Reflections
Snowy peaks.
FkMohr — CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Sabrina Schreiber — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christoph Strässler from Oberdorf BL, Schweiz — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Chnebelhäx — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Whgler — CC BY-SA 3.0
Bachalpsee is a small mountain lake near First above Grindelwald in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, about 5 km north of Grindelwald and 12 km east of Interlaken in a straight line. It lies at 2,265 metres. The lake covers about eight hectares and is split by a natural dam into two parts, the smaller one six metres lower. Its picture was used as a mountain-theme background in Gmail, making it one of the best-known mountain views in Switzerland. Clear blue water lies among green pastures and rocks, with the sharp snowy peaks of the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn rising behind and mirrored on the still surface in the morning. In early summer wildflowers cover the pastures around it, and snow can linger at the edges into June. Visitors take the cable car from Grindelwald to First, then walk a fairly easy path to the lake in about an hour. Some continue to the Faulhorn; early morning is best for reflections, and mountain weather changes quickly.
Snowy peaks.
Early summer.
About an hour.
Near First above Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Cable car to First, then on foot.
July to September, in the morning.