Grindelwald First: cliff walk and mountain adventures

Grindelwald First: adventure and views above the Eiger

Grindelwald First (2,168m) sits directly opposite the north face of the Eiger, one of the most famous and fearsome mountain walls in the world. From the First plateau, you look across the valley at the vertical limestone face that defeated so many climbers before its first ascent in 1938, and the proximity is both dramatic and slightly humbling.

But Grindelwald First is not just a passive viewpoint. It is the adventure hub of the Bernese Oberland, with a zipline that fires you over the cliff edge at 84 km/h, a glass-bottomed cliff walk cantilevered over a 2,000-metre drop, an eagle-shaped glider, a downhill mountain cart, and a network of summer hiking trails that rival anything in the Alps. It is one of the most activity-rich mountain destinations in Switzerland, and it attracts a different crowd from the contemplative panorama seekers at Jungfraujoch or Harder Kulm.

Getting to Grindelwald First

From Grindelwald village, the First gondola cable car departs from the terminal in the town centre. The gondola journey takes about 25 minutes and rises 1,000 metres in altitude over four cable car sections. The views of the Eiger north face, the Wetterhorn, and the Grindelwald valley open up progressively as you ascend.

Getting to Grindelwald:

• From Interlaken Ost: 35 minutes by direct train
• From Bern: Train to Interlaken (50 minutes), then to Grindelwald (35 minutes)
• From Zurich: Train to Interlaken via Bern (about 2 hours), then to Grindelwald (35 minutes)
• From Lucerne: Train via Interlaken (about 2 hours to Grindelwald)

Grindelwald is also the access point for Jungfraujoch via the Eiger Express gondola, making it possible to combine both excursions from the same base — though you will need two full days to do both justice.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers rail travel to Grindelwald. The First gondola cable car is discounted at 25% with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Ticket prices 2026

First gondola (roundtrip, Grindelwald to First): approximately CHF 57 per adult

Activity combo tickets (First Flyer + First Glider + Mountain Cart): approximately CHF 68 per person (summer)

Individual activities:

• First Cliff Walk: included in gondola ticket
• First Flyer zipline: approximately CHF 32
• First Glider: approximately CHF 32
• Mountain Cart (one way, with gondola back): approximately CHF 45

Swiss Travel Pass: 25% discount on the gondola ticket (approximately CHF 43 roundtrip)

The gondola alone — without any activities — gives you access to the Cliff Walk, the summit views, and the hiking network. If you only have a modest budget, the gondola ticket plus the free Cliff Walk is still an outstanding half-day.

Grindelwald First cableway and Cliff Walk ticket (GetYourGuide)

The First Cliff Walk

The First Cliff Walk (First Cliff Walk by Tissot, to give it its full sponsored name) is a cantilever walkway attached to the cliff face at 2,168 metres. The walkway extends out from the rock on a series of metal brackets, with a glass-bottomed section near the outer edge. You stand on the glass and look down 2,000 metres to the Grindelwald valley far below.

The walk is 45 metres long and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace. It is included in the gondola ticket. The walk is safe — the railings are solid, the structure is engineered to significant safety margins — but it is genuinely exposed and the glass floor section is confronting if you are not comfortable with heights.

The view from the Cliff Walk is the best view of the Eiger north face from any point in the region. The wall fills the western horizon from base to summit. Early in the morning, when the shadow still falls across the valley, the contrast between the sunlit plateau at First and the dark north face of the Eiger across the valley is extraordinary.

Photography tip: For the Eiger north face shot, shoot from the outer edge of the Cliff Walk in the morning (face northwest). The light hits the face directly before noon.

The First Flyer

The First Flyer is a 800-metre zipline that launches you from the First plateau at speeds up to 84 km/h toward the Schreckfeld intermediate station. You are harnessed in a prone (Superman-style) position, looking down at the valley floor with the Eiger in the background.

The ride lasts about 60-90 seconds and is over before you have fully processed the experience. On the return, you take the gondola back up from Schreckfeld.

The First Flyer operates in good weather only — wind and thunderstorm conditions cause closure, typically from noon onward on summer days when storms build. An early morning ride is therefore recommended both for weather reliability and for having the equipment to yourself.

Minimum age: 12 years. Minimum weight: 35kg. Maximum weight: 120kg. The harness system is adjustable and the staff are experienced — the safety record is excellent.

The First Glider

The First Glider is a different experience from the Flyer. You sit in an eagle-shaped gondola (rather than a prone harness) alongside another person and glide down a cable with 360-degree visibility on all sides. The sensation is less of speed and more of floating — a bird’s-eye perspective on the valley that many visitors find more exhilarating than the Flyer because of the extended views.

It costs the same as the First Flyer (approximately CHF 32) and is suitable for slightly younger children — minimum age 8.

The Mountain Cart

The Mountain Cart is a gravity-powered downhill cart on a dedicated gravel and paved track from First to Grindelwald village. You sit in a small wheeled cart with a handlebar brake and descend 1,000 metres of altitude over 5 kilometres of track in about 30 minutes. The cart has a maximum speed of about 25 km/h.

This is one of the most fun and accessible activities at Grindelwald First. It is suitable for children from about age 6 (must be able to operate the brake independently) and adults of all fitness levels. No prior experience needed.

The Mountain Cart runs from late April to early November, weather permitting. It is not available in wet conditions. A one-way Mountain Cart ticket (with gondola back to First) costs approximately CHF 45.

The Bachalpsee lake

One of the finest easy hikes in the Bernese Oberland starts at Grindelwald First and leads to the Bachalpsee (2,265m), a high-altitude mountain lake with views of Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn, and the Wetterhorn reflected in its surface. The walk is 1.5 kilometres each way on a well-maintained gravel path, takes about 45 minutes one way, and is accessible for most fitness levels. Walking shoes are sufficient (no hiking boots required on a dry day).

The Bachalpsee is best in the morning when the reflections are sharp and the light comes from the east. On a clear day in September or October, the reflections of the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks in the lake are among the finest mountain photographs possible in Switzerland.

In winter, the Bachalpsee can be reached on snowshoes from First as part of an organised winter hike.

Extended hiking from Grindelwald First

For more serious hikers, Grindelwald First opens up some of the finest ridge walks in the Bernese Oberland:

First to Faulhorn (2-2.5 hours, moderate-strenuous): The classic Bernese Oberland ridge hike, climbing to the Faulhorn summit (2,681m) with views of over 30 lakes and the full Jungfrau massif. The Faulhorn Hotel is the highest mountain hotel in Switzerland (built 1832) and serves simple food.

Faulhorn to Schynige Platte (3-4 hours, strenuous): Continue from the Faulhorn along the ridge to Schynige Platte (1,987m), where a cogwheel railway descends to Wilderswil near Interlaken (covered by Swiss Travel Pass). This is one of the great alpine ridge walks — a full day combining First gondola, Faulhorn, and Schynige Platte railway.

First Cliff Walk to Bachsee circuit (2 hours, easy): The Cliff Walk plus the Bachalpsee return makes an excellent half-day that combines the main attractions without requiring more than moderate fitness.

Winter at Grindelwald First

In winter, the First plateau transforms into a ski area. The First ski region has 45 kilometres of marked pistes from gentle beginner runs near First down through intermediate and advanced terrain to Grindelwald village. The Eiger north face views from the ski slopes are unique — you ski with one of the great mountain walls filling your entire left horizon.

The First Flyer and First Glider do not operate in winter. The Mountain Cart is replaced by a toboggan run on snow (equipment hire available). Winter hiking on snowshoes is organised from First.

Access in winter requires a ski pass in addition to the gondola ticket. Day ski passes for Grindelwald First start at approximately CHF 65-75. Combined Jungfrau Region passes covering the full area cost more but include better value for multi-day skiers.

The Eiger north face: understanding what you are looking at

Standing at Grindelwald First and looking at the Eiger north face, you are looking at 1,800 metres of vertical limestone and ice that took 40 years of attempts and claimed 13 lives before its first successful ascent on 24 July 1938 by an Austro-German team. The face gains its reputation not just from the technical difficulty but from the weather it generates — it catches moisture from the west, creating rapid ice and rockfall conditions that have killed many subsequent climbers.

The famous “Death Bivouac” — a ledge at about 3,300 metres used by stranded climbers — is visible as a tiny horizontal scar about two-thirds of the way up the face. The ice fields, the Ramp, and the Spider (a web of icefield gullies near the top) are identifiable with binoculars.

The Grindelwald Glacier Museum in the village has an exhibition on Eiger climbing history that is worth an hour before or after First.

Practical tips

When to go

Summer (late June to September): All activities are operational. July and August are busiest. The Bachalpsee wildflowers peak in July. Afternoons can bring thunderstorms — morning activities recommended.

Spring (April-May): The gondola and Mountain Cart operate from late April. Some snow on higher paths. Quieter than summer.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent visibility, fewer crowds, autumn colours in the valley. Some activities close in October — check ahead.

Winter: Ski season from December to April. No adventure activities. Snowshoe hiking organised.

What to wear for activities

The First Flyer and First Glider require a windproof jacket — at 84 km/h even summer temperatures feel cold. Wear closed-toe shoes. Long trousers are recommended. Sunglasses.

For the Mountain Cart: comfortable clothing, closed shoes, sunglasses. No special equipment needed.

For hiking: proper walking shoes (trail shoes or hiking boots for longer routes). Sunscreen and a hat. Water (no natural fresh water sources above Grindelwald).

Family tips

Grindelwald First is excellent for families. The Cliff Walk and Bachalpsee walk are accessible for children from about age 6. The Mountain Cart is popular with children from age 6-7. The First Glider works well for children from age 8.

Younger children (3-5) can enjoy the gondola and the summit plateau without activities. There are picnic tables near the First station restaurant.

Food and restaurants

First Restaurant (Bergrestaurant First): The main restaurant at the top, with a terrace facing the Eiger. Classic Swiss food — soups, rösti, burgers, daily specials. Mains CHF 20-35. The terrace is the best place for the Eiger view with lunch.

Schreckfeld Restaurant: At the intermediate station, a smaller café serving snacks, coffee, and soup. Lower prices than the summit. A good stop on the Mountain Cart route.

Grindelwald village: Several excellent restaurants in the village itself. After a day of activities, the village restaurants offer good value compared to the mountain. Look for Kreuz and Post (traditional Swiss cooking) or the various hotel restaurants for fondue evenings.

Grindelwald as a base

Grindelwald is one of the finest mountain villages in Switzerland, with a good range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is increasingly popular as a base for the Bernese Oberland because it gives direct access to both First (adventure activities) and the Jungfraujoch via the Eiger Express gondola — all without needing to return to Interlaken.

If you are spending two or three days in the Bernese Oberland, Grindelwald is often a better base than Interlaken: quieter, more authentically alpine, and with both major mountain excursions (First and Jungfraujoch) immediately accessible.

For broader Bernese Oberland planning, see our Interlaken destination guide and 7-day Switzerland itinerary.

Combining First with Jungfraujoch

The most popular two-day Bernese Oberland combination is Grindelwald First on day one and Jungfraujoch via Eiger Express on day two. This gives you:

• Day 1: Adventure activities at First, Bachalpsee hike, Cliff Walk
• Day 2: Highest railway station in Europe, Aletsch Glacier, Ice Palace

Both depart from Grindelwald. The Good Morning Ticket for Jungfraujoch (departing before 08:00) saves CHF 65+ — plan Jungfraujoch for your second morning. For the Eiger Express connection see our Jungfraujoch guide.

Summary

Grindelwald First is the best adventure mountain excursion in the Bernese Oberland. The First Cliff Walk, First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart, and the Bachalpsee lake hike create a day of exceptional variety. The setting — directly opposite the legendary Eiger north face — gives every activity a dramatic backdrop. With the 25% Swiss Travel Pass discount on the gondola and the option to do the Cliff Walk and Bachalpsee for just the gondola price, it also represents good value.

For full Switzerland trip planning, see our Swiss mountains overview, Swiss Travel Pass guide, and budget travel tips.