Lucerne: Grindelwald First Mountain Tour

If you’re dreaming of Switzerland’s iconic mountain scenery, this day trip from Lucerne to Grindelwald and Mount First offers a fantastic way to tick off those postcard-perfect views. While we haven’t personally taken the trip ourselves, a detailed look at the itinerary, reviews, and highlights paints a picture of an experience that marries adventure, scenery, and Swiss charm—all in one easy-to-manage day.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning vistas of the Bernese Alps promise incredible photo opportunities. Second, the adrenaline-pumping cliff walk and optional zip lines bring a thrill factor that adventure lovers will appreciate. Lastly, the leisurely hike to Lake Bachalpsee provides a peaceful moment amid the grandeur. That said, it might not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a very relaxed, slow-paced day. This tour seems perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of nature, excitement, and Swiss culture.

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Key Points

Stunning panoramic views from Mount First and the First View vantage platform.
Exciting optional activities like ziplining and mountain carts for thrill-seekers.
Well-organized itinerary with a professional guide and included transportation.
Leisurely hike to the picturesque Lake Bachalpsee—perfect for nature lovers.
Includes transport tickets for cable cars, trains, and scenic routes, offering good value.
Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: What to Expect on the Tour

This day trip is designed to give travelers a taste of the Swiss Alps, with a route that captures both natural beauty and adrenaline. Starting from Lucerne’s Landenberg bus parking, the journey immediately hints at the adventure ahead. The coach ride to the Bernese Oberland takes about 10 hours in total, passing by five mountain lakes and offering fascinating commentary from your multilingual guide.

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Scenic Drive and Stop at Interlaken

The trip begins with a scenic drive from Lucerne, giving you stunning views of lakes and mountains. A quick stop at Interlaken, the famous gateway town, allows for some photos and a moment to soak in the alpine atmosphere. While there, some may find time to grab a quick snack or explore, although the main focus remains on the mountain adventure ahead.

Exploring Grindelwald

Next, your journey takes you to Grindelwald, a charming mountain village that acts as the gateway for your adventure up Mount First. Here, you’ll have some free time to wander through Swiss chalets, browse local shops, or just breathe in the mountain air. The village’s cozy vibe sets the perfect tone before heading up to the heights.

Cable Car Ride to Mount First

The highlight of the trip is the aerial cable car ride to Mount First. The ascent offers sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks—views that are truly breathtaking. Once at the summit, you’ll get to experience the “First Cliff Walk by Tissot”, a narrow, suspended walkway hugging the edge of the mountain. For many, this is the moment to push their limits and enjoy an adrenaline rush, especially if they opt for the 40-meter suspension bridge.

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The Newly Opened First View Platform

One of the recent additions, the First View vantage point, elevates the experience. Standing on this platform gives a feeling of being at the top of the world—perfect for snapping those iconic photos or just soaking in the serene alpine panorama.

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Dining and Leisure

A visit to the Berggasthaus First restaurant lets you take a break on a sun-drenched terrace. While food isn’t included, the views and ambiance make it a tempting spot for a snack or beverage. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt to try the First Flyer, a zip line that lets you fly down the mountain at speeds of up to 84 km/h, or rent a mountain cart or Trottibike for a fun, ground-level descent.

The Hike to Lake Bachalpsee

A highlight for many travelers is the hike to Lake Bachalpsee, a 6 km round-trip walk that typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning scenery—alpine meadows, grazing cows, and the mirror-like lake reflecting the surrounding peaks. As one reviewer notes, “everything was explained in the bus, and we got the tickets for cable car and train,” making this a smooth experience.

Optional Activities & Tips

For thrill-seekers, the First Flyer zip line is a must, offering an 800-meter-long ride at high speeds. Those who prefer to stay on solid ground can choose mountain carts or Trottibikes for downhill fun. Keep in mind, these activities are optional and come at an extra cost.

Descent and Return

For a relaxed return, you’ll take the cable car back down to Grindelwald, passing through gorgeous alpine scenery with cows grazing against the mountains. After some free time in Grindelwald, you’ll board the train to Interlaken, then the coach back to Lucerne, concluding a full day of Swiss mountain magic.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Inclusions

At around $205 per person, this tour offers a pretty good deal considering it includes transportation, cable car tickets, and a knowledgeable guide. The day lasts about 10 hours, starting early enough to maximize your time on the mountain.

Included in the price are the guide, transportation in a comfortable coach, cable car ride to Mount First, access to the First View vantage platform, and the train ticket from Grindelwald to Interlaken. You’ll need to cover your own food and drinks, so packing a snack or two is recommended.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not for those with mobility issues—it’s not wheelchair accessible—and some activities, like ziplining, may be restricted for certain individuals.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Travelers appreciated the expert guidance and smooth organization. One reviewer mentions, “Jean has a good experience guided us to the first mountain,” highlighting the value of a knowledgeable guide. While some guests had minor hiccups—like a conveyor belt breaking, preventing the mountain cart experience—they still rated the trip highly overall.

Another noted that they were initially disappointed about the First Flyer not being included in their ticket, but still found the experience wonderful. The views and the ease of the process, from ticketing to the cable car ride, were consistently praised.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want to experience Switzerland’s stunning mountain scenery without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s ideal for those with a sense of adventure, interested in optional activities like ziplining or mountain carts, but also wanting some downtime to relax and enjoy the views.

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and solo travelers will all find value here, especially if they enjoy scenic hikes combined with thrilling moments on the cliff walk or zip lines. However, those with mobility limitations or who prefer a purely relaxed day might find some parts challenging.

Final Thoughts

The Lucerne: Grindelwald First Mountain Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Swiss mountain life, striking a balance between adventure, tranquility, and scenic beauty. The inclusion of a guided tour, scenic transportation, and access to top attractions make it a convenient choice for travelers eager to see the Bernese Alps.

The experience’s highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular views from Mount First and the First View platform, which provide unforgettable photo opportunities and a sense of accomplishment. For thrill-seekers, the optional zip line and cliff walk add a fun adrenaline boost that complements the natural beauty.

While the tour isn’t suitable for everyone—particularly those with limited mobility—it offers excellent value for those who want a comprehensive, fun, and scenic day trip from Lucerne.

FAQ

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, food and beverages are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something at the Berggasthaus First restaurant.

How long is the hike to Lake Bachalpsee?
The hike to Lake Bachalpsee is about 6 km round trip and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a manageable walk for most.

What activities are available at Mount First?
You can enjoy the First Cliff Walk, visit the First View vantage platform, and opt for activities like ziplining (First Flyer), mountain carts, or Trottibikes.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind activities like ziplining are optional, and the hike is moderate. Always check the individual activity restrictions if traveling with young children.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID or passport, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. Since lunch isn’t included, pack some snacks.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your travel plans.

This trip combines the best of Swiss Alpine scenery with a dash of adventure, perfect for travelers seeking a memorable mountain escapade from Lucerne.