Bachalpsee & Faulhorn Hike from Grindelwald First, Switzerland

A complete guide with trail times, stats, and tips for hiking from Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee and Faulhorn: easy lake walk or full climb, the choice is yours.

The Bachalpsee & Faulhorn hike is one of Grindelwald’s classics because it works on two levels. First, the easy walk to Lake Bachalpsee: wide path, gentle incline, cows everywhere, the kind of trail even kids and strollers can manage. Then, if your legs feel good, the path continues upward toward Faulhorn, where a 19th-century hut sits on the 2,681-meter summit with views stretching across the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Same starting point, two very different hikes.

I walked the full route on a clear August morning, leaving First early while the air still felt sharp and the light was clean across the slopes, and that contrast between the relaxed lake stroll and the steady summit climb became obvious in real time.

This guide explains how to do both. You’ll find the basics: where Grindelwald, Bachalpsee and Faulhorn are, how to reach them, and the stats for each version of the trail, right before we go step by step through the route itself. There’s also the optional detour to the First Cliff Walk, plus advice on where to stay if you’re planning more than one hike in the region.

• Thinking of exploring more trails around here? You’ll love my guide to the 10 best hikes in Switzerland 

Grindelwald First Gondola & Cliff Walk Platform

The Firstbahn gondola is quite the adventure itself. For 25 minutes, as you rise, Grindelwald shrinks into a toy village and the north face of the Eiger looms closer. At the top station you’ll find the First Cliff Walk, a metal catwalk bolted to the rock with a see-through floor and a viewing platform that hangs over the void. Some people love it, others look straight ahead and grip the rail, but it’s a good add-on before or after the hike.

Hiking to Bachalpsee Lake

From the gondola station, the path to Lake Bachalpsee is clear: 3.1 km (1.9 miles) one way, usually under an hour. The trail is wide, mostly gravel, and climbs gently through pastures where cows wander freely—bells included. Strollers make it nearly to the end, though the final push is better on foot.

The lake itself is a glacial tarn, stretched out on a plateau at 2,265 meters. A narrow strip of land cuts across the middle, making it look like two separate lakes when you first arrive. The classic viewpoint is from the little rise on the other side of the lake. From there, the peaks of Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn line up behind the water, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a full reflection. Morning can be misty here, sharper light and clearer reflections usually come in the afternoon.

Bathing isn’t advised, and because of grazing cows, it can be tricky to find a perfectly clean patch of grass for a picnic. Also, there are no huts at the lake, just the view.

From Bachalpsee to Faulhorn

Most visitors stop at Bachalpsee. If you continue, the mood changes quickly. The trail to Faulhorn stretches another 4 km (2.5 miles) with about 600 m (1,970 ft) of climbing. It’s not technical, but it takes stamina. Marmots sometimes appear along the way, a distraction while your legs complain.

At the summit, the Berghotel Faulhorn (built in 1830) is waiting. It’s one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain hotels, a creaky wooden hut that feels like it hasn’t changed in a century, except now it serves rösti, soup, and beer to grateful hikers. Dorm-style beds are available if you book ahead. The real prize, though, is the view: from the terrace you get the Eiger and Wetterhorn in one direction, and in the other, the turquoise shimmer of Lake Brienz far below. 

The Way Back Down

Most hikers return the same way they came: back from Faulhorn to Bachalpsee, then on to the gondola at First. The descent is long, but straightforward. Knees take more punishment than lungs here, so hiking poles are handy.

Passing the lake a second time is a bonus: in late afternoon the light is usually sharper, with peaks reflected more clearly on the water than in the morning. Once back at the gondola, the 25-minute ride down to Grindelwald feels like a well-earned rest.

• Buy your gondola ticket online: Queues can be long on summer mornings; an online ticket saves you time and stress. As already mentioned, a return ticket from Grindelwald to First costs around CHF 68. Holders of the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card pay about half.
• Stock up in Grindelwald, not at the lake: There are some expensive cafés and shops at the gondola top station, but once you leave for Bachalpsee there’s nothing until the Faulhorn hut. Bring plenty of snacks and water.
• Check the webcams before you go: the First webcams are your friend. You can see real-time conditions before paying for the gondola. Locals check them constantly because Bachalpsee often sits in cloud cover, especially in the morning. If the webcam shows fog, wait it out in Grindelwald or plan for later in the day.
• Gear is simple, but shoes matter: The trail is wide and well-marked. You don’t need alpine kit, but do wear proper hiking shoes. Poles help on the descent from Faulhorn. Also, a light jacket is smart even in summer, as the lake sits at 2,265 m and weather shifts quickly.

How long is the hike to Bachalpsee Lake?

Starting from the Grindelwald Firstbahn gondola top station, it’s about 50–60 minutes each way. The path is 3.1 km (1.9 miles) long, gains about 220 m (720 ft) of elevation, but it’s gradual, and most people with average fitness handle it easily. Add another half hour if you’re taking lots of photos or if you’re with kids. Round trip, including photo stops and a break by the water, expect around 2.5–3 hours.

Can you swim in Bachalpsee?

Technically yes, but it’s an alpine lake at 2,265 m (7,430 ft). The water stays icy even in July and August. You won’t see locals sunbathing here—it’s more of a photo stop than a swimming hole. Some hikers dip their feet in for the novelty, but a proper swim is uncomfortable and discouraged.

Is the hut on Faulhorn open year-round?

No. The Berghotel Faulhorn typically opens from late June through late September or early October, depending on snow. It has dorm-style beds (book well in advance on summer weekends) and a full kitchen serving rösti, soups, and drinks. In winter it’s closed, and the trail is buried under snow.

What about alternative routes or avoiding the crowds?

The lake trail is extremely popular, especially mid-morning in July and August. To beat the crowds, take the first gondola up at 8:30 a.m. or go later in the afternoon after the day-trippers leave. For a longer adventure, some hikers start at Schynige Platte, walk to Faulhorn, continue down through Bachalpsee, and finish at First—it’s a full-day trek (6–7 hours) with varied scenery and fewer people until you near the lake.

Is there an alternative route down from Bachalpsee?
Yes—the so-called Flower Trail lets you descend from Bachalpsee to Bort, one of the gondola’s mid-stations, and ride back down to Grindelwald from there. This is a good shortcut if you don’t want to walk back up to First, or if you’re short on time to catch the last gondola down. It adds variety to the return and avoids repeating the exact same section.

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