Grindelwald Travel Guide, Switzerland

If you are planning things to do in Grindelwald, start with the setting. The village sits at about 1,034 m above sea level in the Bernese Oberland, overlooked by a section of the Bernese Alps running from the Wetterhorn to the Eiger. That wall of rock and ice rises close enough to the village that you can see it from the main street.

Grindelwald has been an Alpine tourist destination since the golden age of alpinism in the 19th century, and it still works as one. It is the start of the Wengernalp Railway to Kleine Scheidegg, where the Jungfrau Railway continues towards the Jungfraujoch, and gondolas climb to viewpoints and trailheads above the village.

The village is a practical base rather than a quiet hideaway: it has plenty of lodging, a ski area in winter and walking routes for most abilities in summer. It is also within reach of Interlaken and the neighbouring Lauterbrunnen valley.

Expect Swiss prices and busy periods in July, August and the winter holidays.

Take a mountain railway towards Kleine Scheidegg

The Wengernalp Railway runs from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg, a journey of roughly 40 minutes. The pass sits directly under the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and many travellers use it as a base for walks. Allow half a day with a walk and a meal. Tip: go up early, because cloud often builds by afternoon.

Go up to the Jungfraujoch

The Jungfrau Railway, the highest railway in Europe, starts at Kleine Scheidegg and climbs to the Jungfraujoch, a high-alpine saddle with glacier views. Plan a full day and expect a premium ticket price. Tip: check the live visibility reports before you commit, as a cloudy day removes most of the point.

Walk from First to Bachalpsee

A gondola rises from the village to First, from where well-signed trails lead to the lake of Bachalpsee, often photographed with the peaks reflected in it. Allow two to four hours for the walk, depending on how far you go. Tip: the trail is usually snow-free only from early summer, so check conditions in June.

Try the First Cliff Walk

Near the First gondola station, a suspended walkway runs along the rock face above the valley. It takes under an hour and combines easily with a longer hike. Tip: go early or late in the day to avoid the queue at the busiest times.

Hike the valley and the Eiger Trail

Beyond the lifts there are many walking routes that start almost from your door, including trails below the Eiger north face. Choose a route by distance and ascent rather than by name, and carry water and a waterproof layer. Tip: tourist information offices publish current trail conditions.

Ski or snowboard in winter

The area around Grindelwald is a long-established winter destination, with ski runs on the slopes around the village and connections towards neighbouring resorts. Lift passes are priced by day count and season. Tip: book equipment hire early for Christmas and February weeks.

Wander the village and valley

The main street holds shops, cafes and cheese and chocolate sellers, and the surrounding hamlets such as Grund and Burglauenen are quick to reach. This works well as a low-effort half day. Tip: use it as your cloudy-day fallback when high viewpoints are shrouded.

Summer, from about June to September, is the main hiking season: lifts run on full schedules and high trails are generally clear of snow by midsummer. Winter, from December to March, brings skiing and snow-covered villages. Spring and autumn are quieter, but some lifts and mountain huts close for maintenance in the shoulder months, so check operating dates.

For inter-city routes, travel via Interlaken. Trains run about every 30 minutes from Bern; change at Interlaken Ost for the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB). Take the correct portion of the train, because part of it detaches for Lauterbrunnen at Zweilütschinen. The ride to Grindelwald takes around 30 minutes.

The main international airports are Zurich and Geneva, with Bern also an option for trains; allow roughly two to three hours by rail from Zurich, as of 2026 timetables, and confirm before you go.

Once in the village, most things are reachable on foot, and local buses and the railways cover the surrounding hamlets. Passes matter: a Swiss Travel Pass is valid to Grindelwald, while Interrail passes give a discount on BOB and Wengernalp trains rather than free travel on them. A car is unnecessary and parking in the village can be limited.

The village centre suits first-time visitors: you are near the station, the shops and the gondolas, and you can do without a car. Choose rooms with a mountain-facing balcony if the Eiger view matters, and expect rates to rise sharply in peak weeks.

Near the Grindelwald Terminal and the gondola stations, lodging suits skiers and early-start hikers who want to be first on the lift. Check how far it is from the main street if you plan to eat out.

Smaller hamlets such as Grund and Burglauenen are quieter and usually cheaper, and they stay on the railway line. They suit travellers who want calm evenings and do not mind a short train or bus ride.

For a lower budget, consider hostels or self-catering apartments, or stay in Interlaken and commute by train. Book early for July, August and winter holidays.

Two days is enough for the essentials if the weather cooperates, though three or four lets you adapt to cloud and mix easy and hard days. Mountain weather changes quickly, so keep the schedule flexible and decide on the big excursion the evening before, once you have seen the forecast.

1. Day 1: Take the gondola to First, walk to Bachalpsee and back, and finish in the village.
2. Day 2: Ride the Wengernalp Railway to Kleine Scheidegg, continue to the Jungfraujoch if visibility is good, and return by train.
3. Day 3: Choose a valley walk or a day trip to Lauterbrunnen, or ski if it is winter.

Interlaken

The gateway town to the Jungfrau Region lies between two lakes and is about 30 minutes away by the BOB train. It has boat services, a pleasant lakeside and plenty of restaurants. Allow half a day, and note that it is the usual change point for trains from Bern and Zurich.

Lauterbrunnen

The neighbouring valley is known for steep cliffs and waterfalls, and it forms part of the Jungfrau Region together with Grindelwald. You can reach it by train via Zweilütschinen. Allow a half to full day, and check the weather first, as the valley looks best in clear light.

Bern

The Swiss capital lies on the main line towards Interlaken and makes a sensible city stop on the way in or out. Its old town is compact, and you can see the highlights in a few hours. Check timetables, as the journey usually takes about an hour to Interlaken.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a lakeside city to the east, commonly visited from Interlaken or Grindelwald as a long day or an overnight stop. Plan a full day with train connections and confirm routes before you go.