First Mountain Station Grindelwald
An adventurer's playground in the Swiss Alps, offering thrilling activities and stunning panoramic views from the First Cliff Walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & get best photos
First Mountain Station Grindelwald
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get best photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An adventurer's playground in the Swiss Alps, offering thrilling activities and stunning panoramic views from the First Cliff Walk.
"The views become more impressive the higher you go, perfect for anyone wanting a taste of the Alps without a tough climb. "
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
Avoid long queues by purchasing your cable car and activity tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
First Cliff Walk by Tissot
First Mountain Station
A thrilling 300m metal walkway suspended on the cliff face, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
Bachalpsee Lake Hike
From First Mountain Station
A relatively easy hike to a stunning alpine lake reflecting the surrounding peaks.
Adventure Activities
Various stations on the way down
Experience the thrill of Mountain Karts, scooters, and ziplines for an adrenaline-filled descent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Weather Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
Avoid long queues by purchasing your cable car and activity tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for incredible photo opportunities from the Cliff Walk and hiking trails. :camerawithflash:
🚡 Gondola Ride is a Must
The Firstbahn gondola offers spectacular views even before you reach the top. :mountain_cableway:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
Avoid long queues by purchasing your cable car and activity tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for incredible photo opportunities from the Cliff Walk and hiking trails. :camerawithflash:
🚡 Gondola Ride is a Must
The Firstbahn gondola offers spectacular views even before you reach the top. :mountain_cableway:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather can be unpredictable; pack layers to stay comfortable. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Grindelwald First, especially from the Cliff Walk and during the gondola ride. The variety of adventure activities like ziplining and mountain karts are a major draw for thrill-seekers. However, some find the ticket prices to be quite high and note that queues can be very long, even with pre-booked tickets, leading to frustration. +1
"Take the cable car to reach the stunning summit of Pfingstegg, where an array of thrilling activities awaits you. Once at the top, you can embark on scenic hiking trails that showcase breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, there's an exciting toboggan ride that winds down the mountainside. You can also experience the exhilaration of a zip line, soaring through the air and taking in the spectacular scenery from above. To refuel after your adventures, you'll find a cozy food and drink store offering a variety of refreshments. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful alpine atmosphere. The views were lovely."
Bee T
"Firstbahn AG in Grindelwald makes reaching high alpine views effortless and rewarding.
We skipped the lower stops focused on zip lines and carts, heading straight to the top for the cliff walk and the Bachalpsee hike.
The gondola ride is smooth and quick, giving you fresh mountain air and stunning vistas as you ascend.
The views become more impressive the higher you go, perfect for anyone wanting a taste of the Alps without a tough climb.
Buying tickets ahead is smart to avoid lines. Definitely include this in your Grindelwald plans for easy access to breathtaking scenery and outdoor fun."
noel medina
"So crowded but they try to organize as much as they can with that huge crowds. I recommend the authorities to better organize the “people with ticket” lines and “people without ticket” lines. We had our tickets bought online and get in the line outside the building in “with ticket” line. People passed next to us and followed the line “without ticket” got inside the building to buy their tickets and we saw them ahead of us when we could get inside the building. They should have got in the same line behind us after buying tickets. With this way it is almost a disadvantage buying the tickets beforehand. Other than that, showing the waiting times for activities is practical and the cablecar service is awesome with spectacular views on the way."
Canan Üstündağ Ayçiçek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (approx. 35 minutes). From Grindelwald train station, it's a short walk to the Firstbahn gondola base station. The gondola ride to First takes about 25 minutes.
Yes, there are several parking garages in Grindelwald, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. It's advisable to arrive early or consider public transport.
No, you cannot drive directly to Grindelwald First. The primary access is via the Firstbahn gondola from Grindelwald village.
The most scenic and convenient way is by train, which offers stunning views of the Swiss countryside.
Public buses do not go directly to Grindelwald First. The main access is the Firstbahn gondola from Grindelwald village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you purchase a round-trip gondola ticket or individual activity tickets. A round-trip gondola ticket can cost around 88 CHF.
Yes, tickets for activities like the Mountain Kart, First Flyer, and First Glider are typically purchased separately from the gondola ticket. You can also opt for an adventure package.
The Firstbahn gondola typically operates from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the official Grindelwald First website for current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
While online booking can save time by avoiding queues, the price for tickets is generally the same. However, booking ahead is highly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
The Swiss Travel Pass often provides discounts on the Firstbahn gondola and some activities. It's advisable to check the specific benefits of your pass before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the First Cliff Walk, the hike to Bachalpsee, and the thrilling adventure activities like Mountain Karts and the First Flyer zipline.
The Cliff Walk is a suspended metal walkway, which can be daunting for those with a fear of heights. However, it's very secure and offers incredible views.
The hike to Bachalpsee from the First mountain station is a moderate walk and typically takes about 1 hour each way.
Many activities, like the Mountain Karts and Trotti Bikes, have age and height restrictions. The First Flyer and Glider also have specific requirements. Always check these before booking.
The 'First View' is a platform at the summit offering nine unique perspectives of the surrounding Bernese Oberland Alps.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes at the First mountain station offering refreshments and meals with stunning views.
You can find typical Swiss mountain cuisine, snacks, and drinks. The food and drink store at Pfingstegg also offers refreshments.
While there are dining options, bringing your own snacks and water is always a good idea, especially for longer hikes.
📸 📸 Photography
The First Cliff Walk, Bachalpsee Lake, and the gondola ride itself offer iconic photo opportunities. The 'First View' platform also provides unique angles.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with fewer crowds.
Absolutely! The gondola ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and mountains, perfect for capturing stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger adventurers, the Mountain Karts and Trotti Bikes provide a fun way to descend the mountain, though age and height restrictions apply. The hike to Bachalpsee Lake is also family-friendly, offering a chance to explore nature and enjoy a picnic with a view.
Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and dress in layers to ensure everyone stays comfortable throughout the day. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The reflection of the mountains in Bachalpsee Lake is an iconic shot, especially during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the water is calm. The gondola ride itself offers continuous photographic opportunities, with the valley and mountains unfolding below.
⛰️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Beyond the main attractions, the area is rich in alpine flora and fauna, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on any hike, and carry appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear and water. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Adventure Activities at Grindelwald First
For a more grounded but equally exciting experience, the Mountain Karts provide a unique way to descend from Schreckfeld to Bort, navigating winding paths with stunning alpine backdrops. +1 If you prefer a slightly different ride, the Trotti Bikes (scooters) offer another fun way to cruise down the mountain. These activities are typically ticketed separately from the main gondola ride, allowing you to customize your adventure. Many visitors opt for an Adventure Package that bundles several activities for a full day of excitement.
It's worth noting that there are age and height restrictions for these activities, so it's advisable to check these details in advance. The engineering behind some of these rides, like the robot arm attached to the go-kart gondola, is also a marvel to observe. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for these activities. The adrenaline rush combined with the spectacular Swiss Alps scenery makes these adventure activities a highlight for many visitors to Grindelwald First.
The Iconic First Cliff Walk
+1 At an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, the walkway provides unparalleled, unobstructed views of the surrounding Bernese Oberland, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Accessing the Cliff Walk is straightforward; it's a short walk from the First mountain station after taking the gondola up.
The walkway itself is designed to be safe and secure, with sturdy railings and a solid construction. However, for individuals with a significant fear of heights, it can still be an intense experience. The design allows for a 360-degree panorama, making it an exceptional spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, though it's crucial to check operating times. Many visitors describe the Cliff Walk as a must-do when visiting Grindelwald First, highlighting the breathtaking views and the unique perspective it offers of the alpine landscape.
It's a fantastic way to feel immersed in the grandeur of the Swiss Alps without undertaking a strenuous hike. Hiking to Bachalpsee Lake
Bachalpsee is renowned for its mirror-like surface, which, on a calm day, perfectly reflects the majestic Swiss Alps, creating a postcard-perfect scene.
It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and capture some truly memorable photographs. It's advisable to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months. While the hike is generally accessible, checking trail conditions and weather forecasts before setting out is always recommended.
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