Grindelwald Switzerland - the First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Grindelwald, Switzerland is charming village in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, just up the mountain from Interlaken. It is a popular destination all year long, as it is full of exciting things to do, and is the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau Region.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of spending a few weeks in Switzerland exploring with Switzerland Tourism, including a few days in the Jungfrau Region. During this time we called Grindelwald home which I quickly learned was for good reason - and soon you will, too!

While in the area we did many amazing things, not least of which was the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk by Tissot. To my surprise this spot in particular brought soo many questions from my Instagram followers that I thought it would be a good starting point for my many Switzerland posts.

The Grindelwald First Cliff Walk:

Grindewald Switzerland village as seen from the train station

Views from the Grindelwald-First gondola

LOCATION OF FIRST CLIFF WALK

The First Cliff Walk is located in Grindelwald, Switzerland in the famous Jungfrau Region. To get here you will need to first get to Grindelwald if you are not there already.

How to get to Grindelwald

The easiest way to get to Grindelwald is via the Swiss Travel System. You’ll want to take a train to Interlaken-Ost where you will then transfer to the Bernese Overland Railway. Exit at Grindelwald.

How to get to First from Grindelwald

Once in the Grindelwald village, you will take a gondola up to First. This does not leave from the train station you arrive at in Grindelwald, but from the Grindelwald-First station across town in the upper village center. The gondola journey takes about 25 minutes.

PLANNING TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN? Don't miss my post about VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU Grand Hotel & Spa, which I highly recommend!

ABOUT GRINDELWALD FIRST

Before we get into the details of this walk specifically, it’s worth noting that Grindelwald First is home to many other adventures. It is called “Top of Adventure”, after all.

If you are interested in hiking, Lake Bachalp is a popular trail in both winter and summer. Also doable in both winter and summer is First Flyer (above left) and First Glider (above right). We had actually planned to also do all of the above but weren’t able to due to poor weather so I was majorly bummed. I will definitely be back to try them! There is also mountain carting, trottibike scootering, bike tours, and many more hiking options available here.

When visiting Grindelwald and the Jungfrau Region you could easily fill up numerous days with adventures here. See the Jungfrau Railway site for more info and to plan your visit.

above Flyer and Glider photos via Jungfrau Railways

Adventure in Grindelwald, Switzerland: First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Looking out at the view from First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald

Houses covered in snow in First-Grindelwald during winter

Grindelwald-First is full of so many different adventures, great in both winter and summer

The lookout platform at First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Amazing views from First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald, Switzerland. A great, easy adventure!

ABOUT FIRST CLIFF WALK BY TISSOT

The First Cliff Walk by Tissot is a walk and look out platform on the westside of the First summit in Grindelwald. It offers jaw-dropping views (and photo opps) and is accessible in both winter and summer. If you find yourself here, as I did, tired from all of your other adventures, then this is a great choice for you! That’s because it is a short, leisurely stroll on a walkway that takes 5-10 minutes total - depending on how many times you stop for photos ;)

To get here I would recommend you walk up hill from the gondola station to the beginning of the path to take the more scenic route. From here you’ll walk along the path until eventually you reach the lookout platform. The entire thing is picture-perfect and, if I’m being honest, a bit scary at times. But rest assured it is safe and it is worth it! Also: it’s free.

Once you are done, head to the Bergrestaurant just behind the lookout for lunch or a drink before heading not your next First adventure!

WHAT TO PACK

LAYERS. The last thing you want is to be too cold and with layering if you get too hot you can just remove some! My go-to is HEATTECH from Uniqlo which captures your body heat and uses it to generate warmth. There are tank tops, long sleeve shirts (in regular, extra warm, or ultra warm), turtle necks (regular and extra warm), and more. I also can’t recommend this sweater from Canada Goose enough.
LEGGINGS. To wear under your snow pants! Or alone. Or under jeans. I bring these in both extra warm and ultra warm, as well as my favorite Alo ones.
FLANNELS/BUTTON DOWNS. I am ride or die for Rails button downs, buying new ones each year. They are very warm and an easy way to look a little more presentable than a plain old tee. I resort to these a lot on less adventurous days (strolling around town, shopping, etc.) as well as for dinners. I love this one, this one, and this one.
CASHMERE WRAP. I actually travel with this year-round, I even have one in my purse right now as I am writing this. You never know when you’ll need an extra layer on a cold plane, train, restaurant, or something else. Here’s a great option!
CARDIGAN. Because this Barefoot Dreams cardigan is honestly life changing.
PARKAS. VERY important! Your coats will be on and visible the majority of the time and therefore, if possible, I would bring numerous coats (instead of using that space to pack more sweaters, for example). I have worked with Canada Goose over the past two years and have been lucky enough to be gifted a handful of coats, but in all honesty they are 100% worth it. The attention to detail is remarkable (even random things like the sleeves are SO warm and soft), they have a lifetime guarantee, and they are remarkably warm. If you can splurge on one I am confident you will not regret it.
WARM SOCKS. For obvious reasons. There are some HEATTECH ones: crew length, knee length, and over the knee.
COMFORTABLE, WARM, WATERPROOF BOOTS. I like these and these.
SCARVES. An absolute necessity! My favorite are these from & Other Stories, available each year in a handful of the most beautiful colors.
GLOVES. One day I somehow forgot my gloves at the hotel and have never been more miserable in my life, so I would recommend bringing at least two pairs and always double checking that you have them before heading out. These are nice.
CONVERTER ADAPTER. This one is universal and work no matter where you’re going. When going to the EU I also bring along this very inexpensive 6 pack so that I have extras. So much to charge these days!