Switzerland Grindelwald First Travel Information
- 스위스프렌즈
- Feb 28
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Hi, This is Mong Travel
Grindelwald First is one of the most satisfying destinations in Switzerland right now. Unlike simply taking photos at an observatory, this spot offers a variety of activities that make your visit truly unique. With more people staying in Grindelwald, accessibility to First has significantly improved, making it an even more attractive destination.
For those who prefer video content over text, feel free to check out the video linked below.
Stop by Coop in Grindelwald for snacks and drinks. I personally recommend their Caffe Latte by Emmi—it’s delicious and perfect for sipping while admiring the views!
First Cliff Walk by Tissot: This thrilling steel walkway hugs the side of the mountain and includes a viewing platform that extends over a ravine. It’s free and offers breathtaking views of the Eiger North Face—perfect for those who love heights and stunning scenery.
Hike to Bachalpsee: A must-do activity! This two-hour round-trip hike takes you to Bachalpsee Lake, where the crystal-clear water reflects the majestic Alps. It’s an iconic spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Adventure Activities: For thrill-seekers, Grindelwald First offers ziplining (First Flyer), gliding (First Glider), mountain carts, and Trottibike scooters. These activities provide a rush of adrenaline while enjoying the stunning alpine views.
■ How to Get to Grindelwald
These days, while more travelers are choosing to stay in Grindelwald, Interlaken remains the main hub for visitors heading to the area. So, let me explain how to get to Grindelwald from Interlaken. After arriving at Interlaken Ost Station, take a train heading to Grindelwald. From there, you’ll transfer to a gondola that will take you up to First.
One important thing to note: The train departing from platform 2 at Interlaken Ost splits mid-journey—one section heads to Lauterbrunnen and the other to Grindelwald. This can be confusing for first-time travelers. Here’s how to avoid any mix-ups:
Platform 2A (front): Trains go toward Lauterbrunnen.
Platform 2B (rear): Trains go toward Grindelwald.
These details are displayed on the train itself, electronic boards, and even on the platform floor. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask station staff—they’re always happy to help.
Even if you accidentally board the wrong section of the train, don’t worry! You can simply get off at the next station and switch trains.
The journey takes about 40 minutes, and you’ll arrive at Grindelwald Terminal or Grindelwald Station. If your destination is First, you can proceed directly from either stop. Just follow the crowd heading in the same direction as the train’s arrival.
For those planning to visit Jungfraujoch instead, take the train on the opposite platform heading toward Kleine Scheidegg.
The walk from Grindelwald train station to the First gondola station takes about 15–20 minutes and is slightly uphill. While it’s manageable on foot, it can feel tiring on hot summer days. In such cases, taking the bus right in front of Grindelwald Station is a great option—it’s just two stops away. When you exit Grindelwald Station, you’ll see Buri Sports on your left. Across from it, on your right, there’s an open lot that serves as the bus stop. It’s easy to spot, so you don’t need to worry about missing it.
If you need to stock up on supplies, there’s a Coop supermarket in the basement of the cylindrical building directly in front of the station. This is an ideal place to grab water and snacks, especially if you’re planning to hike to Bachalpsee from the top of First, as there are no shops along the hiking trail. Keep in mind that Coop closes at 7 PM.
For fresh bread, while Coop does sell it, you might want to walk a bit further to Riggenberg Bakery for a better selection and taste.
■ Grindelwald First Cable Car Station
At the First gondola station, tickets can be purchased inside, at vending machines outside, or online in advance. If you’re a Jungfrau Pass holder, you can skip the ticket line and head straight through the designated entrance on the right.
For those who bought tickets online or hold a Jungfrau VIP Pass, you can also use this fast-track entrance if there’s a crowd at the ticket counter.
■ First Ticket Prices (Round Trip)
Regular Price: CHF 72
Swiss Travel Pass Holder: CHF 36
Jungfrau Pass Holder: Free
If you purchase an adventure ticket that includes the gondola ride and 1–2 activities, the price will vary depending on your selection. Since the waiting lines for activities can be quite long, I recommend checking them out in person before deciding.
Don’t worry—if you’re unable to participate in an activity, you can request a refund.
■ First Weather
For accurate weather updates, it’s best to use the MeteoSwiss app. Don’t be overly concerned about rain below 5mm—it’s often light and intermittent. The app also allows you to check the weather by time slots, which is very convenient.
Make sure to check the forecast the day before your trip and view the live webcam on the day of your visit. The difference between a clear day and a cloudy one is significant, so it’s worth confirming conditions in advance.
■ How to Get to First
The gondola ride from Grindelwald to First takes approximately 25 minutes and includes stops at Bort and Schreckfeld along the way:
Grindelwald → Bort → Schreckfeld → First
The gondola doors will briefly open at Bort and Schreckfeld, but unless you’re stopping for an activity or hike, stay on board until you reach First. Announcements will guide you, so there’s no need to worry about getting off at the wrong stop.
■ Things to Do at First
Cliff Walk: Start your visit by exploring the Cliff Walk, a thrilling pathway with railings along the cliff edge. It features a suspension bridge and a transparent platform at the end for breathtaking views. Entry is free.
Hiking to Bachalpsee: Decide whether to hike to Bachalpsee Lake from First. This scenic route offers stunning views of alpine landscapes.
Adventure Activities:
• First Flyer: A zipline experience from First to Schreckfeld.
• First Glider: A less popular but fun gliding activity.
• Mountain Cart: Ride down from Schreckfeld to Bort on mountain carts.
• Trotti Bikes: Descend from Bort to Grindelwald on Trotti bikes.
You can also walk down these sections if you prefer hiking. From May to June, the trail between Bort and Grindelwald is particularly beautiful with blooming wildflowers.
Important Notes on Activities
• Trotti bikes and mountain carts are not available during winter.
• Accidents can happen with Trotti bikes (as noted in reviews), so ride cautiously.
• The First Flyer may feel underwhelming compared to the long wait times.
• The First Glider tends to have shorter lines than the Flyer.
■ First Cliff Walk
The First Cliff Walk offers a thrilling experience with breathtaking views. A sturdy railing runs along the edge of the cliff, ensuring safety while you take in the stunning alpine scenery. Highlights include a suspension bridge in the middle and a transparent platform at the end, which makes for an exhilarating photo spot. Best of all, there’s no additional fee to enjoy this attraction.
Crowds and Photo Spots: The line for photos at the end of the walkway can be long, and waiting times may test your patience (even more than at Jungfraujoch’s terrace)
However, if the line is too overwhelming, don’t worry—some of the best photo opportunities are actually on the lawn where Crash Landing on You was filmed. To find this spot, simply walk out from the second-floor restaurant toward the First Flyer station. It’s marked as “Pic of the Day Point 2” on maps.
■ Hike to Bachalpsee
The hike to Bachalpsee is a mixed experience—some visitors find it incredibly rewarding, while others feel it’s not worth the effort. Keep in mind that the lake is typically frozen until early to mid-June, so the best time to visit is between late June and October.
Difficulty: This hike is more challenging than trails like No. 33 (Männlichen) or No. 37 (Eigergletscher).
Altitude: At over 2,000 meters above sea level, there are no trees for shade, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
■ First Flyer
The First Flyer is a popular zipline that lets you soar down from First to Schreckfeld while enjoying cool alpine air and stunning views. Many visitors, especially women, love this activity. However, be prepared for long wait times—queues often stretch up to two hours.
Tips: The best strategy is to line up before opening hours, though even this doesn’t guarantee a short wait.
Pricing: CHF 31
Summer Jungfrau Pass: 30% discount
Winter Jungfrau Pass: Free (unlimited rides)
■ First Glider
If the line for the First Glider seems too long at First station, some visitors choose to head down to Schreckfeld to ride it there instead. While the Glider is slightly less popular than the First Flyer—partly because you need to go down to Schreckfeld—it offers a unique experience. Unlike the Flyer, which only goes one way, the Glider takes you up and then back down, doubling the fun!
Pricing: CHF 31
Summer Jungfrau Pass: 30% discount
Winter Jungfrau Pass: Free (unlimited rides)
■ Mountain cart
While Trotti Bikes are more popular, they are also more prone to accidents, with injuries reported almost daily. Mountain carts, on the other hand, have fewer accidents (though they still occur), making them a safer option for an adventurous ride.
Pricing: CHF 21
Summer Jungfrau Pass: 30% discount
Winter Jungfrau Pass: Not available
■ Trotti bike
The Trotti Bike is arguably the most popular activity, but its popularity comes with a downside—frequent accidents. The section from Bort to Grindelwald is particularly scenic during May and June, which might explain why so many people opt for this activity despite the risks. Personally, I recommend hiking this section instead to fully enjoy the beauty of the area.
Pricing: CHF 21
Summer Jungfrau Pass: 30% discount
Winter Jungfrau Pass: Not available
■ Bort to Grindelwald hiking
If you’re visiting Switzerland between May and June, hiking from Bort to Grindelwald is highly recommended. According to reviews from Swiss Friends Korea Cafe, visitors often find this hike more satisfying than expected. After June, other hikes like No. 37 (Eigergletscher), No. 33 (Männlichen), or the Bachalpsee hike are better options.
If you're traveling with children, it's better to play at the playground in Bort instead of hiking.
■ Winter Activities (December to April)
While hiking, mountain carting, and Trotti biking are unavailable during winter, you can still enjoy sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Grindelwald First transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for snow sports enthusiasts.
Enjoy your trip to 🇨🇭Switzerland!
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