Grindelwald

Facts about Grindelwald

• Location: in the Alps
• Region: Jungfrau region (Bernese Oberland)
• Grindelwald can be reached by train
• Popular attractions: Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe, GoldenPass line, Schilthorn
• Town size: town
• Grindelwald is a winter sports resort
• Elevation: 1034 m (3392 ft)
• Travel time from Zurich: 2h40 by train, 2h15 by car

Grindelwald, the larger mountain village

Apart from Interlaken, Grindelwald is the largest village in the Jungfrau region that can be reached by car. It can be reached by train as well.

The town center is situated along the Dorfstrasse, between the main rail station and the First cable car station, about 800 m up the road. Outside of the town center, Grindelwald mainly consists of chalets in hilly meadows, spread out across a pretty large area.

Location and scenery

Grindelwald is situated at the end of the valley of the river Schwarze Lütschine, at the base of the famous Eiger and the impressive Wetterhorn. It's an excellent location for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Pros and cons of Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a tourist center. Some would say the town isn't as authentic as it used to be. That's true, but Grindelwald has become a tourist center for a good reason: it's a stunning location that is not only beautiful, but convenient as well. Cable cars and trains take you right into the high mountains surrounding the town, and you can start hiking or biking right from your hotel or chalet. There are lots of winter sports facilities too.

Grindelwald can be busy at times, but we feel that should not scare you off. Grindelwald is a very nice alternative for anyone who does not want to stay in a busy town such as Interlaken, but still wants some shops, restaurants and sports facilities around. Smaller villages generally have limited facilities.

What not to miss during your stay

If time is limited, you'd best make sure not to miss this:

• The Jungfraujoch is very easy to reach from Grindelwald.
• Visit at least one viewing point, like Männlichen or First.
• Do at least one high-altitude hike. Walking to the Bachsee is a good option, or hike from First to Schynige Platte if you're up for a challenge.

We have listed more attractions and hiking routes here.

Bad weather activities

Grindelwald is in the mountains, and that's where the weather can change quickly, for the better or the worse. Here are some ideas for a bad weather day:

• The Glacier Gorge just outside of Grindelwald
• The indoor sports center
• The Wellness & Spa in the Sunstar hotel
• Shopping in Interlaken
• Great for kids: Heimwehfluh in Interlaken
• Great for kids: JungfrauPark Interlaken

Skiing and winter fun in Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a great destination for winter holidays. Its altitude at 1034 m means that snow is likely in winter, but not guaranteed. You’ll have the best chances of snow in town in January and February. 

Even if it doesn’t snow in Grindelwald, the surrounding snow-covered mountains offer lots of winter activities. The best months for snow activities near Grindelwald are January, February and March.

Four ski areas are within easy reach: Grindelwald-First, Grindelwald-Wengen, Mürren-Schilthorn and Meiringen-Hasliberg. Together, they offer more than 265 km of pistes.

Apart from skiing, you can enjoy winter hiking, snowshoe hiking, curling and skating at the indoor ice rink. There are lots of sledging runs, including the longest one in the world: from Faulhorn (near First) to Bussalp and Grindelwald.

Each January, Grindelwald hosts the World Snow Festival. You can watch beautiful ice sculptures made by international artists.

Grindelwald is a charming village in winter. It can be touristy and crowdy, especially during Christmas season and Swiss school holidays.