Grindelwald First Cliff Walk: What to Expect (and If It’s Worth It)

Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Charlotte

At the summit of Grindelwald First, the First Cliff Walk is a metal walkway that clings to the mountainside, winding its way around cliffs and over a suspension bridge with dramatic drops beneath your feet. Best not to look down for too long!

First Cliff Walk is a metal pedestrian bridge that zig zags across the mountain face

Located just below the First gondola station, this metal mesh path is short and accessible with no hiking required. People who are afraid of heights, however, might have a frightening time! We saw two men clinging to the railings, white-knuckled!

The views, especially when the clouds part, are spectacular. You can see across the entirety of the Grindelwald Valley, with a fantastic view of the surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks. Below you, on the grassy alpine pastures, glacier-fed streams become waterfalls as they tumble down the valley walls.

Waterfalls are visible from the first cliff walk

But, such a pretty (and free) attraction draws equally impressive crowds, with every tourist slowing down to snap minutes of photos. Toward the end of the walk, there is a pinnacle, which is the prime photo spot!

Panoramic view of Grindelwald, Switzerland with tourists on a scenic bridge against majestic mountains.

We skipped this final section (in the photo above) because the line of people all waiting to take their photos barely moved after ten minutes!

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Is the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk Worth It?

Yes…and no? I thought it was pretty neat to see, but I’m not sure I’d want to spend thirty minutes in a packed gondola if the Cliff Walk were the only thing I planned to see at the summit. We paired this activity with a hike to Bachalpsee Lake and made a fun day of it in Grindelwald. I had hoped to do the First Glider zipline too, but as we disappointingly found out, the wait times for the mountain carts and every other adrenaline-packed adventure were hours long.

Plan Your Visit to Grindelwald First

Grindelwald First is accessible via gondola from the Firstbahn Station in Grindelwald, with summer operating hours generally from 8 AM to 6 PM. The Cliff Walk itself is free once you reach the summit, but you’ll need a gondola ticket to get to Grindelwald First.

Gondola Ticket Prices

Round-trip gondola tickets cost around CHF 76 (as of Summer 2026), though a 50% off discount is available if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card. This lift is free with the Jungfrau Pass.

We very much recommend pre-booking your tickets (and activities) so that you do not have to wait in the super long line to purchase tickets in person!

How Long Does the Grindelwald First Gondola Take?

We waited about 40 minutes total to buy tickets and board the gondola, as this is an extremely popular excursion. Ticket machines are available if the line at the ticket counter is long, and you can also purchase tickets in advance on jungfrau.ch.

Map of the Grindelwald First Gondola Route

The gondola ride itself takes about 25 minutes and includes several stops as it climbs from the village up to the First summit station.

Live Webcams & Weather Conditions

Before heading out, check the live webcam at Grindelwald First to get a real-time view of the weather and crowd conditions. Mountain weather in Switzerland can change fast. Even in June, we experienced a chilly 45°F (7°C) day with limited visibility. Pack layers and be prepared for wind, rain, or sudden cold snaps, even if the valley below feels summery.

Gondola Tips & Swiss Punctuality

A quick tip about Swiss transportation: everything runs on time. Trains, buses, and gondolas are famously punctual, often to the second. We recommend not relying on the very last gondola of the day down from First. Give yourself a buffer in case your hike takes longer than expected or if you want time to rest and explore the summit area.

Ready To Plan Your Trip To Switzerland?

Check out our guide on where to stay in the Bernese Oberland to learn about the different mountain villages. If you’re still figuring out your transportation, our Swiss Travel Pass Calculator can help you compare the total cost of different passes for your own itinerary. And lastly, also be sure to check out my guide to the Oeschinensee Panorama Loop, my favorite hike that we did in all of Switzerland!