If you thought a Switzerland itinerary was solely about scenic train rides and quiet alpine lakes, Grindelwald First is where the real adrenaline awaits. Functioning as a high-altitude, open-air adventure park perched directly above the valley, it delivers unmatched thrills against a panoramic backdrop of massive, snow-capped peaks.
Wondering which ticket packages to buy, the most efficient order to tackle the rides, and the absolute must-do activities? This concise guide covers everything you need to know about Grindelwald First to plan an unforgettable day.
Quick Navigation
- Things to do at Grindelwald First
- Operating Info
- Tickets to Grindelwald
- How to get to Grindelwald
- FAQs for Grindelwald First (Practical Information)
- (Skip to) The best order of the activities
Things to do at Grindelwald First
Grindelwald-First is the ultimate playground of the Bernese Oberland, offering an adventure packed day that is a massive favourite among couples, friends, and families alike. While there is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities, the summit also has several breathtaking experiences that are completely free to enjoy.
First Cliff Walk by Tissot
Imagine stepping out onto a narrow metal walkway suspended high in the crisp alpine air, clinging to the sheer rock face of the mountain. The First Cliff Walk by Tissot is not only thrilling but highly rewarding, leading you to a glass-bottomed observation deck that opens up to 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks.
First Cliff Walk is absolutely free to access. It is best to start your day in Grindelwald with this activity.
📍Tip: If you’re a Crash Landing On You fan, don’t miss the Grindelwald-First Viewpoint next to First Cliff Walk with a special pop-up.
First Flyer
This seated, single-person zip line is one of the most famous thrills in the region. Strapped into a secure harness, you soar 45 meters above the alpine pastures from the First summit down to the Schreckfeld middle station at speeds reaching 84 km/h.
💰 Ticket price: CHF 35 per ride (without STP)
📍Tip: Because this is a highlight for most visitors, queues can stretch up to 120 minutes after 12:00 PM. To avoid wasting your day in line, head straight to the First Flyer immediately after the Cliff Walk.
📍Pro Tip: If you’re seeking to film your experience with beautifully lit pastures and mountains, you’ll have to pace your ride timings after 12 noon. The north face of the mountain doesn’t get drenched in sunlit, nor does it let the light get to the green pastures in the valley anytime before mid-day.
First Glider
The First Glider seems similar to the First Flyer but offers a slightly different aerial rush. Suspended flat on your stomach beneath an eagle-shaped glider alongside three other passengers, you are first pulled backward from Schreckfeld up to First. Then, you are released to fly like a bird head-first back down the mountain at 83 km/h.
💰 Ticket price: CHF 35 per ride (without STP)
Use our code ‘ESCAPETOLANDSCAPES5‘ for a 5% discount on purchase of Swiss Travel Pass on GetYoutGuide app. Click here to download.
⚠️ Note: The Glider starts and ends at the Schreckfeld station. Furthermore, backpacks are strictly prohibited on the ride. You must leave your bags in the provided storage lockers at Grindelwald First Mountain Hotel before joining the queue.
Hike to Bachalpsee
A mirror-like alpine lake reflecting the majestic Swiss peaks perfectly describes Bachalpsee. Located a short, well-marked hike away from the Grindelwald-First summit station, this pristine glacial lake is an absolute must-visit.
The gentle trail is free to access and takes approximately 50 minutes each way. Once you arrive, the grassy banks offer an idyllic setting to sit down, enjoy a snack and soak the views.
Mountain Cart
The First Mountain Cart is a phenomenal way to transition down the mountain. With a low center of gravity and hydraulic brakes (but no pedals), you coast down a rugged, 3-kilometer gravel track from the Schreckfeld station to the Bort station. It is an absolute thrill to navigate the winding terrain while taking in a wildly different perspective of the Grindelwald valley.
First Trottibike Scooter
The First Trottibike is a brilliant hybrid between a scooter and a bicycle, featuring a wide standing deck and no seat. The experience starts at the Bort station from where you ride the scooter 4.5 km down a paved, winding road all the way to the Grindelwald base station.
However, riding requires a bit of balance and constant hand-braking because the slopes are genuinely steep. But nothing beats coasting through the verdant meadows past ringing cowbells and traditional wooden chalets.
📍Pro-Tip: The Trottibikes are the very last activity to close for the day. Riding one down is significantly more memorable than simply taking the gondola back to town.
Grindelwald Village
Grindelwald village is the gateway to the adventure atop the mountain. However, this quaint hamlet possesses a charm of its own. It is also the perfect stopover to enjoy the breathtaking valley views over a cup of coffee at Eiger Bean The Coffee Roastery or have a late lunch at Food Truck – Bergwelt Grindelwald or Café 3692.
If you’re staying in Grindelwald, do check out the Grindelwald event calendar.
Operating Info
The Grindelwald First is operational all year round, except for a couple of weeks in Autumn for maintenance.
Find out whether the First Cable Car is open during your itinerary dates at Jungfrau Railways website.
Tickets for Grindelwald First
The only tickets available online are for the aerial gondola. You can purchase them here.
The activity tickets are available at the valley station of the First Cable Car. However, they may get sold out during the peak season. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early to secure yours.
💰Ticket prices: start from 38 CHF (with Swiss Travel Pass)
⚠️ Note: You can also purchase the adventure package and gondola tickets from the valley station, like we did.
How to Get to Grindelwald First
Reaching the Grindelwald-First valley station involves a couple of simple transit connections, but the jaw-dropping alpine views along the way make the journey just as memorable as the destination.
- From Meiringen: Board the R70 train from Meiringen to Interlaken Ost (approx. 35 minutes) and R61 train from there to Grindelwald, Bahnof.
Depart from Meiringen by 6:15 AM to arrive at Grindelwald Firstbahn by 8:00 AM.
From Interlaken Ost: Board the direct Bernese Oberland Railway train to Grindelwald Bahnhof (approx. 35 minutes). - From Grindelwald Station to the Cable Car: You can either walk to the Firstbahn or take bus line 121 or 122 directly from the train station, which is covered in Swiss Travel Pass.
FAQs for Grindelwald First
What is the best time to arrive?
The Grindelwald-First cable car begins operating at 8:00 AM during the summer season. Check the timetable here.
To maximize your day, skip lengthy bottlenecks, and complete multiple mountain adventures, plan to start your ascent between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Heavy crowds typically arrive after 10:00 AM, which can easily push waiting times for popular rides up to 90–120 minutes.
What are the must-try activities?
If you have to narrow down the lineup to two top experiences, choose the First Flyer and the Trottibike Scooter. The latter doubles up as your transport to get back to Grindelwald Bahn and takes you through the charming village and vistas of Grindelwald.
Can I buy Grindelwald-First activity tickets on the spot?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly at the valley terminal in Grindelwald (before hopping onto the gondola) or at individual mid-station ticket desks.
Simply join the standard queue for the activity, where staff will assist you with selecting individual ride passes or package bundles based on current station wait times.
What is the best ticket package for Grindelwald-First?
The Adventure Package with 2 Activities + Unlimited Gondola Rides hits the sweet spot for time, budget, and pacing. While it is tempting to purchase all four activities (First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart, Trottibike), long summer queues can make fitting everything in difficult.
Moreover, the mountain adventure stations close between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM. A two-activity pass leaves plenty of breathing room for scenic hiking and photography without rushing.
Are there any lockers at Grindelwald-First?
Yes, lockers are available at the Grindelwald First Mountain Hotel. The hotel is also equipped with a restaurant, restrooms, water fountain, and a souvenir shop. The lockers can only be opened once, preferably when you’re done with all the activities. Otherwise, you need to pay for the storage again.
What is the best order to do the Grindelwald-First activities?
The best order to maximise your day is to work your way from the summit down to the valley floor:
- Top Station (First): Ride the gondola straight to the top. Complete the First Cliff Walk by Tissot and hike to Bachalpsee first while morning light is clear.
- First to Schreckfeld: Take the First Flyer down to Schreckfeld or take a gondola and ride First Glider up and down the mountain. The views from the First Flyer look the best after 12 noon when the face of the mountain gets sun-drenched.
- Schreckfeld to Bort: Ride the First Mountain Cart along the gravel track down to the Bort middle station.
- Bort to Grindelwald: Pick up your Trottibike Scooter at Bort for a scenic ride through alpine meadows directly back to the Grindelwald base station.
⚠️ Note: Although this order works best for someone who wishes to do all the activities, if you do not want to wait in queues, or visit another spot afterwards, then start with First Flyer, do the First Glider (or return to the top in a gondola and hike to Bachalpsee), followed by a mountain cart from Schreckfeld to Bort, and finally finish with Trottibike from Bort to Grindelwald base.
Planning an epic Swiss adventure? Check out our complete 10-day ultimate Switzerland itinerary complete with getting in & around, where to stay, things to do and more.
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