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Lake Bachalpsee in the Alps
Why Visit Lake Bachalpsee: Highlights of the Experience
Lake Bachalpsee is more than just a destination, it's a visual and sensory journey into the heart of the Bernese Alps. Here's why it's worth your time:
- Picture-Perfect Views: The still water of the lake reflects the outlines of peaks like the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn with quiet clarity. You can see the mountain shapes mirrored without distortion in the lake, framed by the natural surroundings.
- Easy and Accessible Hike: You begin your walk after a short gondola ride to the trailhead. The path rises gradually and takes about an hour to reach the lake, making it suitable even if you have little hiking experience.
- Seasonal Beauty: Visit during the summer for wildflowers, in the autumn for golden hues, or in late spring to catch melting snow around the lake. You can visit in winters for the frozen and snow-covered lake.
- A Photographer’s Dream: Take pictures of the gorgeous landscapes and changing light in the mountains that are stunning all year long.
- Peaceful and Less Crowded: Compared to other alpine destinations, Grindelwald Lake Bachalpsee offers a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxing or meditating in nature.
Things To Do at Lake Bachalpsee
Walk the gentle trail from Grindelwald First to the Bachalpsee Lake, passing through lush alpine meadows and wide-open mountain views. The trail is approximately 3 kilometers and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way.
Capture postcard-perfect shots of the lake’s mirror-like surface reflecting the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and other surrounding peaks. Morning and late afternoon light offer the best conditions for dramatic landscape photos.
There are no restaurants or kiosks near the lake, so bringing your own packed meal is advisable. You can choose from various open spaces near the shore to sit and eat quietly.
Watch for alpine birds, marmots, and butterflies along the hiking trail from Grindelwald First to Lake Bachalpsee. In summer, cows are often seen grazing near the trail, adding to the rural charm of the area.
The trail extends from Lake Bachalpsee to Faulhorn, with views of Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps. This section takes around 2-hours to complete and covers about 4.5 kilometers.
The lake's surroundings provide opportunities for calm retreats without a planned itinerary. The natural setting is ideal for people wanting a respite from scheduled or time-bound travel.
Best Time to Visit Lake Bachalpsee
During summer, the trail is open and dry, and the area sees the highest number of visitors. Meadows are in full bloom, and daytime temperatures remain constant, averaging between 10°C and 20°C. In addition to photography, this season is suitable for hiking, wildlife observation, and spending extended time near the lake.
As temperatures fall, the landscape changes colour, and the number of hikers decreases. Daytime temperatures usually range from 5°C to 15°C. The cooler air and open skies make this period favourable for hiking and extended stays near the lake.
The trail to Bachalpsee is often covered in snow and may be closed or difficult to navigate. The lake itself freezes, creating a completely different but equally stunning winter scene. Daytime temperatures typically range from -10°C to 5°C, though conditions start to improve in May, when average highs reach 5°C to 10°C, and access gradually becomes easier depending on weather. During this period, activities such as snowshoeing and winter hiking can be done with suitable preparation and equipment.
Travel Guide to Bachalpsee Lake in Switzerland
Plan your Grindelwald Lake Bachalpsee adventure with these important details:
- Location: Bernese Oberland, near Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Altitude: 2,265 meters (7,431 feet)
- Starting Point: Grindelwald village
- Access: Firstbahn gondola to Grindelwald First (~25 minutes)
- Hike Distance: Around 3 km one way
- Hike Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours each way
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for most age groups
- Best Season to Visit: Summer and early autumn
- Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome on a leash
- Ideal Time for Photography: Early morning or late afternoon for best reflections
- Services: Restaurants, restrooms, and rental shops are available at Grindelwald First station
Plan your journey with these convenient travel options:
- Hiking: The hike from First cable car station to Lake Bachalpsee is approximately 3 kilometers each way and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours round trip. The route from Grindelwald village to the lake covers around 8 kilometers one way and typically requires 3 to 4 hours.
- Cable Car: Take the gondola from Grindelwald to the First cable car station. The ride lasts around 25 minutes. From the station, begin the walk to the lake. The gondola service usually runs from late May through late October.
- Train: Reach Grindelwald by train, with regular connections from major Swiss cities . The average travel time is around 35 minutes from Interlaken, 1.5 hours from Bern, and 2.5 to 3 hours from Zurich. From Grindelwald, either hike directly to the lake or take the cable car to First before continuing on foot.
Make the most of your visit to Grindelwald Lake Bachalpsee with these helpful tips:
- Wear durable walking shoes to manage gravel and steep paths.
- Dress in layers to adjust to rapid temperature fluctuations.
- Use sun protection due to increased UV exposure at higher elevations.
- Bring adequate water and food, because there are no shops near the lake.
- Start your walk early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
- Check weather conditions and gondola schedules before starting the trip.
- Keep dogs on leashes and dispose of waste properly.
- If you're sensitive to altitude, walk carefully and take pauses.
Grindelwald Bachalpsee Lake FAQ's
Where is Bachalpsee, Switzerland?
Lake Bachalpsee lies in the Bernese Oberland region, above Grindelwald. It is at 2,265 meters elevation in the Jungfrau area and accessible by the First cable car.
How long is the Bachalpsee Lake hike?
The hike from Grindelwald First takes about 45 minutes to one hour over roughly 3 kilometers and is well maintained with scenic views.
Is Lake Bachalpsee worth visiting?
Lake Bachalpsee is absolutely worth visiting. People know it for its beautiful mountain views and easy access. It is one of the few alpine lakes that is easy to get to without a long hike, which makes it great for short vacations.
Can you swim in Lake Bachalpsee?
Swimming is allowed but not recommended. The water remains cold at high altitude, even in summer, and there are no lifeguards.
When to visit Bachalpsee?
Lake Bachalpsee is best visited between late June and early October. During this time, the trail is mostly free of snow, and the weather stays steady. These conditions make it easier and safer for walking and spending time outdoors.
Can you do fishing in Lake Bachalpsee?
Yes, fishing can be done at Lake Bachalpsee with a valid permit. Licenses can be obtained at the Grindelwald Tourism Office. To protect the lake's alpine habitat, anglers must adhere to catch restrictions, register their catches, and comply with size regulations.
Day Trip to Grindelwald First