Hey there adventurers, are you ready for an unforgettable day in the Swiss Alps? Well, grab your hiking boots, camera, and sense of adventure because today we’re exploring the Grindelwald-First heading up to Mt. First (pronounced Feerst)mountain: Read on for a full 1 day itinerary!
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Table of Contents
About Grindelwald-First
Grindelwald-First is a mountain in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, situated above the town of Grindelwald. It is is known for its adventure activities, hiking trails, and panoramic views, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Getting There:
Grindelwald-First is easily accessible by public transport or car. The nearest airports are Zurich and Geneva, from where you can take a train to Grindelwald.
From Grindelwald, you can take a cable car to Grindelwald-First. Alternatively, you can drive to Grindelwald and park your car in one of the public parking lots before taking the cable car up to Grindelwald-First.
Best Time to Travel:
Grindelwald-First is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is pleasant and the hiking trails are open! However, if you’re looking for winter activities like skiing or snowboarding, the best time to visit is from December to February. Avoid coming in November because this is when the cablecars are closed for maintenance. You can check this guide here for the full dates on cable cars and funicular closures in Switzerland.
9.30am: Cable-Car
Lace-up your hiking boots and head towards the Firstbahn cable car station, where you’ll take a scenic ride up to the top of Grindelwald-First.
Prices for the Firstbahn tickets start at 64 CHF for a fullfare (return journey) and 32CHF with the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half-Fare Card. It is free for holders of the Berner Oberland Pass.
10.00am: First Cliff Walk by Tissot
The First Cliff Walk by Tissot is an exhilarating metal suspension bridge that hangs over the edge of the mountain takes you over a 40-meter drop, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The bridge is 45 meters long and is not for the faint of heart! If you have fear of heights you might feel a taaad nervous, but rest assured that it is completely safe.
There is also a viewing platform nearing the end of the walk that is an IG-worthy spot but the queues for it is insanely long, on crowded days you can expect a wait of 30 minutes just for a shot!
First Adventure Package
Aside from the First Cliff Walk which is included in your cablecar pass, Grindelwald-First offers a range of adventure activities through its “Adventure First” package, which includes unlimited rides on the cablecar, as well as activities such as zip-lining, a trottibike ride, and a mountain cart ride.
Prices for one activity together with the gondola pass starts from 52-54 CHF (for Half-Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass holders). Check the Jungfrau website for the full prices.
You can get the tickets on the day itself, that way you can check on the weather before deciding whether to embark on the activities.
Take note: The Trotti Bike and Mountain Cart activities are only open during summer. The First Flyer and Glider are opened during winter season, but they may close depending on wind and snow conditions as well.
10.30am: First Flyer
The First Flyer is a zip-line that takes you on a thrilling ride from Grindelwald-First to Schreckfeld, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ride is 800 meters long and reaches speeds of up to 84 km/h! This is the most popular activity on First and there are always long queues for it. I was unlucky as I went on a public holiday and the wait was at least 1.5 hours long, and I had to give it a miss.
To take this activity, you cannot bring along large bags with you. Either you leave it with a friend at First, or the better option is to leave your bags at the bag deposit right outside the Grindelwald train station before coming up to First.
TIP: If you want to try out this activity I highly suggest for you to do it the first thing in the morning right after the First Cliff Walk to avoid crowds.
11.00am: First Glider
Are you ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime? Well, get ready to soar through the skies like a bird with the First Glider! This is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Four passengers are strapped against an eagle, and the ride is pulled backwards from Schreckfeld towards First at 72 km/h. It is on the way back that the eagle really takes off: you’ll be lifted high above with the stunning mountain scenery spread out below you. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping!
To take this activity, you need to take the cablecar down from First to Schreckfeld. Note that again, no bags or bulky items are allowed to be attached to you during the ride. However it is less of a hassle for the Glider as unlike First Flyer (which is one way down), you start and end at the same spot, so you can leave your bags at the activity station and pick them up easily afterwards.
12.00pm: Lunchtime
After all that excitement, it’s time for a well-deserved lunch break. Head to the Bergrestaurant First for a traditional Swiss meal and a refreshing drink. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, from classic Swiss cheese fondue to hearty burgers and salads. If you are here during spring or summer, the big terrace offers a magnificent view and is great for basking in the warm sunshine while enjoying that rosti!
1.30pm: Mountain Cart
The First Mountain Cart and Trotti Bike are two unique ways to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps in a fun and exciting way. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, these activities will have you grinning from ear to ear!
First up, let’s talk about the Mountain Cart. This is not your average go-kart. it’s a three-wheeled downhill vehicle that’s specially designed to handle the rough terrain of the mountain slopes. You’ll start at Schreckfeld and then it’s a thrilling 3.8km ride down the winding trails, bouncing over bumps and splashing through mud to Bort!
But that’s not all – the Mountain Cart also has a built-in brake that allows you to control your speed as you race down the mountain. So, whether you want to take it slow and steady or go full speed ahead, the choice is yours!
3.00pm: Trotti Bike
The thrill doesn’t end here! After the Mountain Cart, hop on the Trotti Bike a unique mode of transportation that combines a scooter and a bike. You’ll start from Bort (the end station of the Mountain Cart) and then it’s a fun and leisurely ride down the slopes to Grindelwald.
Just be careful while riding because it is downhill all the way… and it can go extremely fast and potentially become dangerous! I held on to the brakes throughout my whole ride to control my speed.
The ride took me about 30 minutes, including lots of oohing and aahing and stopping for pictures! Once you end, you can return your Trotti bikes at the back of Grindelwald cablecar station.
3.30PM: Grindelwald Town Centre
It’s time to explore Grindelwald’s charming town center! Take a stroll through the streets, admiring the traditional Swiss architecture and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Stop by the Grindelwald Museum to learn more about the town’s history and culture.
5.00PM: Daytrip to Interlaken
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Jungfrau region is by taking a day trip to Harder Kulm in Interlaken, a mountain peak that offers panoramic views of the region.
Aside from paragliding, this is possibly the ONLY other note-worthy place worth visiting in Interlaken!
(I mentioned in my Youtube video on Top 10 Mistakes Tourists make in Switzerland before on why I do not recommend staying too long in Interlaken, so make sure you watch it!)
From Grindelwald, take the train to Interlaken Ost, which takes around 35 minutes. From there, you can take a funicular up to Harder Kulm, which takes another 10 minutes. The funicular ride costs 20CHF with a Half-Fare card or the Swiss Travel Pass. It is free for holders of the Berner Oberland Pass.
Once you reach Harder Kulm, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. There is a viewing platform that offers 360-degree views of the region, and you can even see as far as the Eiger, MΓΆnch, and Jungfrau mountains.
For dinner, head inside to the Harder Kulm paranomic restaurant which offers a range of Swiss dishes, including fondue and raclette as well as Asian dishes like thai green curry and tandoori chicken. To be honest, I’d had better asian food elsewhere…but if you are on a 10 day trip around Switzerland you will be missing rice and hot soups like crazy and you WILL pay for comfort food!
If the weather’s not too cold, sit outside at the terrace to catch the most stunning sunset over the Alps.There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the mountains, casting a warm orange glow over the snow-capped peaks!
Optional Hiking (opens from summer to autumn)
Grindelwald-First is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Swiss Alps. The Bachalpsee hike is perfect for hikers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
You’ll start at the top of the First station, and from there it’s a leisurely stroll through lush green meadows, rocky mountain terrain, and sparkling streams. And then, in less than an hour, before you know it…you’ll arrive at the stunning crystal-clear Bachalpsee.
This lake is surrounded by towering mountains, and the reflection of the landscape in the water is truly breathtaking. You can even take a dip in the lake during the warmer summer months!
Where to Stay in Grindelwald
If you’re looking to stay near Grindelwald-First, there are several accommodation options to choose from.
I stayed at the Boutique Hotel Glacier, a cozy and luxurious retreat. This hotel is not exactly in the heart of Grindelwald and if takes about 10-15 minutes by foot to reach. However, hotel shuttles are provided to pick you to and fro Grindelwald train station, which reduces the timing to just 5 minutes by car.
The rooms here are beautifully designed with a modern and stylish touch, and offer all the amenities you could possibly need. From plush bedding to flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, the rooms at Boutique Hotel Glacier are the perfect place to rest and recharge after a day of exploring the mountains.
And let’s not forget about their romantic outdoor whirlpools with stunning views of the surrounding mountains…which are the main reason why travellers flock to this place and it is sooo hard to book this hotel! (Take note that the whirlpool is is only available for those with booking of their Signature Rooms and is not publicly for all hotel guests)
This hotel is really the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of skiing or hiking, and the ideal spot to soak up some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Other accommodation choices include the Grindelwalderhof is another great option, located in the heart of Grindelwald and offering easy access to the cable car up to Grindelwald-First. Finally for those looking for a more rustic experience, the Berghaus Bort is a mountain lodge located at the midway point of the cable car, offering stunning views and traditional Swiss hospitality.
Grindelwald-First is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Switzerland. With its stunning mountain scenery, adventure activities, and hiking trails, it’s a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Definitely save Grindelwald-First on your Swiss bucket-list of places to go!
Love,Ollie
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