Bachalpsee is a mountain lake above Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, reached most easily by riding the First Cable Car from Grindelwald to First and then hiking to the lake. The important pricing detail is that visitors are primarily paying for transportation to Grindelwald-First and any optional activities, rather than buying a separate admission ticket for Bachalpsee itself.
Quick Answer
Bachalpsee does not have a separate admission ticket listed by Jungfrau Railways. Most visitors buy a Grindelwald-First cable car ticket, hike from First to Bachalpsee, and return the same way. Current 2026 Jungfrau listings show First Cable Car fares from CHF 38, with the normal-price Grindelwald-First product listed at CHF 76.
Key Takeaways
- Bachalpsee is at about 2,265 meters above sea level and is reached by hiking from Grindelwald-First.
- There is no separate Bachalpsee admission product on the official Jungfrau Railways site. Your main transport cost is usually the First Cable Car.
- Current 2026 Jungfrau listings advertise First Cable Car tickets from CHF 38, while the operator’s normal-price Grindelwald-First product is listed at CHF 76.
- Half-Fare products, family travelcards, the Jungfrau Travel Pass, and qualifying group offers can change what you actually pay.
- The Bachalpsee hike takes about 1 hour 50 minutes round trip according to Jungfrau Railways, although you should allow extra time for photos and breaks.
- Regular transport tickets should not be confused with First adventure activities, which can have limited availability and long waiting times.
How to Get Tickets for Bachalpsee
You do not normally buy a separate entrance ticket for Bachalpsee. Instead, most visitors travel to Grindelwald, ride the First Cable Car to the First mountain station, and begin the Bachalpsee hike there. The official Jungfrau Railways Bachalpsee page describes the lake as a hiking destination from Grindelwald-First.
First Cable Car tickets can be purchased through the official Jungfrau booking system or from Jungfrau Railways sales points. Buying online can save time at the ticket counter, but an ordinary route ticket should not be confused with a timed seat reservation. Jungfrau’s ticket FAQ explains that route tickets are generally valid for the selected route and date rather than binding the traveler to the connection initially selected during booking.
If you are arriving by train from Interlaken Ost, travel to Grindelwald railway station. Do not get off one stop earlier at Grindelwald Terminal if your goal is the First Cable Car. According to Jungfrau Railways, the Firstbahn valley station in central Grindelwald is about a 10-minute walk from Grindelwald railway station.
Note: Grindelwald Terminal is mainly associated with the Eiger Express route toward Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch. For Bachalpsee via Grindelwald-First, continue to Grindelwald station and make your way to the Firstbahn valley station.
Prices for Bachalpsee
The lake itself is not the part of the trip that creates the main ticket cost. For most visitors, the key expense is the Grindelwald-First cable car.
For 2026, the official Grindelwald-First page advertises First Cable Car tickets from CHF 38. Jungfrau’s current Grindelwald-First ticket voucher lists the normal-price product at CHF 76. Your final fare can be lower if you hold a qualifying travelcard or pass.
| Option | 2026 Pricing / Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Grindelwald-First ticket | CHF 76 on the current Jungfrau normal-price voucher listing | Visitors without a qualifying reduction |
| Reduced First Cable Car fare | Official First pages advertise fares from CHF 38; the exact reduction depends on your valid pass or travelcard | Eligible travelcard holders |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass | Includes Grindelwald-First within its validity area; 2026 pass prices vary by duration | Travelers visiting several Jungfrau Region attractions |
| Adventure Package | From CHF 60, depending on reduction and season; includes unlimited First Cable Car rides plus selected adventure activities | Visitors planning First adventure activities |
Prices can change, so confirm your exact travel date and reduction status through the official Jungfrau booking system before paying. This is especially important if you are comparing a standalone First ticket with a multi-day regional pass.
Special Discounts and Offers
The useful discounts for a Bachalpsee visit are transportation discounts, not generic retail promotions. The Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard, family travelcards, and Jungfrau regional passes can substantially change your final cost.
| Reduction or Pass | How It Helps | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Half Fare Card | Provides half-price or reduced-price travel on many Swiss mountain railways and gondola lifts | Designed for visitors whose permanent residence is outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein |
| Half-Fare Travelcard | Recognized across the Jungfrau Railways network | Select the correct reduction when buying your ticket |
| Junior Travelcard / Children’s Co-Travelcard | Children aged 6 to 15 can travel free on eligible Jungfrau routes when the card conditions are met | Rules differ for ski products and some special passes |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass | Includes unlimited travel on many participating trains, boats, railways and cable cars, including Grindelwald-First | Compare the pass cost with your full itinerary rather than buying it solely for Bachalpsee |
You can verify current Half-Fare rules through SBB’s Swiss Half Fare Card information and Jungfrau-specific validity through the Jungfrau Railways FAQ.
Pro Tip: If Bachalpsee is only one stop in a multi-day Jungfrau Region itinerary, calculate the total price of all planned trains, gondolas and mountain excursions before deciding between individual tickets and a Jungfrau Travel Pass.
Booking in Advance
Buying a regular First Cable Car ticket online before your visit can be convenient because it reduces time spent purchasing a ticket after you arrive. However, it is important not to assume that an ordinary cable-car ticket works like a reserved seat or reserved departure slot.
Jungfrau Railways states that a route ticket is not normally tied to the exact connection selected during booking. You can generally use another connection on the same travel date for the route shown on your ticket.
This is different from the adventure activities at Grindelwald-First. The First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart and Trottibike have limited operating capacity. Jungfrau warns that long waits can occur during busy periods and that individual activities may become unavailable for the day.
Warning: Check the current First Cable Car operating times and hiking-trail conditions before heading to Bachalpsee. Mountain weather can change quickly, and you need enough time to hike back to First before the final descent you intend to use.
Group Rates
Groups can receive different arrangements from individual travelers. Jungfrau Railways currently defines its group offers for groups of 10 or more and requires a reservation at least three days before the travel date.
The current Grindelwald-First Group Offer is listed at CHF 69 per person and includes the gondola journey, the First Cliff Walk presented by Tissot, and lunch. Group products can change, so organizers should use the official group reservation process rather than assuming an automatic percentage discount at the ticket counter.
For schools, clubs, family reunions, tour groups or company outings, arranging the group booking early also helps the operator plan for the number of travelers.
Getting from Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee
Once you reach the First mountain station, follow the marked hiking route toward Bachalpsee. Jungfrau Railways describes the route as a well-maintained trail and gives a total hiking time of about 1 hour 50 minutes. Grindelwald Tourism describes Bachalpsee as reachable from First in less than an hour each way on an easy, family-friendly hiking trail.
Bachalpsee sits at approximately 2,265 meters above sea level. Although the route is one of the more approachable hikes in the area, it is still an alpine walk. Wear suitable shoes, carry water, protect yourself from sun exposure, and take an extra layer even if Grindelwald village feels warm.
Allow about two hours for the out-and-back hike itself, then add extra time if you want to relax, picnic or photograph the reflections at Bachalpsee.
Accessibility and Trail Conditions
The First Cable Car itself is barrier-free, including the intermediate Bort and Schreckfeld stations, according to Jungfrau Railways. The First mountain station and mountain restaurant are also described as barrier-free.
That does not mean the complete hike to Bachalpsee should be treated as a wheelchair-accessible route. It is a mountain hiking trail with natural surfaces and changing conditions. Travelers with mobility limitations should check current accessibility information and trail conditions before planning the hike.
Mountain conditions can also change after rain, snow, maintenance work or other weather events. Check the Jungfrau Railways operating information before traveling and follow any local trail closures or warnings.
Additional Fees and Services
Your First Cable Car fare does not automatically include every activity available around Grindelwald-First. Adventure attractions such as the First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart and Trottibike can require separate tickets unless they are included in an Adventure Package.
For the 2026 Adventure Package season, Jungfrau Railways lists packages with one or two activities plus unlimited First Cable Car rides. During the main May-to-October pricing period, the published adult prices are CHF 90 for one activity and CHF 109 for two activities. Reduced-adult and child prices are also available.
Individual activities have their own prices and eligibility rules. For example, Jungfrau currently lists the Mountain Cart at CHF 25 for adults and CHF 19 for children aged 6 to 15, with a minimum height requirement of 135 cm. The Trottibike is also listed at CHF 25 for adults and CHF 19 for children, with a minimum height of 125 cm. Always check current conditions because weather can stop an activity even when the cable car is running.
Paragliding is another popular experience in the Grindelwald area, but it is generally operated by separate providers. Its price therefore depends on the operator and flight selected and should not be treated as part of a standard Bachalpsee or First Cable Car ticket.
Food is another optional expense. You can eat at mountain facilities around First or bring your own lunch and snacks for the hike.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Visit
The easiest way to control your Bachalpsee budget is to separate essential costs from optional ones. The First Cable Car is the main transport expense for the standard visit. Adventure rides, restaurant meals and other activities are optional.
- Check your travelcard first: Do not accidentally pay full fare if you already have a Swiss Half Fare Card, Half-Fare Travelcard or another pass that provides a reduction.
- Compare regional passes: A Jungfrau Travel Pass may make sense if you are visiting several attractions, but an individual First ticket can be cheaper for a simple one-destination day.
- Bring a picnic: Packing lunch, snacks and a refillable water bottle can reduce mountain-restaurant spending.
- Skip unnecessary adventure add-ons: You can still enjoy the mountain scenery and Bachalpsee hike without buying the First Flyer, Glider, Mountain Cart or Trottibike.
- Check the weather before buying optional activities: Poor conditions can reduce the value of an expensive mountain day.
- Use public transportation intelligently: The Bernese Oberland Railway connects Interlaken Ost with Grindelwald, and the Firstbahn valley station is within walking distance of Grindelwald station.
If you are putting together a picnic for the lake, the existing Delicious Homemade Cottage Cheese: A Simple and Healthy Recipe can also be used as one simple homemade snack idea.
Note: Saving a few francs is not worth rushing the hike or missing the last practical cable-car descent. Give yourself enough time for the return walk from Bachalpsee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ticket prices for Bachalpsee?
Bachalpsee itself does not have a separate admission product listed by Jungfrau Railways. Most visitors pay for the First Cable Car from Grindelwald. Current 2026 official listings advertise First Cable Car tickets from CHF 38, while the normal-price Grindelwald-First product is listed at CHF 76. Your actual fare can be lower with an eligible reduction or pass.
Are there any discounts available for Bachalpsee tickets?
There is no separate Bachalpsee admission ticket to discount. However, eligible Half-Fare products, family travelcards and regional passes can reduce or cover transportation to Grindelwald-First. Check the exact reduction attached to your ticket or pass before purchasing.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for Bachalpsee?
Advance purchase of a regular First Cable Car ticket is convenient but is different from reserving a specific departure. Groups of 10 or more require a group reservation, while First adventure activities have limited capacity and can become unavailable during busy periods.
Are there any combination tickets available for Bachalpsee?
Yes. The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers Grindelwald-First within its validity area, and First Adventure Packages combine unlimited gondola travel with one or two adventure activities. Choose based on your complete itinerary rather than assuming a package is always cheaper.
What is included in the price of a Bachalpsee ticket?
Because Bachalpsee itself does not have a separate admission ticket, what is included depends on the transport product you buy. A regular Grindelwald-First ticket covers the specified cable-car journey. Adventure rides, food and services from separate operators are additional unless your package specifically includes them.
How long is the hike from First to Bachalpsee?
Jungfrau Railways gives approximately 1 hour 50 minutes for the Bachalpsee hike as a whole and describes the lake as less than an hour from First. Allow extra time for breaks, photography and enjoying the lake.
Is the Bachalpsee hike suitable for families?
Grindelwald Tourism describes the route from First as an easy, family-friendly hiking trail. Children should still have suitable shoes, clothing and supervision because this is an alpine environment where weather and trail conditions can change.
Is Grindelwald-First accessible for wheelchair users?
Jungfrau Railways states that the First Cable Car, its intermediate stations and the First mountain station are barrier-free. The hike to Bachalpsee is a natural mountain trail, so travelers with mobility limitations should check the current trail and accessibility information separately.
Sources
- Jungfrau Railways – Lake Bachalpsee – official elevation, hiking time and Bachalpsee visitor information.
- Jungfrau Railways – Grindelwald-First – First Cable Car pricing, activities, directions and current visitor information.
- Jungfrau Railways FAQ – ticket validity, travelcard reductions, group rules, accessibility and activity availability.
- Jungfrau Railways Group Offers – current Grindelwald-First group pricing and reservation requirements.
- Jungfrau Travel Pass – current pass prices and Grindelwald-First coverage.
- SBB – Swiss Half Fare Card – official reduction and eligibility information for visitors to Switzerland.
