Bachalpsee is one of the easiest high-Alpine lake walks to reach from Grindelwald, but the trip still deserves proper planning. The usual route starts at the Grindelwald-First mountain station, follows a well-maintained signed trail to the lake, and returns the same way. Along the route, you get broad views across the Bernese Alps, including the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau when visibility is good.
Quick Answer
The First to Bachalpsee hike is a relatively easy out-and-back mountain walk in good conditions. Jungfrau Railways lists about 1 hour 50 minutes of walking for the standard route, with the lake reached in less than an hour. Allow 2-3 hours if you want time for photos, rests and a lakeside break.
Key Takeaways
- The standard route starts and ends at Grindelwald First and takes about 1 hour 50 minutes of walking according to Jungfrau Railways.
- The hike is relatively easy in dry, snow-free conditions, although the opening climb, altitude and changing mountain weather can make it feel harder.
- Wear shoes with good grip and carry water, snacks, sun protection, warm layers and a waterproof outer layer.
- Check the current hiking-trail status, MeteoSwiss forecast and First cable-car operating information before leaving Grindelwald.
- Use facilities at First before starting and do not plan on buying food or drinks at Bachalpsee.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 1 h 50 min walking; allow roughly 2-3 hours with photos and a lake break |
| Difficulty | Relatively easy in good, snow-free conditions; the opening uphill section can feel demanding |
| Approx. Distance | About 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip |
| Altitude | First is about 2,166-2,168 m; Bachalpsee is about 2,265 m above sea level |
| Tools Needed | Walking or hiking shoes with good grip, water, snacks, layers, waterproof shell, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat |
| Cost | No separate trail fee; transport on the First cable car costs extra unless covered or discounted by your travel pass |
The official Jungfrau route listing gives about 1 hour 50 minutes for the First-Bachalpsee-First hike and places Bachalpsee at approximately 2,265 metres above sea level.
Getting to the First to Bachalpsee Trailhead
The journey begins at Grindelwald First, high above Grindelwald village. The First aerial cableway runs from Grindelwald through Bort and Schreckfeld to the First mountain station. Jungfrau Railways says the gondola journey takes about 25 minutes.
If you arrive by train, travel to Grindelwald railway station rather than getting off earlier at Grindelwald Terminal. The First cable-car valley station is roughly a 10-minute walk from Grindelwald station. If you arrive by car, check Jungfrau Railways’ current parking guidance because parking immediately around the First cable-car station is limited.
Before travelling, check the Jungfrau Railways operating information. Opening times, last descents and individual facilities can change with the season, maintenance and weather.
Note: Do not confuse Grindelwald railway station with Grindelwald Terminal when heading for the First cable car. Jungfrau Railways directs First visitors continuing by public transport to Grindelwald station.
Preparing for the Hike: What You Need to Know
The standard Bachalpsee route is not technically difficult in good conditions, but you are still walking above 2,000 metres in an Alpine environment. A sunny morning in Grindelwald village does not guarantee the same conditions at First or Bachalpsee.
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes with reliable traction. Heavy mountaineering boots are unnecessary for most walkers on the normal trail when it is dry, but smooth-soled city shoes are a poor choice if the path is wet, muddy or affected by lingering snow.
Pack light layers so you can adjust as temperature and wind change. A waterproof outer layer is useful even when the valley forecast looks pleasant. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat because you will spend much of the walk in open terrain.
Carry enough drinking water and food for your planned outing. Your needs vary with temperature, exertion, pace and individual health, so a fixed amount per hour is less useful than arriving prepared and drinking regularly. Do not rely on streams or the lake as your drinking-water supply.
Check the current Grindelwald hiking-trail status and the MeteoSwiss hazard information before you set out.
Warning: Do not continue toward Bachalpsee when thunderstorms threaten exposed mountain terrain. MeteoSwiss advises avoiding open and exposed areas and bodies of water during dangerous thunderstorms. Turn around early enough to reach First safely and confirm the final cable-car descent before starting a late hike.
What the First to Bachalpsee Trail Is Like
From the First mountain station, follow the marked route toward Bachalpsee. Jungfrau Railways describes the trail as well maintained and says the lake can normally be reached in less than an hour.
The opening portion includes the most noticeable uphill walking. This can feel surprisingly tiring when you have travelled directly from a much lower elevation. After the initial climb, the route becomes more gradual as it crosses open Alpine terrain toward the lake.
The scenery is one reason the trail is so popular. In clear conditions, the wider Grindelwald-First area offers views toward the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, while other prominent peaks frame the lake and surrounding slopes.
Pro Tip: If you want a quieter walk, start early enough to be ahead of the main daytime crowds, but always plan around the actual First cable-car operating schedule rather than assuming an early or late service.
Exploring the Flora and Fauna Along the Trail
The walk passes through an Alpine environment where grasses, low-growing plants and seasonal wildflowers add colour during the snow-free months. Exactly what is flowering depends on the date, elevation and conditions that year, so specific species should be treated as possible sightings rather than guaranteed features.
Wildlife is also unpredictable. You may notice Alpine birds or, with luck, mammals such as marmots in the wider mountain landscape. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance, do not feed animals, and avoid leaving the marked route simply to get a closer photograph.
Cattle may also be present on Alpine pastures. Give grazing animals room, keep dogs under close control where required, and do not place yourself between a cow and its calf.
The landscape around Bachalpsee is part of what makes the destination memorable, so treat it as a place to pass through carefully rather than as a photo set. Carry out rubbish, avoid damaging vegetation and keep noise low around wildlife.
Capturing the Views: Photography Tips for Bachalpsee
| Photography Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Check visibility before going | Cloud and fog can completely change mountain views even when the valley looks clear. |
| Look for calm water | Less wind gives you a better chance of mountain reflections on the lake. |
| Include foreground detail | Rocks, grass or seasonal flowers can give a wide mountain image more depth. |
| Protect highlights | Bright snow, cloud and sky can lose detail easily, so check exposure before taking a series of photos. |
Bachalpsee offers several strong compositions without requiring you to leave established walking areas. Wide views can show the lake within the surrounding mountain landscape, while lower viewpoints can use grass, rocks or flowers as foreground elements.
Early and late light can produce warmer colours and softer contrast, but photography should never cause you to miss the last safe return to First. If you plan to stay for evening light, check the final cable-car descent first and leave enough time to walk back without rushing.
For reflections, wind often matters as much as light. A calm surface can mirror the surrounding peaks, while stronger wind creates ripples. Neither condition is guaranteed, so work with what you find rather than stepping onto unstable ground or entering restricted areas to chase a particular angle.
Safety First: Important Tips for a Safe Hike
Stay on the marked trail and pay attention to signs. Jungfrau Railways notes that walking and hiking are undertaken at the visitor’s own responsibility and that published trail conditions are recommendations rather than guarantees.
Mountain weather deserves particular attention. MeteoSwiss reports that thunderstorm activity in Switzerland is highest during the warmer summer months. If the forecast includes thunderstorms, plan conservatively and avoid being beside the lake or on exposed terrain when lightning is nearby.
Tell someone where you are going if you are hiking alone, particularly if you intend to continue beyond Bachalpsee. Keep enough battery on your phone for navigation and emergencies, but do not treat mobile coverage as guaranteed everywhere in the mountains.
If you feel unusually tired, dizzy, unwell or unsure about worsening weather, turning around is the sensible choice. The lake will still be there another day.
Taking a Break: The Best Spots for Rest and Relaxation
There are many scenic places to pause along the route, but choose established or durable ground where you are not blocking other walkers or damaging vegetation. The lake itself is an obvious place for a longer break, with broad views across the surrounding mountain landscape.
Bring your own snack or picnic if you want to eat at Bachalpsee. The First Mountain Restaurant provides a food option at First, but you should not plan your hike on the assumption that food, drink or staffed facilities will be available when you reach the lake.
If the area immediately beside the water is busy, keep walking a short distance along established paths rather than crowding one viewpoint. A quieter place can make your break more pleasant while reducing pressure on the busiest lakeshore spots.
The Final Stretch: Reaching Bachalpsee and Soaking in the Beauty
As you approach Bachalpsee, the open Alpine landscape gradually reveals the lake and surrounding peaks. On a clear day, the combination of water, mountain ridges and changing cloud can make the final approach the visual highlight of the walk.
Once you arrive, take time to explore viewpoints from established paths and durable ground. The appearance of the lake changes quickly with wind, cloud and light, so a short wait can produce a very different view without requiring you to move far.
A picnic and photography break can easily turn the official walking time into a 2-3 hour outing. Keep an eye on the time, especially later in the day, because you still need to walk back to First before your planned cable-car descent.
Note: Grindelwald Tourism states that wild camping is prohibited throughout Grindelwald, including at Bachalpsee. Enjoy the lake during your visit, then use legal accommodation or designated options elsewhere.
Is the Bachalpsee Hike Good for Families?
Many families choose the First-Bachalpsee route because it is short compared with longer Alpine hikes and follows a well-maintained trail. That does not mean every child will find it easy. The uphill start, altitude, sun exposure and distance back to First all matter.
Children should already be comfortable walking for roughly two hours with breaks. Carry extra layers, water and snacks for them, and be prepared to turn around if weather changes or the walk is taking much longer than expected.
Do not describe the standard route as universally stroller- or wheelchair-friendly. Surface conditions can change, and rough or sloping sections can create problems for wheeled equipment. Anyone who needs step-free or mobility-specific access should confirm current conditions directly with the local operator before travelling.
Facilities, Food and Toilets
The safest planning assumption is that your dependable visitor services are at First rather than at Bachalpsee. Jungfrau Railways lists the First Mountain Restaurant at the mountain station, making First the logical place to eat, buy refreshments and prepare before beginning the walk.
Carry the water and food you expect to need between First and the lake. Do not assume a staffed restaurant, shop or toilet will be operating at Bachalpsee itself.
Because opening arrangements can change, check current Grindelwald-First visitor information before your trip if a particular facility is essential to you.
Best Time and Weather for the Bachalpsee Hike
The easiest conditions for most visitors are during the snow-free hiking season when the standard path is open. Calendar dates alone are not enough, because snow can linger after winter and fresh snow can arrive again at altitude.
Check the official trail report before travelling. If snow, ice, heavy rain, strong wind or thunderstorms are expected, conditions may be significantly harder than the usual description of this hike suggests.
Clear mornings often provide excellent visibility, but there is no guaranteed “best” hour. For photographers, a calm lake can be more valuable than a specific clock time because reflections depend heavily on wind.
Returning to First or Continuing Farther
For the simplest outing, retrace the same marked route from Bachalpsee to First. This keeps navigation straightforward and returns you to the cable-car station, restaurant and other visitor infrastructure.
Experienced walkers with enough time can continue into the wider hiking network toward destinations such as Faulhorn or Schynige Platte. These are substantially longer mountain outings and should not be treated as casual extensions of the short Bachalpsee walk. Jungfrau Railways describes the complete Schynige Platte-First high-altitude hike as roughly a six-hour route.
If you continue beyond Bachalpsee, check the specific route, weather, transport connections and required walking time separately before committing to it.
Reflecting on the Experience: Memories and Moments from First to Bachalpsee
The appeal of the First to Bachalpsee hike is that you can reach a high-Alpine lake without committing to a full-day mountain trek. The walk combines open mountain scenery, changing views, seasonal vegetation and a clear destination while still leaving time to enjoy other parts of Grindelwald First.
Photography is one way to remember the trip, but the most enjoyable visit does not require chasing every viewpoint. Taking a quiet break beside the lake, watching the weather move across the peaks and giving yourself enough time for an unhurried return can be just as memorable.
After returning from the hike, you might also enjoy a simple post-hike snack. The existing guide to delicious homemade cottage cheese offers one option to prepare after your outdoor day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the First to Bachalpsee trail?
It is a popular out-and-back mountain hike from the Grindelwald First mountain station to Bachalpsee, an Alpine lake at about 2,265 metres. The standard route returns to First by the same general trail.
Where is the First to Bachalpsee trail located?
The trail is above Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region. Most visitors ride the First aerial cableway from Grindelwald village to the First mountain station and begin walking from there.
How long is the First to Bachalpsee trail?
The usual out-and-back walk is about 6 km, or 3.7 miles. Jungfrau Railways lists approximately 1 hour 50 minutes of walking time for the standard hike. Allow around 2-3 hours if you plan to stop for photographs, a picnic or a longer lakeside break.
What is the difficulty level of the First to Bachalpsee trail?
The standard trail is relatively easy by Alpine hiking standards when it is dry and snow-free. It is well maintained, but the first uphill section, elevation and changing weather can make the walk feel more demanding for some visitors.
What are some highlights of the First to Bachalpsee trail?
Highlights include open Alpine scenery, views toward major Bernese Alps peaks in clear weather, seasonal mountain vegetation, possible wildlife sightings and Bachalpsee itself. Calm conditions can produce attractive reflections on the lake.
Are there any facilities or services along the trail?
Plan around the facilities at First, where Jungfrau Railways lists the First Mountain Restaurant. Do not depend on finding a staffed restaurant, shop or toilet at Bachalpsee. Carry the food and water you need for the walk.
What should hikers bring when hiking the First to Bachalpsee trail?
Bring walking or hiking shoes with good grip, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, warm layers and a waterproof outer layer. A charged phone and enough time to return before your planned cable-car descent are also sensible.
Can children hike from First to Bachalpsee?
Many families use the route in good conditions, but children should be comfortable walking for roughly two hours with breaks. Parents should account for the opening uphill section, altitude, sun exposure and the need to walk back to First.
Do I need to check the weather before hiking to Bachalpsee?
Yes. Check MeteoSwiss forecasts and warnings as well as the current local trail status. Rain, fog, wind, snow and thunderstorms can quickly make an otherwise straightforward mountain walk less comfortable or unsafe.
Can I camp overnight at Bachalpsee?
No. Grindelwald Tourism states that wild camping is prohibited throughout Grindelwald, including at Bachalpsee. Use legal accommodation or designated camping options instead.
Sources
- Jungfrau Railways – Hike to Bachalpsee – official hike time, Bachalpsee elevation, route description and trail-responsibility guidance.
- Jungfrau Railways – Grindelwald First – First elevation, cable-car access, journey information and First Mountain Restaurant.
- Jungfrau Railways – Hiking – official description of the Bachalpsee route and regional hiking guidance.
- Jungfrau Railways – Operating Information – current transport operating status.
- MeteoSwiss – Weather Hazards – official Swiss weather warnings, including thunderstorms, wind, rain and snow.
- Grindelwald Tourism – We Take Care – local responsible-visiting guidance, including the prohibition on wild camping at Bachalpsee.
