Wanderyn
Grindelwald First
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · CH

Grindelwald First

Getting around: Grindelwald First is reached by gondola from Grindelwald village, itself about 40 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost. The gondola ride from the valley to First takes about 25 minutes.
Hours: The gondola typically runs daily year-round (weather permitting), roughly 8:00-17:00 in summer with shorter winter hours; individual attractions atop First (First Flyer, First Glider, cliff walk) have their own seasonal operating windows, mostly closed in deep winter.

First is a mountain station above Grindelwald built around adrenaline activities as much as scenery — a zip-line (First Flyer), a suspended cable glider ride (First Glider), a cliff walk on a metal platform bolted to the rock face, and a mountain cart track, alongside more traditional hiking trails including the popular route to the turquoise Lake Bachalpsee. The view itself, facing the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau across the valley, is genuinely excellent even without doing any of the activities.

It's aimed more squarely at active visitors and families than the more contemplative viewpoints elsewhere in the region — worth choosing over Harder Kulm or Schynige Platte if you want something to actually do at the top rather than just a view.

Grindelwald First FAQs

What activities are available at First?

The First Flyer zip-line, First Glider suspended ride, a cliff walk, a mountain cart track, and hiking trails including the route to Lake Bachalpsee.

Do I need to book activities in advance?

Advance booking is recommended in peak season for the Flyer and Glider, as slots can sell out.

Is First good for families?

Yes, it's one of the more activity-oriented and family-friendly mountain stations in the region.

How long is the hike to Lake Bachalpsee?

About 1-1.5 hours each way from First, a popular and relatively accessible alpine lake hike.

Is First open in winter?

The gondola runs with shorter winter hours, though most of the adrenaline activities and the Bachalpsee hike are seasonal (summer).

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