Here are the summary hike details:
- Start location: First
- Destination: Bussalp (via Faulhorn)
- Highest point: Faulhorn Summit, 2.681m (8.795 ft.)
- Ascent: 650 m (2.132 ft.), Descent: 990 m (3.250 ft.)
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Duration: 5-7 hours (snack and photo breaks included)
- Technical and physical requirements: Medium
- Season: June – October
Introduction
Sitting in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the beautiful Grindelwald First via Bachalpsee to Faulhorn hike is yet another testament to nature’s awe-inspiring beauty of the great outdoors. For many hikers and nature enthusiasts, ascending to this iconic summit is an adventure for a lifetime.
How to get there
For starting the hike you will have to take the Gondola from Grindelwald to First mountain station. If you decide to follow our route, you will only need a one way ticket, as you will descent from Faulhorn towards Bussalp. Here is the direct link with the gondola location where you need to get to in Grindelwald.
Pro tip: you should buy your ticket online, as it’s very fast and you skip a usually very large waiting line. You can buy the tickets online from here. In case you arrive in Grindelwald by car, there are several parking places, all well signalized. Parking can get full very fast, especially during summer weekends so make sure you arrive early. If you come by train, the walk from the train station to the gondola takes only 12 minutes (850 m/ 0,5 miles).
First
First, is a very popular trailhead situated at an altitude of approximately 2,168 meters (7,113 feet) above sea level. It is also very known, so most of the time you will find here many many tourists enjoying the various landscapes and activities. One of the most known ones, once you arrive at First, is the First Cliff Walk. Here you are walking on a metal bridge surrounding a cliff, with a massive drop under your legs. Although most of the time the bridge is full of people, you should still do the walk as it’s a great experience.
Bachalpsee
The route to Faulhorn Summit is very circulated for the first 2-3 kilometers and 180 meters of elevation, as you reach Bachalpsee (lake). It’s a beautiful lake located at an elevation of 2,265 m (7.431 ft.) where you can have a great relaxing experience and you will also find many other tourists up to here. From Bachalpsee towards Faulhorn the route is not that crowded, as most of the tourists stop here and then return back to First. We pressed on towards the summit adding another 400 m of elevation, on a large beaten track, that is on some parts steep, but not exposed at any time.
Faulhorn
At an elevation of 2,681 meters (8,796 feet), Faulhorn Summit meets you with a 360-degree panorama that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. On a clear day, you can see the iconic mountains Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, among many others. Actually, the majestic peaks are visible on the entire route, more of a reason to enjoy the hike and take it all in. Once at Faulhorn, please also check the views from the other side of the mountain and you can also see the deep blue waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. And on the Faulhorn Summit you will also find the Faulhorn hotel-restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with amazing views.
On the way back, we followed the route towards Bussalp, a small village from where you can take a bus back to Grindelwald. If you want to do the same, you will descent on the same way you came up, but only for 10-15 minutes. Then you make to the right where you’ll see the sign towards Bussalp. The last bus leaving from Bussalp to Grindelwald is around 18:30. Make sure you catch that, otherwise you will have to walk and descent another 8 km towards Grindelwald on foot. The entire descent from First to Bussalp will take you 1.5 hours. But you can cut probably 15 minutes from this time if you go at steady pace.
Conclusion: a hike to remember
Hiking from First to Faulhorn Summit is a journey through pristine alpine landscapes. It’s also a chance to encounter wildlife, and a breathtaking ascent to a summit that offers views that will stay with you forever. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Swiss Alps, make sure to add this iconic hike to your bucket list. It’s a pilgrimage to nature’s grandeur that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and prepare for an adventure that will forever etch itself into your heart and soul.
