Together with Interlaken , Grindelwald is probably the place that everybody seems to want to visit when coming to Switzerland. And there’s a good reason for that. Being super close to some of the most iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald is a charming alpine village that perfectly blends traditional Swiss character with stunning scenery. Nestled at the foot of the north face of the Eiger, it’s not only a magnet for hikers and skiers, but for outdoor and nature enthusiasts in general. With its glaciers, mountain railways, panoramic viewpoints and cosy chalets, Grindelwald is a destination that offers something for everyone and for every season. Whether you’re coming here for winter sports, summer hiking or simply to take in the views, Grindelwald is one of the most versatile and scenic places you can visit in Switzerland. So coming here for 2-3 days (if your itinerary affords) is something you won’t regret. Top 6 things to see and do in Grindelwald Visit one of the mountain tops in the area No visit to Grindelwald is complete without heading up into the surrounding mountains as some of the most spectacular mountain railways of Switzerland can be found here. The most obvious choice is taking the train to Jungfraujoch , the highest railway station in Europe, where you’ll stand among glaciers and snow-capped giants. Männlichen is another favourite you can easily reach from Grindelwald, offering a gentle panoramic hike to Kleine Scheidegg with constant views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Pfingstegg is a smaller but charming option, especially popular with families thanks to its toboggan run and Fly Line. Grindelwald First is the adventure mountain, with the dramatic Cliff Walk, zipline, mountain carts and the scenic hike to Bachalpsee. The list goes on… Indulge in some fine dining Grindelwald has a rich culinary scene and if you want to treat yourself to some fine dining, there are wonderful options to do so. For a culinary highlight, book a table at Restaurant 1910 Gourmet by Hausers at the Hotel Belvedere . This elegant restaurant, which by the way carries 16 Gault Millau points, combines refined cuisine with carefully selected ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Seasonal ingredients are prepared with great attention to detail and the wine list is carefully curated. It’s the perfect place to round off a day in the mountains. And by the way, it was the first restaurant in Grindelwald to receive a Michelin star. Hike to Bachalpsee From First, an easy but rewarding hike leads you to Bachalpsee, one of the most photographed alpine lakes in Switzerland . On clear days, the still water mirrors the snow-capped peaks around it, creating postcard-perfect reflections. It’s a favourite hike in summer and autumn, suitable for most fitness levels. Prepare to meet some crowds when you get there, though. But if you leave the main path a little, you’ll definitely find some peace and quiet if that’s what you’re looking for. Explore the Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Canyon) Just outside the village, the Glacier Canyon is a fascinating natural attraction carved by the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. Walkways, tunnels and platforms lead you deep into the gorge , where thundering water and steep rock walls surround you. A highlight is the net walkway suspended over the roaring Lütschine river, giving you the feeling of floating above the canyon. It is an exciting mix of geology, history and adventure. If you’re seeking an even bigger thrill, the famous Canyon Swing lets you freefall from a platform before swinging out high above the river. Go skiing in the Jungfrau Region Grindelwald is perfectly located for winter sports . The village provides direct access to the ski resorts of Männlichen , Kleine Scheidegg and Grindelwald First . With a variety of slopes for beginners and advanced skiers or snowboarders, it’s one of the best bases in Switzerland for a skiing holiday. I certainly enjoyed mine when I was there. Even though it was incredibly busy. If you buy the ski ticket for the Jungfrau Region, you have access to all three mentioned ski resorts, as well as the one over at Schilthorn . Since transfer distances and times can be long, I recommend focusing on just one ski resort per day to get the most out of your time. Stay in (70’s)-style If you’re after a place that combines design, comfort and a peaceful setting, make sure to check out the Waldhuus Bellary . This upcoming star in Grindelwald is owned by the same family as the well-known Belvedere but offers a completely different experience. Recently renovated, the Waldhuus Bellary embraces a stylish 70s-inspired design that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Set slightly off the main road on the quieter edge of the village, it’s surrounded by a large garden and mountain views that make you forget how close you are to Grindelwald’s busy centre. The atmosphere here is relaxed, with bright rooms, thoughtful details and plenty of space to unwind after a day of exploring. Other things to do in Grindelwald Visit Pfingstegg The cable car to Pfingstegg offers easy hiking trails, a toboggan run and a fly line that’s especially popular with families. Take a stroll along Dorfstrasse Grindelwald’s main street is lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk with plenty of opportunities to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a coffee with views of the mountains. Go mountainbiking The valley and surrounding slopes offer a wide range of trails for both mountain bikes and e-bikes, from relaxed valley paths to challenging alpine routes. Several hotels in the village have wellness areas with saunas, pools and treatments to help you unwind after a day outdoors. Tandem flights over the valley remain one of the most popular activities and offer a unique perspective of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. In winter you can enjoy the famous run from Faulhorn to Grindelwald, also known as Big Pintenfritz. At 15 km, it’s the longest sledding run in the Alps. There are other options in the area as well from Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald First and Männlichen. Take a day trip to Interlaken Interlaken is only about 30 minutes away by train and offers lake cruises, shopping and additional activities. Grindelwald is surrounded by countless trails ranging from easy valley walks to high alpine hikes with panoramic views. A very easy and scenic one leads from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. Getting to Grindelwald Grindelwald is well connected to the rest of Switzerland. Although the village itself isn’t close to an airport, it’s well connected to the rest of Switzerland and Europe through an efficient network of trains and roads. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, boat or car , getting here is straightforward and often scenic. Grindelwald doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s easily accessible from major Swiss airports: Zurich Airport (ZRH): Approximately a 3-hour train journey via Bern. Geneva Airport (GVA): Around a 4-hour train ride, also connecting through Bern. Both airports offer frequent international flights and are well-connected to the Swiss rail network, making onward travel to Grindelwald straightforward. Switzerland’s rail system is one of the most efficient and scenic in Europe. So reaching Grindelwald really isn’t too big of a hassle. Even though you have to transfer a couple of times to get here. Key train journeys to Interlaken include: From Zurich: Around 3 hours via Bern and Interlaken From Geneva: About 3.5 hours via Bern and Interlaken From Lucerne: Around 2.5 hours via the Brünig Pass and Interlaken From Bern: 2 hours via Interlaken All routes are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and run with excellent frequency. The Swiss Travel Pass lets you explore Switzerland easily and flexibly with just one ticket.

Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat across the country Free entry to more than 500 museums Free travel on panoramic trains (seat reservations required separately) Driving to Grindelwald is scenic , especially along the routes through the Bernese Oberland. Be mindful that parking in the village is limited, especially in high season, and a car isn’t necessary once you’re here. If your hotel offers parking, it is worth reserving a space in advance. Get the best quote on Discover Cars. Rent the perfect car for your Swiss road trip and buy your travel insurance, all in one... No hidden costs Free cancellation Getting around Grindelwald Grindelwald is compact and most places in the village are within walking distance. Although it goes uphill in certain places. The centre is walkable, with shops, restaurants and hotels close together. By public transport The Jungfrau region transport system in and around Grindelwald includes trains, buses and gondolas. With a Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass, you can cover many routes and the guest card gives you free access to local buses. And a discount on the gondola rides. However, please make sure you compare discounts if you own a Swiss Half Fare Card , a Swiss Travel Pass or a Jungfrau Travel Pass as those discounts are higher than with the guest card. Unlimited travel on most trains, buses and mountain railways in the Jungfrau Region Ideal for day trips to places like Kleine Scheidegg, Männlichen, Mürren and Schynige Platte Simple and flexible , with a range of validities (3–8 days) to match your itinerary By bicycle or e-bike Rental options are available in the village for exploring nearby trails. Although it’s not the best way to get around in Grindelwald, it’s a great way to explore the wider area on the mountain trails. Again, more often than not quite steep. Not needed for getting around locally, though useful for day trips further away. Best time to visit Grindelwald The best time to visit Grindelwald is between June and September, when the weather is warm, hiking trails are open and outdoor activities are in full swing. Summer daytime temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) , but on particularly hot days they can rise above 30°C (86°F) . At night, it cools down to around 12–14°C (53–57°F) . This is the busiest season in the village, so expect higher prices and more crowds, especially in July and August. In summer, Grindelwald is filled with hikers, bikers and families enjoying the mountains. The village also hosts events such as the World Snow Festival in January , where artists carve giant sculptures from ice and snow. Swiss National Day on August 1st is celebrated with fireworks, folklore events and local traditions. From December to March , Grindelwald turns into a lively winter resort with direct access to Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg and First. With more than 200 km of pistes and the longest sledging run in the Alps, it’s one of the best bases in Switzerland for skiing and winter fun. Snowshoeing and winter hiking trails are also well prepared. In spring, usually from April to May , the pace slows down. Wildflowers start to bloom in the meadows and lower hiking trails reopen as the snow starts to melt in the higher areas. This is a quieter period with fewer visitors and more affordable rates. In autumn, from late September to October , the colourful foliage, crisp air and clear skies make Grindelwald a paradise for photographers and hikers. The atmosphere is calmer and accommodation is easier to find compared to the busy summer months. Where to stay in Grindelwald Budget: Naturfreunde Hostel Grindelwald Mid-range: Waldhuus Bellary High-end: Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel Grindelwald has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. There are plenty of guesthouses, offering everything from simple hostel beds to luxurious spa suites. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat, a family base or a stylish hideaway, the village has something for every travel style. Budget (< 120 CHF / night) If you’re on a tighter budget, Grindelwald has several hostels, guesthouses and simple hotels that still deliver comfort and great views. Many include breakfast and some have kitchens or communal facilities that help keep costs down. Mid-range (120 – 250 CHF / night) If you prefer a bit more comfort, Grindelwald’s mid-range hotels provide cosy rooms, hearty breakfasts and often a good in-house restaurant. High end (250+ CHF / night) If you’re after elegance and full-service amenities, Grindelwald has several high-end hotels that combine alpine atmosphere with luxury. These properties often feature wellness areas, gourmet dining and prime locations with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Where to eat in Grindelwald Grindelwald has a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafés to refined gourmet restaurants with stunning views of the Eiger. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, hearty alpine classics or a multi-course fine dining menu, the village has options to suit every taste and budget. Budget (< 25 CHF / person) Travellers on a smaller budget will find several cafés and restaurants serving affordable meals without compromising on flavour. Bakeries and casual eateries are also popular for quick bites between activities. Mid-range (25 – 50 CHF / person) Grindelwald’s mid-range restaurants combine cosy interiors with a good variety of Swiss and international dishes. These restaurants are ideal for those who want a proper sit-down meal without spending too much. High end (50+ CHF / person) For a special evening out, Grindelwald has several high-end restaurants where the quality of the food matches the breathtaking views. Multi-course menus, refined wine pairings and beautifully presented dishes make these experiences memorable. Get my free e-book on Switzerland Sign up and receive «10 Ways to Save Money on Food in Switzerland» — plus practical travel tips straight to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. Find out what this means here . Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with * Write a comment Loading comments...