Bachalpsee is a high-alpine lake above Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Sitting at about 2,265 meters (7,431 feet), it is best known for its mountain reflections, open alpine scenery, and easy access from Grindelwald-First. The standard visit combines the First gondola with a relatively easy out-and-back hike, making Bachalpsee one of the most approachable mountain-lake excursions in the Jungfrau Region.
Quick Answer
To visit Bachalpsee, take the First gondola from Grindelwald to Grindelwald-First, then follow the marked trail to the lake. The First-Bachalpsee-First hike is about 5.8 km (3.6 miles) round trip and normally takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes of walking.
Key Takeaways
- Bachalpsee lies at about 2,265 meters above Grindelwald and is famous for reflections of peaks including Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn.
- The standard First-Bachalpsee-First route is about 5.8 km round trip with roughly 202 meters of climbing.
- Allow about 50 to 60 minutes each way, plus extra time for photos, a picnic, or relaxing beside the lake.
- Snow-free summer and early-autumn conditions are easiest for most visitors, but trail conditions should always be checked before departure.
- Fishing requires a special Bachalpsee licence. Swimming is possible, but the water is extremely cold and there are no lifeguards at the lake.
- The standard Bachalpsee walk is an easy marked hike. Schreckhornhütte is a separate advanced T4 mountain-hiking destination and should not be treated as a casual extension.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 1 hr 40 min to 1 hr 50 min walking round trip; allow 2.5 to 4 hours with lake time and photos |
| Difficulty | Easy in normal snow-free conditions; about 5.8 km round trip with roughly 202 m ascent |
| Tools Needed | No special equipment in normal summer conditions; bring sturdy shoes, layers, sun and rain protection, water, food, and a charged phone |
| Cost | The hiking trail is free. Transport to First costs extra; Jungfrau Railways lists Grindelwald-First tickets from CHF 38 as of August 2026 |
How to Get to Bachalpsee
Most visitors begin in Grindelwald. From the village, take the First aerial gondola to Grindelwald-First, the mountain station above the valley. The gondola removes most of the elevation gain and gives you broad views over the Grindelwald mountains on the way up.
If you arrive by train, continue to Grindelwald village rather than getting off at Grindelwald Terminal. Jungfrau Railways says the First gondola valley station is in central Grindelwald and can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot from Grindelwald station. You can check current connections and operating information on the official Grindelwald-First page.
Drivers should not expect convenient parking directly beside the First gondola. Jungfrau Railways recommends Grindelwald Terminal parking for First visitors and operates a shuttle from the terminal area to the First cable car. Arriving by public transport is often simpler during busy summer periods.
First to Bachalpsee hiking route
From the First mountain station, follow the marked First-Bachalpsee trail. According to the route published by Grindelwald Tourism, the complete First-Bachalpsee-First hike is about 5.8 km (3.6 miles), with approximately 202 meters (663 feet) of ascent and the same amount of descent.
The opening section contains the most noticeable climb. After that, the route becomes gentler as it crosses open alpine terrain toward Bachalpsee. In normal snow-free conditions, the route is rated easy and is suitable for many casual hikers who are comfortable walking for around two hours at altitude.
The official route takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, while Jungfrau Railways suggests approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. For trip planning, allow roughly 50 to 60 minutes each way and add whatever time you want to spend at the lake.
Note: Gondola schedules and hiking conditions are seasonal. As of August 17, 2026, Jungfrau Railways lists the current Grindelwald-First season through October 25, 2026. Always check the live operating and trail status for your exact travel date.
Best Time to Visit Bachalpsee
For most first-time visitors, the easiest period is from early summer into early autumn, once snow has cleared from the normal hiking route. July, August, and September generally offer the simplest hiking conditions, but mountain weather and late or early snow can change conditions from year to year.
June can bring green meadows and early alpine flowers, although snow patches may remain after a snowy spring. September often offers comfortable hiking weather and fewer peak-season crowds. By October, shorter days, colder temperatures, snow, and seasonal transport changes become more important considerations.
Bachalpsee can also be part of the winter hiking network when the appropriate route is prepared, but a winter visit is a different experience from the normal summer hike. The lake may be snow-covered or frozen, and footwear, route choice, weather risks, and operating status require more careful planning.
Pro Tip: For the best chance of mirror-like reflections, visit when the air is calm. Switzerland Tourism specifically recommends early morning and dusk because still conditions make mountain reflections easier to photograph.
Things to Do at Bachalpsee
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Walk the scenic First-Bachalpsee-First route or continue on a longer marked route if conditions and your experience are suitable. |
| Photography | Photograph the lake, alpine meadows, and reflections of Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn, and nearby mountain scenery. |
| Picnicking | Bring your own food and enjoy a break near the lake while protecting vegetation and taking all rubbish away. |
| Wildlife spotting | Watch quietly for alpine birds, marmots, and other mountain wildlife without approaching or feeding animals. |
| Fishing | Fishing is regulated and requires a special Bachalpsee fishing licence from Grindelwald Tourism. |
| Swimming | A dip is possible, but Bachalpsee is a cold, unstaffed alpine lake. Enter only if conditions and your swimming ability make it safe. |
Many visitors are happiest simply sitting beside the lake, having a picnic, and watching the changing light across the water. On calm days, reflections can be the highlight of the visit.
Hiking remains the main activity because Bachalpsee connects with a wider network of marked routes around First, Faulhorn, Waldspitz, and Bussalp. Choose any extension according to current trail status, weather, daylight, and your hiking experience rather than assuming every nearby path has the same easy rating as the standard First-Bachalpsee walk.
Hiking Trails Around Bachalpsee
The standard First-Bachalpsee-First hike is the easiest choice for most visitors. Grindelwald Tourism lists it as an easy 5.8 km out-and-back route, so you return to First along the same general trail rather than completing a formal loop around Bachalpsee.
Bachalpsee to Faulhorn
Experienced walkers who have more time can continue uphill toward Faulhorn. Faulhorn reaches roughly 2,680 meters and forms part of the famous high-level route between First and Schynige Platte. Jungfrau Railways estimates the full First-Schynige Platte high-altitude hike at around six hours, so this should be treated as a substantially bigger outing than the normal Bachalpsee excursion.
If you only continue toward Faulhorn and return to First, calculate your turnaround time carefully and check the current trail status before leaving the lake.
Schreckhornhütte is not a Bachalpsee side trip
Schreckhornhütte should not be confused with the easy Bachalpsee hiking network. The Swiss Alpine Club lists the hut at 2,530 meters and rates its normal approach from Pfingstegg/Grindelwald as T4. The ascent takes about 4 to 5 hours and gains approximately 1,380 meters.
Warning: The normal Bachalpsee walk is an easy marked tourist hike in good conditions, but nearby mountain routes can be dramatically harder. Do not attempt Schreckhornhütte or another advanced route based only on your experience walking to Bachalpsee. Check the official Swiss Alpine Club route grade, weather, and current conditions first.
Wildlife and Nature at Bachalpsee
The landscape around Bachalpsee includes alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and an environmentally sensitive moor area. Switzerland Tourism describes the area around the lake as a moor landscape of national importance, so visitors should stay on established routes where requested and avoid damaging wet ground or vegetation.
Alpine plants appear along the trail during the snow-free season. Depending on the exact location and flowering period, the wider Bernese Alps support species such as alpine roses and edelweiss, along with many less famous mountain flowers. Photograph flowers rather than picking them.
Marmots, alpine birds, chamois, and ibex live in the wider alpine region, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Marmots may sometimes be heard before they are seen, while birds are often easier to observe around open slopes and rocky areas.
Keep your distance from wildlife, do not offer food, and avoid leaving the marked route simply to get a closer photograph. This protects both animals and fragile alpine vegetation.
Bachalpsee sits at about 2,265 meters above sea level, while the standard First-Bachalpsee-First hike remains relatively short at about 5.8 km round trip.
Accommodation Options Near Bachalpsee
There is no conventional hotel directly on the shore of Bachalpsee. Grindelwald is the most practical base for most travelers because it has a broad range of hotels, apartments, guesthouses, hostels, restaurants, shops, and public transport, as well as direct access to the First gondola.
Mountain accommodation is also available elsewhere in the surrounding hiking region. For example, the historic Alpine Hotel Faulhorn provides an overnight option for hikers who reach Faulhorn during its operating season. Reaching such mountain accommodation requires more effort and should be planned as a separate hiking itinerary rather than as a casual Bachalpsee visit.
If you are choosing a base for several days in the region, see this existing guide to where to stay in the Bernese Oberland for an overview of Grindelwald and other nearby areas.
Tips for Visiting Bachalpsee
Check the weather forecast, gondola operation, and hiking status before leaving Grindelwald. Alpine conditions can change quickly, and snow, thunderstorms, strong wind, fog, or cold temperatures can make an otherwise easy trail more serious.
What to bring
- Sturdy walking or hiking shoes with good grip
- Warm layer and weather-resistant outer layer
- Sun protection, including sunglasses and sunscreen
- Enough drinking water for your outing
- Snacks or picnic food
- Charged mobile phone
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Optional trekking poles if you prefer extra support
The Swiss Alpine Club recommends planning around weather and route conditions and carrying protection against rain, cold, and sun. At altitude, a warm sunny start in Grindelwald does not guarantee identical conditions at Bachalpsee.
Pro Tip: Build extra time into your return plan. A hike that takes under two hours of actual walking can easily become a three-hour outing once you stop for photographs, eat beside the lake, or wait for calm reflections.
Facilities, Food, Toilets, and Water
Plan as though there are no staffed visitor services at Bachalpsee itself. The verified First-Bachalpsee route lists Berggasthaus First as a refreshment stop near the gondola station rather than at the lake.
Use toilets and buy food or drinks at First or in Grindelwald when available. Bring enough drinking water and food for your hike instead of relying on finding refreshments at the lake.
Benches along the route and around the destination provide places to stop, but Bachalpsee is a natural mountain setting rather than a developed lakeside park.
Photography at Bachalpsee
Photography is one of the main reasons people visit Bachalpsee. The most recognizable compositions use the lake as a foreground for the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn, and other peaks of the Bernese Alps.
Wind matters as much as sunlight. When the lake surface is calm, the mountain reflections become much clearer. Switzerland Tourism specifically highlights early morning and dusk for reflection photography.
Cloudy conditions can still produce dramatic photographs, so a perfectly blue sky is not essential. However, low cloud or fog can completely hide the peaks, which is another reason to check webcams and forecasts before paying for mountain transport.
Swimming and Fishing at Bachalpsee
Can you swim in Bachalpsee?
Swimming or taking a quick dip is possible, but Bachalpsee is a high-altitude natural lake rather than a supervised swimming area. Water can remain extremely cold even when the weather feels warm.
There are no lifeguards at the lake. Avoid entering the water if you are alone, already cold, tired from hiking, uncomfortable in cold water, or uncertain about conditions. A brief shoreline dip is a very different risk from swimming far from shore.
Can you fish at Bachalpsee?
Yes, but fishing is regulated. Grindelwald Tourism states that a special Bachalpsee fishing licence is required. Its published information also gives a defined fishing season, so anglers should check the latest rules before carrying equipment to the lake.
Use the official Grindelwald Tourism Bachalpsee fishing information for the current licence, season, and local requirements.
Is Bachalpsee Suitable for Families?
In dry, snow-free conditions, the normal First-Bachalpsee trail is considered easy and is commonly used by families. It is still a mountain hike rather than a flat lakeside walk. The route includes an uphill start, uneven natural surfaces, changing weather, and an altitude above 2,000 meters.
Children who already enjoy walking outdoors are likely to find the route more comfortable than children who are not used to hiking. Families should carry food, water, warm layers, and rain protection even on a good forecast.
Accessibility and Mobility
The First gondola greatly reduces the amount of climbing needed to reach the high mountains, but the hiking route itself is a natural trail rather than a fully accessible paved walkway. Uneven surfaces and elevation changes can make it unsuitable for standard wheelchairs and difficult for some visitors with limited mobility.
If mobility is a concern, First itself still offers mountain views without requiring the complete walk to Bachalpsee. Check current accessibility information directly with the transport operator before traveling.
Responsible Visiting
Bachalpsee receives many visitors, and protecting the landscape is important. Stay on established paths, avoid trampling wet moor vegetation, take all rubbish with you, and leave flowers and rocks where you find them.
Keep wildlife wild by observing from a distance and never feeding animals. If you picnic beside the lake, pack out everything you brought in.
The Swiss Alpine Club also recommends staying on existing paths and taking photographs of flowers rather than picking them. These simple habits reduce damage in sensitive alpine environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bachalpsee?
Bachalpsee, also called Bachsee, is an alpine lake above Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. It lies at about 2,265 meters and is known for mountain reflections and the scenic hike from Grindelwald-First.
How do I get to Bachalpsee?
Take the First gondola from Grindelwald to Grindelwald-First, then follow the marked trail to Bachalpsee. The standard route returns to First along the same general path.
How long is the hike from First to Bachalpsee?
Allow about 50 to 60 minutes each way. The verified First-Bachalpsee-First route is approximately 5.8 km round trip and normally takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes of walking.
What activities can I do at Bachalpsee?
Popular activities include hiking, photography, picnicking, wildlife watching, and relaxing beside the lake. Regulated fishing is also available with the required licence, and some visitors take a cold-water dip.
Are there facilities at Bachalpsee?
Do not rely on staffed facilities at the lake. Use restaurants, toilets, and other services at First or in Grindelwald when available, and carry your own drinking water and food.
Can you swim in Bachalpsee?
A dip is possible, but Bachalpsee is a very cold high-altitude lake with no lifeguard service. Enter cautiously, stay close to shore, and avoid swimming if conditions or your cold-water experience make it unsafe.
Can you fish at Bachalpsee?
Yes, but you need a special Bachalpsee fishing licence. Check Grindelwald Tourism for the current season, licence price, and fishing rules before your visit.
What is the best time to visit Bachalpsee?
The easiest period for the normal hike is generally early summer through early autumn after the snow has cleared. July through September is especially practical for most visitors, although current trail and weather conditions matter more than the calendar alone.
Is the Bachalpsee hike suitable for children?
In normal dry conditions, the standard route is rated easy and can suit children who are comfortable hiking for around two hours. Parents should still prepare for altitude, changing weather, uneven surfaces, and the uphill section near First.
Does it cost money to visit Bachalpsee?
There is no separate admission fee for walking to the lake, but most visitors pay for transportation from Grindelwald to First. Jungfrau Railways currently lists Grindelwald-First tickets from CHF 38, with the exact price depending on the ticket and travel date.
Sources
- Jungfrau Railways: Lake Bachalpsee — elevation, standard hiking time, and official Bachalpsee visitor information.
- Grindelwald Tourism verified First-Bachalpsee-First route — distance, difficulty, ascent, duration, route description, and equipment guidance.
- Switzerland Tourism: Lake Bachalp — elevation, mountain reflections, seasonal access, alpine plants, and photography conditions.
- Grindelwald Tourism: Fishing at Bachalpsee — special fishing licence and local fishing information.
- Swiss Alpine Club: Safety When Hiking — weather planning, footwear, clothing, emergency preparation, and recommended hiking equipment.
- Jungfrau Railways: Live Operating Information — current gondola and mountain-transport status.
