Bachalpsee Hike from Grindelwald First: Easy Trail Guide + Spa Hotels (2026)
| Distance | 3.7 mi (6 km) out and back |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 390 ft (120 m) |
| Time | 2 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best months | Mid-June to mid-October |
| Start | Grindelwald First gondola top station (2,168 m) |
| Cable car / train needed? | Yes — the Grindelwald First gondola (about 25 minutes up). |
| Getting there | Train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (35 min), then a 10-minute walk to the First gondola. |
If you only have time for one high-alpine walk on your Switzerland trip, this is the one with the best effort-to-wow ratio. A gondola does the climbing, the trail is gentle, and at the end you get a lake at 2,265 m (7,431 ft) mirroring the Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn.
The route
From the First top station, follow the yellow signs for Bachalpsee. The path rolls gently along the slope with the Eiger and Wetterhorn on your left. After about an hour you reach the lake — walk past the first small pool to the dam end for the classic reflection shot.
Want more? Continue another 1.5–2 hours to Faulhorn (2,681 m), one of the oldest mountain hotels in the Alps.
Before you go: the First Cliff Walk
Right at the gondola station, the First Cliff Walk is a metal walkway bolted to the cliff. It's free with your ticket and takes 15 minutes.
Best time of day
Go early. Reflections are best before the wind picks up (usually before 10 am), and by midday the trail gets busy.
Hike & soak: stay in Grindelwald
Grindelwald is the better base than Interlaken if hiking is your priority: you're 10 minutes from three gondolas. Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel has a spa with Eiger views; Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald is the more affordable option with an indoor pool.
♨ Soak after: where to stay
The point of this site: finish the trail in warm water. These are the closest spa hotels and thermal baths to the Bachalpsee from Grindelwald First.
Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel
Grindelwald · Bern (Bernese Oberland)
Spa hotel with Eiger views, walking distance from the Grindelwald First gondola.
Check rates & availability →Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald
Grindelwald · Bern (Bernese Oberland)
Mid-range spa hotel on the main street with an indoor pool.
Check rates & availability →Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Interlaken · Bern (Bernese Oberland)
Interlaken's landmark grand hotel with a 5,500 m² spa.
Check rates & availability →FAQ
How long is the hike from First to Bachalpsee?
About 3 km (1.9 mi) each way, roughly 50–60 minutes, with only about 120 m of gentle climbing.
Is the Bachalpsee hike suitable for kids?
Yes. The path is wide and well maintained. Strollers struggle on some gravel sections, so bring a carrier for toddlers.
Can I hike down from Bachalpsee instead of taking the gondola?
Yes. Continue to Faulhorn, or walk down from First to Bort and Grindelwald (about 2–2.5 hours, mostly downhill). Many people ride the First Flyer zipline or rent trottibikes for the descent.
When does the Grindelwald First gondola run?
Year-round except for maintenance breaks (usually in spring and November). Check jungfrau.ch before you go.