Posted by The gondola ride from Grindelwald to the First mountain is one of the most popular attractions in the region and offers spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. Here is some important information for tourists
Grindelwald to the First mountain station gondola
Trip duration: The gondola ride from Grindelwald to the First mountain station takes about 25-30 minutes.
First mountain railway stops: The gondola has several intermediate stops (Bort and Schreckfeld), but most tourists usually go straight to the First terminus. Departure is in the town of Grindelwald.
Gondola operating times to the First mountain station: The gondola is usually in operation in summer from mid-June to the end of October and in winter from mid-December to the end of March. The first ride up in summer 2024 is, as far as we know, at 8 a.m., and the last ride down the gondola is at 6 p.m.
First gondola ticket prices: Prices for a gondola ride vary depending on the season and whether you choose a round trip or a one-way trip. A round trip costs just under 80 euros in 2024. Tickets should be purchased online in advance. The First cable car in Grindelwald is extremely busy in the mornings. Link for tickets to the First on the German ticket website Getyourguide
First Mountain
Location: The First is a mountain in the Bernese Alps, the summit is around 2184 meters above sea level.
Activities: The First is the starting point for numerous hikes and outdoor activities.
The absolute hit is the First Cliff Walk: A breathtaking walk along the cliffs with suspension bridges and viewpoints that offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking: >Great hikes lead, for example, to the picturesque mountain lakes Bachalpsee or Faulhornhütte.
First Flyer & First Glider: Two exciting attractions where you glide into the valley at high speed on a wire rope (First Flyer) or lying on your back (First Glider).
First Cliff Walk
In our opinion, the First Cliff Walk is a must for all visitors to the mountain: The path leads along the rock face and offers spectacular views of the Eiger massif and the surrounding mountains. A suspension bridge and a viewing platform are the highlights of this attraction: Link for tickets to the First on the German ticket website Getyourguide
The First Cliff Walk is free with the online gondola ticket from Getyourguide and can be reached directly from the First mountain station of the gondola.
The footbridge and the bridge are well secured and suitable for families. The prerequisite is that you don’t suffer from vertigo. The First Cliff Walk is a great experience. For us, the highlight of the day on the First.
Some tips for the First mountain
Clothing: Even in summer it can be very cool on the First mountain, so warm clothing and good shoes are recommended. The weather changes very quickly and frequently on mountains.
Food: There are restaurants at the mountain station where you can buy food and drinks. Of course, not cheap in Switzerland, we bring our own food and drink.
Best time to travel: Summer is ideal for hikes and the First Cliff Walk, while winter sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth in winter. Visiting the mountain and the Cliff Walk is best in summer.
The gondola ride and the subsequent experience on First offers an unforgettable alpine experience. We think it is one of the most interesting mountains in the Bernese Oberland. The First Cliff Walk is great, and the magnificent views are also a plus point for this day trip. Of the many mountain excursions and cable cars in the Bernese Oberland, this day tour from Grindelwald by cable car was one of our favorites. Like all cable cars in Switzerland, it is unfortunately expensive, around 80 euros for an adult. It is great that the First Cliff Walk does not cost anything extra with our Getyourguide online ticket.
Getting to Grindelwald by train or car to the valley station of the First cable car is easy, for example from Interlaken.
As far as we know, dogs are transported on the First cable car.