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Grindelwald First: Cliff Walk and One Day Itinerary

How to plan the perfect summer day at Grindelwald First, a beautiful mountain area with a cliff walk, lake hike, zip lines, mountain carts, and alpine playground.

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Grindelwald First is a beautiful mountain area in the Jungfrau Region Switzerland. Easily reached by a gondola ride, this mountain has many fun amusements, including the First Cliff Walk by Tissot, a thrilling steel walkway bolted to the side of the cliffs. 

Many beautiful hikes start from this area, including the trail to the Bachalpsee lake or Faulhorn mountain hut. Adventure seekers can add on the epic zip lines, mountain carts and/or kick scooters. Families will enjoy the alpine playground with amazing views.

If you prefer a chill day, you can simply grab a lounge chair at the restaurant’s panorama terrace and enjoy the view with some refreshments.

Grindelwald First is a must for any visit to the Jungfrau Region. Keep reading for all the practical info you need to plan your outing to Grindelwald First.

If you need help planning your day, schedule a Travel Consultation with us.

Quick Info

Region:   Jungfrau Region
Starting point: Grindelwald First gondola
Dorfstrasse 187, 3818 Grindelwald
By car: Parking garage at Sportzentrum Grindelwald – Dorfstrasse 110, 3818 Grindelwald
From Interlaken 30 mins, Zurich 2hr40
By public transport: Bus stop: Grindelwald, Firstbahn
From Interlaken 45 mins, Zürich 2hr45
Open: year round
Cost 2025: Gondola round trip CHF 72/adult, extra for adventure activities
Free with Jungfrau Travel Pass & Berner Oberland Pass
Discount with Swiss Travel Pass and other Swiss travel cards
Extras: restaurant, zip line, mountain carts, playground, hikes
More info:  Jungfrau Region websitewebcamweather forecast

Gallery

Overview

Grindelwald First is located in the Jungfrau Region, just above the Grindelwald village. Here is a map of the Grindelwald First area showing where you can find the activities described below. 

You ride a gondola up the mountain to reach the viewpoints and amusements. From the Grindelwald train station (1), it’s a short walk through the village to the First gondola station (2). 

At the top of First, you’ll find the Vantage Point (3) a short walk above the gondola station. The Flyer zip line is just below the gondola station (2). The Cliff Walk starts a short walk around the peak. The Cliff Walk ends at the restaurant. 

The Glider zip line and Go-carts start at the Schrekfeld station (4). The Trottibikes start at the Bort station (3).

Tip: Check current wait times for the Adventure activities on adventure.jungfrau.ch.

This area has many hiking trails not shown on this map, but described later in this article.

 

How to get there

Grindelwald First is located above the Grindelwald village in the Jungfrau Region, south of Interlaken. See Grindelwald on Google Maps.

To reach Grindelwald First, you’ll ride a gondola up the mountain, starting in the Grindelwald village. The First gondola is located at Dorfstrasse 187, 3818 Grindelwald

By public transport

Take a train to Grindelwald, Bahnhof (not Grindelwald Terminal). It’s a direct train from Interlaken Ost, no transfers, about a 35 mins journey.

From the train station, you can walk about 10 mins through town to the Grindelwald-First gondola station. Or you can take a short bus ride to the Grindelwald, Firstbahn stop, which is directly across from the gondola station.

By car & where to park

The closest parking to the First gondola is Parking First near Dorfstrasse 193, 3818 Grindelwald, which is a 1 min walk from the gondola station. But this small lot is usually full and it’s expensive.

We suggest parking next to the Pfingstegg cable car at Graben 3818, 3818 Grindelwald. It’s a 6 min walk uphill to the First gondola station.

It’s best to pay with the mobile parking apps, which allows you to add time to the meter remotely if you are gone longer than you planned.

If you can’t find a spot there, you can usually park at the Parkhaus Eiger+ and Sportzentrum parking garages – right next to each other at Dorfstrasse 110, 3818 Grindelwald. It’s about a 10 min walk to the First gondola.

Activities at Grindelwald First

Here are the best activities at Grindelwald First. Later in this post, I have suggested itineraries ⬇️ for your day. If you need more help choosing activities, schedule a Travel Consultation with us.

NOTE: Due to extremely long wait times in summer, we no longer recommend the zip line and go-cart amusements at Grindelwald First from June to mid August. Wait times are often two hours or more for each amusement. If you must, then arrive at the First gondola at least by 9:00 to avoid the longest queues. Advanced booking is a must as it does sell out.

1. Riding the Grindelwald First gondola

You reach Grindelwald First with a long gondola ride from the valley, about 25 mins. The small gondola cars have seats, making for a comfortable ride. On the ride, you’ll have amazing views of the Grindelwald valley, Eiger peak (shown below), and alpine meadows.

Grindelwald First Gondola

You’ll pass through a few middle stations on your way to the top (Bort and Schreckfeld). In most cases, you’ll start your day by riding all the way to the top, getting off at the First station (shown below) near the cliff walk.

When you exit the gondola station, turn right to find the paths that lead to the Cliff Walk, “First View” platform, and Bachalpsee lake hike. Turn left into the building to find the toilets and restaurant.

In summer, the gondola starts running around 8:30, last ride down at 17:30. See current operating times.

Which ticket you buy depends on which activities you plan to do. Jump to detailed ticket info below.

2. “First View” vantage platform

Just above the First gondola station, you’ll find this new viewing platform (open in 2024). It’s perched on the top of the First peak, with a windmill shaped observation deck with seven points overhanging the abyss. 

 

Photo: © Jungfraubahnen 2019, used with permission

The Vantage viewpoint is a good choice for those afraid of heights and feels too uncomfortable on the cliff walk. 

 

Looking back on First Cliff Walk suspension bridge with First Vantage viewpoint above

The Cliff Walk is right below this platform, but you’ll need to walk back down the path and follow signs to the Cliff Walk entrance. You can easily visit both the “First View” and Cliff Walk, since there are very close to each and the gondola station.

3. First Cliff Walk

The “First Cliff Walk by Tissot” is a narrow steel pathway bolted to the rock face of the First mountain peak, a thrilling experience even if you aren’t afraid of heights.

The First Cliff Walk is located near the First gondola station, the last stop. Exit the gondola station to your right and follow signs to the First Cliff Walk. 

You will walk on a dirt path for a couple minutes until you see the cliff walk entrance on your left. Walk through the gate and onto the metal pathway, which has a high barriers on both sides, safe even for small children.

people walking on suspension bridge and Grindelwald First cliff walkway with view of Eiger mountain

suspension bridge of the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk

You’ll cross a short suspension bridge, a popular place for videos. Near the end, you can walk out on a glass floored viewing platform, 45 m (148 ft) above the ground. You may have to wait in line to take your picture on the edge.

The walk lasts about 15 mins, or more depending on how many times you stop for photos. The entire time, you’ll have spectacular views of the Eiger and other peaks around the Jungfrau Region. You’ll feel like you’re standing on top of the world!

The walk ends at the First restaurant, which has a lovely outdoor panorama terrace, a nice place for a coffee and snack or lunch. After the cliff walk, you can easily move on your next activity, like a hike or the zip lines.

Cost: It does not cost extra to do the cliff walk. You can do it as many times as you like.

Open: The cliff walk is open year round, same opening times as the gondola.

4. First Restaurant

Next to the First gondola station, you’ll find the First Berggasthaus Restaurant. It has a large outdoor terrace with a fantastic view. If the weather is chilly, you can warm up inside, with a cozy chalet vibe. 

Photo: © Jungfraubahnen 2019, used with permission

The seating is divided into self-service and table service sections, so decide before sitting down. If you need something quick, best to grab something from the self-service buffet inside, which has soup, salad, sandwiches, and a few hot dishes. If you have more time, we much prefer the table service menu, which has many more options. 

In summer, you usually don’t need a reservation until you are a large group.

Hikes from Grindelwald First

5. Hike to Bachalpsee lake

The Bachalpsee is a beautiful alpine lake, an hour walk into the mountain above the Grindelwald First station. This trail is relatively easy, a good choice for families and non-hikers who want a Swiss hiking experience without too much effort. You only need comfortable walking shoes, no special hiking clothing or equipment. 

view of Bachalpsee lake with Schrekhorn peak reflected in the water
Bachalpsee lake with Schrekhorn peak reflected in the water

Trail: easy • 2 h • 6 km round trip • 150m up and down • See trail map

The path is on a wide gravel service road, mostly smooth with no tricky footing. The first 20 mins starts with an uphill climb that might leave you out of breath. But after that it levels out and is relatively easy the rest of the way to the lake. 

It’s a popular trail and can feel a bit crowded at the beginning. But don’t worry. There’s plenty of room to spread out on the trail and at the lake.

➡️ Get more details for the Bachalpsee lake hike.

6. Faulhorn Peak & Mountain Hut

If you are a more experienced hiker, we think you’ll love the longer, more challenging hike to the Faulhorn peak. Start on the same trail to the Bachalpsee, but keep hiking past the lake and up the mountain, about 90 mins more to reach the Faulhorn.

Trail: challenging • 5 h • 11.1 km round trip • 530m up & down • See trail map.

view from Faulhorn peak near Grindelwald First, looking down to Brienzersee lake
view from Faulhorn peak down to Brienzersee lake

At the top, you’ll find the Faulhorn mountain hut and a spectacular viewpoint over the cliffs, peering down to bright blue lakes near Interlaken. We usually have lunch at the hut, with simple Swiss mountain meals like soup, cheese, and sausages. Best to bring cash.

7. Marmot trail to Grosse Scheidegg

The Marmot trail is my new favorite hike in this area. It’s much quieter than the Bachalpsee trail, a nice escape from the summer crowds.

This area is full of marmots, which you are likely to see on the trail, if you are quiet and patient.

With kids, you can pick up an activity booklet for this trail at the First gondola station. At marmot info boards along the way, kids can answer questions and record the answers in the booklet.

Trail: moderate • 7.2km • 2h15 • 234m up, 434m down • see trail map

Adventure Activities

8. First Flyer

Grindelwald First has two epic zip lines at the top of the mountain. The First Flyer is a classic zip line, where you sit in sturdy harness hooked to a steel cable. Multiple people can ride down at the same time, making it a fun group activity.

Photo: © Jungfraubahnen 2019, used with permission

You zoom down the mountain, 800m long and 50m above the alpine meadows below, reaching speeds up to 84 km/hour. The ride starts just a few steps below the First gondola station and ends at the Schreckfeld station, where you catch the gondola back up or down the mountain. Or you can rent the Mountain Cart here and ride down to the next gondola station.

Requirements: body weight between 35 to 125kg (77 to 275lb)

Cost 2025: CHF 31/adult and CHF 24/child for the First Flyer ride. This does not include the gondola ticket. It’s a bit cheaper if you buy the Adventure Package, which includes an unlimited gondola ticket and 1 or 2 amusements (First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Carts, Trottibike Scooter). 

Location: First gondola station

Open: The First Flyer is open daily summer from 10.00 – 15.30. It’s first come, first served, no reservations. They suggest doing this early in the day to avoid long waits.

9. First Glider

Fly like a bird with First Glider, a unique zip line where you ride face first like superman. Four people can ride together, each secured into a front-facing harness, side by side with your companions. 

You start by being pulled backwards from the lower station at a high speed of 72km/h. Then you glide downhill 800 m at speeds up to 83 km/h.

Requirements: 10 years old, 130cm (4’3”), max. weight 125 kg (275lb)

Cost 2025: CHF 31/adult and CHF 24/child for one First Glider ride. This does not include the gondola ticket. It’s a bit cheaper if you buy the Adventure Package, which includes an unlimited gondola ticket and 1 or 2 of the amusements (First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Carts, Trottibike Scooter). 

Location: First Glider starts at the Schreckfeld station, one below the First station. You can ride the gondola down there or ride the First Flier zip line down.

Open: The First Glider is open daily summer from 10.00 – 15.30. It’s first come, first served, no reservations. They suggest doing this early in the day to avoid long waits.

10. First Mountain Cart

Our boy’s favorite amusement here is the First Mountain Cart, a three-wheel go-cart you can ride down the mountain. You pick up the mountain carts at the Schreckfeld station, one station below the top.

You ride the carts 2.5 km down a signed gravel path, descending about 380m of elevation. It takes about 15 mins if you ride fast. But in our experience, many tourists ride very slow, stopping to take pictures along the way. The path can get very clogged so you can’t ride very fast at times.

The cart path ends at the Bort gondola station, where you return the carts. From here, you can ride the gondola up or down the mountain. Or you can rent the First Trottibike here and ride that down to Grindelwald (see next section).

Requirements: minimum height 135cm (4’5”)

Cost: CHF 21/adult and CHF 17/child for one Mountain Cart ride including helmet (2024 prices). This does not include the gondola ticket. It’s cheaper if you buy the Adventure Package, which includes an unlimited gondola ticket and 1 or 2 of the amusements (First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Carts, Trottibike Scooter). 

Location: Schreckfeld gondola station

Open: The Mountain Carts are open daily from 10.00 – 15.30, usually mid May through the end of October. It may close due to poor weather or snow on the trail in spring and fall.

It’s first come, first served, no reservations. In summer, you should definitely do this early in the day to avoid long waits. Our group waited almost 2 hours in early July.

11. First Trottibike

The Grindelwald First Trottibike is a kick scooter with hand brakes like a bike. It’s an exciting ride about 5km down the mountain with gorgeous mountain views the entire ride.

Photo: © Jungfraubahnen 2019, used with permission

You pick up the Trottibike at the Bort gondola station. If you did the Mountain Carts, that route ends here, so you can just swap equipment. The Trottibike has a wide footboard, thick tires, hand brakes, and suspension for a smooth ride even on bumpy surfaces. The Trottibike is fairly easy to control. But the path has some steep sections, so best for those with good balance and hand strength who like speed and adventure. 

Ride along the signed path down the mountain, with awesome views of the Grindelwald valley and surrounding peaks. The route is 5km, descending 566m of elevation, starting on a wide gravel path and ending on a paved road. See route map. It usually takes about 30 mins depending on how fast you go.

Our family likes the Mountain Carts better than the Trottibikes. But the Trottibike is a longer ride, so you get more time with the views.

Requirements: minimum height 125cm (4’1”), smaller bike for kids

Cost: CHF 21/adult and CHF 17/child for Trottibike ride including helmet (2023 prices). This does not include the gondola ticket. It’s slightly cheaper if you buy the Adventure Package, which includes the gondola ticket and 1 or 2 of the amusements (First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Carts, Trottibike Scooter). 

Location: Bort gondola station

Open: The Trottibikes are open daily from 10.00 – 15.30, usually mid May through the end of October. It may close due to poor weather or snow on the trail in spring and fall.

12. Bort Alpine Playground

Families will love this alpine playground located right next to the Bort gondola station. It has spectacular views of the Grindelwald valley and surrounding peaks, no compromised there. 

Grindelwald First – Bort Alpine Playground

Our boys loved the climbing structures as well as swing, slide, mini trampoline, water play, and more. It also has a picnic area with tables and fire pits, as well as a nearby restaurant. There’s no cost to use the playground. It’s open the same times as the gondola.

Our family used this playground as a reward after hiking to the Bachalpsee lake above. It’s also a great place to wait with small children, while the rest of the group does the adventure activities like the zip line and mountain cart. 

One Day Itineraries

Here are a few suggested itineraries for Grindelwald First for different needs: most popular sampler, short half-day, family with young children, and full day hiking.

Note: In summer, the lines for the adventure activities can be 1-3 hours long. You should do them first thing in the morning or skip them.

A: Most popular itinerary

In my experience, most travelers want a little bit of everything. For a full day on the mountain, we suggest visiting the Cliff Walk, hiking to the Bachalpsee, and doing a couple of the amusements. We think the First Glider and Mountain Cart are the most fun and unique.

  1. Ride gondola to Grindelwald First, about 30 mins
  2. Visit the Cliff Walk and First View platform, about 30 mins
  3. Hike to the Bachalpsee lake, about 2 hours round trip.
  4. Lunch – either picnic at the lake or lunch at First restaurant, about 1 hour
  5. Ride gondola down to Schreckfeld.
  6. Do the First Glider, which starts and ends at Schreckfeld, about 15 mins.
  7. At Schreckfeld, pick up the Mountain Cart and ride down to Bort, about 15 mins.
  8. From Bort, ride gondola down to Grindelwald, about 15 mins. (or ride Trottibike down to Grindelwald).

Total time: about 5-7 hours depending on the activities you choose

Bachalpsee

B: Short Itinerary

If you are short on time, you can easily fit Grindelwald First into a morning or afternoon. This sample itinerary has the most efficient schedule.

  1. Ride up the gondola to Grindelwald First, about 25 mins
  2. Visit the Cliff Walk and “First View” platform, about 30-60 mins
  3. Enjoy snacks or lunch at the restaurant, about 30-60 mins.
  4. If you want to do one or more amusements, here is the most efficient order:
    A. First Flyer down to Schreckfeld station, about 15 mins
    B. First Glider that starts and ends at Schreckfeld station, about 15 mins
    C. Mountain Cart from Schreckfeld to Bort station, about 15 mins
    D. Trottibike from Bort to Grindelwald village, about 40 mins
  5. Ride gondola back to Grindelwald, about 25 mins.

Total time: 2-3 hours

Tip: If you do all four amusements in the order I mention above, you only need a one way gondola ticket. 

catching Eiger views from the First Cliff Walk platform

Photo Tip: I think light for picture taking is better in the afternoon, as many mountains are in shadow until mid morning. If you are visiting in fall, I’d suggest visiting in the late afternoon to catch the fading light on the mountain peaks. But be mindful of the gondola closing time, so you don’t get stuck on the mountain.

C: Itinerary for families with small kids

If your kids that aren’t tall enough for the amusements, you can still have a lot of fun at Grindelwald First. The Cliff Walk is safe for children and easy walking. If you can motivate your little hikers to walk uphill to the Bachalpsee, it’s all downhill on the way back. Then as a reward, you can spend the afternoon at the Bort playground.  

  1. Ride gondola to Grindelwald First, about 30 mins
  2. Visit the Cliff Walk and First View platform, about 30 mins
  3. Hike to Bachalpsee lake, about 2 hours round trip
  4. Gondola down to Bort station, about 15 mins
  5. Playtime at Bort alpine playground, about 1 hour
  6. Gondola down to Grindelwald, about 15 mins

Total time: about 5 hours

Tip: If some of your kids are tall enough for the zip line or mountain carts, one parent can wait with the younger children at the Bort playground.

First Cliff Walk with my kids aged 7 and 10

D: Full Day Hiking Itinerary

If you want more time on the trail, our favorite long hike in this area is up to the Faulhorn peak. Best to start by 9:00 to give yourself plenty of time to finish the hike before the gondola closes.

  1. Ride up the gondola to Grindelwald First, about 30 mins
  2. Hike to Faulhorn, about 2.5 hours
  3. Picnic or lunch at Faulhorn mountain hut, about 1 hour
  4. Hike back to Grindelwald First, about 2.5 hours
  5. Visit the Cliff Walk and First View platform, about 30 mins
  6. Amusements – you may not have enough time to do these before closing, especially if there is a line. The most efficient use of your time would be:  
    A. First Flyer or Glider down to Schreckfeld station, about 20 mins.
    B. Mountain Cart from Schreckfeld to Bort station, about 20 mins.
  7. Ride gondola down to Grindelwald, about 25 mins.

Total time: 7-8 hours

Tip: If you prefer to hike one direction instead of back to Grindelwald First, we love the trail from that continues from Faulhorn to Schynige Platte. It’s a 16.5km and takes minimum 6 hours, more like 8 hours with breaks. See details for this Faulhorn-Schynige Platte hike.

views of Jungfrau Region along trail from Bachalpsee up to the Faulhorn peak

Tickets & opening times

Ticket prices

At the minimum, you’ll need a return ticket on the gondola from Grindelwald to First. In 2024, this ticket costs CHF 72/adult for June – Aug and CHF 68/adult for the rest of the season.

You can buy your tickets online to skip the line. Or buy tickets in person at the gondola station, either at the automated machine or ticket desk. You can pay with cash or card. Tickets do not sell out.

Discounts

You get a 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass, Bernese Oberland Pass,  Swiss Half Fare Card, SBB GA. To get the discount, select your reduction during your online purchase or show your ticket/QR code at the ticket office. You need to carry your reduction card with you during the excursion.

This gondola ride is free with the Jungfrau Travel Pass.

Children tickets

Children under age 6 ride free. Children aged 6-15 pay 50%, or free with Swiss Family Card or SBB Junior Card.

Adventure Tickets & Package

If you plan to do the amusements (zip lines, mountain cart, trottibike), you can purchase the “Adventure Package” instead of individual “Adventure” tickets. The package includes the gondola and 1 or 2 amusements. It’s a bit cheaper than purchasing these tickets separately.

Here are sample “Adventure Package” prices for Jun-Aug 2024 (slightly less in May, Sept, Oct):

  • Adult gondola only: CHF 72
  • Adult with 1 activity: CHF 82
  • Adult with 2 activities: CHF 97

Here are “Adventure Ticket” prices for 2024 (does not include the gondola):

  • First Flyer or First Glider – CHF 31/adult, CHF 24/child age 6-15
  • First Mountain Cart or Trottibike – CHF 21/adult, CHF 17/child age 6-15

Is the Adventure Package worth it?

In most cases, you save money with the Adventure Package. But how much you save depends if you have a discount travel pass and how many amusements you plan to do. Also, it’s a bit risky as long lines make it difficult to do 2 activities.

Example: one adult including gondola ride, First Flyer and Mountain Cart (2024 prices for summer season):

  • Adventure Package 2 Activities – CHF 97 full price, CHF 69 with Swiss Travel Pass
  • gondola ride + individual Adventure tickets – CHF 114-134 full price, CHF 78-98 with Swiss Travel Pass

If you are paying full price (no travel passes), you definitely save money with the Adventure Package, even if you only do one amusement.

If your travel pass completely covers the gondola ride (e.g. Jungfrau Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Regional Pass, SBB GA), the Adventure Package could save you a few francs if you do the more expensive zip lines. 

Should I buy the Adventure Package for children?

The Adventure Package is available for children aged 6-15 and is cheaper than the adult version. If you don’t have any discount travel passes or cards, you should buy the Adventure Package for your kids.

But if you have travel pass for your kids (e.g. Swiss Family Card, Junior Card), the kids ride the gondola for free. You do not save anything with the Adventure Package. 

Operating times

The Grindelwald First Cliff Walk is open year round. In summer (June to Aug), the Firstbahn gondola usually runs from 8:30, last ride down at 17:30. In spring and fall, hours are reduced, typically running from 9:00 – 17:00. See current operating times.

Make sure to check the weather forecast and webcams before heading out. This outing is best done on a sunny day with no clouds, so you can see the views. In rare cases, the gondola may not run due to bad weather and high winds. 

Planning your day

What to wear & bring

You should wear clothing appropriate to the weather forecast and bring warm/waterproof layers according to the forecast. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so best to bring at least a fleece jacket even on warm days.

For the cliff walk, you don’t need to wear sporty clothing or hiking shoes. The metal walkway is a grate, so heeled shoes are not a good idea. If you plan to hike to the Bachalpsee or do the mountain carts or trottibike, you should wear sneakers or other comfortable sporty walking shoe. 

You don’t necessarily need to bring any supplies as there is a restaurant at the First gondola station. But we typically bring a water bottle and snacks just in case.

Where to eat

The most convenient option is the Berggasthaus Restaurant at the Grindelwald First gondola station. If your family plans to visit the Bort playground, it has a picnic area and nearby restaurant.

If you are hiking to the Bachalpsee, that would be a great place for a picnic. If you are hiking to Faulhorn, I’d eat lunch at the mountain hut there. 

Where to stay

This hike is closest to the Grindelwald village, which has many hotels. We have stayed twice at Boutique Hotel Glacier, which is absolutely delightful. It has a modern chalet vibe, with great views of the Eiger from the restaurant, room balconies and spa pool. 

Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen are also good places to stay when exploring the Jungfrau Region during winter. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a summer toboggan at Grindelwald First?

No. Grindelwald First has many amusements, but no summer toboggan. However, the nearby Pfingstegg has a toboggan ride. From the Grindelwald First valley station, it’s an 10 min walk to the Pfingstegg cable car (see on map). The summer toboggan is right next to the top of the cable car. Learn more about Pfingstegg.

Can I visit Grindelwald First and Jungfraujoch in the same day?

Many people ask me if they can visit Grindelwald First and Jungfraujoch (or other nearby mountains) in the same day. I think that is quite ambitious, since travel times between mountains can be quite long (1-2 hours) and closing times are earlier than you think (about 17:30 on most mountains).

This will force you to rush your activities and leave you stressed. In general, I plan for one mountain per day and try to fill my day with activities on the same mountain.

However, I understand that many travelers have limited time and want to see as much as possible in a short time period. If you want to visit two mountains in the same day, I would start with Grindelwald First and catch the gondola very early, at least 9:00.

Try to get back to Grindelwald by 13:00 and move with purpose to the Grindelwald Terminal station. From there you can catch the Eiger Express cable car and reach Jungfraujoch by about 15:00. That should be enough time to enjoy that destination and catch the last train down the mountain.

In any case, review the operating times carefully and overestimate your travel times between destinations.

Are dogs allowed at Grindelwald First?

Yes, dogs are welcome on the gondola and mountain. Dogs ride for free on the First gondola (most other Swiss gondolas require a ticket for dogs). As in other mountain areas, you should keep your dog on the lead while hiking, both for the safety of your dog and other hikers. 

Can I visit Grindelwald First in winter?

Yes. In winter, Grindelwald First is a ski resort and the gondolas run daily throughout winter season. During this time, you can visit the Cliff Walk and “First View” platform. The First Flyer and Glider are also open in winter in good weather. The Mountain Cart and Trottibike are closed in winter.

Can I swim in the Bachalpsee?

Technically yes, but it’s very cold and it would be very unusual to see anyone swimming there. Better to swim in Lake Brienz near Interlaken, which has nice swimming areas with services.

Where to hike with kids in Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren, from short and easy walks to proper mountain trails.

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Comments

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7 Responses

  1. Hi! We’re going in a family of 5 & not all of us wants to do certain activities – thus not getting an adventure package.
    The plan is to head up to first for the cliff walks & hikes. 3 of us will ride the first flyer down to schreckfeld, which means 2 of us will be taking the gondola down 1 stop to wait for us. Then, a few of us will then ride the mountain carts down & we will eventually all head back down to grindelwald (no going up again)
    Question is, would we be able to use 1 descent ticket to stop at a few stops? Or would we need many descent tickets?

    1. Hi Jane, The descent ticket should allow you get off at a higher station and get back on further down the mountain to continue your descent. You may want to confirm this with the ticket office just in case.

      Please note that the waiting times for the First Flyer can be quite long, up to 2-3 hours in summer season. I would suggest doing this first before hiking. Check current waiting times here: https://adventure.jungfrau.ch/

      In this case, it might be better to get the Adventure Ticket for those that are doing the Flyer. Then these people can ride back up to First to do the cliff walk and hike after doing the zip line.

  2. Hi! Do you know if there is a camping near Grindelwald where we can stay? We have a small camper trailer with us.

    1. There are three camping areas near the Grindelwald village: Camping Eigernordwand, Camping Gletscherdorf and camping Holdrio. You can google those names to find the associated websites and see if there are still available spots for booking. You might also find this website helpful that lists many camping areas in Switzerland. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/accommodations/other-types-of-accommodations/campings-search/

  3. Hi, I saw many recommendations to do the attractions early in the morning to avoid queues. I planned to take the gondola first to Schreckfeld, do the cart attraction, then take the gondola up to the peak, and at the end of the day, take the gondola down to Grindelwald. Can this be done with a return ticket? I understand the cart attraction is not included, but in this plan, I would take the gondola twice between Bort and Schreckfeld. Will I need to buy tickets for the extra leg between Bort and Schreckfeld?

    1. Hi David, if you purchase the Adventure Package that includes 1 amusement and the gondola, my understanding is that you can ride the gondola as much as you want in any direction. But verify that at the ticket counter. Also, I don’t think you’ll have a big problem with a wait for the mountain carts. It’s a short ride and they are continually sending the carts back up the mountain. The main problem is with the zip lines because only 4 people go at a time and it can take awhile for each group. Have fun!

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Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

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