What is this place

Bachalpsee is a small glacial lake at 2,265 m above Grindelwald, a short hike from the First gondola summit. Two basins separated by a natural ridge provide classic mirror views of the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn.

Key features

  • 2,265 m elevation – cool microclimate; snow patches often linger into early summer.
  • Approach from First: ~3 km / ~50–60 min one way with modest ascent – one of the region’s easiest panorama walks.
  • Twin-lake layout with a moraine-like isthmus – ideal sunrise reflections when winds are light.
  • Headline vistas to the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn across the Grindelwald valley.
  • Route options onward to Faulhorn and the long ridge traverse to Schynige Platte.

What to see

  • Mirror-like lake reflections at sunrise and golden hour.
  • Alpine meadows and trails above Grindelwald.
  • The onward ridge walk to Faulhorn toward Schynige Platte.

History

The basin formed through late-Pleistocene glaciation and appears on 19th-century Swiss topographic maps (Dufour era). As Grindelwald developed in the late 19th–early 20th centuries, a marked path to the lake was established.

In the later 20th century, First’s lift access made the hike widely popular; today the modern gondola and summit facilities turn it into a regional classic. Shores are part of a protected alpine landscape – please keep to marked trails.

Practical information

Location: Above Grindelwald on the First plateau between Faulhorn and the Schwarzhorn range.

Getting there: Train to Grindelwald from Interlaken Ost → Firstbahn gondola to First ~25 min (stops at Bort/Schreckfeld) → walk ~3 km / ~50–60 min to the lake.

Access: Mountain footpath with gravel/stone sections; not stroller-/wheelchair-friendly.

Visiting hours: Typically mid-June to October; outside this window paths may be snow-covered/closed.

Visit duration: 2.5–4 h including lifts and the hike; longer if continuing to Faulhorn/Schynige Platte.

Best time: Early morning or golden hour with calm winds for reflections.

Notes: Altitude >2,200 m – bring warm layers/UV protection; stay on paths, no fires; check the time of the last gondola down.