Grindelwald-First: your complete info and planning guide 2024 

The First Cliff Walk

What the Cliff Walk is like

The Cliff Walk is a 20-minute roundabout walk from the summit station of First. Turn left after leaving the gondola building to get to the start.

The metal walkway is attached to steep rocks, so it’s a thrilling experience. A single-rope hanging bridge and spiraling catwalk are part of it too. On your way, you’ll have impressive views of the Eiger North face, the valley deep down, and the Bachläger waterfall.

The last part of the route is also accessible directly from the terrace of the mountain restaurant. It leads to a wonderful vantage point with a glass balustrade, from which you can overlook the valley of Grindelwald and the mountains.

Is the Cliff Walk worth it?

The walk is included in your cable car ticket, so if it’s not too busy: go for it! I love the route and the views, but only at reasonably quiet times. It’s not much fun if the narrow path is crowded.

I wouldn’t recommend this if you have a genuine fear of heights either. In that case, you can also admire the views from the comfort of the mountain restaurant.

Day Trip to Mount First with the First Flyer from Lucerne

4.8

Day Trip from Lucerne: Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure

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Interlaken in 4 days

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The First Glider and First Flyer

The First Flyer is a zipline from First to mid-station Schreckfeld. It takes off a bit below the gondola station at the top. You’ll be seated in a solo seat. The staff makes sure you’re safely secured before you get released. You can reach impressive speeds, up to 84 km/h!

The First Glider is a 4-person zipline in which you can fly like a bird. You’re first pulled up from the station of Schreckfeld to First, and then you’re released for a headfirst-flight down.

My tips:

• The rides are fun, but short. Consider if you’re willing to wait pretty long for a quick ride, especially in high season.
• Enjoy the activities as early in the day as possible. Waiting times go up in the course of the day.
• Check which activities are suitable for your travel party. For some, a minimum height and/or maximum weight applies.

Activities at Bort and Schreckfeld

Bort and Schreckfeld are the two mid-stations on the gondola route between Grindelwald and First.

• Bort offers a guesthouse, restaurant and children’s playground. You can also rent kid-friendly scooters called “Trotti bikes” there, with which you can have a fun ride down to Grindelwald. The scooter path is well-paved.
• Schreckfeld is your starting point for the mountain carts and for the First Glider. The 3 km-mountain cart path is an adventurous way to descend to mid-station Bort.

My favorite summer hikes from Grindelwald-First

Many beautiful trails start from the summit of First. My personal favorites are:

• the relatively easy walk to the Bachalpsee;
• the challenging and famous panoramic trail to Schynige Platte;
• the gentle hike to Grosse Scheidegg.

What to see and do at First in winter

Although not all adventure activities are available in winter, you certainly won’t get bored:

• The Cliff Walk, First Flyer, and First Glider can be enjoyed in winter too.
• You can explore the area on one of the groomed winter hiking trails, such as the route from First via Waldspitz to Bort.
• You can enjoy the world’s longest sledding run, on a 15-km downhill route from Faulhorn to Grindelwald.
• There are several skiing and snowboarding areas, for both beginners and professionals.

How long an excursion to Grindelwald-First takes

Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit to First. The gondola ride takes 25 minutes (one way), and you need some time at the summit to stroll around and enjoy the views. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities, you can easily spend half a day to a full day at First, Bort and Schreckfeld.

Which other activities to do on the same day

If you don’t spend more than half a day at Grindelwald-First, you can add more activities. Here are my suggestions:

1. Travel down to Grindelwald and take the train or bus to Grindelwald Terminal. There, you can board the gondolas to Eigergletscher (en route to Jungfraujoch) or to Männlichen for more beautiful views.
2. Get down to Grindelwald after your visit to First, board the cogwheel train to Grindelwald Grund and to Kleine Scheidegg, and enjoy the views there. You may travel to Jungfraujoch or make a scenic round trip via Wengen and Lauterbrunnen in the adjacent valley.
3. Get down to Grindelwald and visit Pfingstegg with its toboggan run.
4. Hike to Grosse Scheidegg and enjoy the bus ride to Meiringen via Schwarzwaldalp, which takes you through the Rosenlaui Valley. Add side trips to the Rosenlaui Gorge, the Reichenbach Falls, or the Aare Gorge if your schedule allows.