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Start off your magical experience at Grindelwald First by stepping in a cozy gondola at the First Railway Valley Station . With stops at the equally picturesque Bort and Schreckfeld before reaching First, these cable cars are much more than a simple mode of transit. Throughout your ascent, you will be met with the breathtaking vistas of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
The cableway for reaching Grindelwald First once held the distinction of being the longest passenger-carry cableway on its inception in 1975. Since then, the Grindelwald first cable car has acted as an aesthetically pleasing intermediate to the region.
What to expect from my gondola journey to Grindelwald First?
- Enjoy a 25- minute ride up to Grindelwald First while soaking in the sites of the pristine Swiss Alps and the Bernese Oberland region
- Feel the yourself being engulfed in the fresh, crips air with your cable car safely suspended at nearly 2,168 meters above sea level. Heights that some people may never even witness!
- With the multiple activities such as skiing, carting, First Flyer and more lined upon reaching Grindelwald First, your cable car will just be the opening act to a day of picture perfect adventure.
Grindelwald Cable Car Timetable
16 December 2023- 12 January 2024
First Car
Last Car
Ascent
8 AM
3:45 PM
Descent
8 AM
4:15 PM
13 January 2024- 1 April 2024
First Car
Last Car
Ascent
8 AM
4:15 PM
Descent
8 AM
4:45 PM
2 April 2024- 8 May 2024
First Car
Last Car
Ascent
9 AM
4 PM
Descent
9 AM
4:30 PM
9 May 2024- 15 September 2024
First Car
Last Car
Ascent
8 AM
5:30 PM
Descent
8 AM
6 PM
16 September 2024- 3 November 2024
First Car
Last Car
Ascent
8:30 AM
5 PM
Descent
8:30 AM
5:30 PM
What to see during your Grindelwald First Gondola Ride
Your cable car to Grindelwald is more than just a means of transport, it is the first step into entering the stunning landscape of Switzerland’s mountain peaks. On the way to the top, you can enjoy and absorb:
- Eiger North Face: Marvel at the renowned Eiger North Face, a challenging climb for mountaineers. The cable car affords an up-close view of this iconic peak's rugged and formidable terrain.
- Schreckhorn Glacier: Witness the Schreckhorn Glacier, an impressive icy expanse. The cable car ride provides a clear vantage point to appreciate the glacier's crevasses and intricate ice formations.
- Jungfrau: The Jungfrau is one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps and is known for its majestic presence. The cable car journey will offer panoramic views of the Jungfrau and its surrounding glaciers.
- Bachalpsee Lake: Spot the stunning Bachalpsee Lake. The cable car provides a panoramic view of this turquoise gem nestled amidst the mountains, surrounded by meadows and offering a serene alpine spectacle.
- Indigenous Marmots: Spot the charming alpine inhabitants, marmots, as you ascend. The cable car ride provides unique opportunities to observe these furry creatures in their natural surroundings, enhancing your mountain experience.
Things to do after your cable car journey to Grindelwald First
Grindelwald First is a host to a set of unique and picturesque activities that will surely keep your heart racing. After reaching Grindelwald First you can do:
Hiking
Witness sights such as the Elger North Face, Lake Bachalpsee and many more after embarking on one of the stunning hiking trails Grindelwald First has to offer.
Skiing & Snowboarding
With winters offering the perfect amount of soft snow to turn Grindelwald First into a snowy wonderland, conditions are nothing ideal for skiing or snowboarding along the hills.
Mountain Cart
Race down the mountain slopes on an ingenious and safe hybrid of a go-kart and a sled.
First Flyer
Zip through the skies in glory with the First Flyer, propelling you on an 800 meter long ride on a zipline over the beautiful Alpine setting
First Glider
Soar through the skies of Grindelwald with four others on a specially designed canopy to make sure that the fun never stops
Getting to Grindelwald First Cable Cars by public transport
By Bus
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and those who prefer a scenic road journey.
Bus Lines: 121, 122, 123, 128
Closest Bus Stop: Grindelwald, Firstbahn
Bus Timings: Depending upon the starting point bus timings may vary. Locally speaking, buses run from 6 AM to 6:30 PM.
By Train
The First Valley Station or the Firstbahn is in the Grindelwald village. You can conveniently access this town from multiple train connections at Interlaken-Ost.
Best for: Convenient and scenic travel through the Swiss countryside.
Train Lines: Berner Oberland-Bahnen (R61)
Closest Train Station: Grindelwald Terminal Station, 2.1 km
Train timings: The first train leaves from Interlaken-OST at 7:05 AM. The journey to Grindelwald First takes about 30 minutes. The last train departs at 4:35 PM
Getting to Grindelwald First Cable Cars by road
If you're heading to Grindelwald First by car, just follow the road from Interlaken to Wilderswil. Once you hit Gündlischwand, take a left, and you'll find yourself in Grindelwald at the end of the road. It's about a 30-minute drive from Interlaken and around 20 minutes if you're coming from Lauterbrunnen.
You can find a variety of parking facilities such as
- Parkplatz Grindelwald Firstbahn ( 1 min walk)
- Parkhaus Sportzentrum ( 9 mins walk)
- Parkhaus Eiger+ Nordwand ( 7 mins walk)
- Parkplatz Firstbahn Talstation ( 2 mins walk)
Know Before You Go to Grindelwald First
Weather
Facilities
Summer (June to August):
Embrace the mild summer breeze, tailor-made for outdoor enthusiasts. Picture this: average highs dancing around 20°C (68°F), while the evenings graciously cool down to an average of 10°C (50°F).
Winter (December to February):
Welcome the chilly embrace of winter, as snowfall blankets the landscape – a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the season with average highs at a crisp 1°C (34°F) and lows gracefully dipping to around -6°C (21°F).
Springtime (March to May) and Autumn (September to November):
As spring blossoms and autumn leaves fall, enjoy the mild to cool weather, accompanied by the luxury of fewer crowds. These seasons offer the perfect backdrop for leisurely hikes and captivating sightseeing adventures.
- First Aid Stations: Trained staff and first aid stations ensure visitors' safety and well-being throughout their visit.
- Souvenir Shops: Take home a piece of Grindelwald First with unique souvenirs and gifts from the on-site shops.
- Children's Play Areas: Family-friendly facilities, including play areas for children, ensuring a fun time for the little ones.
- Lockers: Secure lockers to store your belongings while you explore and enjoy the attractions.
- Information Center: Get assistance and useful information from the dedicated information center for a smooth visit.
- Wi-Fi Hotspots: Stay connected and share your amazing experiences with Wi-Fi hotspots available at select areas.
- Charging Stations: Keep your devices charged and ready for capturing unforgettable moments with charging stations.
- Accessibility: Grindelwald First aims to be accessible to all, with facilities catering to visitors with special needs.
- Panoramic Platforms: Experience breathtaking views from panoramic platforms, providing unforgettable photo opportunities.
- Toilets: Conveniently located restroom facilities for visitors' comfort along with disability access are available at the summit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Grindelwald First 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.