Grindelwald First in Movies & Media: A Scenic Star on Screen

The fantasy world of Lyra needed a backdrop that felt ancient, magical, and limitless. Enter Grindelwald First. Snow-covered plateaus and stark ridgelines became the visual stand-in for the far North. Sweeping aerial shots captured the icy wonderland in full glory, giving the film the enchanted edge it demanded.

In a galaxy far, far away, Alderaan was imagined as a peaceful utopia. To bring that serenity to life, the filmmakers looked to Switzerland—specifically the panoramic ridge views of Grindelwald First. Its clean skyline and untouched slopes added an almost surreal tranquillity to Princess Leia’s home world.

While the Eiger’s north wall was the star of the story, Grindelwald First provided many of the harsh alpine shots needed to mirror the treacherous conditions faced by climbers. The unforgiving ridges and snowy scree acted as an authentic double for dangerous alpine sequences.

While Bond’s base was famously Piz Gloria, the helicopter cutaways and chase segments used ridgelines from Grindelwald First to heighten the thrill. That winter-white backdrop? It’s the real deal—crisp, rugged, and unmistakably Swiss.

This documentary series captured alpine wildlife balancing on cliff edges and soaring through the cold air—much of it filmed from the slopes and cliffs around Grindelwald First. With no green screen in sight, the raw, elemental beauty of this region stole the spotlight.

This K-Drama phenomenon treated fans to a real-life romantic paragliding scene, filmed from the top of Grindelwald First. The take-off point and mountain views made this sequence unforgettable, blending love and altitude with cinematic flair.

One of the earliest Bollywood movies shot in Switzerland, Sangam captured honeymoon-worthy landscapes at Grindelwald First. The Bort cable car stations and icy slopes formed the snowy fairytale.

In 2015, Swiss watchmaker Tissot filmed a high-impact promotional campaign at Grindelwald First to unveil the now-iconic First Cliff Walk by Tissot. Featuring dramatic aerial shots and sleek visuals set against the rugged cliffside, the shoot fused luxury branding with alpine adventure, turning the mountain into a cinematic backdrop for Swiss precision.

One of the most thrilling and photogenic attractions on the mountain, the First Cliff Walk by Tissot is a suspended walkway with a sheer cliff edge. The dramatic metal bridge extends 2,168 metres high, offering views that are surreal. Whether you're filming a daring walk or capturing a wide-angle selfie against the glacier-fed backdrop, First Cliff Walk guarantees thrill and beauty at its best.

A short hike from the summit, Bachalpsee is the definition of alpine serenity. With its crystal-clear water reflecting the snowcapped peaks of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn, it's a favourite for sunrise shots and tranquil film scenes. Filmmakers love the symmetry here— the mirrored mountain offers a surreal, almost fantasy-like quality. And for Instagrammers? One step onto the lake’s edge and you get a post that’ll get you super-high reach!

As you ascend to Grindelwald First, only a few places give you the majestic view of the legendary Eiger North Face— a towering icon in mountaineering history. The viewpoint near Grindelwald First offers a panoramic sweep of the glacier, where blue ice seems to pour down the rugged cliffs. This spot captures the raw essence of the Alps— icy, immense, and timeless. A popular choice for crazy shots in adventure films and travel documentaries, it’s also an attraction that will flood your social media with likes and comments.

Feel the wind in your face as you’re harnessed into a horizontal zipline that mimics flying like an eagle. Suspended above cliffs and alpine meadows, the ride starts with a gentle pull backwards. Then suddenly swoops forward at speeds up to 80 km/h. With mountain peaks all around, it’s a must-do ride for action-packed Instagram reels and aerial fun.

Hop on a three-wheeled, low-riding cart and zoom down a specially designed alpine trail from Schreckfeld to Bort. The 3 km descent winds through gravel paths, forest edges, and scenic open slopes— ideal for filming POV shots, wide-angled turns, and fast-paced fun against the mighty Eiger backdrop.

The panoramic gondola ride from Grindelwald to First is a smooth cinematic glide and a perfect start to any visual journey. Film the changing scenery: lush pine forests below, snowy ridges in the distance, and that magical moment when the First station appears out of the clouds.

For one of the most dramatic shots you’ll ever take, launch off the take-off point at the Grindelwald First with a tandem paraglider. As you float silently over the valley, with bird-eye views of glaciers, villages, and forests, your camera captures the pure essence of alpine freedom.

When snow blankets the slopes, Grindelwald First becomes a playground for skiers and snowboarders. Glide down the snowy trails, catch air on jumps, or shoot stylish slow-mo turns on open runs— winter sports here are equal parts performance and scenery.