Grindelwald Cable Car Ride | Key Stops & Practical Info

The Grindelwald cable car system is your ticket to a Swiss mountain adventure of a lifetime. The quaint village of Grindelwald is well-connected to some of the most beautiful summits of the Swiss Alps via its modern cable car system.

In just 25 minutes, the Grindelwald Firstbahn whisks you to Mt. First at 2,168 meters, with stops at Bort and Schreckfeld—perfect for adrenaline junkies. The Männlichen Gondola takes you to another stunning peak, where you can hike and ski. For a quieter, family-friendly option, you can take the Pfingstegg Cable Car, a delightful ride to a scenic viewpoint. Read on to find detailed guide on stops, timings, access, and more highlights of this experience.

Grindelwald cable car overview

Grindelwald First Cable Car

Route: Grindelwald → Bort → Schreckfeld → First
Location: Dorfstrasse 187, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
Timings: Operates daily from 8am to 5:30pm (till October 6, 2024) and till 4:30pm (October 6 - October 27, 2024). Closed for maintenance from October 18 to November 29, 2024.
Price: Adult round trip: Approximately CHF 68; Children (6-15 years): Approximately CHF 33; 50% discounts available for Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card holders.
Occupancy: Six-seater gondola
Highlights: Access to activities such as the First Cliff Walk, First Flyer zipline, First Glider, and hiking trails with panoramic views of the Eiger North Face and surrounding peaks.

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Männlichen Gondola Cable Car

Route: Grindelwald Grund → Männlichen
Location: Grundstrasse 54, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Duration: Approximately 19 minutes
Timings: Operates daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm with last descent at 5pm (till October 20, 2024); 8am to 4pm with last descent at 4:30pm (December 7, 2024 to January 24, 2025).
Price: Adult round trip: Approximately CHF 50; Children (6-15 years): Approximately CHF 25
Occupancy: Eight-seater gondola
Highlights: Access to skiing and hiking trails on Männlichen, with the gorgeous backdrop of the Jungfrau region.

Pfingstegg Cable Car

Route: Grindelwald → Pfingstegg
Location: Rybigässli 25, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Timings: Operates daily from 9am to 5:40pm with last descent at 6pm (till October 20, 2024).
Price: Adult round trip: Approximately CHF 32; Children (6-15 years): Approximately CHF 16
Occupancy: Four-seater gondola
Highlights: Offers access to sledding runs and hiking trails, with beautiful views of Grindelwald and the surrounding mountains.

Eiger Express

Route: Grindelwald Terminal → Eigergletscher
Location: Eigergletscher, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
Timings: Operates daily from 7:45am to 5:45pm with last descent at 6:20pm (till November 3, 2024) and from 8am - 3:45pm with last descent at 5:20pm (November 4 - November 12, 2024)
Price: Adult round trip: Approximately CHF 70; Children (6-15 years): Approximately CHF 35
Occupancy: Ten-seater gondola
Highlights: A modern gondola with a direct connection to the Jungfrau region, enjoy skiing and hiking opportunities cvzvzczvzvgsz hwith spectacular views of the Eiger North Face.

Scenic highlights of your Grindelwald cable car ride

Eiger North Face

As you ascend, one of the first sights to catch your eye is the Eiger North Face. This dramatic rock face is a showstopper, towering majestically above the valley. On clear days, you can see every detail of its rugged beauty, making it a perfect photo op!

Majestic peaks

But wait—there’s more! Keep your eyes peeled for the impressive Mönch and Jungfrau peaks as they join the Eiger in creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Jungfrau peak view from Grindelwald cable car in Switzerland.

Schreckhorn Glacier

As you get closer to Grindelwald First, don’t miss the Schreckhorn Glacier! Nestled near the Schreckhorn mountain, it adds a touch of rugged beauty to the landscape - perfect spot for those Instagram-worthy shots.

Grindelwald cable car ascending over lush Swiss countryside with mountain backdrop.

The Swiss countryside

Look down as you glide over charming Swiss chalets and lush green pastures dotted with grazing cows. This pastoral scenery is like something out of a storybook!

Bachalpsee Lake

Once you reach Grindelwald First, take a short hike to Bachalpsee Lake. Known for its crystal-clear waters that perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains, this serene spot is a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Intermediate stops

The cable car makes stops at Bort and Schreckfeld, each with a unique perspectives and fun activities. At Bort, you can explore hiking trails or let the kids enjoy the Alpine Playground. Schreckfeld is your gateway to t adventures like the First Flyer zipline and mountain carts.

Visitor tips

It's best to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. Even with online tickets waiting times can stretch up to 30 mins and up to an hour without the e-ticket. Hence, we also recommend buying your tickets online before your visit. This way, you can save time and enjoy more activities once you reach the summit. If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or a Half Fare Card, you can get discounted tickets!
The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen—those alpine rays can be strong!
The cable car makes stops at Bort and Schreckfeld before reaching Grindelwald First. Each stop offers unique activities—Bort has an Alpine Playground for families, while Schreckfeld is home to thrilling adventures like the First Flyer zipline. I
Once at Grindelwald First, take a stroll on the First Cliff Walk, a suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the valley below. It’s a must-do in any season! You can try other exciting activities like the First Glider,mountain carts and more. These experiences can get busy during peak times, so arrive early or be prepared to wait a bit.
Before heading out, check the weather conditions at Grindelwald First. Clear days offer the best views, while cloudy or rainy days might limit visibility.
Bring water and some snacks along for your journey. There are picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy a meal with stunning mountain views.
Finally, don’t rush! Take your time to soak in the views, snap photos, and enjoy everything Grindelwald First has to offer. Whether it’s hiking around Bachalpsee Lake or simply enjoying the scenery, make the most of your alpine adventure!

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From Grindelwald: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Round-Trip Tickets

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From Lucerne: Grindelwald First - Top Adventure

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10 hr.

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From Zürich: Grindelwald, Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Day Trip

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12 hr.

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Frequently asked questions about Grindelwald cable cars

Are Cable Cars the only way to get to Grindelwald First?

While Cable Cars are not the sole method through which you can reach Grindelwald First, you can also hike up which will provide you with a more rugged experience if you are looking for it.

How big is the Gondola?

The Gondola that will take you to Grindelwald First has an occupancy of 6 passengers.

Does the cable car stop anywhere on the way to Grindelwald First?

Yes, before Grindelwald First, there are 2 more stops, Bort and Schreckfeld.

Is the cable car safe?

Yes, the cable car system is operated by certified technicians. However, in the unlikely event of it stalling, make sure that you have the appropriate clothing to face the weather until help reaches you.

What is the duration of the cable car ride?

The duration of the Grindelwald Cable Car ride varies, but it typically takes around 25 minutes to reach the mountain station.