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 (3478ft), you will ascend to Bort (5118ft), Schreckfeld (6398ft), then First (7054ft). 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 (7480ft) in about an hour or less. There are two lakes adjacent to each other. On this hike, you can get a view of Wetterhorn (12106ft), Schreckhorn (13379ft) and Finsteraarhorn (14022ft) 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.