Switzerland is known for its spectacular mountain views. And if there is one place in Switzerland that you shouldn’t miss, it’s Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland region.
With the prominent Eiger North Face as one of its main attractions, Grindelwald is unlike any other place you’ve ever been. One of the best viewpoints in Grindelwald is the First Cliff Walk presented by Tissot. Mountain cable cars are right next to it, so it is very convenient to reach it from Grindelwald.
Let’s find out what the First Cliff Walk is about.
What is the First Cliff Walk?
Located in Grindelwald First, 2,167 meters above sea level, First Cliff Walk is actually a metal walkway suspended from a mountainside. No need to worry about the walkway falling down since it is very secure. Walking alongside the mountain, you will have fantastic panoramic views toward one side and the rocky mountain on your other side.
A short suspension bridge is situated in the middle of the First Cliff Walk. It is only a short bridge and will take you a minute or two to cross.
As you walk along the First Cliff Walk, you will also be able to see the Bachläger Waterfall. This is one of the largest waterfalls in Switzerland and falls across the rock wall. From Bachalp Lake, Lütschine River, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, River Aare, Lake Biel, and River Rhine, the water in this region flows all the way to Rotterdam at the North Sea.
The First Cliff Walk should not take you more than 30 minutes, so you should be done in no time at all. Photographs will require more time, of course.
Is First Cliff Walk Free?
Yes, you can visit First Cliff Walk for free. The Cliff Walk does not require an additional ticket to enter.
First Cliff Walk Views
The First Cliff Walk is very popular owing to the fantastic views that you will see of the surrounding Bernese Alps. Here, you can see around 92 peaks, as well as the moorland, waterfalls, and Grindelwald itself.
Some of the higher peaks that you can see from the First Cliff Walk are the following:
- Scheideggwetterhorn (3,361 meters)
- Schreckhorn (4,078 meteres)
- Finsteraarhorn (4,274 meters)
- Eiger (3,970 meters)
- Wetterhorn (3,691 meters)
You will also see here the Oberer Grindelwald Glacier and Unterer Grindelwald Glacier.
The First Cliff Walk is a popular panoramic viewpoint not only in Grindelwald but in the whole country of Switzerland.
Grindelwald First: Home of First Cliff Walk
In Grindelwald First, you can do more than just the First Cliff Walk. Other activities include hiking, riding scooters down to the valley, visiting Bachalp Lake, dining, and shopping.
Here are some of the hikes that you can do from Grindelwald First.
| Route | Expected Duration |
|---|---|
| Grindelwald First – Lake Bachalp | 50 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Grindelwald | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Spitzen | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Grosse Scheidegg | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Schwarzhorn | 2 hours and 50 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Schreckfeld | 30 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Bussalp | 3 hours |
| Grindelwald First – Bort | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Faulhorn | 2 hours and 20 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Schynigge Platte | 5 hours |
| Grindelwald First – Axalp | 3 hours and 40 minutes |
| Grindelwald First – Wildgärst | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
Our Experience: First Cliff Walk
My initial impression of the First Cliff Walk was that it was much more popular than I expected. Even the greetings in the gondola were available in many languages.
I also noticed a sign showing that Grindelwald First was used as a film location in the popular Korean television drama Crash Landing On You.
I enjoyed sharing this wonderful place with people from around the world. The venue was never too crowded, though there are a lot of people moving around. All of the people were very polite as well.
I recommend that you follow the flow of visitors and walk the same way. It becomes chaotic if everyone is moving in different directions at once.
Some visitors might be afraid of heights on First Cliff Walk. First Cliff Walk has railings throughout and keeps you secured so you won’t fall. It is quite secure – don’t worry!
You don’t find places like this everywhere. The contrast between the snow-capped peaks and the rocky mountain faces, as well as the glaciers, the moorland, the waterfalls, and the town is unique here.
Due to the stunning views, many people stop to take pictures. Don’t forget to do it, too. It’s incredibly beautiful.
How to Get to First Cliff Walk
Most visitors will take the gondola from Grindelwald to Grindelwald First via Bort and Schreckfeld. It’s all well-marked so you don’t need a map anymore if you’re coming by gondola.
As we did, some hikers start from a specific point in Grindelwald such as Grosse Scheidegg or Bussalp. I highly recommend this too, as it gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature whilst there.
| Address | Grindelwald-First |
| Bus | Grindelwald, Firstbahn |
| Train | Grindelwald |
Final Thoughts: First Cliff Walk
There is something very striking about the contrast between snow-capped peaks, lush mountains, and rocky faces. If you also want to enjoy this kind of view, I suggest coming to First Cliff Walk in late spring when the mountains still have snow, but the lower portions of the mountains are no longer snow-covered.
Our trip was in autumn, and I also highly recommend coming during that time of year. Your eye is drawn to all of these contrasting colors; browns, greens, and snow-capped mountains are all around you.
Of course, summer is also fantastic. It will be a great way to cool down when it is so hot everywhere. However, you might not see as much snow in the mountains by then.
First Cliff Walk is definitely worth a visit in my opinion. The walkway is a popular tourist destination, and the views are worth it. There is no doubt that I enjoyed my time there and I am looking forward to returning soon.