Top Attractions in Grindelwald: Hiking, Skiing, and Breathtaking Alpine Views

Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, the idyllic village of Grindelwald is a breathtaking mix of rugged alpine landscapes, charming Swiss chalets, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by iconic peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Grindelwald is both a peaceful mountain retreat and a bustling base for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers.
 

From tranquil valley walks to adrenaline-pumping mountain sports, Grindelwald offers something for every traveler — all set against one of the most stunning backdrops in Europe.

📍 Where is Grindelwald?

Region: Canton of Bern, Switzerland

Altitude: ~1,034 meters (3,392 feet) above sea level

Language: German (Swiss-German dialect)

Nearest major towns: Interlaken (~35 minutes by train), Lauterbrunnen, Wengen

Grindelwald sits in the Jungfrau Region, one of the most scenic areas of the Swiss Alps. Its location makes it an ideal hub for day trips to Jungfraujoch, First Cliff Walk, or Schynige Platte.

🌟 Why Visit Grindelwald?

🏔️ Stunning views of the Eiger North Face

🚠 Access to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

🥾 World-class hiking and alpine trails

🎿 Excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter

📸 Instagram-worthy views, alpine villages, and wildflower meadows

🚡 Scenic mountain cableways and trains

Whether you're a casual traveler or a thrill-seeker, Grindelwald delivers a classic Swiss Alps experience with unforgettable scenery.

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Grindelwald

1. 🚠 Ride to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Altitude: 3,454 meters (11,332 ft)

Access via: Grindelwald Terminal → Eiger Express → Jungfraujoch

Highlights: Ice Palace, Aletsch Glacier views, Alpine Sensation tunnel, Sphinx Observatory

The journey to the highest railway station in Europe is an adventure in itself. On a clear day, you can see the Aletsch Glacier and even as far as France and Germany.

2. 🌉 First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Access via: Grindelwald First gondola (20 min ride)

Experience: A steel walkway suspended off the cliff with dramatic panoramic views

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush with safe thrills, this is it. The views of Wetterhorn, Eiger, and the surrounding peaks are mind-blowing.

3. 🥾 Hike to Bachalpsee

Trailhead: First station

Distance: ~6 km round trip (~2 hours)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Why go: One of the most photographed lakes in Switzerland, known for mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks

A must-do for nature lovers. Wildflowers in summer and snow-framed vistas in spring and autumn create postcard-perfect conditions.

4. 🛷 Try the First Flyer or First Glider

What is it? High-speed zip lines between mountain stations

Top speeds: Up to 84 km/h

Suitable for: Families, adventure seekers

Available from spring to autumn — it’s a unique way to experience the mountain thrill.

5. 🏔️ Eiger Trail

From: Eigergletscher Station to Alpiglen

Distance: ~6 km (~2–3 hours)

Level: Moderate

Why it’s special: This trail runs directly below the infamous Eiger North Face, providing an up-close experience with alpine rock history

Ideal for those seeking a scenic and historic hike with manageable difficulty.

6. 🎿 Winter Sports in Grindelwald-Wengen Ski Area

Ski season: December to April

Ski area: Over 200 km of runs

Includes: Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, Männlichen, and connection to Lauberhorn World Cup track

Grindelwald becomes a winter paradise with skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, and cozy après-ski venues.

🛌 Where to Stay in Grindelwald

🌟 Luxury

Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof (5⭐): Alpine charm with spa, fine dining, and Eiger views

Hotel Belvedere (4⭐ Superior): Family-run with panoramic balconies and gourmet cuisine

🏡 Mid-range

Hotel Spinne: Central, with a spa and excellent mountain views

Hotel Gletschergarten: Traditional, family-run, with friendly service and heritage design

💰 Budget

Eiger Lodge: Modern, clean hostel near terminal station

Downtown Lodge: Affordable option for backpackers and groups

🍽️ What to Eat in Grindelwald

Must-Try Swiss Dishes

🧀 Cheese fondue or raclette after a chilly hike

🍝 Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine macaroni with cheese, potatoes, and onions)

🥩 Rösti with sausage or alpine beef stew

Recommended Restaurants

Restaurant Barry’s: Stylish alpine dining with regional specialties

C und M Café Bar Restaurant: Great views, creative seasonal dishes

Golden India: Excellent option for spicy and vegetarian meals

Onkel Tom’s Hütte: Cozy pizzeria perfect after a long day outdoors

🚆 How to Get to Grindelwald

From Interlaken

Train: Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (~35 minutes)

Scenic ride through alpine valleys and villages

From Zurich or Geneva

From Zurich: ~2.5 hours via Bern and Interlaken

From Geneva: ~3.5 hours via Lausanne, Bern, Interlaken

Trains run frequently and efficiently, with connections timed to Swiss perfection.

📅 Best Time to Visit Grindelwald

📸 Best Photo Spots

📍 First Cliff Walk – with the Alps behind you

📍 Bachalpsee – reflections of the mountains on a calm day

📍 Eiger Trail – iconic views of the Eiger’s north face

📍 Grindelwald village – traditional chalets with flower boxes and snowcapped peaks

🧭 1-Day Itinerary in Grindelwald (Summer)

Morning:

Ride the First gondola

Do the First Cliff Walk

Hike to Bachalpsee and return

Afternoon:

Lunch at First or in the village

Visit Glacier Canyon (Gletscherschlucht) with suspended walkways

Evening:

Dine at Barry’s or enjoy fondue with mountain views

🎒 Tips for Visiting Grindelwald

🧥 Pack layers — mountain weather changes fast

🥾 Wear good hiking boots for alpine trails

💳 Use the Berner Oberland Regional Pass or Swiss Travel Pass for discounted train/cable rides

📱 Download SBB Mobile App for travel planning

☀️ Start early — mornings have the clearest views

🌍 Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

Lauterbrunnen Valley: Waterfalls, base-jumping, tranquil trails (~30 min)

Wengen: Traffic-free alpine village with stunning views

Mürren and Schilthorn: James Bond filming location, via Lauterbrunnen

Harder Kulm: Viewpoint above Interlaken for sunset vistas

Lake Brienz & Lake Thun: Crystal-clear lakes ideal for a relaxed day

🧠 Did You Know?

Grindelwald was a favorite destination for English tourists in the 19th century

It was one of the first Swiss resorts to attract international climbers, drawn to the Eiger North Face

The village inspired scenes in movies like “The Golden Compass” and “Star Wars: Episode III”

✨ Final Thoughts: Why Grindelwald Should Be on Your Bucket List

Grindelwald is not just a postcard-perfect alpine village — it’s a gateway to the most iconic scenery in the Swiss Alps. Whether you're hiking to glacial lakes, skiing through fresh powder, or simply sipping hot chocolate with a view, the village offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, Swiss hospitality, and authentic mountain charm.

From sunrise above the Eiger to sunsets over the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Grindelwald captures the magic of the mountains like nowhere else.