Bachalpsee Hike
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Route Description for Bachalpsee Hike
Bachalpsee is near the village of Grindelwald, nearest to the city of Interlaken in the canton (province) of Bern. Contact the visitor information office at Interlaken or Grindelwald to ensure that your planned hike and necessary lift facilities are open before heading out. Take note of the timing of the last lift that will go down to Grindelwald when you buy your tickets- you don’t want to get stuck.
The lift to First will require you to pass through or transfer at several successively higher lift stations. Starting from Grindelwald (1,060 m), you will ascend to Bort (1,560 m), Schreckfeld (1,950 m), then First (2,150 m). The Bachalpsee hike can be done in regular trainers and walking shoes, it is not particularly rough, but expect a steep start.
After exiting the First lift station, locate the trail signs to Bachalpsee. Follow the trail as it ascends. tThe first kilometre is a bit of a slog, but it soon evens out.
You will likely reach the lake (2,280 m) in about an hour or less. There are two lakes adjacent to each other. On this hike, you can get a view of Wetterhorn (3,690 m), Schreckhorn (4,078 m) and Finsteraarhorn (4,274 m) across the valley.
Return to the First lift station along the same path you took before the last lift is scheduled to descend. If you have enough time, take a detour to the First Cliff Walk, a catwalk built into the mountainside that you can see on your way back to the First lift station.
Insider Hints for Bachalpsee Hike
- Grindelwald has several public parking facilities at the center of the village.
- First has fun action and leisure attractions beside hiking; you can slide suspended on cables along the mountain slope or take a scooter or mountain cart downhill to the lower lift stations. Contact the operator via https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/grindelwaldfirst/ in advance for availability and booking information.
- There is a restaurant with a view in the First lift station.
- Numerous hotels and lodging facilities are available in Grindelwald, but backcountry camping is not allowed in the hiking areas.
- In wintertime, First and other areas in Grindelwald become a ski and snowboard destination.
Getting to the Bachalpsee Hike Trailhead
From Interlaken you can drive to Grindelwald (11.8mi) in about 30 minutes. You can also take a bus or train to Zweilutschinen train station, then take a train to Grindelwald rail station (30 minutes). From the rail station or parking lot, take a walk to the Grindelwald-First lift station about 2625ft away (12 minutes). Get a lift ticket to First and ride the lift (25 minutes) to the start of the hike (7054ft).Route Information
When to do:
End of May to October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Bachalpsee Hike Elevation Graph
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