On a historic path through the Rychebach valley

Starting from Meiringen station square, head east along the yellow trail markers towards Rosenlaui. On the way to the Aare river, walk south through small streets offering many views of fields, meadows, and the magnificent mountain scenery. Upon reaching the water, follow the river east again. After crossing the Aare over the bridge, continue on the other side of the roundabout along the main road to Willigen. Following the Schattenhalb cultural trail, turn right onto Scheideggweg, an old mule track leading up to Schwendi. Before reaching the Zwirgi lookout terrace with its magnificent view of the Hasliberg, you can also admire the impressive 120-meter-high Reichenbachfall. After a short climb over meadows and through the forest, you reach the hiking trail section between Brigglesyten and Kaltbrunnensäge, awarded the Post Award 2025, which now runs along the Rychebach on natural rather than hard surfaces after rerouting. Continue over Gschwantenmad to the nostalgic Rosenlaui hotel. Shortly before Gschwantenmad, the valley widens and offers an impressive view of Wellhorn, Wetterhorn, and the Rosenlaui Glacier. Mostly near the road and the Rychebach stream, the hiking trail leads to Schwarzwaldalp, the endpoint of the hike.

Background: The mountain pass hike over the Grosse Scheidegg was already promoted in the first complete travel guide for Switzerland published in 1793, "Instructions for the most useful and enjoyable way to travel Switzerland" by Johann Gottfried Ebel. The road leading over the pass today is only open for bus traffic from Schwarzwaldalp onwards.