Hiking Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee Lake

Last Updated on January 6, 2026 by Charlotte

Bachalpsee is one of Switzerland’s most photogenic treasures: a beautiful alpine lake in the mountains at 2,264 meters (7,431 feet) above sea level, surrounded by mountain panoramas and flowering meadows. The trail’s accessibility is both its greatest strength and, on busy summer days, its greatest challenge. This popular destination offers a taste of alpine majesty without requiring technical hiking skills or extreme endurance.

In this comprehensive hiking guide, I’ll share our experience visiting Bachalpsee—including practical details, what to expect in terms of crowds and weather, and tips for finding moments of tranquility even on busy days. While the mountain weather can shift dramatically from one hour to the next (as we discovered firsthand), a bit of preparation goes a long way toward making the most of this classic Swiss excursion.

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The Journey Begins: Riding the Gondola from Grindelwald to First

When we arrive at the Firstbahn gondola station in Grindelwald, it’s immediately clear just how popular this hike is. The line to board stretches outside the building, and we wait about 20 minutes before squeezing into a packed gondola car. At the summit, the crowds are equally crazy, especially around the viewing platforms and restaurants.

I’ll admit, I feel a bit overwhelmed at first. I tend to gravitate toward quieter trails, and the sheer number of people makes the start of this hike feel more like Disneyland than an alpine escape. But here’s the thing: this trail is beloved for a reason.

The path to Bachalpsee offers sweeping views (on clear days!), a gradual incline, and wide, well-maintained gravel trail making it accessible to hikers of many ages and abilities. Unlike more rugged or remote trails in the Alps, this is one that a lot of people can do, even if they’re short on time, not used to high elevation hiking, or simply want to experience the mountains without tackling a strenuous route.

Starting the Hike to Bachalpsee

The trail begins just beyond the summit station at First, and within a few steps, we’re swallowed by clouds. It’s cold, shockingly cold, and it takes a good twenty minutes of walking before we start to warm up. The air is damp, the wind nips at our fingers, and at times, the fog is so thick that we can’t see more than ten feet ahead of us.

We’re hiking in early June, and large patches of snow often linger along the trail. Along the way, we pass snowbanks that tower six feet high. While the path itself is clear, it’s clear that summer hasn’t yet fully arrived.

If you’re planning to visit in July or August, you’re more likely to encounter milder temperatures, fewer clouds, and less snow. Despite the chill, the trail is wide and gently graded. We follow the curve of a gravel road, past meadows hidden in mist. Other hikers shuffle along in t-shirts and, surprisingly, flip flops, visibly shivering as they make their way toward the lake.

Even though we can’t see the dramatic peaks this hike is famous for, there’s something surreal about walking through the clouds. The air is heavy, and the sounds of our footsteps crunching on the gravel are muffled. It’s a little eerie, a little magical, and it makes us curious about what we’ll find once we reach Bachalpsee Lake.

Finding Bachalpsee: Where the Lake Meets the Sky

When we arrive at Bachalpsee, the clouds are low, almost caressing the mirrored surfaces of the upper and lower lakes. On a clear day, this is one of the most photographed spots in the Bernese Oberland, known for perfect mountain reflections in still blue water. But today, the mountain peaks are hidden.

The lakeshore is crowded with hikers and day-trippers snapping photos, resting on rocks, or quietly waiting for the fog to lift. We find a quieter spot off to the side, where we can sit and enjoy our picnic lunch. There’s something peaceful about being here, even without the “picture perfect” postcard view. Once we finish our lunch, we don’t linger long.

Curious, we set off to explore the trails beyond the lake, excited to see what lies farther up the valley.

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring the Flower Trail

Just beyond the lake, the trail branches. Most people stop at Bachalpsee Lake and turn back, but we follow a quieter path that curves uphill, marked as the Flower Trail.

It doesn’t take long for the crowds to fade behind us. Suddenly, it feels like we’ve stepped into a different world. The meadows are peaceful, open, and hushed under a blanket of late season snow. Although it’s June, snowpack still covers large stretches of the trail, creating a surreal mix of melting drifts and emerging wildflowers.

In several spots, fast flowing meltwater cuts directly across the trail. Carefully, we test our footing, hopping from rock to rock.

Falling in here would surely lead to hypothermia. This part of the hike definitely isn’t ideal for families with young kids or anyone who’s not comfortable with a bit of instability, especially early in the season. Still, it’s worth it.

We pass maybe one or two other hikers in this section, and for the first time all day, it feels like we have the mountains to ourselves. This is where the hike comes alive for me. There’s space to breathe, time to pause, and no pressure to move with a crowd.

Even before the mountains reveal themselves, the little details like the snowmelt trickling across the trail and the softness of fog hanging in the folds of the valley makes this part of the hike feel wild and intimate in a way the main trail never quite does. But then, just as we round a bend, the clouds begin to lift, and the mountains come out in full force.

Jagged peaks rise all around us, their snow-dusted slopes glowing in the afternoon light. For the first time all day, we see why this place is so beloved. The drama, the scale, and the raw beauty of the Alps finally stretch out in front of us, and we stand still for a while, just taking it all in.

One Final Thrill: Walking the First Cliff Walk

Before heading back down to Grindelwald, we make one last stop: the First Cliff Walk. This metal walkway clings to the mountainside just below the gondola station, winding its way around cliffs and over a suspension bridge with dramatic drops beneath your feet.

Even after a full day of hiking, it’s a fun (and slightly dizzying) way to end the adventure. The path is short and accessible, no hiking required, and the views, especially when the clouds part, are spectacular. If you’re not afraid of heights, it’s totally worth the quick detour.

Plan Your Visit to Bachalpsee: Trail Info, Tickets & Tips

Planning a visit to Bachalpsee? Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the trail, how to get there, what to expect in different seasons, and tips to help your day go smoothly.

Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee Trail Overview

• Distance: 3.7 miles (5.88 km) round trip
• Duration: ~1 hour each way without stops
• Elevation Gain: 636 feet (188 meters)
• Season: June–September is the peak season. The trail is accessible year-round but may be snowy and icy in winter and early summer.
• Crowd Factor: Extremely busy in summer, especially mid-day.
• Facilities: Bathrooms are located at the First gondola station, and at the lake. Restaurants and cafés are available at the summit, but there are no food vendors along the trail or at the lake.
• Accessibility: The trail is wide and gravel-surfaced, with some gentle inclines. It’s not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or hikers with limited mobility.

How to Get to Grindelwald First by Cable Car

Grindelwald First is accessible via gondola from the Firstbahn Station in Grindelwald, with summer operating hours generally from 8 AM to 6 PM.

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.

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 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 last gondola 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.

Trails Beyond Bachalpsee

If you’re looking to extend your adventure, Bachalpsee connects to longer and more challenging trails, including the Faulhorn Summit and the Schynige Platte traverse. When we visited in June, the trail toward Faulhorn was still buried under deep snow, and we weren’t equipped for a full snow trek. Instead, we wandered along the Flower Trail just beyond the lake, where the crowds quickly disappeared and the views became even more serene. If you’re visiting in July or August, there’s a better chance that the snow will have melted, opening up more trail options.

Was it Worth the Trip?

Because of my personal preference for quieter trails and more pristine alpine landscapes, I found the hike to Bachalpsee a bit underwhelming compared to other trails we experienced in Switzerland. Much of the walk felt like joining a slow-moving procession—especially earlier in the day, when the trail was at its busiest and the weather kept the mountain views hidden behind a heavy blanket of cloud. That being said, I’m still glad we did it. The trail is scenic, straightforward, and accessible to a wide range of travelers. The moment the clouds lifted and the peaks emerged, I finally saw the magic this place is known for. One thing I wish I had done differently was to set more realistic expectations. This is one of Switzerland’s most popular hikes, especially after Grindelwald First skyrocketed in popularity due to the hit Korean drama Crash Landing on You (which, if you haven’t seen, is absolutely worth watching).

Many of the gondolas were filled with stylishly dressed couples headed straight for the First Cliff Walk, where the show’s iconic filming location is perched on the edge of the mountains. If you’re someone who thrives in peaceful, less-trodden landscapes, this hike might not be your favorite. But if you’re looking for a beautiful, accessible trail that offers a taste of the high Alps without requiring a long trek or serious elevation gain, the hike to Bachalpsee may still feel rewarding, especially on a clear day.

Have you explored the Jungfrau region of Switzerland? Do you hope to hike in the Swiss Alps one day? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!