Bachalpsee Lake Hike from Grindelwald: Full Guide & Map
The Bachalpsee Lake hike is not only one of the most beautiful in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland but also one of the easiest, making it great for families. The hike also ties into several adjoining trails for those who want more of a challenge, which I will also cover in this guide.
Basic Hike Details
Bachalpsee is one of the most accessible high-altitude Alpine Lakes in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. The dirt trails are wide and smooth providing a safe experience for people of all ages. From Grindelwald First, the hike takes about an hour, but with the breathtaking viewpoints along the way, plan for about an hour and a half each way.
The trail has some elevation changes but nothing too difficult. If you’re newly arriving in the Alps, then you may find yourself getting out of breath, but nothing too severe.
- Trail Operation: Late May through October
- Trail Map: AllTrails Map
- Arrival By Car: 30 minutes from Interlaken | 2 hours 30 min from Zurich | 3 hours from Geneva
- Arrival By Train: 30-40 minutes from Interlaken | 3 to 3.5 hours from Zurich | 3.5 hours from Geneva
- Tickets to First: 68 CHF (Adults) 50% Discount w/Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass. Free with Jungfrau Travel Pass or Bernese Oberland Pass
- Hike Difficulty: Easy. Wide dirt trail with minimal elevation gain. Great for families!
- Hike Distance: 3.6 miles (5.8 km) total
- Hike Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Change: 600 feet (183m)
- Weather Camera: View Here
Read our Interlaken Guide for other hikes close by!
The Hike to Bachalpsee Lake
The journey begins at the Grindelwald First Gondola Station (Firstbahn). There’s limited parking near the station, so it’s best to park at the Grindelwald Terminal parking garage and take the 10-minute bus ride to the gondola station. The Grindelwald Terminal is also where the train arrives if you choose public transportation.
Grindelwald Firstbahn Station to First
While you could hike to Bachalpsee from Grindelwald, it would be an exhausting endeavor. After reading this guided, if you want a more challenging hike, consider hiking to Faulhorn peak once you reach Lake Bachalp (see the end of the blog post for more details).
Tickets for the cable car from Grindelwald are available at the station, but I recommend purchasing them in advance, especially during the summer months to avoid any lines. A return ticket for adults is 68 CHF, and for children (ages 6-15), it’s 20 CHF. Adult tickets are discounted by 50% with a Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass, or Eurail/Interrail Pass.
The 20-minute gondola ride offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks.
>>> Go Here to Purchase Tickets to Grindelwald First
Hike from First to Bachalpsee
When you arrive at First Station, things may be a little chaotic with tourists. This is because First is one of the main attractions of Grindelwald and many people make the trip every day to enjoy the surrounding views and activities. A lot of these people will not be making the hike to Bachalpsee, so it will be more peaceful once you’re out on the trail.
Despite First being very touristy, I recommend the Cliff Walk panoramic viewpoint before beginning your journey to Bachalpsee. If it’s a clear day you should have fantastic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
The trailhead is located just outside of the lift station and is clearly marked. If in doubt, watch to see where the other hikers are going and you should be fine.
The 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trail to Lake Bachalp is very wide and well-maintained. We saw people of all ages on the trail, from small children to some elderly people. Basically, if you are able to walk, then you should be okay.
There is some minor elevation gain, but most should find it manageable. Besides, if you are like us, you will probably find yourself stopping a lot for mind-blowing views, giving you a chance to catch your breath in the thin Alpine air! This is definitely a hike that you will want to take enough time to enjoy as much beauty as you can.
Also, expect to see multiple Swiss cows along the way! The clanking of their cowbells as they grazed along the trail was very cute!
Lake Bachalp
When you reach Lake Bachalp, it’s easy to see why it’s one of Switzerland’s most famous hiking destinations. In summer, alpine flowers dot the area, and the surrounding peaks reflect on the lake’s surface, creating a picture-perfect scene.
The lake is divided into two sections by a natural dam. Because it is such a picturesque location, Bachalpsee is a popular spot for picnics, photos, and swims in the chilly lake waters. However, there’s plenty of space around the lakes for everyone.
Despite being an out-and-back hike, one of the nice things about this hike is on the return hike to First, you will be facing the surrounding peaks making it a more scenic journey than the hike to Bachalpsee. Just be sure to leave enough time to catch the last gondola back to Grindelwald, which departs at 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit Bachalpsee
The best time to visit Bachalpsee is between June and September, when the trail is most accessible, and the weather is favorable. In these months, you’ll enjoy lush green landscapes, blooming flowers, and warm temperatures, perfect for hiking. The trail should also be open in May and October; however, the lake may be partially frozen and the vegetation may not be as vibrant.
In the winter months, the trail to Bachalpsee is usually snow-covered, making it inaccessible for most hikers.
Optional Hiking Trails Near Bachalpsee
For those looking to extend their adventure beyond Bachalpsee, there are several other incredible hiking options nearby:
First to Bort via Bachalpsee: Flower Trail
This trail is perfect for flower enthusiasts, as it meanders through fields of wildflowers. The descent from Bachalpsee to Bort offers incredible views of the valley and is a slightly longer hike at around 4.3 miles (7 km).
- Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to Bachalpsee. The final leg to Bort is a little steep downhill but with switchbacks.
First to Faulhorn via Bachalpsee
For more of a challenge, you may consider the trail to Faulhorn Peak. Standing at 8,796 feet (2,681 meters), this peak offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Bernese Alps. The Berg Hotel sits near the summit from where you should be able to see Lake Brienz.
- Distance: 7.3 miles (11.4km)
- Difficulty: Easy to Bachalpsee. The ascent to Faulhorn is quite steep.
First to Schynige Platte via Bachalpsee-Faulhorn
For a full-day adventure, consider the iconic hike from First to Schynige Platte. This hike takes you through alpine meadows, past rocky cliffs, and offers constant views of some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks, Lake Brienz, and Lake Thun. At the end of the hike you will take one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain trains down to the town of Wilderswil. Many recommend doing this hike in reverse (Schynige Platte to First) so that you’ll be facing the mountain peaks rather than having them behind you the entire hike.
- Distance: 10.1 miles (16.2 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to Bachalpsee, but the ascent to Faulhorn is steep. Mostly downhill after Faulhorn.
First to Bussalp via Bachalpsee-Faulhorn
This trail will take you to Faulhorn peak where you will turn south and hike to Bussalp. While you can choose to walk the road from Bussalp to Grindelwald, most decide to catch the bus in Bussalp.
- Distance: 9.4miles (15.1 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult overall. The ascent to Faulhorn will be the most difficult part.
Other Activities Near Bachalpsee
If hiking isn’t enough to satisfy your hunger for adventure, there are plenty of other activities in the Grindelwald First area to consider.
Read our Interlaken Guide other hikes near Grindelwald!
First Cliff Walk
This exhilarating steel walkway is anchored to the side of the mountain, offering breathtaking views of snowcapped peaks and lush green valleys. The highlight is the glass-floored section that extends out over the depths below you.
First Flyer – Zipline
Soar over the valley at speeds of up to 52 mph (84 km/h) on this massive zipline.
>>>Purchase First Flyer Tickets
First Glider
The First Glider is a unique experience where you’ll “fly” like an eagle through the air, suspended in a wing-shaped harness.
>>>Purchase First Glider Tickets
First Mountain Carts
After a long hike, hop on a Mountain Cart and speed down the mountain! These gravity-powered carts are easy to handle and a lot of fun for both kids and adults.
>>>Purchase First Mountain Cart Tickets
Trottibike Scooters
Another fun way to descend from Bort back to Grindelwald is on Trottibike Scooters. These hybrid scooters are a cross between a mountain bike and a traditional scooter and offer a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the area.
>>>Purchase Trottibike Scooter Tickets
Hike the Eiger Trail
the Eiger Trail offers a unique opportunity to walk at the base of the famous Eiger North Face. This trail is a little more challenging than the hike to Bachalpsee, but the up-close views of one of the world’s most iconic mountains are worth every step. If you start early enough, you should have time to hike to Bachalpsee and hike the Eiger Trail.
Best Place to Stay
- Grindelwald: With multiple hotels, hostels, restaurants, shops, and easy access to dozens of hiking trails, Grindelwald is a great place to base from.
- Interlaken: The region’s main hub, offering the widest selection of accommodations and amenities. It is about 30 minutes to Grindelwald by car or train.
- Lauterbrunnen: Arguably the most beautiful town, nestled in the Lauterbrunnen valley with gorgeous cliffs and waterfalls flanking both sides. It is a smaller town than Grindelwald but still has plenty of amenities.
FAQ
Can you swim in Bachalpsee Lake?
Yes; however, the water is extremely cold even in summer, as the lake is fed by melting snow.
Are there any amenities along the way?
There is a Swiss restaurant at First for the option to eat before or after a hike.
What should I wear for the Bachalpsee hike?
In the summertime, hiking boots or shoes with off-road tread are recommended. The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, so layering your clothing is also a good idea. Sunscreen is also recommended since the trail has no shade.
Can I camp near Bachalpsee Lake?
No camping is allowed, but there are campsites and accommodations in Grindelwald. The Berg Hotel at Faulhorn is another option for staying overnight.
Is the trail open in the winter?
The trail is open from late spring to early fall (May to October). During winter, it’s usually snow-covered and inaccessible to most hikers.
Is Grindelwald First included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
The Swiss Travel Pass covers the train and bus journey to the Grindelwald First gondola station and provides a 50% discount on the gondola fare.
See Our Other Switzerland Guides!
3 Day Interlaken Itinerary – A Swiss Adventure!
Hiking the Eiger Trail in Grindelwald, Switzerland: Complete Guide
Niesen Funicular: Views from the Swiss Pyramid
