First to Bachalpsee Mirror Lake Trail

For the most up-to-date details, check Lonely Planet Grindelwald Guide before you go.

You can find the latest updates on Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.

The mountain path is mostly flat and takes about one hour each way for most hikers. It is one of the best mirror lake photography spots in Grindelwald mountains for 2026. Morning light hits the mountains directly, creating vibrant colors and very deep shadows for your photos. Sunset also offers a soft orange glow across the surrounding alpine meadows and the high peaks.

Cable car tickets to First cost around 68 CHF for a standard return trip this year. The last gondola usually departs at 5:30 PM during the busy summer season in the Alps. Always check the local weather forecast before heading up the mountain to start your photography walk. High-altitude clouds can move quickly and block your view of the dramatic peaks at any time.

Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panorama Path

The Männlichen Panorama Trail offers constant views of the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau peaks. This easy downhill walk is perfect for capturing the massive scale of the Swiss Alps today. You will walk toward the famous North Face of the Eiger throughout your entire hiking journey. The wide-angle perspectives here are truly world-class for any landscape photographer visiting the region.

Start your journey by taking the modern gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to the Männlichen station. Follow the well-marked yellow signs toward Kleine Scheidegg for a very gentle ninety-minute mountain stroll. This route is a major highlight of our Männlichen panorama trail guide for the 2026 season. You will see colorful wildflowers in early summer and beautiful golden grass during the autumn months.

Look for the small wooden benches along the path for unique framing opportunities in your shots. Use a telephoto lens to capture the intricate details of the blue glaciers on the Jungfrau. The light stays good here throughout the middle of the day for most amateur photography enthusiasts. Afternoon sun provides excellent side-lighting on the rugged mountain faces and the deep green valleys.

The Eiger Trail for Dramatic Textures

The Eiger Trail brings you directly to the base of the world-famous Eiger North Face. This path is ideal for photographers who love dramatic rock textures and sharp mountain peak details. You will feel the immense power of the mountain as you walk beneath the massive cliffs. The trail starts at Eigergletscher station and descends steeply toward the Alpiglen train station below.

Plan for about three hours of walking on this rocky and sometimes challenging alpine mountain terrain. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the incredible verticality of the massive grey limestone rock walls. This route is featured in our Eiger trail hiking guide 2026 for serious mountain adventurers. You might even spot professional climbers on the wall through a very long telephoto camera lens.

Waterfalls often cascade down the high cliffs after a heavy rain or during the spring snowmelt. These features add movement and visual interest to your dramatic mountain landscape photos in the Alps. The trail is usually open from late June until October depending on the current snow levels. Wear sturdy hiking boots as the path consists of loose scree and many sharp mountain rocks.

Grosse Scheidegg Alpine Pasture Photography

Grosse Scheidegg offers a much quieter alternative to the more famous mountain stations in the area. This area features traditional wooden huts and grazing cows with classic Swiss bells in the background. The Wetterhorn mountain towers over the lush green pastures to create a perfect foreground for photos. It is a fantastic spot for capturing authentic alpine life during your visit in 2026.

Take the local yellow bus from Grindelwald to reach this high and scenic mountain pass easily. You can walk back down toward the village through various scenic forest paths and open meadows. Consult our photography guide for Grosse Scheidegg walking route Grindelwald for more tips. The evening light here is particularly beautiful as it hits the lower parts of the valley.

Focus on the contrast between the soft green meadows and the harsh grey mountain peaks above. Use a polarizing filter to make the blue skies and the green grass pop in camera. Small ponds near the bus stop often provide great reflection shots of the nearby Wetterhorn peak. This location is much less crowded than First, allowing for very peaceful and creative photography sessions.

Grindelwald Valley Floor for Village Charm

The valley floor offers charming perspectives of the village nestled directly below the massive mountain peaks. These walks are very easy and accessible for photographers of all fitness levels and age groups. You can capture the iconic church spire against the impressive backdrop of the Eiger North Face. The Grindelwald valley floor walking routes are perfect for moody and low-cloud photography days.

Wander through the residential areas to find traditional Swiss chalets decorated with bright red summer flowers. The Lütschine river provides great leading lines for your composition toward the mountains in the distance. Most routes are flat and well-paved for easy walking with your camera gear for hiking in Grindelwald mountain terrain. These spots are great for capturing the true scale of the surrounding high peaks.

Try to find a high vantage point above the village to capture the entire valley floor. The golden hour photography spots in Grindelwald mountains 2026 offer incredible light for these shots. Use a slow shutter speed to blur the water of the river for a professional look. This area is perfect for capturing the daily life of the locals in Switzerland.