Grindelwald is a picturesque mountain village located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It is situated at an altitude of 1,034 meters (3,392 feet) and is surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain peaks in the world, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Grindelwald is a popular tourist destination, known for its skiing and winter sports. The village has a range of ski slopes for all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert, and also offers opportunities for snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In the summer, Grindelwald is a popular hiking destination, with numerous trails leading through the mountains and valleys.
How to get to Grindelwald and around
Grindelwald is accessible by several modes of transportation. Here are some of the ways to get to Grindelwald:
By train: The easiest way to reach Grindelwald. There are regular train services from major cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Bern to Grindelwald. The train journey is scenic and offers beautiful views of the Swiss countryside.
We arrived in Grindelwald by train from Spiez and continued to Grindelwald Grund where our airbnb is located. There was no Taxi at Grund so if you’re carrying heavy suitcases, it is better to reserve a Taxi from Grindelwald main train station. We weren’t aware there won’t be any taxi at Grund so we just walk up to our accommodation.
By car: If you are driving, Grindelwald is accessible via the A8 motorway. The village is around a 2.5-hour drive from Zurich and a 3.5-hour drive from Geneva.
By bus: There are also bus services from major cities to Grindelwald, although these are less frequent than train services.
By plane: If you are arriving by plane, the closest airport is Zurich Airport. From there, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Grindelwald.
Once you arrive in Grindelwald, the village is easily navigable on foot. If you plan to explore the surrounding mountains, you can take a cable car or train to reach the hiking and skiing areas.
Why staying in Grindelwald
Originally we were thinking of staying in Interlaken, a bigger town compare to Grindelwald. But as we look at the map on how to get to Jungfraujoch we found out that from Interlaken we will need to either go to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen is located in the valley while Grindelwald is up in the hill. After browsing thru airbnb we finally find a good house with a good view of the mountain in Grindelwald Grund. There is no supermarket in Grund so we need to do our grocery shop in Grindelwald town and there is only 1 restaurant in Grund. If you like to be convenient it is better to stay in Grindelwald town. But if you want a view and don’t mind with not having restaurant and supermarket nearby you can stay in Grund.
Things to do in Grindelwald
Skiing and Snowboarding
Grindelwald is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The village has a range of ski slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Hiking
Grindelwald is a popular hiking destination, with numerous trails leading through the mountains and valleys. The area offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe,” is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 3,454 meters (11,332 feet). Visitors can reach the Jungfraujoch via the Jungfrau Railway, which is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Read our post here on how to get to Jungfraujoch.
Visit Grindelwald First and take the Cliff Walk
The First Cliff Walk is a suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is located on Grindelwald First, an adventure park located atop the First Mountain in the village of Grindelwald. It is an exciting family holiday destination with fun-filled activities for people of all ages. You are sure to enjoy every part of your trip starting with the train and cable car ride to reach Grindelwald-First. Once there, you can experience flying like a bird on the First Glider or First Flyer, or go on a breathtaking adventure on the Cliff Walk. You can also ride a mountain cart, Trottibike scooter, or bike and explore the surroundings, or even go on a 1-hour trek to the mesmerizing Lake Bachalpsee. The Bort Alpine Playground guarantees adventure and fun for the little children as well.
Opening time:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM. to 12:00 PM. and 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 PM.
Sunday: Closed
Exception: November 25th, 2022, Friday: 8:00 AM. – 12:00 PM.
The Grindelwald-First cable cars operate as follows:
Summer: From 8:00 AM. to 6:00 PM.
Winter: From 8:30 AM. to 5:30 PM.
How to get there: From Grindelwald, ride the First Railway cable car from the valley station in the upper village center, to reach Grindelwald-First. The cable car ride takes almost 25 minutes to reach First.
Paragliding
Grindelwald offers opportunities for paragliding, with experienced instructors providing tandem flights over the mountains.
Mountain Biking
Grindelwald has a range of mountain biking trails, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Rock Climbing
Grindelwald offers opportunities for rock climbing, with experienced guides providing instruction and equipment.
Traditional Swiss Cuisine
Grindelwald has a range of restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine, including hearty mountain dishes such as fondue and raclette. You must have heard what fondue is but you may not know what raclette is. The name “raclette” comes from the French word “racler,” which means “to scrape,” and refers to the process of scraping melted cheese off a wheel or block of cheese onto a plate of potatoes, vegetables, and meats.
The cheese used in raclette is typically a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese that has a rich and nutty flavor. The cheese is melted either in front of an open fire or in a special raclette machine, and then scraped onto the plate. Raclette is often served with boiled potatoes, pickled onions, gherkins, and dried meats such as prosciutto or salami. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is popular in Switzerland and other alpine regions.
Overall Grindelwald make a great base if you like being in the mountain and want to explore Jungfrau region. I hope our article helps with your planning.
