Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen

Difficulty points	1180
Length	10 mi
Average gradient	7.8%
Steepest segment	16.3%
Total ascent	4134 ft

Reviews (30)

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aliasfred ^premium

8 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

One of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. The pass is very hard apart from 2 flat spots in the middle. The last 5 km are particularly difficult, including 1 km at 13％.

Yeti

8 Mo 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

The most magnificent climb I have ever done and a must for next time I stay in this area.
Started the climb at 7am in early August when I was only riding in the shadow of the Grosses Engelhorn and the Gstellihorn. Slowly the sun came up and started shining over these peaks which made for a beautiful picture.

Despite its percentage, the beautiful view and only the sound of cowbells, birds and marmots make you forget that you are climbing.
Also because the route is only accessible to residents and the bus, no other road traffic encountered.

Fantastic climb only on the descent towards Grindelwald I had to be careful because of "crossing wildlife". Indeed, several cows were walking and blocking the road. (some of them can be seen in my last photo)

Jelleblack ^premium

9 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Perfect to do on a weekend day if you are in the area, as the last part (last 500 hm) is indeed car-free except for the bus. Because of the irregular percentages and altitude, you'll soon need your lightest gear.

DHHille ^premium

10 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

A beautiful climb! Perfect as a first pass. The lower part of the climb is still quite wooded, so you don't notice much of the midday heat. When you come out of the forest, the scenery is stunningly beautiful with views of the higher mountains. There is not a lot of traffic, but it is still very annoying when the bus comes by and you are at the limit, as the roads are not that wide.

DavidG53 ^premium

10 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Spanish. Show original

Climbed on a cloudy day so I couldn't see the mountains on the left on the last part. I'd say try to climb it on a good weather day if possible, but anyway it's very beautiful, rivers, waterfalls, narrow road with almost no traffic and some tight bends. Climb has different parts. I parted from meiringen it's a 3％ for 3 Kms in a busy road, then turn right after the gas station. 1st part it's very steep, then you have two middle sections that are almost flat. After 2nd one comes the wall, I almost put feet down but I conquered it, it's 16％ and I even saw 18％ for some seconds, it seems to never end. After that it's steep around 10％ until the end which is around 4 kms after the wall. Shame of the clouds. On the way down to Grindelwald be careful, very steep and tight turns for the first kms. For me it was tougher than expected. It's very steep if you don't count those 2 almost flat sections

NicholasDawes ^premium

1 y 5.0

An absolutely beautiful climb with quiet roads (traffic free from half way). Watch out for the bus though. Great road surfaces too.

edirohrer

1 y 5.0 02:00:00 (5 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

Really one of the most beautiful passes and it is also worth cycling the long loop from Meiringen via Grosse Scheidegg then down to Grindelwald and finally along Lake Brienz back to Meiringen, a total of 75km with 1800 metres of altitude.

LorenzoGbr ^premium

1 y 5.0

My favorite climb in Switzerland so far! Quite tough but you will not feel it, as the surroundings are BEAUTIFUL starting from km 3-4 up to the end. I don't even remember that steep section, just the meadows, the waterfalls and the big walls of rock in the distance!
And no traffic!

Mahonis

1 y 5.0 01:40:00 (6 mph)

As others have said: The most beautiful climb in Switzerland (probably)!
Right from the start it’s nice and tough. In contrast to the Grindelwald side, there are a couple of places to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery.
The Wall™️ is steep but manageable. What makes it hard is the fact that it stays around 8-10％ for the remaining couple of kilometres.

AlSa ^premium

1 y 5.0

Have done it in cloudy weather with top 400m in the cloud. Regardless it was an increadibly good climb with increadible scenery. Very difficult 2 sections of about 4-5km.

Rob-Driessen

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

This col is terribly beautiful and tough. From Wilderswil via Grindelwald done three times in '88, '89 and '91 and from Meiringen in '89 and '12. Very tough from both sides, but the advantage is that apart from the post bus there is no traffic on it.

BerthaVision ^premium

2 y 5.0

Has to be the most scenic climb I've ever seen, if there is one better I have to know about it! Starts hard, there is a lengthy easy section about halfway & then it's brutal for a bit before a more sustained effort to the top...but the hard end is easily ignored by the stunning views.

W_Olivarius ^premium

2 y 5.0 01:20:20 (7.5 mph)

Really a nice climb! Unfortunately it was raining when I rode it. Still, I could see some of the magnificent mountains around. The last 5 km is really hard with most places above 10％, but the views make up for that. There is almost no traffic on this climb except for a bus sometimes. I didn't like the descent to Grindelwald, because it was wet and very steep. A must do climb, but it was a shame the weather wasn't better when I rode it.

RobertS ^premium

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

One of the most beautiful climbs, if not the most beautiful, in Switzerland! Cycled both sides now and this side is much prettier. If you are staying in Mieringen for, say, the Grimsel-Furka-Susten combination, grab this climb as a wonderfully peaceful panoramic treat.

And if that's not enough, you can do this climb with a lap around Lake Brienzersee and take a trip down the valley from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg. Few altimeters, but oh so beautiful views there.

As a present, we got to see another helicopter on the flatter middle section fuelling a mountain hut. Right after that, you get that 13％ in front of you (see photo from the saddle), but it's doable and not too long. Besides, standing still often to take photos's almost mandatory on this climb.

I could do this one every year.

Tornado

3 y 5.0 02:10:00 (4.6 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

Really my favourite climb! Demanding, sublime landscapes, very little traffic and the first third in the shade. What happiness!!!

ewanewans

3 y 5.0 01:55:35 (5.2 mph)

In my opinion, this is the pass with the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland. A 100％ must do. Very quiet roads, well paved. Beware the one steep section when you don't really expect it.

mcompaan

3 y 5.0 01:45:00 (5.7 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

I did the climb from the Beatenberg campsite, via Brienzersee. At Giessbach I had to cycle approx. 2km off road including 200m walking (not bad). Then it's a very nice flat stretch of cycling to Meiringen, about 12km.
From Meiringen to the exit (start of climb Grosse Scheidegg) it is a very busy traffic, approx. 3km (3％ average).

Grosse Scheidegg is a beautiful climb, good tarmac. Beautiful colours, water, mountain, flowers etc. Highly recommended!
I had overestimated this climb a bit, there are quite a few (long) sections above 10％.
The descent is quite steep with lots of bends. So, not really a nice downhill ride. Stop a few times to enjoy the beautiful nature, that's worth it!

JY88

3 y 5.0 01:39:32 (6 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Wow!

One of the coolest days on the bike. Started in Brienz and then slowly warmed up on the way to Meiringen. Just before Innertkirchen you can turn right to the Grosse Scheidegg. The climb starts in open field followed by some bushes. Afterwards, you follow a gurgling river that thunders down violently. You will regularly encounter other traffic on your path. Attention: the mailbox always goes first.
Cars are not allowed to go beyond the beautiful Hotel Rosenlaui. From here it is very quiet. You can enjoy great views of the glacier to the left above you. It really hurts the kilometre 13％. This was raking. Afterwards, the only thing that bothers you are the cows that get in your way, but oh well, that has its charm too.
On top is a small restaurant, but above all, a breathtaking view. Enjoy!

Descended via the intensely commercial Grindelwald. Descent is downright annoying. Steep, moderate road surface and many obscure bends. I wouldn't call it dangerous, but you have to keep your wits about you. This is not the reward you normally get after a climb. All hands on deck. Continue via Interlaken back to Brienz. Nice tour of 80 km.

stimmy ^premium

3 y 5.0 01:35:00 (6.3 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Really a very nice climb! I was, after the messages here, with some trepidation looking forward to the 'wall' but that was not at all bad. What makes it especially tough is that after that it is another 4 km climb with many pieces 10％.

The finale is the most beautiful with a view of the Eiger and the jingling of alpine cows. I really didn't like the descent to Grindelwald: very steep and a lot of ridges in the road surface. Had to pause to give hands and arms a rest from all the braking.

Ps if you start in Meiringen you have already climbed two kilometres, so it is actually 18 km.

BasR ^premium

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Grosse Scheidegg, you remember it! What a pleasure this climb is. Even the first few kilometres along meadows and forests are magnificent. But the moment the mountain wall with its ice and snow becomes visible on your left, the picture is perfect. That is also the moment when you can pedal a few hundred metres above the 15％. Fortunately, the view provides some distraction. As described earlier, it is also great that you share a large part of the asphalt only with the city/tourist bus. This climb should be done when you get the chance. Do it from this side!

Kevin ^premium

4 y 5.0 01:25:39 (7 mph)

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Despite the cloudy weather with fog and drizzling rain in the final kilometers, enjoyed this exceptionally beautiful climb. Make no mistake, this climb is more than tough. The unique setting in which you cycle makes all that suffering just a little bit easier. Beauty that the title 'one of the most beautiful cols in the Alps' certainly deserved!

PelotonDesArdennes

5 y 5.0

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Top climb. I did this with the gravel bike and then continued to climb to First/Bachalpsee. I would not do that again. Too many hikers, and the descent over gravel roads is not really pleasant.
The climb to Grosse Scheidegg I can recommend everyone - both sides are super. On the top cozy terrace.

Jozef-Kempen ^premium

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

From Innertkirchen you can make the climb very hard if you want and if you have a super small gear on your racing bike. If you take the first exit uphill from Innertkirchen it is very steep. But I think one does not take this side in the round of Switzerland. They take the second exit. Further on it is about half a kilometer fairly steep.

groesman

5 y 5.0 01:29:37 (6.7 mph)

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August 10, I was allowed to do this awesome climb! I had to pull over for the mailbox a couple of times, but there were almost no cars and almost no other cyclists (except for a couple of e-mountainbikes!).
The middle part is really enjoying. What a view you have there! You can enjoy this for a while before facing the wall of +16％ pieces. The last part of the trip we could slalom between the cows to the hotel.
The descent is a real nightmare, many short 10％ pieces with subsequent hairpin bends. Next time, I'll do the climb the other way round... or I'll turn around at the top and descend the same way again!
A serious climb that puts you to work from the start after the petrol station (officially it starts a bit earlier in Meiringen of course).

Pierre

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

28-09-2020 From Meiringen. Very nice of everything Forest,Rocks,Alpine meadow,Cows,Deer,Running water,A few Cars,Post Office, Walkers and 2 Cyclists. Last 120m of snow on the road had to walk, bike parked at Hotel Grosse Scheidegg, dead lot all alone here. 5°C

robbiesaxofonie

5 y 5.0

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Beautiful trip. From Brienz to Meiringen. At the bakery turn right and via very steep paths and across the forest up on the mountain bike. After a while you come back on the normal road. The upper part is only allowed for the locals with car and mailboxes. These have and take priority. So beware. From the Grosse Scheideck a beautiful fast descent to Grindelwald and further towards Zwei Lütschinen and Interlaken and then along the lake back to Brienz. In total you're up to 80 km. Done it a few times now and enjoyed every time.

Jelte

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Really a beautiful climb this Grosse Scheidegg.
Pretty tough, but really enjoy the view and nature.
Only downside is that sometimes there are some cars and buses.
Usually you have little trouble and they can pass.
But on the narrower pieces is such a bus annoying of course.
But despite that definitely worth it.
Above you can also take a coke or ice cream.

Bormio2020

5 y 3.0 01:52:00 (5.4 mph)

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From Meiringen the 'standard' climb, turn right at the gas station, nice and smooth uphill. The road surface is moderate in many places, but better than on the Grindelwald side: descending there is irritating because of the stripes. Near Rosenlaui (smallest town in Switzerland) the road is flat, but after that it goes up fast again. The Grindelwald bus can be heard often and even comes to the narrowest parts: occasionally off the road for the bus.

PieterGallas

5 y 5.0 02:34:00 (3.9 mph)

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With great awe I turned right from Meiringen at the gas station into the forest. The first part is a steep narrow road with cars and the post box with the loud horn at every turn. Halfway the landscape opens up with beautiful views towards the wall of the Wetterhorn, it does not get any better. Then you come across no cars, only that mailbox. There is also a short super steep part in it, I had to put my feet on the ground for a moment ... Then it is really enjoy everything you see, so beautiful. Are you at the top, treat yourself to an ice cream or something warm. The descent to Grindelwald is also car-free and beautiful, with views of the Eiger. Highly recommended this climb.

Ruud

6 y 5.0 01:45:16 (5.7 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Fantastically beautiful climb, with also a beautiful descent. You look out on beautiful rock faces, overlook many meadows.
Cows, goats, birds of prey, foxes... you come against it all.

Climbing times

5 mph	02:00:58
7 mph	01:25:38
9 mph	01:06:44
12 mph	00:50:08

Road surface condition

75% 25% 0%

Based on 32 votes

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Traffic

97% 3% 0%

Based on 31 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Grosse Scheidegg can be cycled from 2 sides. Grosse Scheidegg from Grindelwald is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen.

Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen is a challenging ascent. For this type of climbing, we recommend mountain gearing, specifically a compact system. This means a small front chainring of 34 teeth, combined with a rear cassette where, depending on your level, strength, and experience, you choose a sprocket with 30, 32, or even 34 teeth. Remember that a smooth cadence is always more efficient!

Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen belongs to the Hors Catégorie, the top category. These are legendary and very tough climbs. A solid cycling condition, experience, and a good climbing gear ratio are essential to maintain a smooth cadence and complete the climb comfortably.

Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen is 10 mi long.

The average gradient of Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen is 7.8%.

Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 16.3%.

The summit of Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen is at 6434 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 02:00:58 to climb Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen. At 7 mph the time is 01:25:38, and at 9 mph 01:06:44. For the fastest cyclists, 00:50:08 is an achievable time.

Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen is located in the region Bern in Switzerland.

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Short recap

Photos (54)

Reviews (30)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (54)

Reviews (30)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Grosse Scheidegg can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen?

How difficult is the Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen?

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What is the gradient of Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen?

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Where is Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen located?