In this guide
I hiked to Bachalpsee twice: once in late July and once in early May. They felt like two completely different hikes.
In July, the trail was clear, the slopes were green and the walk felt relatively easy. In May, snow still covered large parts of the route and Bachalpsee itself had almost disappeared beneath a white landscape.
That difference matters. The Bachalpsee hike is often described as an easy, beginner-friendly walk—and in normal summer conditions, it is. But at this altitude, the season can completely change the trail.
The usual route starts at Grindelwald First and takes around 50 to 60 minutes each way. There are some uphill sections, but no technical terrain. For the amount of effort required, the mountain views are hard to beat.
Bachalpsee hike: quick answer
The hike from Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee is approximately six kilometres return and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours without a long stop at the lake.
In dry summer conditions, it is an easy hike suitable for beginners. The path is wide and clearly marked, although the gradual uphill sections can still feel tiring if you are not used to walking at altitude.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting point | Grindelwald First |
| Destination | Bachalpsee |
| Distance | Approximately 6 km return |
| Walking time | 50–60 minutes each way |
| Total hiking time | Approximately 1.5–2 hours |
| Elevation gain | Approximately 180 metres |
| Difficulty | Easy in dry summer conditions |
| Best season | Usually June–October |
| Suitable for beginners | Yes |
| Easiest access | Gondola from Grindelwald to First |
Allow at least three hours for the complete excursion from First if you want time to stop, take photographs and enjoy the lake.
How to get to Bachalpsee
The easiest way to reach Bachalpsee is to take the gondola from Grindelwald to First and begin the hike from the mountain station.
The route is straightforward:
- Travel to Grindelwald.
- Walk to the Grindelwald First gondola.
- Take the gondola to First.
- Follow the marked trail to Bachalpsee.
- Return to First along the same path.
Travelling from Interlaken
If you are staying in Interlaken, take the train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald. The journey normally takes around 35 minutes.
My complete Interlaken to Grindelwald train guide covers the route, travel time, station and ticket information in more detail.
From Grindelwald railway station, it is approximately a ten-minute uphill walk to the First gondola station.
Travelling by car
Grindelwald has several parking garages, including options near the First gondola. Parking can fill up during busy summer days, so it is worth arriving early.
You cannot drive directly to Bachalpsee. Whether you arrive in Grindelwald by train or car, you will still need to continue into the mountains on foot or by gondola.
Do you need the First gondola?
Technically, it is possible to hike up from Grindelwald. For most visitors, however, taking the gondola to First is the only practical option.
Hiking from the village adds a long and demanding climb before the actual Bachalpsee trail begins. Unless you specifically want a full-day mountain hike, take the gondola and save your energy for the walk to the lake.
What is the Bachalpsee trail like?
The trail begins directly outside the First mountain station. Follow the signs towards Bachalpsee and you will quickly leave the busier gondola area behind.
The first section contains most of the noticeable climbing. It is not steep or technical, but it may feel harder than expected while your body adjusts to the altitude. After that, the route becomes more gradual.
Most of the trail follows a wide gravel path across open mountainside. You get views of the surrounding peaks for almost the entire walk, rather than only at the final destination.
Along the way, you can expect:
- Wide and clearly marked paths
- Gradual uphill sections
- Open views across the Jungfrau Region
- Alpine meadows and grazing cows in summer
- Snow patches outside the main summer season
- Several natural places to stop for photographs
The walk to Bachalpsee usually takes between 50 and 60 minutes. If you stop regularly for photographs—as I did—it will probably take a little longer.
The return follows the same route. Because more of it is downhill, it generally feels quicker and easier.
How difficult is the Bachalpsee hike?
In dry summer conditions, Bachalpsee is an easy mountain hike.
You do not need technical experience, and there are no climbing sections or particularly exposed passages on the standard route. The path is wide enough to walk comfortably, and the signs make it difficult to take a wrong turn.
Still, “easy” does not mean completely effortless. You are walking at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres, and there is approximately 180 metres of elevation gain. The uphill sections can feel tiring, especially on a warm day.
If you have a basic level of fitness and are comfortable walking for around two hours, the hike should be manageable.
For more accessible trails in the area, see my guide to the best hikes near Interlaken.
Can beginners hike to Bachalpsee?
Yes. Bachalpsee is one of the better choices for beginners who want a genuine alpine hike without technical terrain.
The route is also easy to turn around on. If the weather changes or the walk feels more difficult than expected, you can simply follow the same path back to First.
Families regularly complete the route, although suitability for young children depends on their experience and willingness to walk. The return distance is still approximately six kilometres, and there is no shortcut back from the lake.
Do you need hiking boots?
In dry summer weather, you do not necessarily need heavy hiking boots. Many people complete the trail in normal sports shoes.
I would still choose shoes with proper grip. The gravel can feel loose in places, while rain, mud or remaining snow can make the route much more slippery.
Hiking shoes become significantly more important in May, early June or after poor weather. Check the conditions around Grindelwald First before deciding what to wear.
Bachalpsee in May, June and July
The month you visit has a major influence on what the hike looks and feels like.
Hiking to Bachalpsee in May
My early-May hike felt more like a winter walk than the familiar green Bachalpsee experience.
Snow still covered large sections of the trail, and the lake itself was buried beneath the white landscape. The mountains were beautiful, but the conditions made the walk less predictable.
Do not assume that the route will be an easy spring hike simply because the gondola is operating. Check the trail status, webcam and weather shortly before leaving.
Hiking to Bachalpsee in June
June is a transition month. Conditions may already feel summery, particularly later in the month, but snow can remain around the lake and on higher parts of the trail.
The exact conditions depend on the previous winter and recent temperatures. Early June should therefore be treated differently from late June.
Hiking to Bachalpsee in July and August
July was the classic version of the hike for me: green slopes, a clear path and far more relaxed walking conditions.
July and August usually provide the most reliable conditions, but they are also the busiest months. Take one of the first gondolas if you want a quieter trail.
Hiking to Bachalpsee in September or October
September can offer an excellent balance between good conditions and smaller crowds. Temperatures are cooler, though, and the weather can change quickly.
By October, early snowfall becomes more likely and gondola operations may change. Always check the current operating dates rather than assuming the route will be accessible.
My experience on the trail
What I liked most about the Bachalpsee hike was that the scenery did not wait until the end.
Shortly after leaving First, the view opens across the mountains and valley. The gondola station gradually disappears behind you, and the surroundings begin to feel properly alpine.
In July, that meant green meadows, distant glaciers and cowbells. In May, the same landscape was covered in snow and felt much quieter and more severe.
Despite its popularity, the route never felt unbearably crowded during my visits. Most people naturally spread out along the trail. Starting early made a noticeable difference: I took the first gondola at around 8:00 AM and had several quiet stretches along the way.
Reaching the lake is still the highlight. On a calm summer morning, Bachalpsee can reflect the surrounding peaks almost perfectly. During my May visit, the lake was not visible at all—but the snow-covered basin created photographs I would never have taken in summer.
That is why I would not describe one season as automatically better. Summer gives you the famous Bachalpsee view; spring can give you something much less familiar.
Best photography spots
You do not need to wait until you reach Bachalpsee before taking out your camera. Some of my favourite views were along the trail itself.
At the lake
The classic composition looks across Bachalpsee towards the mountain peaks. Calm water is essential for a clear reflection, so morning generally gives you the best chance.
Walk around the accessible edges of the lake instead of stopping at the first viewpoint. Small changes in position can create a much cleaner composition.
Along the path from First
Remember to turn around while walking towards Bachalpsee. The views behind you are easy to miss, particularly on the higher sections of the route.
A wide-angle lens works well for including the trail and surrounding landscape. A longer lens is useful for isolating mountain ridges and compressing the different layers in the distance.
Best time for photographs
Early morning offers softer light, fewer people and a greater chance of still water.
Midday light can become harsh during summer, but clouds are not necessarily a problem. Broken cloud around the peaks can make the landscape look much more dramatic.
What to bring
Even on an easy route, conditions in the Alps can change quickly.
I recommend bringing:
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A light jacket or extra layer
- Shoes with sufficient grip
- A charged phone
- A camera, if you enjoy photography
Dress for the conditions at Grindelwald First, not just the weather in the village. It can be noticeably colder and windier at the top.
Is the Bachalpsee hike worth it?
Yes—particularly if you want mountain scenery without committing to a difficult full-day hike.
The biggest strength of the Bachalpsee hike is its scenery-to-effort ratio. After a gondola ride and roughly one hour of walking, you reach a high alpine lake surrounded by some of the most impressive landscapes in the Jungfrau Region.
The gondola makes it a relatively expensive short hike, so it offers the best value if you combine Bachalpsee with other activities around Grindelwald First. But based purely on the walking experience and views, I still think it is worth doing.
If you are choosing between the region’s two best-known alpine lakes, read my comparison of Oeschinensee versus Bachalpsee.
For a short, accessible and genuinely scenic hike near Grindelwald, Bachalpsee remains one of the easiest routes to recommend.
Discover more lakes: Looking for more beautiful lakes in the Jungfrau Region? My Best Lakes Near Interlaken compares the best options, including Oeschinensee, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and Bachalpsee.
Frequently asked questions
