Hiking At Bachalpsee: 1 Breathtaking Way to Experience the Magic of Grindelwald-First
A Somewhat Expensive Hiking Experience
Bachalpsee is a stunning alpine lake located near Grindelwald in Canton Bern. We were highly interested in doing a hike around the lake since we had heard really good reviews about its incredible scenic beauty.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
📸 Image Rights: All photos are our own. Please contact us for permission to reuse.
Arriving in Bern
- Via Train or Bus: Bern is centrally located with fast, direct rail connections from Zurich, Basel, and Geneva. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Zurich or Geneva Airport and take public transport to arrive at Grindelwald. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Arriving at Grindelwald-First
To start our adventure, we parked our car at Grindelwald and bought a round trip gondola ticket to the Grindelwald-First station.
The gondola ticket cost 76 CHF, which felt a little on the expensive side, but the experience was totally worth the cost. As we rode the gondola up, we saw absolutely breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding Swiss landscape. We disembarked at Grindelwald-First and immediately started our walk towards Bachalpsee.
Pro-tip: Secure your return gondola ticket in-advance using the widget below.
Hiking For The Scenic View
Our circular hike lasted nearly 2 hours and was easy in difficulty, making it perfect for most skill levels. The whole track was extremely scenic, and the lake itself was even more breathtaking than we imagined. Once we reached the lake, we spent some time sitting on a nearby bench, completely absorbing the stunning scene.
On our way, we saw some people doing the famous First Cliff Walk. However, we chose to skip it due to my fear of heights.
Final Remarks
Overall, we found the hike to be an interesting and rewarding experience. The hike was easy and while it is completely child-friendly, I wouldn’t necessarily call it pocket-friendly. Nevertheless, we found the overall cost to be well worth the scenic views.
Found our hiking experience at Grindelwald-First useful? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike from Grindelwald-First to Bachalpsee?
The circular walk takes about 2 hours in total to complete. It is a relatively flat and easy trail, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the views.
How much does the Grindelwald to First gondola cost?
The round trip ticket to Grindelwald-First station costs 76 CHF. While it is an investment, the panoramic mountain views during the ride make it worthwhile.
Is the Bachalpsee lake hike difficult?
Not at all. The path is well-maintained and classified as easy in difficulty, meaning families and casual walkers can comfortably enjoy the track.
