Hey globetrotters, are you looking for a postcard-perfect destination, then the picturesque town of Grindelwald is the place for you. Scattered on the slopes of the Lütschine Valley is Switzerland’s natural beauty and charm. There is magic all over this place, every step offers incredible views, with one better than the other. The green meadows, snow Peak Mountains, wooden houses and the many things to do here makes for a truly memorable and adventurous Swiss holiday.
Table of Contents
How To Get To Grindelwald
Grindelwald, being a part of the Jungfrau region, is very close to Interlaken. So the only way to get her is via Interlaken. Take a train to Interlaken Ost station and then another train to Grindelwald. The entire journey takes about 25-30 minutes. Once at Grindelwald Terminal you can either walk to the town, take a bus or even take another train to Grindelwald Grund station. Because of the many tourists coming in, the village is well equipped with good long roads and plenty of accommodation options.
Grindelwald By Public Transport: There are excellent public transport services connecting Interlaken to Grindelwald which is just 20.3 kilometers away. Frequent buses and trains connect the two towns in just about 30 to 35 minutes. For holders of the Swiss Travel Pass, Jungfrau Travel Pass and the Regional Pass Berner Oberland, Train travel from Interlaken to Grindelwald is free of charge.
Grindelwald By Car: If you’re renting a car, getting to Grindelwald is not very complicated. An easy drive of 25 to 30 minutes from Interlaken will bring you to Grindelwald. The drive up is so breathtaking that you will wish for some more time on the road.
Grindelwald By Private Transfer: If you are short of time and here only for a day, book a private transfer directly from Zurich Airport to Grindelwald to save time.
Grindelwald By Air: For the ones looking for adventure before stepping into Grindelwald, book a parachute ride to arrive in style. You can also club your skydive jump along with a helicopter flight to Grindelwald.
How To Get Around Grindelwald
Private and rented cars can get you only till Grindelwald. From here to move up to the mountains, trains and cable cars are only modes of transportation that can take you up. The best way to get around is by train, so we highly recommend an ultimate ‘Top of Europe Pass’ that will help move freely in Grindelwald, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald First, Männlichen and everywhere in between. Hopping on and off the public transportation system, gondolas and trains without wasting time standing in long queues makes travel in Grindelwald fast and hassle free.
A ‘Swiss Travel Pass’ is also highly recommended if you are traveling throughout Switzerland. A Swiss Travel Pass includes – unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat; Public transportation in more than 90 cities and towns; mountain excursions to Rigi, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn, and Stoos; free admission to 500 museums in Switzerland.
Best Things To Do In Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a destination filled with activities to explore for weeks together. If you are looking to spend only a day or two, you won’t be disappointed either. It’s not just the winter, there are plenty of adventure things to do in Grindelwald in the summers too. Enjoy some adventure amidst spectacular views with our list of top things to do in this all-season destination.
Take A Scenic Train Ride To Jungfraujoch
Going up to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe is one of the best things to do in Grindelwald. The 50 minutes slow and steady climb allows one to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Grindelwald in Switzerland to Jungfraujoch has only two stops, one at Eigerwand and the other at Eismeer. The Jungfraujoch train ride gives a chance to see Eiger and Mönch mountains too. Once you are up there, there are many activities to explore, like the Ice Palace, Sphinx Vantage Terrace and much more. This marvelous train journey to Europe’s highest train station is a must when visiting Switzerland.
Gondola Ride To Grindelwald First
If you have planned a visit to Grindelwald, then your first stop should be at Grindelwald First. Grindelwald First which is also known as “Top of Adventure ” is a mountain peak which is 2184 m above sea level. The best way to get to the summit is via the gondola. These six-seater gondolas take about 25 minutes to reach the top, so there is enough time to sit back and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery on your ascend. Head down the mountains with the many popular activities that are available. We recommend you take the Grindelwald First Adventure Package to go down the mountain in style. The adventure package is inclusive of the First Flyer, First Glider, First Mountain Cart, First Trotti Bike Scooter and First Tissot Cliffwalk. With so many adventure activities to experience, a trip to Grindelwald is incomplete without a visit to Grindelwald First.
Hike To Lake Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee Lake, one of the most beautiful and accessible lakes, is situated just a few kilometers away from Grindelwald First. To get to the trailhead, you first need to take the cable car from Grindelwald. Once you reach the trailhead, an easy 3-kilometer hike will bring you to the most beautiful lake in Switzerland. The deep-blue lake surrounded by towering peaks and blooming alpine flowers makes for a pretty sight. On a sunny day you can see the reflection of the towering alpine peaks in the lake. This uphill but easy hike is perfect for people of all ages. It’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic alongside the tranquil water or to take a light walk around the lake.
Go On A Glacier Canyon Walk
Glacier Canyon, also called Gletscherschlucht in German, is a walkable network built between walls that offers incredible views. This extraordinary natural wonder is a must-see while here. It is basically a one-kilometer walkway built into the cliff’s face that allows one to discover how the gorge was formed. Walking through the rock galleries and naturally formed tunnels takes around one to two hours. Brave ones can walk across the ‘spider web’ which is a suspended net over the river Lutschine. This activity is ideal to do between the months of May to November.
Bike Ride To Grosse Scheidegg
How about biking through a car-free mountain pass enjoying the views of the valley and the snowy peaks? Grosse Scheidegg is the right place to experience this. Hire a bike from a store in Grindelwald Terminal and set off on a ride of a lifetime. The mountain pass that connects Grindelwald and Meiringen takes you through valleys, flowery meadows, waterfalls and steep mountain peaks with the town below. You cannot deny the fact that this is one of the most beautiful places to see in Grindelwald. Although the roads are closed for cars, if you don’t want to go biking, bus service is an alternate means of transport that will take you from Grindelwald to the summit.
Slide Down Pfingstegg Toboggan
Situated at the Pfingstegg gondola mountain station, toboggan run is a summer activity which is enjoyed not just by kids but by adults too. A 725-meter dash to the bottom is a fun attraction that can spike your adrenaline levels. To slide down the Pfingstegg toboggan slide, you first need to get to the top of Pfingstegg. A cable car from Grindelwald will take care of that. As you glide down the mountain, you’ll enjoy the incredible scenery which has views of grasslands, nearby peaks. This activity is open only between the summer months of May to October.
Enjoy A Cable Car Ride In Mannlichen
Ride up the Männlichen Summit station in just a few minutes in a modern cable car from Grindelwald. Two large cabins that can accommodate around 65 people travel back and forth every day to Männlichen Summit. During the five minutes glide to the summit, one can catch glimpses of Männlichen natural landscape that has stunning views. There’s also the Royal ride which allows one to ride on the cabin roof which is truly an unique experience. This magnificent open-air balcony ride is available only between spring and autumn each year. A cable car ride is another must do activity while in Grindelwald.
Skiing And Snowboarding In The Winters
All the activities mentioned above are best done during the warmer months of the year. So here’s something for the winter months too. With many popular ski resorts here, Grindelwald is one of the best destinations for world class skiing and snowboarding. There are numerous slopes to suit all levels of skiers. If you are an adventurous person and love the cold, come here during the months of October to February. Grab your ski-pass, for Grindelwald’s ski resorts are waiting to welcome you!
Gastronomic Experience For Your Taste Buds
The town of Grindelwald is not just popular for its exquisite views, it is also very famous because of the lip-smacking cuisines that it offers. The restaurants here offer something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. From the traditional cheese fondue to delicious butter-soft chocolates, from local dishes to flavors of different countries, you are sure to find your favorite food here. Do try out the delicious local non-vegetarian dish called ‘Schnitzel’ which is made of mutton, pork, beef, veal, or turkey. Sit back and enjoy as you embark on a culinary journey like never before.
Stroll Through Grindelwald Village
The best way to learn about the culture and history of Grindelwald is by going on a stroll through the villages. This mountain town village streets are filled with wooden chalets, sharply pitched roofs and window-sills adorned with colorful pots. Walking through the streets of the town, surrounded by Swiss Alps and snowy peaks gives a fantastic feel. Explore the many shops, restaurants and Coop supermarket in and around the place. Stop by to pick some souvenirs and chocolates to take back home. Sipping your favorite drink with a loved one with the backdrop of the Swiss Alps is the best way to end a Grindelwald trip.
Bonus Things To Do In Grindelwald
Hiking – Grindelwald is a very popular place for hiking. From an easy stroll for all ages to varying difficult hikes for experienced hikers, this place has numerous paths and trails suitable for any level of hiker. Some of the popular hikes are, hike to Bachalpsee, the Panoramaweg hike between Mannlichen and Kleine Scheidegg and the hike down to Wengen from Mannlichen.
Canyon Swing – Do you have the nerves of steel to take a free fall between the canyon walls? This activity is not recommended for faint hearts. Brave hearts can experience Canyon swing at the Grindelwald Glacier Canyon between mid-April until mid-November.
Indoor Rope Park – Before climbing the Eiger trail, try your hand at the indoor rope park. These climbs are safer as they are controlled climbs. The rope park which is the largest in Europe is located at Sportzentrum Grindelwald.
Spa and Wellness Centers – After a day filled with adventure, how about some self-pampering? Go for a spa treatment that includes steam baths, saunas and solariums to boost wellness. There are many hotels that provide this service. A great way to end a great day!
Aletsch Glacier – Experience the Aletsch Glacier, which is the region’s biggest glacier. The 14 miles long glacier which carries 11 billion tons of ice can be crossed from one end to another with the help of a suspension bridge. This natural wonder is so spectacular that it has been listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also Read: Beauty In The Alps: 8 Best Places To Visit In Switzerland
What makes travelers come back for more is not just the heavenly surroundings but also the numerous activities that make the trip more exciting and adventurous. Go pick what suits you the best to add more fun and adventure to that perfect vacation in Europe.
FAQ’s On Things To Do In Grindelwald
Its scenic surroundings, the many options for winter and summer adventure activities, delicious local cuisines and a lively nightlife scene makes Grindelwald totally worth the visit.
Recommended itinerary of 2 to 3 days is good enough to experience the whole of Grindelwald. First two days can be spent at Grindelwald-First enjoying the many activities and the third day can be kept aside to enjoy the scenic train ride and to visit the other popular attractions.
You can only drive up to Grindelwald as this place is mostly motor vehicle free. Don’t despair as most of the mountain towns can only be accessed by cable cars or trains. There are plenty of cable cars and trains to get you around this beautiful town.
Grindelwald is a year-round destination as each season offers travelers something different. However the best time to visit is between the months of June to October when the temperature is around 20°C. This is the time of the year when there is very little rain and Grindelwald weather is very pleasant for outdoor activities.
