🔝2,167 m
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Grindelwald First | Switzerland’s Top of Adventure
Elevation
Journey
🚠 25 mins
Recommended duration
⌛3-6 hours
Season
📅 Mid December - Late October
Ready to trade city streets for mountain peaks? Take a quick gondola ride from the cozy village of Grindelwald to Mt. First – the ultimate adventure playground in the heart of the Swiss Alps. From jaw-dropping views and epic hikes to heart-pounding activities like the First Cliff Walk and Mountain Carts, this is where thrill-seekers and nature lovers unite. Read on to find top ticket options and a handy travel guide, complete with insider tips for the perfect escape!
What to expect?
Scenic commute
Start your adventure with a lovely 25-minute cable car ride, taking in panoramic views of the Eiger North Face as you ascend to 2,166 meters. With two stops along the way, admire idyllic meadows, grazing cows, and charming Swiss chalets.
Things to know before buying Grindelwald First tickets
- To avoid the hassle and long waits (up to 30 minutes to an hour during peak seasons) in ticketing queues, consider pre-booking your gondola tickets online. However, be prepared for some waiting time when boarding the gondola.
- If you're traveling from Lucerne or Zurich, booking a day trip is a smart investment that covers all logistics: a scenic coach ride to Grindelwald, a cable car to Mt. First (not included in tour from Zurich), and a train back to Interlaken. You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds — guided exploration along the way, with free time for leisure or adventure. Your guide will accompany you to Grindelwald and back from Interlaken. You'll be given a detailed itinerary and train tickets, so you can explore Grindelwald on your own and enjoy a scenic train ride between the two towns.
- Once you're at the First, note that access to the First Cliff Walk and First viewing platform is free, but other adventure activities like the First Flyer, First Glider, and Mountain Carts require additional tickets (starting from CHF 21 per activity) or can be bundled into an Adventure Package. These optional activities are subject to availability and weather conditions. Due to their popularity, long waiting times is a norm, and slots cannot be pre-booked, so plan as early as possible.
- The weather in the Swiss Alps can change quickly, and certain activities may be canceled for safety reasons. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and be aware that operational cancellations may occur in adverse conditions like extreme cold, rain, wind or snow.
- Some activities, such as the Trottibike or a boat cruise on Lake Brienz, are only available during specific seasons, generally till late October. Make sure to check the availability of your desired activities before booking, so you don't miss out.
- Grindelwald First is accessible for families, children, wheelchair users, and even dogs. However, some trails and activities may have limitations for wheelchair users. Be sure to confirm which areas are accessible before you go.
- While standard round-trip cable car tickets to Mt. First cost around €72 per adult (16+ years), holders of the Swiss Half Fare Card, SBB G.A., or Swiss Travel Pass can enjoy reduced prices, paying around €36.12. For children (6–15 years), tickets cost approximately €21.25, and children under 6 can travel for free.
Your Grindelwald First tickets and tours options explained
If you're traveling from Interlaken
- Take a train from Interlaken Ost station to Grindelwald station, it’s a short 14 min walk to the gondola station.
- If you prefer driving, take the road from Interlaken to Wilderswil, then turn left at Gündlischwand. The drive takes about 30 minutes.
- From the Grindelwald gondola station, take the Firstbahn gondola. This scenic ride lasts about 25 minutes, offering stunning views of the Alps as you ascend to Grindelwald First.
Duration: Flexible
Guide: No
Recommended tickets:
- Grindelwald First Mountain Tickets
If you're traveling from Zurich
- Start your day trip from Zürich with round-trip transfers in a comfortable coach, accompanied by a multilingual guide.
- Explore the charming towns of Grindelwald and Interlaken at your own pace, with a handy itinerary to guide you. Thrill-seekers can ascend to Mt. First for exhilarating adventures like the First Glider or First Flyer.
- Take the train from Grindelwald to Interlaken (tickets included). Return to Zürich by coach, completing your day trip.
Duration: 12 hrs.
Guide: Yes
Recommended tickets:
- From Zürich: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken
If you're traveling from Lucerne
- Begin your journey with a full-day tour of the Bernese Oberland. Travel by an air-conditioned coach from Lucerne to Grindelwald, guided by an expert multilingual guide.
- Once in Grindelwald, take the aerial cable car to Mt. First. Spend time exploring the attractions and activities at Grindelwald First.
- Take the train from Grindelwald to Interlaken (tickets included), then return to Lucerne by coach.
Duration: 10 hr.
Guide: Yes
Recommended tickets:
- From Lucerne: Grindelwald First - Top Adventure
Adventure at Grindelwald First
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First View
Elevation: 2,194 m | Duration: ~20 minutes | Cost: Free
Take in the beauty of the Bernese Alps from seven different angles at 2,194 meters— an all-year-round spectacle.
First Flyer
Elevation: 2,166m – 1,956m | Duration: ~10 minutes | Cost: Additional
Zoom through the sky at 84 km/h on the First Flieger, a thrilling zipline adventure that's sure to get your heart racing.
First Glider
Elevation: 2,166m – 1,956m | Duration: ~15 minutes | Cost: Additional
Feel the wind in your hair as you soar like an eagle on the First Glider. It's a unique and unforgettable experience.
First Mountain Cart
Elevation: 1,956m – 1,600m | Duration: ~30 minutes | Cost: Additional
Race down a 3-km dirt road on wheels and have a blast controlling your speed as you zoom through the scenic slopes.
First Trottibike
Elevation: 1,600m – 1,034m | Duration: ~30 minutes | Cost: Additional
Whiz downhill on a fun hybrid of a scooter and a bike. It's a great way to see the beautiful flower meadows and alpine farmhouses.
First Cliff Walk by Tissot
Elevation: 2,166m | Duration: ~20 minutes | Cost: Free
Take a thrilling walk along a suspended bridge that clings to the mountain. The glass viewing platform is 45 meters above the valley, giving a unique perspective of the valley below.
Bachalpsee Hike
Elevation: 2,265m | Duration: ~2 hours (round trip) | Cost: Free
Take a one-hour scenic hike to the serene Bachalpsee, known as the "blue jewel" of the Alps.
Alpine Playground
Elevation: 1,600m | Duration: ~30+ minutes | Cost: Free
Let the kids run wild at the alpine playground in Bort. There's plenty of fun activities for them to enjoy, like damming streams and balancing on ropes.
Biking to Grindelwald
Elevation: 2,166m – 1,034m | Duration: ~1.5 hours | Cost: Additional
Pedal your way down from First to Grindelwald on a scenic 1.5-hour bike ride. You'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Alps.
Marmot Nature Trail
Elevation: 2,166m – 2,258m | Duration: ~2 hours | Cost: Free
Follow the Marmot Trail and learn fascinating facts about these alpine animals as you trek from First to Schilt.
Plan your visit to Grindelwald First
- May 9, 2024 - October 6, 2024: Ascent from 8am - 5:30pm and last descent at 6pm.
- October 7, 2024 - October 27, 2024: Ascent 8am - 4:30pm and last descent at 5pm.
- Closed: From October 28, 2024 - November 29, 2024 for maintenance work.
- November 30, 2024 - December 13, 2024: Ascent from 9am - 3:45pm and descent at 4:15pm.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Grindelwald First is summer (June to August) for perfect hiking and outdoor adventures. For fewer crowds and better deals, visit in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when you’ll enjoy cooler weather and a quieter experience. Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing but limits some adventure activities.
To reach Grindelwald First, you first need to get to Grindelwald itself, and then take a gondola to the First.
- By train: Take a train to Grindelwald (not Grindelwald Terminal), 35 minutes from Interlaken Ost. Walk 10 minutes or take a short bus to the Grindelwald First gondola station. Enjoy a 25-minute gondola ride to the First summit.
- By bus: Take a bus to the Grindelwald, Firstbahn stop, right across from the gondola station (lines 121, 122, 123, 128). Board the Firstbahn gondola to First.
- By car: Drive to Grindelwald from Interlaken via Wilderswil, turning left at Gündlischwand (30 minutes from Interlaken, 20 minutes from Lauterbrunnen). Park near the Firstbahn gondola station and take the gondola up to First.
Grindelwald First experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns, influencing the best times to visit and the types of activities available.
- Spring (March to May): 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F); Varying conditions, with lingering snow early on and blooming flowers by late May. Expect occasional rain and sun. Great for hiking as trails open, though some may still be snow-covered.
- Summer (June to August): 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F); Warm and pleasant with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Peak season for stable weather. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor adventures.
- Autumn (September to November): 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F); Beautiful fall foliage and mild weather in early autumn, cooling down with potential first snowfall by late autumn. Excellent for hiking with fewer crowds; some activities may close as winter approaches.
- Winter (December to February): -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F); Cold and snowy, transforming the area into a winter wonderland. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking.
- First aid stations
- Souvenir shops
- Mountaintop Restaurant
- Snowpark
- Playground for kids
- Information center
- Wi-Fi hotspots
- Lockers
- Observation decks
- Toilets
- Beat the crowds and catch the first gondola - avoid long lines for activities like the First Flyer and First Glider, enjoy a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.
- Start your day with the lovely 2-hour round trip hike to Bachalpsee lake. Going early helps you enjoy the serene alpine lake and its mirror-like reflections of the peaks without the midday rush.
- The First Cliff Walk is a must-do, but the new First View vantage platform is a great alternative for those afraid of heights. Combine both by visiting the First View platform first, then walk back down to the Cliff Walk entrance.
- The weather can shift quickly at Grindelwald First. Dress in layers to stay comfortable and pack snacks and water, as food options can be limited and busy during peak times.
- If you have time, linger until sunset. The golden light casts a magical glow on the peaks, creating a perfect backdrop for a memorable end to your day. Enjoy an early dinner at the mountain restaurant and watch day-trippers depart before you take the last gondola down.
- For adventure activities, use the lockers at the gondola station to store items you don’t need. This keeps you light on your feet and focused on the fun.
- With the high altitude, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery around you.
The Berggasthaus First is the main dining facility at Grindelwald First, with a delightful selection of Swiss and international cuisine. It follows the same operational hours as the gondola.
- Dining options: Seasonal menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including vegetarian options. You can enjoy a self-service buffet as well.
- Seating capacity: With over 120 indoor seats and an additional 120 outdoor seats on the terrace, no matter where you sit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Bernese Oberland, including the imposing north face of the Eiger.
- Facilities: Amenities include restrooms, water fountains, and luggage lockers located below the restaurant for your convenience.
The First Shop is located near the restaurant and offers a range of products for visitors:
- Unique Swiss souvenirs: This shop offers a curated selection of Swiss classics that make perfect mementos from your trip. You’ll find high-quality Tissot watches, Victorinox knives, and charming souvenirs from Trauffer, among other gifts.
- Essential gear: The shop also stocks hiking essentials, snacks, and drinks to keep you fueled during your explorations.
- Convenience: It's a great place to pick up last-minute items or gifts before heading back down from your mountain adventure.
Beyond Grindelwald First
Harder Kulm
This could be home to Interlaken's king if the city had one. Look down on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun from the viewing platform at 1,322 meters above sea level, or admire the peaks.
Jungfraujoch
Here, Europe’s highest point at 3,454 meters, you'll see Mittelland up to the Vosges on one side and the Aletsch glacier on the other, bordered by four thousand meter peaks.
Interlaken
An adventurer’s paradise with paragliding, lake tours, and delightful mountain hikes. For a more relaxed experience, take a quick 10-minute train to Höhematte for scenic walks and shopping.
Frequently asked questions about Grindelwald First Tickets
It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as tickets for popular activities like the First Flyer and Mountain Carts can sell out quickly. Booking ahead also helps you avoid waiting in long lines.
No, the QR code you receive is your ticket. Simply scan the QR code at the gate to board—one code per person, no need to exchange for a physical ticket.
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's important to check the forecast before your visit. Some tickets may offer partial refunds or rescheduling options if activities are canceled due to weather. Always check the refund policy when booking. Most of our experiences are fully refundable when cancelled up to 24 hours before.
Yes, the Adventure Package typically includes a round-trip gondola ride and multiple activities, such as the First Flyer, First Glider, and Mountain Carts, giving you a better deal than buying all of those tickets separately. This is the best bet for the tourists who are all in for a A-Z Grindelwald experience!
Yes, you can hop on and off the gondola at Bort or Schreckfeld with a standard gondola ticket, making it easy to explore other hiking trails or activities along the way.
Yes, Swiss Travel Pass holders often get discounts on Grindelwald First gondola tickets and some activities. Be sure to show your pass when purchasing or booking online.
Yes, the premises of Grindelwald First is wheelchair accessible.
If you’re coming from Zurich or Lucerne, consider booking a day trip package that includes transportation and Grindelwald First tickets. This simplifies your planning and ensures you don’t miss any connections.
Grindelwald First is packed with fun for kids! The Bort Alpine Playground offers safe play with amazing mountain views, perfect for little ones to run around. Older kids will love the First Flyer zip line, zooming at speeds up to 84 km/h. Families can also enjoy Trottibike scooters and mountain carts for exciting downhill rides. For something calmer, the easy hike to Bachalpsee is a great way to bond and soak in nature. Adventure and stunning scenery make Grindelwald First a top spot for families!
Yes, dogs are allowed on the gondola, and many of the hiking trails are pet-friendly. However, dogs aren’t permitted on certain activities like the First Flyer or Glider. Check with each activity before planning your day.
Yes, lockers are available at the Grindelwald First gondola station to store your belongings while you enjoy activities like ziplining or mountain carts. This allows you to travel light and keep your items secure.
Layering is key; start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm fleece or sweater, and finish with a waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against changing weather conditions. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to explore trails like the one to Bachalpsee. Don't forget to bring accessories like a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, as the high altitude can intensify UV exposure. Lastly, pack a small backpack with snacks and water to keep your energy up during your adventures!
