Grindelwald First to Lake Bachalp Hike from Bern

Hike to an alpine lake ringed by three peaks, then ride the gondola back down.

A small-group tour from Bern that takes you by train through Interlaken to Grindelwald, then by gondola to First, where you hike for just under two hours to Lake Bachalp. All train and gondola tickets, plus a live English or German-speaking guide, are included. The hike is easy and requires only comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. You'll see Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, stop at the Cliff Walk, picnic by the lake, and return the same way by late afternoon.

The experience

The day starts with a train ride from Bern through Interlaken and into Grindelwald, where a 10-minute walk brings you to the gondola station. The gondola carries you up to First in about 25 minutes, and from there the hike to Lake Bachalp takes 50 to 60 minutes at an easy pace. The lake sits in a cirque of rock with views across to Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. You'll have time to rest, photograph and eat before the return walk, which takes roughly the same time back to First.

The tour includes a break at First's famous Cliff Walk on the way down, and the return journey retraces the route: gondola back to Grindelwald, then train through Interlaken and back to Bern. The whole day runs about seven hours from start to finish. Your guide speaks English or German and travels with the group throughout, sharing details about alpine plants and local traditions along the way. Bring solid, comfortable footwear, layered clothing, sun and rain protection, and snacks or water. The operator notes that food and drinks can be purchased on the way if you don't pack your own.

What’s included

• All train tickets from Bern via Interlaken to Grindelwald and return.
• gondola transport from Grindelwald to First and back.
• a live guide in English or German throughout the day.
• and a picnic break at Lake Bachalp.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SwissTravelGuide.ch

Is this one for you?The hike itself is easy and takes just under two hours total, so it suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants alpine views without a strenuous climb. The full day (including trains, gondola and breaks) runs seven hours, which works well if you're based in Bern and want to spend most of a day in the mountains without an early start or a late return.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual hiking on this tour?

The hike to Lake Bachalp takes 50 to 60 minutes, and the return hike to First takes about 50 minutes, so roughly two hours of walking in total. The rest of the day is spent on trains, the gondola, and resting at the lake and at First.

What are Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau?

They are three major peaks of the Bernese Oberland that you'll see from the lake and from First. The tour is designed so you get clear views of all three during the hike and the breaks.

Do I need to bring my own food and water?

You can bring your own snacks and water, or you can purchase a picnic on the way to Grindelwald. The tour includes a picnic break at Lake Bachalp, so you'll have time to eat by the water.

What's included in the ticket price?

All train tickets from Bern to Grindelwald and back, the gondola ride up to First and down to Grindelwald, and a live guide in English or German are included. You'll need to arrange or purchase food separately.

Is this hike suitable if I'm not very fit?

The hike is rated easy and requires no prior training, though the operator notes you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The pace is gentle, and there are breaks built in at the lake and at First.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs for about seven hours total from Bern. You'll depart by train in the morning and return to Bern by late afternoon, though exact times depend on which train departure you book.