Bachalpsee is a high-alpine lake above Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Sitting at about 2,265 metres (7,431 feet), it is best known for the easy hike from Grindelwald-First and the classic reflections of the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn on calm days. The lake is popular with hikers, families, photographers, and visitors looking for a scenic half-day mountain outing.
Quick Answer
The easiest way to visit Bachalpsee is to take the First cable car from Grindelwald village and hike from the First top station. The standard out-and-back route is about 5.8 km and takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes of walking, although allowing 2–3 hours gives you time for photos and breaks.
Key Takeaways
- Bachalpsee lies at about 2,265 m above Grindelwald and is reached most easily from the First mountain station.
- The verified First–Bachalpsee–First route is about 5.8 km, with roughly 202 m of ascent and descent.
- In normal snow-free conditions, the main route is rated easy, but mountain weather can change quickly.
- Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn create the best-known mountain backdrop and reflections at the lake.
- Summer and early autumn are generally the simplest seasons for regular hiking, but always check current trail and cable-car status.
- Fishing requires the appropriate licence, and winter visits require separate checks for marked winter-trail, snow, weather, and avalanche conditions.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 1 hr 40 min walking for the 5.8 km return route; allow 2–3 hours with lake stops |
| Difficulty | Easy in normal snow-free conditions; about 202 m ascent and 202 m descent |
| Tools Needed | Sturdy footwear, water, weather layers, sun protection, rain protection, snacks, and a charged phone |
| Cost | The hiking trail itself is free. A Grindelwald-First cable-car ticket is extra; official 2026 tickets are currently advertised from CHF 38, with the final fare depending on ticket type and discounts. |
| Lake Elevation | About 2,265 m (7,431 ft) |
How to Get to Bachalpsee
For most visitors, the trip begins in Grindelwald village. The valley station of the First cable car is in the village centre, a short walk from Grindelwald railway station. According to Jungfrau Railways, the six-seat gondola takes about 25 minutes to reach First and travels through the intermediate stations of Bort and Schreckfeld.
If you arrive by train from Interlaken Ost, continue to Grindelwald village for the First cable car rather than getting off at Grindelwald Terminal. The terminal serves other mountain transport, while the First cable-car valley station is closer to the centre of the village.
From the First top station, follow the marked walking route toward Bachalpsee. The verified First–Bachalpsee–First route is approximately 5.8 km in total, with around 202 m of ascent and descent. The route initially climbs before becoming gentler as it crosses open alpine terrain toward the lake.
Grindelwald Tourism’s verified route rates the standard hike as easy and gives a walking time of about 1 hour 40 minutes for the return journey. Actual time depends on your pace, trail conditions, crowds, and how long you spend at the lake, so 2–3 hours is a more comfortable planning window for most sightseers.
Pro Tip: Do not treat Bort as a shortcut to Bachalpsee. For the easiest standard visit, ride all the way to First. Bort is more useful as an endpoint if you choose the longer downhill route from Bachalpsee through Waldspitz.
Best Time to Visit Bachalpsee
The best season depends on what you want to do, but regular summer hiking is easiest when the trail is open and free of significant snow. July through September is often the most straightforward period for visitors who want alpine meadows, long daylight hours, and normal hiking conditions. Conditions can vary from year to year, so a calendar date alone cannot guarantee a snow-free trail.
Late spring and early summer can bring wildflowers, but snow patches may remain at this elevation. Autumn can offer clearer air and fewer visitors, although colder temperatures and shorter days become increasingly important.
Winter is a separate experience rather than simply a colder version of the summer hike. The Grindelwald-First area has marked winter-hiking routes, but availability changes with snow, weather, grooming, and lift operations. Check the current trail status and MeteoSwiss hazard information before heading into the mountains.
Warning: Bachalpsee is above 2,200 m, so wind, cold, cloud, thunderstorms, snow, and poor visibility can occur even when conditions in Grindelwald village seem pleasant. Check the forecast, current trail status, and the last cable-car descent before starting.
Hiking Trails around Bachalpsee
The standard route from First is the best choice for visitors who mainly want to see Bachalpsee. Longer routes continue into more demanding terrain and require additional time, fitness, planning, and attention to weather.
| Route | Difficulty | Distance | Typical Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| First – Bachalpsee – First | Easy | About 5.8 km | About 1 hr 40 min |
| First – Bachalpsee – Waldspitz – Bort | Moderate | About 7.9 km | About 2 hr 25 min |
| First – Bachalpsee – Faulhorn – Schynige Platte | Long mountain hike | Long-distance route | About 6 hours |
First to Bachalpsee and Back
This is the simplest option and follows a wide, well-developed route from the First top station to the lake before returning the same way. Grindelwald Tourism lists the route at about 5.8 km with 202 m of ascent and 202 m of descent. It is suitable for many casual hikers in good weather and normal summer conditions.
First to Bachalpsee, Waldspitz and Bort
For a longer one-way walk, continue from Bachalpsee toward Waldspitz and descend to Bort. Grindelwald Tourism’s verified Flower Trail is about 7.9 km, takes around 2 hours 25 minutes, and includes substantially more descent than ascent. From Bort, you can use the First cable car for the return to Grindelwald when it is operating.
Faulhorn and Schynige Platte
Experienced hikers with enough time can continue toward Faulhorn and eventually Schynige Platte. Jungfrau Railways describes the First–Faulhorn–Schynige Platte route as a roughly six-hour high-altitude mountain hike. This is a very different commitment from the short Bachalpsee visit and requires appropriate fitness, weather, transport, and turnaround planning.
Note: Schreckhornhütte appears on maps of the wider Grindelwald mountain area, but it should not be treated as a simple harder branch from the Bachalpsee walk. Visitors wanting a conventional extension from Bachalpsee should look at the established Faulhorn, Waldspitz, Bort, or Schynige Platte routes instead.
Things to Do at Bachalpsee
Many visitors simply sit beside the lake, have a picnic, and enjoy the mountain scenery. Calm conditions are especially attractive because the water can reflect the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn. Benches are available along the route and around the lake area, but you should still carry the food and water you expect to need.
Fresh fruit, including melon or another easy-to-carry snack, can be refreshing after the climb. Pack food securely, avoid leaving scraps behind, and carry all rubbish back out with you.
Photography is another major reason to visit. The open landscape provides wide views, while the lake offers foreground reflections when the wind is light.
Fishing is possible at Bachalpsee, but it is regulated. Grindelwald Tourism states that a special fishing licence is required. Before bringing fishing equipment, check the latest Canton Bern fishing regulations and current local permit arrangements.
During winter, visitors may also find marked winter-hiking opportunities in the Grindelwald-First area. Only use routes that are officially open for the conditions on the day of your visit.
What to Bring and Facilities
Bachalpsee is an alpine destination, so prepare for more than a casual walk through town. For the standard summer hike, useful items include:
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip
- Water and enough food for your outing
- A warm layer, even on a mild day in Grindelwald
- Rain and wind protection
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- A charged phone
- A small first-aid kit
- A camera or phone if you want photographs
- Trekking poles if you normally prefer them
Do not rely on finding a staffed restaurant, shop, or full visitor-service complex at the lake itself. The main developed services are around First and elsewhere in the Grindelwald-First area, so use available facilities before starting and carry what you need to the lake.
Wildlife and Nature at Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee sits among alpine meadows, streams, wet ground, and mountain habitats. Regional tourism information notes that the lake is divided into two parts by a natural dam and is surrounded by moorland. Wildflowers add colour during the warmer months, although the exact flowering period changes with elevation, snowmelt, and weather.
In the wider alpine environment, you may encounter marmots, chamois, alpine choughs, butterflies, bees, and occasionally larger birds of prey such as golden eagles. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and animals are best observed quietly from a distance.
Stay on established paths where possible, do not pick protected or unfamiliar alpine plants, avoid feeding wildlife, and carry all litter away. These habits protect fragile vegetation and reduce disturbance to animals.
Bachalpsee lies at about 2,265 metres above sea level, yet the normal approach from First is a relatively short hike rather than a technical alpine climb.
Photography Tips for Bachalpsee
The most recognizable Bachalpsee photographs combine still water with the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn. Wind matters as much as light: even beautiful sunshine will not produce a mirror reflection if the lake surface is rippled.
Choose Your Timing Carefully
Early and late light can create softer colours and stronger shadows than midday light. However, never assume the First cable car runs early enough for sunrise or late enough for sunset. Compare your photography plan with the current operating timetable and make sure you have a safe return.
Use Foreground Elements
Rocks, grasses, flowers, shoreline curves, and small streams can create depth instead of placing the horizon in the middle of every frame. Try both wide landscape compositions and tighter images of reflections and mountain details.
Control Glare Carefully
A polarizing filter can reduce glare and improve contrast, but rotate it while watching the reflection. Maximum polarization can sometimes weaken the very water reflection you came to photograph.
Protect Your Equipment
Carry a rain cover or waterproof bag. Mountain weather can change quickly, and condensation can also become an issue when moving equipment between cold outdoor conditions and warm indoor spaces.
Nearby Attractions and Accommodations
Grindelwald makes the most practical base for visiting Bachalpsee. The village has hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and public transport connections covering a wide range of budgets.
Before or after the Bachalpsee hike, you can explore other attractions at Grindelwald-First, including the First Cliff Walk and mountain viewpoints. Adventure activities such as the First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart, and Trottibike are also available at selected times and are subject to operating conditions.
For local history, the Grindelwald Museum near the village church covers subjects such as alpine farming, railways, crafts, and technology. Another major day trip is Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, reached through a different transport route from Grindelwald Terminal rather than the First cable-car system.
If Bachalpsee is your main priority, staying in Grindelwald gives you flexibility to choose a day with better mountain visibility instead of committing to the hike during poor weather. A comfortable visit combines realistic hiking time, current lift information, suitable clothing, and enough spare time to enjoy the lake rather than rushing back for the final descent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bachalpsee?
Bachalpsee is an alpine lake above Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. It lies at about 2,265 m and is known for its mountain scenery and reflections of the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn in calm conditions.
How do I get to Bachalpsee?
Take the First cable car from Grindelwald village to the First top station, then follow the marked trail to Bachalpsee. The gondola ride takes about 25 minutes, and the standard hike begins at First rather than Bort.
How long is the hike from First to Bachalpsee?
The verified First–Bachalpsee–First route is about 5.8 km round trip and takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes of walking. Allow 2–3 hours if you want time for photographs, a picnic, and lake views.
Is the Bachalpsee hike difficult?
The standard route from First is rated easy in normal snow-free conditions. It still takes place above 2,000 m, so weather, snow, wind, footwear, fitness, and altitude can make the walk feel harder.
What should I bring when visiting Bachalpsee?
Bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, food, sunscreen, sunglasses, weather layers, rain protection, a charged phone, and any personal hiking essentials. A camera and trekking poles are optional.
Are there facilities at Bachalpsee?
Do not depend on staffed food, drink, or full visitor facilities at the lake itself. Use the available services around First before starting and carry the water, snacks, clothing, and other supplies you need.
What is the best time of year to visit Bachalpsee?
Summer through early autumn is generally easiest for normal hiking once the route is open and snow-free. July through September is a useful planning window, but always check current weather, trail status, and cable-car operation because conditions vary each year.
Can families hike to Bachalpsee?
Many families use the standard First–Bachalpsee route because it is relatively short and rated easy. Adults should still consider each child’s walking ability, weather, altitude, footwear, and the need to return before the cable car closes.
Can you visit Bachalpsee in winter?
Winter visits can be possible when the relevant marked winter route and mountain transport are operating. Check current trail, snow, weather, and avalanche information rather than assuming the summer hiking route is safe simply because the cable car is running.
Can you fish at Bachalpsee?
Yes, fishing is possible, but a special licence is required. Check Grindelwald Tourism and the latest Canton Bern fishing regulations before fishing because permit conditions and fishing rules can change.
Sources
- Jungfrau Railways: Hike to Bachalpsee — Bachalpsee elevation, hiking access, and official visitor information.
- Jungfrau Railways: Grindelwald-First — First cable-car access, mountain activities, and operating information.
- Jungfrau Railways: Prices and Tickets — current Grindelwald-First ticket information and advertised starting prices.
- Grindelwald Tourism verified First–Bachalpsee–First route — route distance, duration, ascent, difficulty, equipment, and mountain views.
- MeteoSwiss Hazard Information — current Swiss weather hazards including thunderstorms, snow, wind, rain, and frost.
- Canton Bern Fishing Regulations — current fishing rules and mountain-lake fishing guidance.
