 m
Difficulty
T2 — moderate
Faulhorn
2681 m
Both ends are served by mountain railways and gondolas, so no car shuttle is needed. The vintage cog railway up to Schynige Platte is worth the early start.
This is a long day above 2000 metres with little shade. Carry water and sun protection and check that the path is snow free, usually mid June onward.
