- What are the Grindelwald First opening hours?
The ascent to Grindelwald First is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm with last descent at 6pm will October 6, 2024. - Where is the Grindelwald First located?
Grindelwald First is starts from the village of Grindelwald. It is easily accessible via a gondola lift from Grindelwald village. - How many visitors does the Grindelwald First get per year?
Grindelwald saw round 625,000 tourists last year.
Let's plan your Grindelwald First visit
Grindelwald First | Visitor information at a glance
What are the Grindelwald First opening hours?
- May 9, 2024 - October 6, 2024: Ascent from 8am - 5:30pm and descent from 8am - 6pm.
- October 7, 2024 - October 27, 2024: Ascent 8am - 4:30pm and descent from 8am - 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 from 9am - 4:15pm.
Duration: The recommended visit duration for Grindelwald First can vary depending on your interests and activities. On average, most visitors spend around 4 to 6 hours at the attraction.
What is the best time to visit Grindelwald First?
The best time to visit Grindelwald First is during the summer months (June to August), when pleasant weather makes it perfect for hiking and outdoor activities like the First Cliff Walk and ziplining.
For fewer crowds, try the shoulder seasons in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), with cooler temps and fewer visitors. You can enjoy pleasant weather, have more peaceful experiences, and often find better deals on accommodation and activities.
Winter (December to February) brings excellent skiing but limits summer activities.
Where is Grindelwald First located?
Address: Grindelwald First, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Find on maps
Grindelwald First is located in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, directly above the village of Grindelwald. It sits at an altitude of 2,167 meters (7,109 feet) and can be easily accessed via a gondola lift from the village.
The gondola station is located at Dorfstrasse 187, 3818 Grindelwald, just a short walk from the Grindelwald train station.
Getting to Grindelwald First
By public transport
By train: Board a train to Interlaken-Ost, well-connected to major Swiss cities. Transfer to the Berner Oberland Bahn (BOB) train at Interlaken-Ost, which runs directly to Grindelwald. From there you can take a bus or a short walk to Grindelwald First gondola station.
By bus: You can take bus lines 121, 122, 123, 128 for local commute to the gondola station.
By Gondola: Line 2440 takes you from Grindelwald Firstbahn gondola station to the Grindelwald First summit.
By Car
To get to Grindelwald First by car, follow the road from Interlaken to Wilderswil and take a left turn at Gündlischwand. Grindelwald is located at the road's end, about 30 minutes from Interlaken and 20 minutes from Lauterbrunnen.
Parking Facilities:
Know before you go to Grindelwald First
- Winter (December to February): Temps: -10°C to 2°C (14°F to 36°F); Cold and snowy, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. January sees about 76 cm (30 inches) of snow. The landscape becomes a winter wonderland, ideal for snow-based activities.
- Spring (March to May): Temps: 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F); Cool to mild, with snow lingering in March. Snow melts by April, making way for blooming flowers and vibrant scenery. Great for hiking and picnics.
- Summer (June to August): Temps: 10°C to 24°C (50°F to 75°F); Warm, pleasant, with occasional rain. Perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying the First Cliff Walk. This is peak tourist season for outdoor adventures.
- Autumn (September to November): Temps: 2°C to 15°C (36°F to 59°F); Cool with sunny and rainy days. Fall foliage adds stunning views. Ideal for hiking without the summer crowds. September is the driest month.
- Hiking: Explore scenic trails of Grindelwald with breathtaking alpine views.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: 49 km of ski runs and 4 km of ski routes in the winter
- First Flyer: Zipline at thrilling speeds of up to 84 km/h.
- Cliff Walk: Walk along a cliffside with panoramic mountain vistas.
- Mountain Cart: Race down the mountain on a fun, agile cart.
- Trottibike Scooter: Cruise through the alpine landscape on a scooter.
- First Glider: Experience flight like an eagle at high speeds on the First Glider.
- Dine: Enjoy a meal with views at mountaintop restaurants.
- First aid stations: Trained staff and first aid are available for visitors' safety.
- Souvenir shops: Take home unique souvenirs from the on-site shops.
- Snowpark: Features a 130m halfpipe, kickers, rails and boxes for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
- Lily fun slope: A beginner-friendly ski slope with fun obstacles.
- Playground: The Bort Alpine Playground is a great option for kids
- Information center: Get help and info from the dedicated center.
- Wi-Fi hotspots: Stay connected with Jungfrau Railway Wi-Fi throughout the premises.
- Lockers: There are locker facilities at gondola station where you can store your belongings as you explore.
- Panoramic platforms: Capture stunning views from the panoramic platforms.
- Toilets: Convenient restrooms, including accessible options, are available at the summit.
- Wheelchair access: The First Cable Car and the Bort Alpine Playground are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the area.
- Lifts: All lifts at Grindelwald First are equipped to accommodate individuals with reduced mobility, particularly during the winter season.
- Attractions: While many areas are accessible, some attractions and trails may not be fully suitable for wheelchair users due to steep or uneven paths. For example, the First Cliff Walk is not open for those with mobility issues.
- Beat the crowds by taking the first gondola up. It gives you a peaceful start to your day, especially on popular attractions like the Cliff Walk and First Flyer.
- The temperature can vary significantly between the base and the summit. Wear layers to adapt to changing conditions and ensure comfort throughout the day.
- The cable car ride offers beautiful views, so choose a seat on the side for the best photo opportunities. Get off at intermediate stops like Bort for more hiking options.
- Traveling light is key for adventure activities. Use the lockers at the gondola station to safely store items you don’t need while exploring.
- If you can, stay for sunset. The views of the surrounding peaks and valleys bathed in golden light are pretty spectacular.
- The altitude at Grindelwald First is significant, so be mindful of fatigue and take regular breaks to enjoy the scenery.
- Berggasthaus First: A cozy mountain inn at the summit, offering traditional Swiss cuisine. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy hearty local dishes while soaking in the panoramic views.
- Skihütte Genepi: A charming hut serving a variety of meals and snacks in a relaxed, scenic setting. It is open from Tue-Sun, 9am – 5pm (Closed Mondays).
- Bergrestaurant Schreckfeld: Offers local specialties with stunning views, perfect for a quick refuel during your adventures. Open daily from 9am – 5:30pm.
- BG’s Grill Restaurant: A casual spot specializing in grilled dishes, ideal for a laid-back meal with a view. Daily from 12pm – 3:30pm.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Grindelwald First
Most visitors spend around 4-6 hours exploring the area. This is enough time for hiking, trying out activities like the First Flyer and Cliff Walk, and enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants.
It’s recommended to book tickets for the gondola ride to the First, also the popular attractions like the First Flyer, First Glider, and Mountain Carts in advance, especially during peak seasons to avoid long wait times or sold-out slots.
Yes! Grindelwald First offers activities for all ages, including children’s play areas, scenic hikes, and the First Cliff Walk, which is suitable for families. Some adrenaline-pumping activities like the First Flyer may have height or age restrictions.
The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so wear layers and bring a jacket, even in summer. Sturdy shoes are a must for hiking and exploring. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera for the breathtaking views!
Nope, no ticket needed! The First Cliff Walk is free to explore and full of excitement.
Yes, there are secure lockers at the gondola station where you can store your belongings while exploring Grindelwald First’s attractions.
Absolutely! Grindelwald First is just as enjoyable for those seeking a more relaxed visit. You can take in the panoramic views, enjoy gentle hiking trails, or simply relax at one of the mountain restaurants.
Yes, parking's a breeze! You'll find spots near the gondola station to leave your car.
Respect nature, keep the place clean, and follow safety guidelines for a memorable and responsible visit. Happy exploring!
