Gotcha.

Hiking Description for the First to Schynige Platte Hike in Grindelwald

gives all the details you ask for. I've walked to First from Grindelwald and though long uphill trek not really strenous - no scrambles - and walked down same day to Reichenbach Falls. but never did Firt to SP - report back SVP.

Of course from SP you can walk down or take the tiny old train down to Wilderswil, practically in Interlaken with trains back to Lauterbrunnen or wherever. SP is known of course for its Alpine Garden and Teddy Bear Land! And views, etc.

I did a hike on Schynige Platte with my 3 years old in a baby carrier. There were many hikes to choose from. It was a foggy day. But even with the limited visibility, it was fantastic.
Let us know how the hike from First to the Platte goes, if you decide to go.

I would add as many days as possible to the Bernese Oberland area. (And sacrifice Lucern).

SCHYNIGE PLATTE - FIRST
The hike is very popular with Swiss families (with kids and dogs). In August, the trail is not dangerous at all.
Well trained people do the whole hike in 4 hrs or so. Others find it too long and too strenous, however.
The mountain view is better if you walk from SP to F (towards the high mountains).
The first train arrives at Schynige Platte at 8.17 (and then every 40 min).
The last gondola leaves First at 18.30.

Oh, and another question - Is there a way to do the Schynige Platte to First hike for free with the Swiss Travel Pass? I know that the train to Schynige Platte is free, but I'm not so sure about the other side.

" Oh, and another question - Is there a way to do the Schynige Platte to First hike for free with the Swiss Travel Pass? I know that the train to Schynige Platte is free, but I'm not so sure about the other side"

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you will have to pay 15 CHF for First - Grindelwald OW

Blackbird, you say this is your first time in Switzerland, go to Wengen, with the lift to the Mannlichen right in town, or one block or less from most hotels. I am not sure what you call the flat area up there, but it is unbelieveably gorgeous, with a flat plateau spreading out with hiking trails, and the Jungfrau/Monch around. Not dangerous. There is a building out there, a hotel? restaruant? and you can hike on the trails or go back down on the lift to Wengen/choices here. It was lovely in July. I did not hike much, recent knee replacement, but son did and was overwhelmed with the beauty of this area. Allow enough time to not be rushed, this is an area to savor. Also a grocery right in town, train stops right in the small village, Much exceeds Rigi/Schilthorn/areas for me. Sue Book a hotel and stay for awhile.

Yes Swiss Travel Passes generally give 50% off gondolas and chairlifts like Grindelwald to First.

Unless changed in 2018 I think SP trains are just 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass - following the rule of thumb that 100% if conveyances link two actual towns or inhabited places and 50% off usually for trains and lifts to mountain tops.

Check the validity map for Swiss Travel Passes - 2017 shows 50% off.

uebersichtskarte-sts.pdf

Swiss Travel Pass validity map with 100% coverage and discounts, etc.

For a very unique train experience check out the vaunted V.I.P. seats that have you right up front in a compartment next to driver so you can think you're driving the train. Must be reserved months in advance to get ones up front - think there are some in rear too but not sure. Book on official GP site - think you must pay upgrade to first class to get.

GoldenPass

https://www.google.com/search?q=vip+...w=1745&bih=863

VIP Seats!