To Grimselpass with bicycles - a few questions

Simon Thread

Hi there,

first of all - I must say that I really appreciate help of your community - an excellent job, thank you.

Previously I was asking about the Olten-Meiringen and the Luzern–Interlaken Express, but in fact our final destination this day is Grimselpass. We plan to cycle there, but we also remember about the 161 bus line in case of bad weather.

Which bus route to Grimselpass is more popular among cyclists - from Meiringen or from Oberwald? Is there any difference?

For trains without bicycle reservations, which route is easier to do with bicycles: Olten-Interlaken-Meiringen-Grimsel Pass or Olten-Brig-Oberwald-Grimsel Pass? Again - is there any difference?

If there’s anything else I should know - thank you very much!

Szy.

RolandP

Hello Simon Thread

I would not travel from Olten to Brig. This is a line which is extremely busy with cyclists. Go to Meiringen, and from there via post bus to Grimselpass.

Most cyclists do not use the post bus, they climb Grimselpass themselves. 🙂

The road from Oberwald to Grimselpass is short yet very steep. From Meiringen, the ascent is longer, way longer, but less step, except for the part near the dam.

Kind regards,
Roland

RedBaron

Simon Thread Ok, but the altitude difference between Meiringen and Grimsel is about twice the altitude difference from Oberwald. So depending on the individual fitness, that could be pretty relevant if cycling uphill. 😉

Personally, if I would be in the area with a bicycle, I would avoid the Grimselpass road. Why? Well, with a motorbike or fast car, this road is VERY fun to drive in case of little traffic (please don’t ask). And on a sunny day with lots of (leisure) traffic, getting passed on a bicycle by thousands of cars or motorbikes isn’t that fun neither.
Therefore as a bycicle workout, I would rather chose the Grosse Scheidegg Pass just because that narrow road is closed for motorised private traffic (above Schwarzwaldalp)! Just beware that the occasional public buses there have the right of way and cyclists must stop.
You can stay overnight either at Rosenlaui (check out the Glacier Gorge!), Schwarzwaldalp or at Grosse Scheidegg.

Simon Thread

RolandP Most cyclists do not use the post bus, they climb Grimselpass themselves. 🙂

That’s what we’re going to do 🙂

Thanks!

Szy.

Simon Thread

A really helpful answer 🙂

But we’re going to Grimselpass (and thinking about Oberwald), because we want to cycle the Aare-Route:

https://schweizmobil.ch/de/veloland/route-8

… to prepare a cycling guide/report from the route, similar to that one about the Rhine Route from one of our previous trips:

https://www.cyclingthread.com/switzerland-and-rhine-cycle-route-one-of-most-beautiful-in-europe

So I’m putting Grosse Scheidegg on the wishlist for the next trip to Switzerland 😉

Thanks!

Szy.

RolandP

Simon Thread

Then you have to cycle up to the Oberaar glacier. The damming lake at Grimsel Pass does not count as it is not the Aare spring 🙂