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How to Hike to Bachalpsee and Faulhorn in Grindelwald Switzerland

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Bachalpsee is probably the best hike in the Grindelwald region and I love it so much that every time I am in the area I hike to Bachalpsee. It is one of my favourite hikes in Switzerland. 

This blog is my personal experience of hiking to Bachalpsee and has all the information that you should have before visiting Grindelwald. 

Grindelwald Town Centre
 


Bachalpsee Hike 

There are a number of different paths that lead to Bachalpsee but most people start from First (Gondola station) or from Grindelwald. 

 

1. First to Bachalpsee

  • Distance: 3km
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Duration: 50 minutes (One way)

This is the easiest way to get to the lake. Take the Gondola from Grindelwald to First (check out the actual prices on their website) and you shouldn't miss the First cliff walk which has stunning mountain vistas of all around. The path from First to Bachalpsee is well made and due to its popularity, it is normally very crowded. The hike is easy and takes around 50 minutes to complete the 3km long path. 

First to Bachalpsee hiking path
 


2. Grindelwald to Bachalpsee 

  • Distance: 10km
  • Elevation Gain: 1000m (approx)
  • Difficulty Level: Strenuous
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

​There are numerous trails starting from Grindelwald and can lead to Bachalpsee. If you plan on hiking up and down to Bachalpsee from Grindelwald prepare for a very long day. You also have the options to take the bus to Waldspitz or Bussalp and start the hike from there. Below is the map of all the hiking trails and how you can hike to Bachalpsee. I would highly recommend downloading maps.me app on your phone and download the offline map of Grindelwald. The app has all trails and will help you enormously. 

Grindelwald Hiking Trail (curtesy Grindelwaldbus website)


I have hiked a few times from Grindelwald all the way to Bachalpsee and back in a day by starting early so I have enough time to take breaks and enjoy the stunning nature. There is fresh drinking water along the trail so you don't need to carry more than one litre with you and refill the bottle from the streams. The last time I hiked I took the trail towards Bussalp and continued hiking from there to Bachalpsee and came down via the Waldspitz. It took me little over 4 hours to get to Bachalpsee and around 3 hours to get back to Grindelwald which is probably what you might need as well. Both sides offer similar views but maybe going up I would prefer via Waldspitz and down via Bussalp. 

Here are some of the pictures from my last hike which will prepare you as what to expect. 

Bus from Grindelwald to Bussalp
Grindelwald Hiking trails are well marked but are confusing
The iconic Eiger North Face
Beautiful huts along the trail
Looking down on Grindelwald and Eiger North Face
Grosseneg (2622m) and Schwarzhorn (2928m)
First glimpse of Bachalpsee big and small
A stunning reflection of surrounding mountains in Bachalpsee


The very first time I hiked to Bachalpsee, I wanted to stay overnight for wild camping but I didn't bring my tent with me but this time I took my tent with me and stayed there overnight. It is not legally allowed but widely acceptable if you don't litter. There are toilet facilities and an emergency hut for the hikers.  

Wild Camping at Bachalpsee
Sunrise at Bachalpsee
Cloudy morning at Bachalpsee
 

Bachalpsee to Faulhorn 

  • Distance: 2.8 km
  • Elevation Gain: 400m (approx)
  • Difficulty Level: Strenuous
  • Duration: 1 hour

The hike from Bachalpsee to the neighbouring Faulhorn mountain top (2671m) is strenuous but has stunning views and is worth hiking. You can either hike back all the way to Grindelwald that will take you approx. 3 hours or to Bussalp which is approx. 1-1.5 hours and take the bus back to Grindelwald. 

Looking back on Bachalpsee from Faulhorn trail
Brienzersee from Faulhorn
Thunersee from Faulhorn
Faulhorn to Bussalp hiking trail
Jaw-dropping mountain vistas from the hiking trail
Aerial view of the Grindelwald valley
 


Expert Tip

​If you are relatively fit and want to spend a day hiking in the Grindelwald region then I would highly recommend taking the Gondola to First. From there hike to Bachalpsee and to Faulhorn. From Faulhorn hike down to Bussalp and take the bus back to Grindelwald. In my opinion, this is probably the perfect hike and you will have time to relax and appreciate the stunning nature.

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Tuesday, 19 March 2024

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