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Mountain · Grindelwald, Berna
Grindelwald-First
Mountain station at 2,166 m above Grindelwald, reached by cable car in three sections. It has the First Cliff Walk, a walkway attached to the rock face, and is the starting point of the trail to Bachalpsee.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grindelwald-First
First sits on the north slope of the Grindelwald valley, facing the Eiger, the Schreckhorn and the Wetterhorn. The cable car departs from the village centre and rises in three sections, with stops at Bort and Schreckfeld, in about 25 minutes, to the station at 2,166 m.
Next to the station begins the First Cliff Walk, a metal walkway attached to the rock face, with a suspension bridge and a platform that juts out over the void. The walk takes a few minutes and is part of the visit to First.
From First departs the region's most popular trail, to the Bachalpsee, about an hour each way. For those who want to descend differently, there is a zip line (First Flyer), the First Glider, mountain carts from Schreckfeld to Bort and downhill scooters from Bort to the village.
In winter, First becomes a ski area and a network of snow trails. The cable car has maintenance pauses at the end of October and in November; check operating times before going up.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From three hours to half a day, including the trail to Bachalpsee.
Best time
From June to September, for snow-free trails. Go up early: in the European summer clouds tend to form in the afternoon.
How to get there
The lower station is in the centre of Grindelwald, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Tip
Do the Cliff Walk as soon as you arrive and leave the scooter or cart descent for the return. Bring a jacket: it can be windy at First even in the European summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grindelwald-First
What is the altitude of First?
The top station is at 2,166 m.
What is the First Cliff Walk?
A walkway attached to the rock face next to the station, with a suspension bridge and a platform over the void.
How long is it from First to the Bachalpsee?
About one hour each way on the trail, and roughly two hours round trip.
Does the First cable car operate year-round?
It operates in summer and winter, with a maintenance pause at the end of October and in November, so check operations before going up.