You can download the GPS data for the Bachalpsee Supertrail free of charge in the download area directly below this article.
Only a handful of Alpine regions have achieved world fame thanks to their monumental appearance. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are undoubtedly at the top of the list. "And rightly so," I think to myself as we climb the opposite side of the famous triumvirate towards the First. The north face of the Eiger is close enough to touch. And if one of these dramatic ascent attempts were taking place right now - you wouldn't miss a single misstep.
We set off at the crack of dawn to get to the top before the hikers and Postbus drivers. Many, including bikers, take the Postbus to the Große Scheidegg, while others struggle up here under their own steam. With the E-MTB, 1000 metres in altitude on asphalt are entertaining. Always at eye level with the mighty glacier foothills below the Wetterhorn, we even hear the muffled rumble of an ice avalanche. Saving power in eco mode is the order of the day, otherwise it will be tight at 1356 metres altitude.
After a short break on the large Scheidegg, we continue on a perfectly developed panoramic trail. At first, we cycle at speed through the finely gravelled bends, then we head over technically challenging stone slabs. Switch briefly to turbo mode, look far ahead, keep pressure on the rear wheel and these steep sections go surprisingly well. In other places, you need less riding technique and can enjoy the view on a wide forest track. We dawdle a little, it's just too beautiful here. We reach the First just in time for our second breakfast.
You feel small, very small, when you stand at the First viewpoint. The first people arrive slowly and we have to hurry to get to Bachalpsee before them. After 15 minutes over wide gravel paths, we are indeed the first. There is no wind at all at the lake and the Schreckhorn is reflected in the smooth surface of the water. Only a few cowbells can be heard from somewhere. It won't be quiet here any time soon, the lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. We briefly enjoy the silence and the view before setting off on the actual bike highlight, the 13-kilometre Bachalpsee Trail back to Grindelwald.
The trail demands our full attention. For the most part, it is easy to ride, but there are a few key sections. It's particularly rocky at the start, so you have to look carefully to find the line over the rock slabs and boulders. Fortunately, the rocks are surprisingly non-slip and the steps are just the right height. There is always a line somewhere that you can ride. Sometimes there are quite steep passages, but these are also surprisingly easy to master. In Bachläger, we come across a few rustic huts and a handful of curious cows that want to explore the contents of our rucksacks during our little breather.
The route continues along flowing forest trails and sometimes steeply sloping meadow sections to the next stop, the Waldspitz mountain inn. The food here is great, and you should definitely try the fruit cake!
Over unspoilt trails through fern forests to the outskirts of Grindelwald, then on a narrow asphalt road back to the centre of the village.
back into the hustle and bustle of the village centre. It's loud and hectic here, with Japanese people scurrying everywhere. Far too many people - you think after this experience and actually wish you were back up there to enjoy the peace and quiet in the midst of the Eiger, Schreckhorn and the other mountain giants.
The GPS data of the
Bachalpsee
-Supertrails can be downloaded free of charge in the download area directly below this article.
