Vacation in Switzerland: Grindelwald and First in the Bernese Oberland
- Anna & Tom
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Grindelwald, located in the Bernese Oberland, is nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Swiss Alps and is part of the famous Jungfrau Region, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This charming village not only offers spectacular mountain scenery but also a wide range of activities to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
One of the highlights is an overnight stay on the First, where you can experience the majestic alpine world up close. In this article, we share our experiences and provide tips for an unforgettable stay in Grindelwald and on the First.
Getting to Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland
Our journey to Grindelwald began with a scenic drive through the Bernese Oberland. Even the arrival in Grindelwald is impressive – the village is beautifully nestled in a wide valley, surrounded by majestic peaks like the Eiger, Jungfrau, Wetterhorn, and Schreckhorn.
Grindelwald immediately captured our hearts with its blend of traditional Swiss architecture, cozy cafés, and charming little shops. The typical Swiss chalets, adorned with blooming geraniums, add to the village's unique charm.
A Bit of History – The Origins of Grindelwald as a Tourist Destination
Grindelwald has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Tourism in the area started to flourish in the 19th century when mountaineers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world discovered this stunning region.
The opening of the Jungfrau Railway in 1912 further improved access to Grindelwald, making it a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The history and alpine culture are still very much alive here, adding to the unique character of the village.
Exploring the Heart of Grindelwald
On our first day, we took some time to explore the village itself. Grindelwald offers numerous hiking and walking trails, suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
You'll also find a variety of restaurants in different price ranges here. After a day in the mountains, a hearty raclette or a plate of crispy rösti is, in our opinion, an absolute must.
Breathtaking Cable Car Ride to First
If you're in Grindelwald, a gondola ride to First is a must-do. The roughly 25-minute journey takes you through dense forests and across wide meadows, all the way up to the mountain.
Even during the ascent, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. Once you reach the top, you're greeted with a panorama that is truly unforgettable.
However, on our first day, the stunning views were hidden from us, as a thick layer of fog had wrapped itself around the mountains, reducing our visibility to just 20 meters. This was, of course, a bit disappointing at first, but luckily, the fog gradua
lly lifted the next morning, finally revealing the spectacular scenery we had been hoping for. Despite the foggy afternoon, we didn't let our spirits drop.
Here are some of the photos we captured that day:
Journey to Jungfraujoch in the Jungfrau Region
From Grindelwald, you can not only take the gondola up to First but also hop on the three-cable Eiger Express gondola to Eigergletscher station. There, you transfer to the Jungfrau Railway, which takes you past the Eiger and Mönch mountains to Europe’s highest railway station at Jungfraujoch.
First Cliff Walk and Hike to Bachalpsee
Once you arrive at First, you can dare to walk the famous First Cliff Walk. This spectacular glass-bottomed walkway winds along the cliff faces, offering brave visitors an unparalleled view of the deep gorges and surrounding peaks. The thrill and stunning scenery make this a true highlight.
Besides the Cliff Walk, we highly recommend the hike to Bachalpsee.
The trail leads over gentle hills and past babbling streams. Bachalpsee, framed by towering peaks, is the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the peacefulness of nature.
If you’re a bit luckier than we were, the perfectly still water of the lake reflects the surrounding mountains, which looks simply stunning.
When we were there, unfortunately, it was quite foggy, so the mountain panorama only revealed itself to us occasionally.
…so we definitely need to come back to this beautiful area again :-)
Overnight Stay on the First - our hotel recommendation
A special highlight of our trip was spending the night on the First. We stayed at this cozy hotel, which offers the perfect starting point for an early morning hike to Bachalpsee—before the crowds arrive by cable car.
For us, another highlight was spotting a little fox near the hotel, which made the experience even more memorable.
Just close to the hotel, you can also spot some marmots — a charming little addition to your stay.
Outdoor Activities in Grindelwald / First
At First, you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities like renting e-bikes, riding the zip lines (“First Glider” or “First Flyer”), or zooming down the slopes on mountain carts.
Make sure to book these activities well in advance to avoid long waits or missing out completely, as they tend to sell out quickly.
Book in Advance: Activities, Hotels & Accommodations
The entire Jungfrau Region, especially Grindelwald with its variety of excursions, is a popular tourist hotspot. That’s why it’s really important to book your hotel in Grindelwald, your accommodation on First, and all activities ahead of time.
Here are some useful links we’ve gathered for you:
Swiss Travel Pass (for discounts up to 50% on rides and activities)
Our Conclusion
Our trip to the mountain world of Grindelwald and our overnight stay on First was a unique experience that showcased the beauty and diversity of the Swiss Alps in a truly impressive way.
The combination of breathtaking landscapes, exciting activities, and the special atmosphere of the place made this journey unforgettable. Next time you visit Switzerland, be sure to add Grindelwald and First to your must-see list!
Want to see more insights from our travels? Then feel free to check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_ . If you have any questions about the routes, you’re always welcome to reach out to us there!
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