Mannlichen Bike Climb from Grindelwald | 14.5 km at 9.4%

Switzerland Mannlichen

36.6

PDI

9 mi

DISTANCE

4,435 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

9.4 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Ron Hawks, USA; Bruce Hamilton/Stacy Topping, USA

INTRO

Wow! How many times can we say "bucket list" on this website? We don't want to overuse the phrase, but this is simply a magnificent climb - stunning. We begin this Top 100 World Climb in the quaint village of Grindelwald (population roughly 4,100), at the foot of the Eiger, in the Bernese Oberland. The climb runs 14.5 km (9.0 mi) and gains 1,352 m (4,435 ft) at a 9.4% average grade.

Mannlichen is our pick for World's Most Scenic Bike Climb and also sits on our World Top 100 Bike Climbs list - the finish looks straight across the valley at the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.

Note that the road is closed to motor traffic from about 2 kilometers up, so you'll do almost this entire climb without any car or SAG support - and in near-total peace, which is rare for a climb this dramatic. The final 300 meters kick up to around 21% and end in a short gravel stretch right at the top, so save something for the finish.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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The climb averages 9.4% over 14.5 km (9.0 mi), gaining 1,352 m (4,435 ft). Roughly 39% of the climb sits between 10-15%, about 4% is between 15-20%, and the final 300 meters (2.5% of the climb) average 21% or steeper. The steepest kilometer averages 14.0%, and the steepest 500 meters averages 15.7%.

Roadway: Two lanes for the first third of the climb, narrowing to one lane for the rest of the way to the top. The pavement is in good condition except for the brutally steep final 300 meters, which averages around 21% and ends in a short gravel stretch right at the summit - take extra care there, especially on the way back down. The road is closed to motor vehicles from about 2 km above the start.

Traffic: Very light - this is one of the most peaceful climbs in the area precisely because it's closed to through traffic for almost its entire length. Realistically you'll only see other cyclists, hikers, and the occasional service vehicle.

Parking: There's a large public parking area at Grindelwald Grund, about 100 meters from the start of the climb (Map). Grindelwald also has the larger Parkhaus Grindelwald Terminal (1,032 spaces) a short ride from the start if Grund is full.

Provisions: None along the climb, but there's a restaurant at the finish of the paved section - check that it's open if you're relying on it (Google Map + Reviews). There are also a couple of restaurants and a small market in Grindelwald at the start.

Gear: Bring a windproof layer even in summer - the finish sits well above 2,300 m (7,500 ft), and it's noticeably colder and windier up top than down in the village, especially once you stop climbing.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

Grindelwald is an extremely popular tourist destination, famous for its stunning mountainous views and surroundings, as well as great hiking. The most famous view from Grindelwald is the iconic Eiger peak. Here is a Trip Advisor link for the Top 15 Things to do in Grindelwald. See also Google Map + Reviews: Things to do in Grindelwald.

Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar above to see other magnificent bike climbs in this area.