Bachalpsee from First

The Bachalpsee walk from First is the most photographed short alpine hike near Grindelwald, in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. The trailhead is the First gondola upper station, 3818 Grindelwald, reached by train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald in about 35 minutes and then the First gondola, a ride of roughly 25 minutes. No permit or car is needed. The path to the lake is about 3 km one way with around 150 m of ascent, taking about one hour each way, and is rated easy. The lake lies at 2,265 m, so the altitude can be felt even though the gradient is gentle. The surface is a wide gravel and stone track across open alpine pasture, with a few rocky steps near the end; there is almost no shade, so sun protection is important. On calm mornings, the lake mirrors the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn, and the walk is popular for photography. Refreshments are available at First, but not at the lake, and no natural drinking source should be assumed, so water should be carried. The turn-around point is the lake itself, and the same path returns to the gondola. Fit walkers can continue toward the Faulhorn for a longer outing, though that is a much more demanding hike. The weather can change quickly at this altitude, and first snow is possible from late September, so a warm layer is advisable even in summer. Trails can be crowded in midday, especially in July and August, so earlier starts give calmer conditions and better light for reflections. Because the route is short and close to the gondola, bailing out is straightforward at any point by walking back to First.