This winter hike is our favorite in the Jungfrau Region. The views are spectacular, it’s quiet away from the ski hills, and the thrilling cliff walk is a nice extra.
After riding a gondola up the mountain, you can start with the short cliff on a metal walkway built into the side of the mountain. Then follow the groomed winter hiking trail higher in the mountains towards the Bachalpsee lake nestled between mountain peaks.
In winter, the lake is frozen and covered with snow so don’t expect the lovely reflections like in summer. But the hike is still gorgeous and a good alternate to skiing, especially when the ski pistes are icy. I think you’ll love it! Here’s everything you need to know to do this hike.
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| Region: | Grindelwald, 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 |
| Trail: | up to 6 km (out and back) |
| Time: | 2 hours |
| Difficulty: | moderate • 200m up & down |
| Condition: | groomed snow |
| Elevation: | highest point 2270 m |
| Open: | mid Dec through early April. Check trail status. |
| Prices: | mountain lifts CHF 64/adult, CHF 32/child, SBB GA, Half-fare or Swiss Travel Pass |
| Extras: | restaurant at gondola station |
| More info: | Jungfrau Region website • webcam • weather forecast |
Gallery
Location
This hike is near Grindelwald village in Jungfrau Region, south of Interlaken. See Grindelwald on Google Maps. This winter trail is high up in the mountains, accessed by the Grindelwald First gondola.
Trail overview
This winter trail is an “there and back” trail, starting and ending at the top of the Grindelwald First gondola. You don’t have to hike all the way to the Bachalpsee lake. You can just walk as far as you like, then hike back.
At the gondola station, there is a short cliff walk with a metal walkway built into the mountain. It takes about 15 mins to complete the loop. It can be done before or after your hike. The cliff walk does not cost extra.
Hiking map
This trail starts at the top of the Grindelwald First gondola and leads to the Bachalpsee lake, or even farther if you want to keep hiking up the mountain. The lake is frozen in winter and covered with snow, so it doesn’t really look like a lake but just a field of snow. For safety, stay on the trail so you don’t accidentally break through the ice.
The snow on this trail is groomed with machines so you can walk on it without snowshoes.
View interactive trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
Longer options
From the Bachalpsee, you can continue hiking up the mountain to the Faulhorn and down to Busalp, whereyou can catch a bus down the mountain. Some people take a sled, so they can sled the second half of the trail. See trail map.
From the Bachalpsee, you could also hike down to the Bort gondola middle station, instead of hiking back to First. This 8.7 km trail includes a rather steep descent in the forest, descending a total of 759m. See trail map.
How to get there
The Grindewald First gondola is in the village, about a 8 mins walk from the train station.
By train
Take a train to Grindelwald, Bahnhof (not Grindelwald Terminal), a 36 min direct train ride from Interlaken. From there, you can walk about 8 mins through town to the Grindelwald-First cable car station, as shown below. Instead of walking, you can take a short bus ride to the Grindelwald, Firstbahn stop.
By car & where to park
As you approach Grindelwald, follow signs to the Firstbahn. 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. Last time we went, you paid for the parking at a meter and it costs CHF 2.50/hr.
However, this parking is usually full. So we suggest the Parkhaus Eiger+ and Sportzentrum parking garages – right next to each other at Dorfstrasse 110, 3818 Grindelwald. In 2023, these parking garages cost CHF 2.50/hr and have the advantage that you pay at the end and don’t have to estimate how long you will be gone. From the parking garage, it’s about a 8 min walk to the Firstbahn as shown on the map below.
Ticket prices
For this hike, you’ll need a return ticket on the gondola from Grindelwald to First. In 2023, this ticket costs CHF 64/adult. You get a 50% discount with SBB GA, Half-fare, Swiss Travel Pass and children. Free for children with a SBB Junior card or under age 6.
You can buy your tickets online to skip the line or buy in person at the the gondola ticket office, cash or card. Tickets do not sell out.
When to go
This winter trail is usually open from mid December through early April. The trail may open or close early, depending on snow conditions. The lifts may not run due to bad weather and high winds. Check the Grindlelwald map for trail status.
The gondola starting running at 8:15. The last ride down from the trail is at 16:00. See current operating times.
Make sure to check the weather forecast and webcams before heading out. This trail is best done on a sunny day so you can see the views.
What to wear and pack
For a winter hike, you should wear waterproof hiking shoes with good traction. I would suggest boots to prevent snow from falling into your shoes. You don’t need snowshoes, but if you have traction cleats, bring them just in case parts of the trail are icy. I would suggest bringing hiking sticks for balance.
You should wear warm layers appropriate to the weather forecast and waterproof outer layers to stay dry in the snow. It’s a relatively short hike, but I suggest bringing a bottle of water and snacks.
See also What to pack & wear on a winter hike.
Where to eat
There is a restaurant at the Grindelwald First gondola station with indoor and outdoor seating. There is a self-service café with soup, salad and a few hot dishes. They also have a full service restaurant with a larger menu. During ski season, best to reserve a table for the full service restaurant.
Where to stay
This hike is closest to the Grindelwald village, which has many hotels. We have stayed twice at Boutique Hotel Glacier (one time sponsored), 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.
Photo story of trail
The Firstbahn gondola has small 6 person cars and runs continually throughout the day. The ride from Grindelwald to First takes about 30 mins. You will pass through two middle stations but you don’t need to change cars. Below is the view of Grindelwald as you ride up the mountain.
The gondola drops you off just behind this rock shown here. It’s a short walk on the snow to reach the cliff walk, which you can see wrapping around the mountain. If the weather is clear, I suggest doing this before your hike, in case clouds move in later.
It takes about 15 mins to walk the cliff walk. The metal walkways are very safe with high railings. But if you are afraid of heights, you may find this uncomfortable.
There are many beautiful photo spots along the way. You may have the photographer in your group hang back to get more dramatic shots like the ones here.
When you are ready to hike, follow the groomed walking path and pink poles shown here.
It leads up the mountain, parallel to the ski hill. It starts a bit steep, but it levels out and isn’t always so steep.
After a few minutes, you’ll reach this small mountain cafe, where you’ll see skiers and hikers enjoying refreshments.
The path continues past the hut, leading farther away from the ski hill.
You can see the Eiger and many other mountains from this trail. I’m taking this picture from a little higher up the trail, looking back down to the lower trail.
Looking back towards the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn peaks rising above the First gondola station.
We took a few steps off the trail to get this dramatic picture. But best to stay on the trail for safety.
The trail meanders its way up into the mountains, curving back and forth.
We were there in early March during a low snow season. You can usually expect snow on this trail until late May.
You can see the trail continuing up the mountain to the Bachalpsee near the shadows ahead. The Faulhorn peak is the farthest away in the middle of the picture. We were hiking in the late afternoon and had to turn back here to catch the last gondola down.
Walking back on the trail to Grindelwald First to catch the gondola.
