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Grindelwald-First – The best things to do

A trip to Grindelwald-First. During our trip to Interlaken in Switzerland over the Easter holidays, we visited Jungfraujoch Top of Europe. On a two-day travel pass. On the second day, we were keen to try out the rest of the network of cog trains and cable cars. Ultimately ending at Grindelwald First. But we wanted to get there in the most scenic way possible and really make the most of our 2-day ticket. Ending with what can only be described as the most amazing Grindelwald First cliff walk I have ever seen. Grindelwald First is located in the Jungfrau region in Bernese Oberland.

AD – we were given two-day passes for th Jungfrau network for the purpose of this post. All words and opinions are my own.

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The best things to do at Grindelwald-First – Everything you need to know before visiting

When we visited the boys were aged five and nine. They were tired from our trip the previous day. For this reason, we decided to take our time reaching Grindelwald-first. This worked for us. However, if you are only visiting Grindelwald First or have one-day tickets then I would recommend doing it the other way around and taking the quick route up from Interlaken Ost train station straight into the Grindelwald Terminal. Rather than the scenic one which we did. The Scenic trip did give us amazing views and would also recommend doing this if you are able and have time.

The most scenic way to get to Grindelwald-First from Interlaken Ost

We were staying just outside Interlaken which made it incredibly easy to get the train from Interlaken Ost. As the station has plenty of parking, is easy to navigate and has an information office where you can buy your tickets. However, if you are staying in a different location or you are short on time then you can drive directly to Grindelwald. We noticed a car park near the train station when we visited. If you do this then you will miss out on some beautiful places. The starting point for our route was Interlaken Ost train station.

Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen

It is possible to get the train ride direct and not need to change at the station before which is Zweilutschinen. It is clear on the platform at Interlaken as the platform is divided into 2a and 2b and it is 2a that goes onto Lauterbrunnen. The train announces the split too so you can make sure you are in the right carriage. We travelled first class on this element of the trip which I would recommend in busy times as you are more likely to get a seat. You are rewarded with the most amazing waterfall at Lauterbrunnen where you change off the blue and yellow trains and get onto a green and yellow one with much bigger windows.

Lauterbrunnen to Wengen

You get a better view of the waterfall as you climb upwards towards Wengen so keep an eye out of the lefthand side window. With the valley below you, it is truly beautiful. You will need to change at Wengen here you have several options. You can continue by train up to Kleine Scheidegg and then go back down again to Grindelwald or you can do what we did and pick up the gondola. Wengen itself has a little square right next to the station with restaurants and a small supermarket. The gondola is a short walk where you will also pass an amazing looking bakery.

Wengen – Mannlichen Gondola

The boys were quite excited by going on this gondola as there were still several people using it to ski. The ascent into the snow was met with little squeals of delight. We had planned to walk to the Royal Walk when we arrived. Although had not anticipated the level of snow. Despite all having snow boots on. At one point it came up to my knees when the boys thought was hilarious. Instead of chancing the walk in the snow, we headed to the apri ski. Enjoying some melted cheese on toast, bratwurst and soaking up the atmosphere. There was still a lot of people skiing making the most of the last days of the season.

Mannlichen – Grindelwald Terminal

When we finally tore ourselves away from the sun we caught a smaller cable car up to the Grindelwald Terminal. It gives spectacular views of the valley, Swiss chalets and the mountains in the background. The Grindelwald Terminal really does remind me of an airport terminal. With various different shops and several places to grab a bite to eat. However, to get to Grindelwald First you must level the Grindelwald Terminal to Grindelwald train station. This is done by train.

How do you get from Grindelwald to Grindelwald-First – the first cable car

Catching the train from Grindelwald Terminal to Grindelwald is straightforward. You may even choose to drive to the town of Grindelwald as we noticed a parking lot which was directly opposite the station. Once you arrive however you need to get to Grindelwald First. I think we must have missed the signs as we got off the train and ended up asking for directions. But all you need to do is walk up past the shops and up the hill. You keep going on the main shopping street until you see a sign which directs you off to the left. From here you should be able to see the cable car station and the cable car running up the mountainside. It took us around fifteen minutes to walk up.

The cable car which takes you up to Grindelwald First is a 25-minute ride. They are small cars fitting six people at a time. They are much more like the traditional cable car and yet again different to everything else we had been on that day.

Is Grindelwald-First worth visiting?

Yes! As much as we really enjoyed the stunning view at Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Grindelwald First is probably my favourite. I think this is mainly because of the amazing cliff walk. But also the journey up that we took gave us some beautiful scenic views of the mountains, lakes, waterfalls and villages. It is not so high up at xxx above sea level, so we did not have any problems with altitude sickness and were all able to really enjoy the experience. I would without a doubt recommend you add a trip to your things to do in Interlaken list you will not regret it.

What is there to do at Grindelwald-First?

There are various adventure activities in which you can take part in. Not to mention the scenic gondola ride which gets you there in the first place.

The Amazing First Cliff Walk Grindelwald (free)

I wasn’t really sure what to expect when it came to the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk. But the panoramic view blew us all away. You join the metal walkway from one end and it takes you around the cliff face itself. We were so lucky when we visited as the Grindelwald first cliff walk was practically empty. This meant we could take as many photos as we wanted. Once you have gone around th first mountain you come across a suspension bridge which the boys thought was very cool.

Before walking around another mountain and then up to the viewing platform on the Grindelwald First cliff walk. Here you can have a photo with the famous mountain range in th background. We did have to queue for a short time to get our photo. But I think the best bit was beginning and walking out alongside the mountain. If you only do one thing when you visit then make sure it is the Grindelwald First cliff walk.

Grindelwald-First Flyer

Charlie was very interested in doing this zip line which takes you from the top of Grindelwald First down to the cable car station at Schreckfeld. They are one-way tickets so you need to go back up to collect your bags. It is popular and there was quite a queue when we arrived but then he changed his mind and we have decided to leave it for another time. It does look like a lot of fun as you effectively sit in a harness. We managed to catch a couple going down and the screams! Definitely one for the thrill seekers it is 800m long and you reach speeds of up to 84 km an hour! The only restriction is that you have to be between 35kg and 125kg.

Grindelwald-First Glider

This was the one we were hoping to do, but on the day we visited it was closed. So it is worth checking before you go up. The minimum age is 10 and the minimum height is 130cm. The glider can take up to four people at a time and you are pulled back and then let go to glide 800m. Shaped like an eagle you will be able to experience a bird’s eye view of the landscape at high speed. The maximum weight is 125kg

Grindelwald-First Mountain Cart

This was closed when we visited as it is only available in the Summer months when the snow has melted. Billed as a cross between a go kart and a sledge you are close to the ground on super thick tyres. The minimum height is 135cm so bear this in mind with younger ones. But the centre of gravity is low to make it stable.

Grindelwald Trottibike Scooter

A scooter bike, yes a cross between a bike and a scooter it has a large foot plate but actually looks a lot like a bike. Again these were not available when we visited but they look like a lot of fun. Plus as they have mini ones available for 125cm or more in height it is an activity that can be enjoyed by a wider age range.

Grindelwald Hiking Trails

There are several different hikes which you can take in the Grindelwald-first area. It is possible to pick up a map of the hiking path at the Terminal station next to the ticket office. When we visited there was a lot of snow still on the ground which the boys loved. But I can imagine that there are many beautiful hikes that you can take part in. With the opportunity to take in the great view of the high mountains and beautiful Bachalpsee lake.

Have a drink while taking in the views at Grindelwald-First

There is also a mountain restaurant where you can sit and enjoy a bite to eat and a drink. Overlooking the fantastic views over the swiss alps on an outside wooden veranda. As it was quite late in the day when we visited it was starting to shut for the evening.

Top Tips for your visit to Grindelwald-First

If you have the time then take the scenic route either up or down then I would recommend you do this to be able to really enjoy all the views. It really is phenomenal.
If you are wanting to try out some of the thrill activities then I would recommend going early. It is a popular attraction. As even when we visited the queue was quite long for the First Flyer.
Some of the thrill activities are only available during the Summer months. Such as the First Mountain Cart and Trottibike Scooter. Although when we visited at the end of the winter season the First Flyer and Cliff walk were open. The First Glider was not in operation but is normally weather permitting.
You need to buy extra tickets for the thrill activities which you can do at the entrance of the cable car if needed.
We passed a good looking play area at Bort on the cable car on the way up. It is possible to get off the cable car here at the middle station if you want. There also looks like a large restaurant overlooking the play area so it could be a good stop. It was closed by the time we left so we did not visit this time.
It is possible to buy packages so you can take part in more than one of the activities. We would have definitely done this if the boys were a bit older and we visited in the Summer. As you can save quite a bit of money doing it this way with prices starting from 50CHF including the cable car ride. Find out more about the packages and book your tickets including the cable car here.