Have you ever dreamed of feeling the crisp Alpine air on your face as you glide down a mountain, surrounded by emerald-green pastures and the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps? On our recent family trip to Switzerland, we discovered an activity that checked every single box for adventure, scenery, and pure, unadulterated fun: the Trottibike.
If you aren’t familiar with them, think of a Trottibike as a rugged hybrid—part scooter, part bicycle. They are the perfect way to explore the landscape at your own pace, and for our family, it became the absolute highlight of our time in Grindelwald. From the giggles of the kids to the breathtaking views that forced us to stop every few minutes, this wasn’t just a ride; it was a memory we’ll be talking about for years.
Grab a cup of coffee and settle in—we’re taking you along for the ride and sharing everything you need to know to plan your own Trottibike adventure!
Starting the Journey: The Ascent to First
Our day began in the charming village of Grindelwald. To get to the starting point of our ride, we hopped on the Grindelwald-First gondola. This ride is an experience in itself! As the cable car climbed higher, the village below shrank into a cluster of tiny toy houses, and the massive Eiger North Face loomed larger and more impressive with every second.
We watched the paragliders drifting like colorful confetti against the blue sky and felt that familiar stir of excitement. We were heading to the top, but our real adventure was going to start halfway back down.
Where to Find Your Wheels: The Stop at Bort
Here is a quick tip we learned: while many people head all the way to the “First” summit for the Cliff Walk or the Flyer, the Trottibikes aren’t actually rented at the very top. To start your descent, you need to get off at the Bort station.
Bort is a beautiful intermediate station with a fantastic playground (if your kids need to burn off some extra energy first!). This is where the Trottibike rental station is located. The process was super easy. We filled out our waivers, grabbed our helmets, and picked out our “scooters.”
The Trottibikes have no seats, so you stand the entire time. They have thick, sturdy tires and hand brakes just like a mountain bike, which gave us a lot of confidence before we pushed off.
Wind in Our Hair: The Descent Begins
As we set off from Bort, the first thing we noticed was the silence—or rather, the peaceful sounds of nature. The path is paved and winds through some of the most stunning terrain we have ever seen. Because you’re standing up, your field of vision is wide open. You aren’t just looking at the Alps; you feel like you are in them.
The trail takes you through lush meadows, past ancient wooden farmhouses, and under the shadow of the mountains. The grade is mostly downhill, so you can coast and enjoy the breeze. We found ourselves constantly calling out to each other, “Look at that view!” and “Can you believe we’re actually here?”
Shared Paths and Close Encounters
One thing we quickly realized is that we weren’t the only ones enjoying the mountain! The trail is a shared path, meaning you’ll encounter hikers, other bikers, and even local farmers.
We actually had a little “teaching moment” during our ride. Our daughter got a bit carried away with the speed and had a bit of a close call with a couple walking up the trail. Luckily, she was able to jump off safely, but it was a good reminder for all of us: stay alert! These trails are popular, and it’s important to give pedestrians plenty of space. We learned to use our bells and slow down well in advance whenever we saw someone ahead.
Why You Shouldn’t Rush the Ride
It can be tempting to see how fast you can go—and believe us, these bikes can pick up some serious speed! However, we quickly decided that the best way to “Trottibike” is to take it slow.
One of our favorite parts of the afternoon was simply stopping. We pulled over multiple times just to breathe in the mountain air and snap photos that honestly don’t even do the place justice. At one point, we even stopped to say hello to the famous Swiss cows lounging right by the side of the trail. Their cowbells created a rhythmic soundtrack that followed us all the way down.
If you rush, the ride might only take you 20 minutes. But if you savor it like we did, stopping for photos and cow-gazing, you can easily turn it into a 45-minute or hour-long journey of pure bliss.
Arriving Back in Grindelwald Village
The path eventually winds its way down into the heart of Grindelwald. Rolling back into the village on two wheels felt like a victory lap! There is a designated drop-off station right near the main gondola base where you return your bikes and helmets.
By the time we stepped off the bikes, our legs were a little tingly from the vibration of the road, and our faces were slightly wind-burned, but we all had the biggest smiles. We ended our adventure by grabbing some well-deserved Swiss chocolate and ice cream in the village, reminiscing about our favorite turns and views.
Practical Tips for Your Trottibike Adventure
If you’re planning to add this to your Swiss itinerary (and you absolutely should!), here are a few “pro-tips” from our family to yours:
- Brake Early and Often: The bikes have front and rear brakes. Use them both simultaneously to avoid skidding. It’s better to control your speed from the start than to try and stop suddenly on a steep section.
- Wear Your Helmet: They are provided with your rental for a reason! Safety first, especially with kids.
- Check the Weather: If it’s raining, the paths can get slippery. We went on a clear day, which offered the best grip and the best views.
- Keep Your Distance: Don’t ride right on the wheel of the person in front of you. Give everyone space to react if they need to stop suddenly.
- Watch for Cattle Grates: There are a few metal grates along the path. Cross them straight-on and avoid braking while on the metal to keep your balance.
Final Thoughts: A Family Must-Do
Riding the Trottibikes from Bort to Grindelwald wasn’t just an “activity” on our list; it was a feeling. It was the feeling of freedom, the joy of being together in nature, and the thrill of a little mountain speed. It’s rare to find something that an adult and a child can enjoy equally, but the Trottibike nailed it.
If you find yourself in the Jungfrau region, do yourself a favor: get off at Bort, grab a scooter, and roll your way down the mountain. We promise it’ll be a highlight of your Swiss vacation!
