Why Grindelwald First is one of the best day trips from Interlaken
Grindelwald First combines almost everything visitors look for in the Bernese Oberland: a scenic gondola ride, an iconic cliff walkway above a 1,000 m drop, an easy alpine hike to one of Switzerland's most photographed lakes (Bachalpsee), and family-friendly attractions like the First Flyer zipline and the Mountain Cart descent. From Interlaken, the whole excursion fits comfortably in one day.
Route from Interlaken
- Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (Berner Oberland Bahn, around 35 min).
- Grindelwald (village, terminal "Grindelwald") → Firstbahn gondola to First (around 25 min).
- At First: First Cliff Walk by Tissot (free), then optional hike to Bachalpsee (about 1 h each way).
- Optional fun rides on the way down: First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart, Trottibike.
- Return on the same route to Interlaken Ost.
What to plan for
- Weather: Check the First webcam before you leave. The view to the Eiger / Schreckhorn is the highlight — clouded peaks halve the value of the trip.
- Tickets: Train + gondola can be booked individually or via a tour. Berner Oberland Pass and Swiss Travel Pass include or discount parts of the trip — check before you buy.
- Time: Plan a full day. Cliff Walk + Bachalpsee + a fun ride needs at least 6 hours door-to-door from Interlaken.
- Footwear: Bachalpsee is on a wide path but with loose gravel — proper trainers or hiking shoes recommended.
Book a guided Grindelwald First experience
A guided tour is useful if you want a structured plan including transport, ticketing and a local guide who explains the region. Below is an option from Viator (an affiliate link — no extra cost for you).
Hinweis: Einige Links auf dieser Seite sind Affiliate-Links. Wenn du darüber buchst, erhalten wir möglicherweise eine Provision — ohne Mehrkosten für dich. Unsere Empfehlungen richten sich danach, was für Reisende ab Interlaken sinnvoll, gut erreichbar und planbar ist.