This diverse route in the First area is ideal for hiking and sledging enthusiasts.
This winter hiking or sledging tour starts with a leisurely gondola ride up to the First mountain station. Sledges can be hired at the Intersport Shop in the First mountain station. It’s a good idea to make a reservation on beautiful weekends and during peak season. For an energy boost before heading up the trail to Lake Bachalp, stop in for a bite to eat at the First mountain restaurant or Adi's Skibar.
The well-maintained winter hiking trail up to the Faulhorn takes about two and a half hours. The impressive peaks of the Wetterhorn, Scheckhorn and Finsteraarhorn rise up behind you for the entire length of the trail. Lake Bachalp, a popular summer photo spot and excursion destination, is also on the way to the Faulhorn. Once at the top, there is an all-round panoramic view of the surrounding Bernese Oberland mountains. The Faulhorn is an alpine hotel steeped in history, but it is closed in winter. The uphill climb is nevertheless worth it as it is the starting point for the longest downhill sledging run in Europe at 12.5 kilometres. The sun-drenched Bussalp is a good place to stop for some refreshment after the rapid descent. If there’s enough snow, you can ride your sledge all the way down to the village. There are also buses or you can walk back to the village.
Info
Directions
First – Bachalpsee – Faulhorn – Bussalp
Safety guidelines
- After a snowfall, the ground can be softer and more difficult to walk on.
Equipment
- The sun’s rays are more intense in the mountains. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen with a high protection factor, a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- We recommend bringing warm clothing and rain gear even in summer and in good weather in winter. We recommend layering your clothing.
- Charged mobile phone
- First-aid kit
- Winter shoes with non-slip sole
- Drinks and snacks
- If available: hiking sticks
Recommendation
The «First Cliff Walk» summit loop at the First mountain station is the perfect trail for thrill-seekers. It consists of a steel walkway alongside the cliff, a suspension bridge and an observation terrace with a spectacular view of the Eiger.
Directions
From the south, travel to the Jungfrau Region via the Grimsel or Susten Pass. Both passes are only open in summer. An alternative is the Simplon Pass with subsequent car transport through the Lötschberg tunnel.
Grindelwald
From Interlaken we follow the main road to Zweilütschinen. Here we turn left towards Grindelwald. The whole trip takes about 30 minutes and leads over a partly winding road.
There are three public car parks: Parkhaus Eiger+ (252 parking spaces), Parkhaus Sportzentrum (160 parking spaces) and the new Terminal Parking (1000 spaces) of the V-Bahn. Alternatively, we can also use the car park in Grindelwald Grund.
Public transit
Grindelwald
From Interlaken Ost railway station we reach Grindelwald without changing trains on the Bernese Oberland Bahn (BOB). Important: Get on the rear part of the train, as it splits in Zweilütschinen. If you get on at the front, you will end up in Lauterbrunnen. The journey takes 30 minutes to Grindelwald Terminal (V-Bahn). Three minutes later we are at the terminal in the village.
There are three stations in Grindelwald (Terminal, Grund and Dorf). The terminal station (Dorf) is in the centre of Grindelwald.
Map
Additional information
