The First to Bachalpsee trail above Grindelwald is one of the most approachable ways to enjoy high-alpine scenery in the Jungfrau Region. Starting at the Grindelwald-First mountain station, the route follows a broad hiking path to Bachalpsee at about 2,265 meters above sea level, with mountain views, alpine meadows, and plenty of places to slow down and enjoy the landscape.
Quick Answer
The First to Bachalpsee hike is an easy out-and-back walk from Grindelwald-First to Lake Bachalpsee. The verified route is about 5.8 km round trip, with roughly 202 m of ascent and about 1 hour 40 minutes of walking. Allow 2 to 3 hours if you want photo, rest, and picnic stops.
Key Takeaways
- The standard First–Bachalpsee–First route is about 5.8 km round trip and is officially rated easy.
- Expect roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes of walking, although 2 to 3 hours is more comfortable if you stop at the lake.
- Reach the trail by traveling to Grindelwald village, walking to the First cable-car valley station, and riding the gondola to First.
- The opening climb is the most noticeable uphill section; afterward, the route continues with gentler ups and downs.
- Check mountain weather, trail conditions, and the day’s last gondola before starting because conditions can change quickly.
At a Glance
| Route | First – Bachalpsee – First, out and back |
| Distance | About 5.8 km round trip |
| Walking Time | About 1 hr 40 min to 1 hr 50 min; allow 2–3 hours with stops |
| Ascent / Descent | About 202 m up and 202 m down |
| Difficulty | Easy, with an uphill beginning and some uneven footing |
| Lake Elevation | About 2,265 m |
| Best Conditions | Snow-free summer and early-autumn conditions; always verify current trail and weather status |
| What You Need | Grippy footwear, weather layers, water, food, sun protection, phone, and basic first-aid supplies |
| Cost | No separate trail fee; transport, food, and activities are extra. Check current First ticket information. |
How to Get to the Trailhead
The easiest approach is through Grindelwald village. If you are coming from Interlaken, take the Bernese Oberland Railway from Interlaken Ost toward Grindelwald. For the First cable car, continue to the main Grindelwald railway station rather than getting off earlier at Grindelwald Terminal.
According to Jungfrau Railways, the First cable-car valley station is in central Grindelwald and is about a 10-minute walk from Grindelwald railway station. The gondola then travels through Bort and Schreckfeld before reaching First in about 25 minutes.
If you arrive by car, parking immediately beside the First cable-car station is limited. Jungfrau Railways recommends using larger parking facilities such as Grindelwald Terminal and following the current local transfer information.
Pro Tip: Before leaving Grindelwald, check the current timetable and note the day’s last gondola from First. That gives you a clear turnaround time if you plan a long picnic or continue beyond Bachalpsee.
What to Expect on the Trail
The hike begins at the First mountain station. The first part climbs noticeably, so it can feel harder than the overall “easy” rating suggests, particularly if you have just arrived from a much lower elevation. After that opening section, the route settles into gentler ups and downs across open alpine terrain.
The route published by Grindelwald Tourism describes the path as wide and well developed and lists the complete out-and-back walk at about 5.8 km with 202 m of ascent and 202 m of descent. Its overall difficulty rating is easy.
The standard route is short by Alpine-hiking standards, but the setting is genuinely high alpine: Bachalpsee sits at about 2,265 meters above sea level.
Alpine vegetation changes through the hiking season. Depending on the exact date, snowmelt and local habitat, you may see colorful mountain flowers along the route. Species such as gentians grow in the Alps, while edelweiss is much less something you should expect to see on demand. Enjoy plants where they grow and stay on the established path.
As you approach Bachalpsee, the lake opens beneath the surrounding peaks. Route-specific descriptions highlight the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn, and calm conditions can create the reflections for which the lake is known. Wind, cloud and changing light mean the scene can look very different from one visit to another.
Once at the lake, you can pause for photographs, rest on available benches, or eat a picnic before returning along the same route to First. The walk back includes some climbing as well as descent, so do not treat the outward leg as the only effort required.
Tips for Hiking the First to Bachalpsee Trail
Start by checking conditions at mountain level rather than relying only on the forecast for Grindelwald village. The trail sits above 2,000 meters, and cloud, wind, rain, snow or thunderstorms can change the character of an otherwise easy walk.
Use the Jungfrau Railways operating-information page for current transport and regional operating status and MeteoSwiss for official weather and natural-hazard warnings.
Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature and wind changes. A light waterproof shell is useful even when the village weather looks settled. Shoes should have a secure, grippy sole suitable for gravel and uneven mountain paths.
Starting earlier in the day can give you more flexibility for stops and reduces the pressure of catching the final gondola. The route is popular, so an earlier start may also provide a quieter experience. However, choose your departure time around the actual weather forecast rather than following a rigid rule.
Trekking poles are optional on the standard route. They may help hikers who prefer extra balance on uneven ground or during downhill sections, but they are not essential equipment for most people walking in normal conditions.
Note: Published route times describe walking time, not necessarily your complete visit. If you want photographs, a long rest, or a picnic beside Bachalpsee, allow roughly 2 to 3 hours for the hiking portion of your day.
Take your time and enjoy the route rather than treating the lake as the only objective. The changing views, alpine vegetation and mountain atmosphere are part of the experience, and short stops can make the walk more enjoyable for families and casual hikers.
Safety Precautions and Considerations
Although the standard First–Bachalpsee–First route is officially rated easy, it is still a mountain hike. Your safety depends on weather, trail conditions, footwear, fitness and judgment. BFU’s Sicher Bergwandern guidance recommends planning around the route, difficulty, personal ability, time requirement, trail conditions and weather.
Carry enough drinking water and food for your own needs and the day’s conditions. There is no need to follow an arbitrary universal water quantity, but you should not rely on finding drinking water along the hiking route.
Pay attention to fatigue, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath or feeling unwell. If your condition is worsening, do not force yourself to reach the lake. Turning around early is the safer decision when your body or the weather is telling you to stop.
Warning: Do not continue onto exposed alpine terrain when thunderstorms threaten. MeteoSwiss advises avoiding exposed areas, mountain ridges, open terrain, isolated trees and bodies of water when lightning is a risk. Check official warnings before starting and turn back early when conditions deteriorate.
The standard route is well marked, but a charged phone and an offline map or GPS route are sensible backups. Stay on the established trail, respect closures and signs, and do not assume that a route shown on a map is safe when current conditions say otherwise.
If you encounter grazing livestock or wildlife, give animals space rather than approaching or feeding them. Keep the path clear for other hikers and close any gates that you find closed.
What to Bring on the Hike
Start with sturdy, comfortable footwear with good grip. Heavy mountaineering boots are not normally necessary for the standard trail in good summer conditions, but smooth-soled city shoes are a poor choice for loose gravel, wet surfaces or uneven ground.
A lightweight daypack is useful for carrying weather layers without weighing you down. Pack for the conditions at First and Bachalpsee, not only for the warmer temperature you may encounter down in Grindelwald.
- Grippy walking or hiking shoes
- Light waterproof or windproof outer layer
- Warm layer if temperatures are cool
- Drinking water
- Snacks or a picnic
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Charged phone
- Basic first-aid supplies and personal medication
- Optional trekking poles
- Offline map or saved route information
Food is especially useful if you plan to stop beside Bachalpsee. Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, sandwiches and other portable foods are easy to carry. Pack out everything you bring with you and leave the lake area as you found it.
A small first-aid kit can cover minor cuts, blisters and scrapes. Bring any personal medication you need and keep essential items somewhere that remains dry if the weather changes.
Best Time and Trail Conditions
For the classic hiking experience on a mostly snow-free path, summer through early autumn is usually the simplest period to plan around. Exact conditions vary from year to year, however, and snow or ice can remain late or arrive early at this elevation.
Do not use a calendar month as proof that the trail is safe. Check live Jungfrau operating information, the current weather forecast and any hazard warnings shortly before you leave.
If the route is snow covered, icy, closed or affected by severe weather, treat it as a different undertaking rather than assuming the normal summer difficulty rating still applies.
Who Is the First to Bachalpsee Hike Best For?
The standard route works well for many families, casual walkers and visitors who want an alpine hike without committing to a long mountain trek. Grindelwald Tourism classifies the route as family-friendly as well as easy, but individual children and adults still need enough stamina for roughly 5.8 km of walking at altitude.
The first uphill section can be tiring for young children, inexperienced walkers or anyone unused to elevation. Build in rest time rather than judging suitability only from the word “easy.”
The path is broad in many places, but it remains an outdoor mountain trail with gradients and uneven sections. Do not assume it offers guaranteed wheelchair or ordinary-stroller accessibility. Travelers with mobility requirements should verify current accessibility information directly with the operator before visiting.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
The area around Grindelwald-First offers several ways to extend your day. The First Cliff Walk is close to the mountain station and can be visited before or after the Bachalpsee hike, depending on operating conditions and how much time you have.
Stronger hikers can continue beyond Bachalpsee toward Faulhorn or connect with longer routes in the First area. These extensions are substantially longer and more demanding than the basic out-and-back hike, so do not use the standard Bachalpsee difficulty and timing figures for them.
The wider Grindelwald area also has hiking routes associated with the Eiger as well as mountain biking, paragliding and other outdoor activities. Check the operator or local tourism information for current availability, conditions and requirements before committing to an activity.
Back in Grindelwald village, you can explore local shops, cafés and restaurants. Swiss dishes such as fondue and raclette can make an enjoyable meal after a day outside, although restaurant opening hours vary by season.
Making the Most of Your First to Bachalpsee Trail Experience
The First to Bachalpsee trail delivers a high-alpine setting without requiring a full-day trek. The most important part of planning is to use the correct route information: about 5.8 km round trip, roughly 202 m of ascent and descent, and around 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes of walking in normal conditions.
Give yourself extra time for photographs and a picnic, check the mountain forecast, confirm gondola operations, wear footwear with good grip and turn around when weather or personal energy levels make continuing unwise. Those simple decisions make the hike far more enjoyable than rushing to meet an unrealistic timetable.
Once you reach Bachalpsee, slow down and enjoy the lake and surrounding mountains before returning to First. Calm weather may produce the famous mountain reflections, but the changing clouds, wind and light are part of the alpine experience too.
If you are browsing other content on this site, there is also an article about Asian melon. That topic is separate from this Bachalpsee hiking guide and is not needed for planning the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the First to Bachalpsee trail?
It is an out-and-back hiking route from the Grindelwald-First mountain station to Bachalpsee, an alpine lake above Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland.
How do I get to the First to Bachalpsee trail?
Travel to Grindelwald village, walk roughly 10 minutes from Grindelwald railway station to the First cable-car valley station, and ride the gondola to First. The gondola journey takes about 25 minutes according to Jungfrau Railways. Check the current timetable before travel.
How long is the First to Bachalpsee trail?
The verified First–Bachalpsee–First route is about 5.8 km round trip. Grindelwald Tourism lists about 1 hour 40 minutes of walking, while Jungfrau Railways gives about 1 hour 50 minutes. Allow around 2 to 3 hours if you want longer stops.
What is the difficulty level of the First to Bachalpsee trail?
Grindelwald Tourism rates the standard route easy. The beginning contains a noticeable uphill section, and the trail can have uneven surfaces. Weather, snow and ice can make the hike significantly more difficult than its normal summer rating.
Is the Bachalpsee hike suitable for families?
Yes, the standard route is classified as family-friendly, but children still need enough stamina for about 5.8 km of walking at more than 2,000 meters above sea level. Take breaks and judge suitability based on the individual child rather than the route rating alone.
What should I bring when hiking to Bachalpsee?
Bring grippy footwear, weather layers, adequate drinking water, food or snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a charged phone, basic first-aid supplies and any personal medication. An offline map and trekking poles are useful optional extras.
What is the best time to hike from First to Bachalpsee?
Snow-free summer and early-autumn conditions usually provide the simplest version of the hike, but there is no guaranteed calendar opening date. Always check current trail, lift and mountain-weather conditions before leaving.
What should I do if the weather changes during the hike?
Turn back early if conditions are deteriorating rather than waiting for severe weather. During thunderstorm risk, avoid exposed terrain and bodies of water and follow MeteoSwiss warnings. Do not continue simply because you are close to the lake.
Sources
- Jungfrau Railways: Lake Bachalpsee — official Bachalpsee hiking information, elevation, timing, and trail responsibility notice.
- Jungfrau Railways: Grindelwald-First — cable-car access, journey information, First attractions, and transport guidance.
- Grindelwald Tourism verified First–Bachalpsee–First route — route distance, ascent, descent, duration, difficulty, trail description, and equipment guidance.
- Jungfrau Railways Operating Information — current lift and regional operating status.
- MeteoSwiss Hazard Information — official Swiss weather and natural-hazard warnings.
- Sicher Bergwandern / BFU — Swiss mountain-hiking planning, equipment, and safety guidance.
