First Flyer is a high-speed, four-person alpine zip-line ride at First Flieger, 3818 Grindelwald, in the Grindelwald-First mountain area of Switzerland. Part of the Jungfraubahnen-operated Grindelwald-First adventure area, it sends riders in secure harnesses down a suspended steel cable from First to Schreckfeld. Travelers come for the exposed, feet-forward flight above Alpine pastureland, with a direct view into the Bernese Oberland landscape and speeds reaching 84 km/h.
What to Expect at First Flyer
The experience begins at the First mountain station at 2,166 metres and finishes at Schreckfeld at 1,956 metres. After staff fit and check the robust seated harness, up to four guests are released together on the 800-metre cable. Rather than a conventional upright zip line, First Flyer places riders in a suspended, forward-facing harness, leaving open air above, below and to either side. At its highest points, the line hangs about 50 metres above the meadows.
This is an action attraction, not a self-guided trail or museum, so the central feature is the ride itself: its elevated cable alignment, group launch and fast descent. The journey is brief—around 10 minutes in total—but waiting can be considerably longer on busy days. The First Flyer operates in winter as well as in the warmer mountain season, subject to weather and operating conditions. Riders must weigh between 35 and 125 kg; this requirement is applied for safe harness operation.
- 800-metre descent: Fly from First down to Schreckfeld on a single long steel cable.
- Up to 84 km/h: The ride delivers a fast, wind-exposed descent rather than a gentle scenic glide.
- Four riders at once: Launch with up to three companions in parallel harness positions.
- High Alpine start: Board at 2,166 metres and arrive at Schreckfeld at 1,956 metres.
- Pastureland below: Float up to roughly 50 metres above Alpine meadows at sections of the route.
First Flyer at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | First Flieger, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Grindelwald-First, above central Grindelwald |
| Operating Hours | Generally 9am–4:45pm; seasonal, wind and weather restrictions can affect operation. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Paid activity; current seasonal prices are published by Jungfraubahnen. Buy at the Firstbahn valley station or at the attraction; winter tickets can be booked online. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | About 10 minutes for the ride; allow 45–90 minutes including queues and boarding. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Take the Firstbahn gondola from the Grindelwald Firstbahn valley station to First; use the station-area parking facilities if arriving by car. |
| Official Website / Phone | jungfrau.ch / +41 33 828 72 33 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early and aim to ride before midday. There are no fixed time slots, and the operator warns that queues can be long during heavy visitor periods; activity availability can also change with adverse weather. Purchase tickets at the Firstbahn valley station in Grindelwald or at First Flyer itself. In winter, online booking is available. Check the official prices and tickets page before travel, then allow time for the gondola journey to First as well as the attraction queue.
From Grindelwald railway station, walk through the village to the Grindelwald Firstbahn valley station and ride the gondola to First. Drivers should follow signs for Firstbahn parking rather than attempting to reach the mountain stations by road. At the top station, pair the Flyer with the nearby First Cliff Walk by Tissot, an elevated cliffside walkway, and the First mountain restaurant. At Schreckfeld, continue with other First adventure activities or use the mountain lifts back toward Grindelwald. The cable-car system can accommodate many visitors with limited mobility, but the Flyer’s suspended harness, boarding procedure and weight rule mean it is not a wheelchair-accessible ride; strollers are not usable on the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is First Flyer open, and what is the best time to go?
Hours are generally 9am–4:45pm, with operation dependent on season and mountain weather. Go early in the day, ideally before midday, to reduce the chance of the longest queues. Strong weather or high demand can interrupt availability.
How much do First Flyer tickets cost, and do I need a reservation?
First Flyer is a paid attraction, but fares vary by season and ticket type. Check the official Jungfraubahnen ticket page for current pricing. There are no fixed ride slots; buy on site, while winter tickets may be booked online.
How much time should I budget for First Flyer?
The flight takes about 10 minutes from preparation to finish. Plan 45–90 minutes at the activity to cover possible queues, then add the gondola travel time from Grindelwald and time for nearby First attractions.
Is First Flyer suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can ride when each participant meets the 35–125 kg body-weight requirement and is comfortable with height and speed. The seated harness ride is not suitable for wheelchair users or strollers, although the Firstbahn gondola provides the practical route into the mountain area.
When planning your Grindelwald travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Grindelwald, pair this stop with standout local spots including First Cliff Walk, Hotel Restaurant Fiescherblick, Alpenhof, and First Mountain cliff walk (nearby).
