Summary
Grindelwald-First is one of the most popular destinations in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, and with good reason. If you have limited time in Grindelwald, ascending to Mt. First (pronounced Feerst) is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the various activities offered in the Swiss Alps. This guide will assist you in fully enjoying your time at Grindelwald-First and maximizing your stay. For further information on traveling to Grindelwald-First, visit the official tourism website.
Where is Grindelwald-First?
Grindelwald-First is perched at an elevation of 2167 meters (7109 feet) above sea level, directly above the charming village of Grindelwald, which is located 92 km (57 miles) from Zurich and 74 km (45 miles) from Bern. This region is surrounded by stunning peaks, including the 2,343-meter (7687 feet) Mannlichen Mountain, the 2,681 meters (8796 ft) high Faulhorn, and The Wetterhorn, soaring at 3692 meters (12112 feet).
Grindelwald boasts the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau Region. While many travelers prefer to stay in the nearby town of Interlaken, we recommend accommodations directly in Grindelwald, or even better, at Berggasthaus First. For additional information about the Jungfrau Region, visit the tourism website.
From Grindelwald to First
We enjoyed our stay at Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof in Grindelwald village, conveniently located beside the train station. It was the perfect base for exploring the region and allowed us to leave our bags while we ventured to Grindelwald-First for the evening. After check-out and leaving our luggage with them, we headed to the Grindelwald-First Gondola, excited for a mountain adventure.
Hiking to Lake Bachalp (Bachalpsee)
We checked in to Berggasthaus First where we stored our bags before setting off on our hike to the enchanting Lake Bachalp. This stunning lake is frequently featured in photographs showcasing the beauty of Switzerland, making it a must-visit location.
The hike to Lake Bachalp is just over an hour. Initially, the trail inclines, providing a good workout, but it soon levels out into a pleasant walk. Stick to the higher path when it branches, allowing you to avoid unnecessary uphill sections.
It’s essential to pause and take in the breathtaking views as you hike. Despite less-than-ideal weather during our visit, we caught some stunning moments when the clouds shifted and revealed glimpses of the sky.
First Cliff Walk by Tissot
On our hike back from Lake Bachalp, the fog cleared slightly, revealing the magnificent First Cliff Walk by Tissot—a remarkable metal footbridge that clings to the cliffside and leads to a stunning viewpoint. This adventure is complimentary with the gondola ticket, courtesy of Tissot watches, making it a thrilling yet safe experience as you walk along the rock face.
Even with clouds surrounding us, the cliff walk was an exhilarating highlight. Embrace this adventure for an unforgettable experience at Grindelwald-First.
First Adventures
In the afternoon, the adventure continues! The morning has already been filled with excitement, but now it’s time for more thrilling activities! If you haven’t chosen to stay overnight at Grindelwald-First, participating in one of the following adventures is the best method to come down the mountain.
The adventure pass, which covers four activities alongside unlimited gondola rides, is the way to go. Prices start at 99 CHF / $108 USD (if you have a Swiss Travel Pass) and offer an unforgettable experience. Check the Jungfrau Website for details.
Bag Storage for First Adventures
By staying at Berggasthaus First, you won’t have to manage any bags during adventures. However, note that bags aren’t permitted on First Glider or First Flyer rides. You can leave your bags at the top and then ride the gondola back to retrieve them afterward. Alternatively, First Glider begins and ends at the same spot, so bag management is easier.
The Flyer
To reach the First Flyer, travel from Grindelwald-First. The exhilaration builds while waiting at the gate, preparing to soar over the mountain slope at speeds of up to 84 km/h. Once you start, excitement overtakes fear, and laughter accompanies the thrilling ride down 800 meters of steel cable. Individual adventure tickets begin at 50 CHF (with a Swiss Travel Pass) and can be obtained on the Jungfrau website.
First Glider
Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, the First Glider wasn’t operational during our visit; however, it promises an exciting ride back down the mountain with a unique zipline twist. Up to four passengers can glide together at remarkable speeds, adding to the thrill of the adventure. The First Glider is included in the adventure pass.
First Trottibike
We were delighted to hop on a Trottibike, an adrenaline-pumping experience sure to get your heart racing. These off-road scooters can be navigated at your pace, providing a fun-filled descent back to Grindelwald that’s suitable for all age groups.
The adventure pass advantage is that if you choose not to participate in any activity or face challenges, you can conveniently catch the gondola without missing out on the group’s escapades. We highly recommend these activities when visiting Grindelwald, as they guarantee fun and shareable moments with friends and family!
First Mountain Cart
The next descent offers an exhilarating experience with the First Mountain Cart, turning go-carting into an outdoor thrill down the trails. Unfortunately, adverse weather prevented us from enjoying this adventure, but it remains a priority for our next trip!
Back up to Grindelwald-First
After an action-packed day, heading back to the mountain for a night’s stay is the perfect way to end your adventures. We returned to Berggasthaus First via the gondola, ensuring to check the final departure times as they can differ based on the season.
Spending the night at Berggasthaus First offers a unique experience, with fewer guests to share the mountain with, providing ample opportunities for hiking, gazing at the magnificent cliff, or simply relaxing with a view. We enjoyed a cozy evening and a serene night as rain fell gently outside.
Dining at the restaurant for a quiet evening set the stage for a peaceful sleep. Our night at Berggasthaus First recorded the best rest we’ve had in Switzerland. The cozy duvets and tranquil atmosphere made for an impeccable stay.
Sunrise at Lake Bachalp
The primary reason for staying overnight at Berggasthaus First is to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Lake Bachalp. The first gondolas don’t begin their ascent until later, thus lodging atop gives you a head start. We aimed to leave before dawn, but rain and fog initially thwarted our plans. However, stepping out later still allowed us to catch the morning glow.
We weren’t the only eager photographers; one gentleman made a point of reserving two nights at Grindelwald-First for an optimal sunrise view. While our timing was off, experiencing the solitude at that elevation was still a spectacular blessing. Make sure to allocate enough time (about an hour) for the hike to Lake Bachalp if you wish to catch the sunrise.
Other Things to do at Grindelwald-First
Families will find plenty of options to enjoy hikes and activities, with provisions for strollers and baby carriers readily available. Children can delight in the Bort Alpine Playground located at the Bort Gondola station, and enjoy searching for marmots along the Marmot Trail, which features carved benches and opportunities to spot these adorable creatures.
Marmots
Look out for Marmots as you explore! Their chirps echo in the wilderness while hiking. While we sometimes missed spotting them with our guides, we found that the gondola provided the best vantage point to see them without them scurrying away.
Grindelwald-First – The Details
Prepare for variable temperatures at altitude by layering your clothing. While hiking, don’t forget to carry refillable water bottles, as there are filling stations at First to keep you hydrated.
For optimal mobility around Grindelwald, it is advisable to purchase the unlimited Jungfrau Top of Europe Pass. This pass offers unrestricted travel throughout Grindelwald-First, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, Interlaken, Harder Kulm, and more. Three-day passes begin at 149 CHF. Grab your ticket at the Jungfrau Website.
If you are not staying three days, consider getting a specific pass for the Grindelwald-First Gondola. Firstbahn tickets start at 32 CHF and include a return ride. Check the website for ticket purchases. 1 CHF (Swiss Franc) = 1.09 USD
First Adventure prices:
- Four Adventure Pass – prices start at 99 CHF ($108 USD). Visit the Jungfrau Website for details.
- Two activities cost 67 CHF. Purchase your tickets in advance here.
Note: bags are not permitted on the First Flyer or First Glider. You can securely leave them at the gondola.
If you plan to travel to Switzerland, Grindelwald-First should undoubtedly be included in your itinerary. We frequently discussed Switzerland’s beauty, and upon our recent visit, it was clear that it is indeed more splendid than we remembered, with Grindelwald being a standout destination! For travel information, visit the Grindelwald Tourism website.
How to Get to Grindelwald-First
The most efficient means to travel through Switzerland is by utilizing the train system. Purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass will facilitate your journey to the Grindelwald Train station. A Swiss Travel Pass includes:
