Grindelwald Gondola Ride to Mount First

If you’re considering a trip to the Swiss Alps and looking for a way to combine breathtaking views with a bit of adventure, the Grindelwald Gondola Ride to Mount First is worth a look. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed reviews and information paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect. It’s a popular choice for those wanting a straightforward yet memorable mountain experience in the heart of Canton Bern.

What we really love about this experience is the spectacular scenery during the gondola ride and the access to the First Cliff Walk, which offers jaw-dropping vistas and a thrill for adventure lovers. Plus, the convenience of booking a ticket that includes a round-trip gondola makes planning easier. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that some activities, like mountain carts or the First Flyer, are sold separately, which can add to the overall cost if you’re eager to pack in more fun.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers who are after beautiful mountain views, a quick and scenic climb, and a taste of Swiss alpine adventure. Whether you’re in for the photography, the scenery, or just a relaxing day out, it’s an experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors — from solo travelers to groups, and even families with older children.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic views during the gondola ride make this a must-see for mountain lovers.
• The First Cliff Walk Suspension Bridge and lookout points provide memorable photo opportunities.
• Flexible scheduling allows you to board the gondola at any time during the day, making it convenient.
• Additional adventure activities are available but need to be purchased separately.
• The experience offers good value for the price, especially if you enjoy scenic rides and light hiking.
• Be prepared for potential crowds, especially if you visit during peak times or nice weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Grindelwald Gondola to Mount First?

This excursion offers a round-trip gondola ride from the village of Grindelwald to the summit of Mount First. The ticket price is around $88 per person, and it includes access to the First Cliff Walk, a spectacular suspension bridge that juts out from the mountain and offers panoramic views. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes round-trip, with a 25-minute ascent from the valley to the top, allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery.

The gondola departs from the Cableway Station in Grindelwald, and you’re free to hop on at any time during operating hours, which makes it a flexible option if you’re on a tight schedule or want to avoid crowds early in the day.

The Ride Up: What to Expect

The journey itself is quite scenic. As you ascend, you’ll get expansive views of the surrounding mountains, villages, and, depending on the weather, possibly some snow even in spring. Many reviews mention how breathtaking the scenery is — “each ride holds a maximum of 4 people, which makes it more personal,” one reviewer noted, emphasizing the intimacy and comfort of the gondola.

Keep in mind that the gondolas look somewhat dated, with some reviews mentioning they’re not very modern. Still, their reliability seems solid, and the ride is smooth. If you’re worried about height, most travelers say the experience isn’t scary at all — the gondolas are enclosed and stable.

Once at the top, you’ll find the First Cliff Walk, which is wide enough for two people, enclosed on sides, and offers an exhilarating view from the lookout point. Many say it’s not scary but awe-inspiring, providing perfect opportunities for photos.

The Highlights at Mount First

First Cliff Walk Suspension Bridge

This is the star feature for many visitors. It’s a wide, enclosed suspension bridge that extends out from the mountain, offering a thrilling yet safe experience. Many reviews raved about how “unforgettable” and “spectacular” the views from the bridge are, with one person describing it as “an experience I’ll never forget.” Even those wary of heights generally agree it’s manageable due to the enclosed sides and wide walkway.

More Great Tours Nearby

Hiking to Bachalpsee

For those with more time or energy, there’s a popular hike to Lake Bachalp, often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. While the hike isn’t included in the ticket price, many travelers take advantage of the nice weather to walk down from the mountain top and soak in more of the stunning scenery.

Adventure Activities (Separate Purchase)

Up at Mount First, you can book activities like the First Flyer, the First Glider, Mountain Cart, and Scooter Bike. These are highly praised but are not included in the basic ticket, so if you’re craving a thrill, plan ahead and reserve these in advance to avoid long lines or waiting times. Many reviewers loved the First Flyer for its adrenaline rush, noting it’s worth the extra cost.

Dining and Souvenirs

At the summit, there’s a restaurant and a souvenir shop. The restaurant offers a good chance to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery with a meal or a coffee. Some reviews mention the food quality is decent, making it a nice break point.

The Itinerary: A Clear Breakdown

• Start at Grindelwald Cableway Station: Easy to find, just scan your ticket to board.
• Gondola ride (about 25 minutes): Expect beautiful views, with the ride being smooth and relatively quick.
• Stop at the First Cliff Walk: Step out onto the suspension bridge, walk along the cliffs, and enjoy panoramic views.
• Return gondola ride (another 25 minutes): Back down to Grindelwald, wrapping up the experience.

Most travelers spend a few hours here, enough to enjoy the walk, take photos, and possibly do a quick hike to Bachalpsee if the weather permits.

The Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Breathtaking views that make the entire journey worthwhile.
• The First Cliff Walk is a highlight, offering a mix of thrill and scenery.
• Easy to book and flexible timing lets you plan your day without stress.
• Many reviews praise the value for money especially considering the scenic ride and access to the lookout.
• The small gondola size creates a more intimate experience, avoiding large crowds.

Drawbacks

• The gondolas look old, which may affect comfort or perceptions of safety for some.
• Additional activities like the mountain cart or flyer cost extra, which can add up.
• Weather can impact visibility — cloudy or rainy days might limit the views, as some reviewers experienced.
• Lines for photos or activities can get long during peak times, so early arrival might be best if you want to avoid queues.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after stunning mountain scenery and a manageable adventure, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for those who want a straightforward experience without a lot of complex planning. If you’re comfortable with heights and enjoy light hiking, you’ll love the combination of the gondola ride, cliff walk, and potential for more exploration.

However, if you’re looking for high-adrenaline activities or a full-day adventure, you might want to supplement this with additional bookings or consider other experiences.

FAQ

Is the gondola ride included in the ticket price?
Yes, the round-trip gondola to Mount First is included in the $88 ticket.

Can I board the gondola at any time?
Yes, you can hop on at any time during the day that the gondola operates, providing flexibility.

Are the adventure activities at Mount First included?
No, activities like the First Flyer, First Glider, Mountain Cart, and Scooter Bike are paid separately.

How long does the entire experience take?
Most travelers spend a few hours up there, including the ride, sightseeing, and optional hikes or activities.

What about the weather?
Weather can impact your views — clear days offer the best vistas, but even in rain or fog, the experience of the ride can still be enjoyable.

Is it suitable for families?
While the experience is generally safe and accessible, the activities and scenic views are more suited to older children and adults. Keep weather and safety in mind.

What’s the best time to go?
Early in the day or during off-peak times can help avoid crowds and long lines, especially if the weather is good.

Are there dining options at the top?
Yes, there’s a restaurant, making it easy to relax with a meal or snack while enjoying the views.

Final Thoughts

The Grindelwald Gondola Ride to Mount First offers an accessible yet awe-inspiring way to enjoy the Swiss Alps. The combination of scenic gondola rides, the First Cliff Walk, and the potential for additional adventure activities makes it a well-rounded choice for many travelers.

If you’re craving spectacular mountain vistas, a dash of adventure, and a comfortable, easy-to-organize experience, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just remember to check the weather forecast, plan your timing, and consider booking activities in advance if you’re eager for more thrills.

For anyone visiting Grindelwald or nearby Interlaken, this is a straightforward, memorable day out that won’t disappoint — especially if the mountain views cooperate. It’s a fine way to tick a Swiss mountain experience off your list, with enough options to customize your day to suit your mood and interests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Happy travels — and enjoy those incredible Swiss vistas!