After exploring Zurich, we made our way to Grindelwald, a stunning village in Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region – and the highlight of my entire trip to this beautiful country. Visiting had been my mom’s childhood dream, and the moment we arrived, I understood why. With its charming chalets, lush green hills, and towering alpine peaks, Grindelwald felt like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
The Jungfrau Region is one of the most breathtaking areas of Switzerland, set in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, known for its dramatic mountain peaks, postcard-perfect villages, and incredible hiking trails. This part of the canton of Bern is home to some of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations: Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Wengen.
We spent 5 days in Grindelwald taking day trips to Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, but if you’re only focusing on Grindelwald, three days is the perfect amount of time to soak in its magic. This picturesque mountain village is famous for its stunning views of the Eiger – an almost 4,000-meter peak that dominates the skyline of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen – as well as adventure sports, breathtaking hikes, and access to the legendary Top of Europe.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Grindelwald, Switzerland – including the best things to do, where to stay, and tips to make the most of your trip.
Distances And Travel Times Between Jungfrau Region Destinations
| From | To | Distance | Travel Time (Train) |
| Interlaken | Grindelwald | 20 km | 35 minutes |
| Grindelwald | Lauterbrunnen | 15 km | 40 minutes |
| Interlaken | Lauterbunnen | 12 km | 20 minutes |
| Lauterbrunnen | Wengen | 3 km | 15 minutes |
| Lauterbrunnen | Mürren | 5 km | 25 minutes (train + cable car)* |
| Wengen | Mürren | 6 km | 45 minutes (train + cable car)* |
*Wengen and Mürren are completely car-free, so the only way to reach them is by train or cable car.
Best Time To Visit Grindelwald, Switzerland
The best time to visit Grindelwald depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for – whether it’s summer hikes, winter skiing, or a quieter escape with fewer crowds. Each season offers something unique, so here’s what you need to know before planning your trip to help you decide when the best time for you to visit is.
Grindelwald has 2 peak tourist seasons: summer (June to September) and winter (December to February). In the Summer, you can enjoy lush green landscapes, wildflowers, and ideal weather for hiking and other outdoor activities. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for long days outdoors. However, you may expect more crowds, especially in July and August. I visited in early September, which was an amazing time – still warm, but with fewer tourists all around, and it was perfect. In the Winter, it is peak ski season, turning Grindelwald into a snowy wonderland. With temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C, it’s ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the cozy alpine atmosphere with winter markets and après-ski vibes. However, this is one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit, so booking accommodations early is a must.
If you prefer fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience, Spring (April to May) and Fall (October to November) are a great time to visit for cooler temperatures. But beware that in November, some attractions and cable cars start to shut down as the region prepares for winter. Early spring and late fall are the quietest times in Grindelwald, which means lower prices – but you may be limited on activities as some lifts and restaurants may be closed.
Where To Stay In Grindelwald, Switzerland
Although Interlaken serves as the main transportation hub with train connections to other towns and villages in the Jungfrau Region, I chose Grindelwald as our home base for a more immersive alpine experience. Surrounded by towering mountains and roaring rivers, this picturesque village offers breathtaking views at every turn, all while being quieter and more serene while still having easy access to transportation.
We stayed at the Eiger Lodge Chic, the modern hotel side of Eiger Lodge, while the ‘Easy’ side caters to budget travelers with hostel-style accommodations. Breakfast is included for all guests, no matter which side you stay on, and is served in a communal style at the main building. There was a good variety of food, making it a great way to start the day before heading out for adventures in the Swiss Alps. And speaking of food, staying at the Eiger Lodge also gives you a discount at Barry’s Restaurant in Grindelwald Village.
I specifically chose a room with a mountain view, and it was absolutely worth it. The room itself was modern, stylish, and felt brand new, offering a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. But the real highlight? Waking up each morning to the breathtaking sight of the towering mountains right outside my window it was truly an unforgettable experience! Here’s an Instagram reel of my views every day.
Located just a 2-minute walk from the Grindelwald Terminal, it was the perfect base for exploring the region. The convenience of being so close to the terminal made it easy to access Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, Grindelwald First, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken.
Where To Eat In Grindelwald, Switzerland
There are many great places to eat in Grindelwald, but there were 2 that I went to that particularly stood out to me.
Glacier Fine Dining, located at Hotel Glacier right in front of the iconic Eiger North Face, blends luxury, breathtaking views, and exceptional cuisine that blends alpine tradition with a French flair. This Michelin Guide restaurant offers an unforgettable experience, especially if you get a seat at their terrace. You can even catch a glimpse of parachuters gliding through the sky. If you’re in Grindelwald, this restaurant is a must-visit! Here’s an Instagram reel of my experience.
Stallbeizli-Heuboden is a traditional Swiss restaurant made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients located in Grindelwald with outdoor seating that gives you the perfect panoramic view of the chalet-style houses scattered across the valley, the gondolas gliding back and forth, and the towering mountain peaks that surround you. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty cheese fondue, a rösti, or a raclette sandwich and a delicious homemade dessert like me, every bite is paired with an unforgettable view, making it a must-visit spot for those looking to experience the magic of Grindelwald. Here’s an Instagram reel of the amazing views.
If you’re looking for more dining options, check out other Michelin Guide restaurants in Grindelwald and the Top Restaurants in Grindelwald. For must-try Swiss dishes during your stay, take a look at A Complete Guide To Exploring Geneva And Tips For Visiting Switzerland for specific Swiss dishes.
How To Get Around Grindelwald, Switzerland
Getting around Grindelwald is fairly easy thanks to its walkable village and well-connected public transportation system. If you enjoy walking like I do, Grindelwald’s charming streets and breathtaking scenery make exploring on foot a great option. Many restaurants, shops, and scenic spots are within a reasonable walking distance. And like many hotels in Switzerland, accommodations in Grindelwald provide guests with a complimentary transportation card, allowing free access to the local bus network. The Grindelwald bus system is convenient for reaching popular attractions, trailheads, and different areas of the village without the need for a car. The buses run frequently and connect to key points like Grindelwald Terminal and the train station. For longer distances, the Grindelwald Terminal serves as a hub for cable cars and trains. From here, you can ride the train towards other nearby towns and villages in the Jungfrau Region or to the next Swiss city you’ll be visiting.
For those looking to explore other areas, the Swiss Travel Pass is a great option, offering unlimited train, bus, and boat rides across Switzerland. I personally opted for the Swiss Half Fare Card, and I explain more about what your best option may be in A Complete Guide To Exploring Geneva And Tips For Visiting Switzerland. The other option is to get the Berner Oberland Pass for the entire Bernese Oberland area with any number of journeys by their public transport system, and also get discounts that are 10-100% off at around 40 of their partners.
Best Things To Do In Grindelwald
Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking mountain villages, offering the perfect blend of adventure and stunning alpine scenery. Even if you’re not into hiking, there are still plenty of ways to experience the beauty of this region. While I had hoped to fit in a hike or two, I had to skip them this time since I was traveling with my mom, who isn’t a fan of strenuous activities. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience at all – I ended up having an even better time than I had imagined! Here are some of the best things to do in Grindelwald:
Adventure Through Grindelwald First
Time Spent – 3 hours or more
How To Get There – A 5-minute walk from Grindelwald Train Station, you will take the gondola from the Firstbahn Gondola Station in Grindelwald Village to reach Grindelwald First. It is about a 25-minute gondola ride, with a couple of stops along the way and gorgeous scenery to look at.
Why You Should Visit – Grindelwald First, also known as “Top of Adventure” is the ultimate mountain playground in Switzerland. Known for its thrilling walkway, built along the cliffs of First, offers some jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The viewing platform extends over the edge and will make you feel like you’re floating above the mountains. On a clear day, you can see the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It’s the perfect place for an exhilarating experience without a strenuous hike, and it’s completely free with your gondola ride up to First. On this mountain summit, there are also other exciting activities you may want to do including: 1) zipline on the First Flyer/First Glider that soars over the valley 2) ride the mountain cart or trottibike down the scenic alpine trails 3) hike to the stunning Bachalpsee Lake (about a 2-hour hike roundtrip), one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and has a perfect reflection of the mountain. If you need a bite to eat or just want to take a break, Berggasthaus First is a restaurant right by the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and you can choose to dine inside or outside on their terrace to continue enjoying the mountain views. Here’s an Instagram reel of my time at Grindelwald First.
Note: Arrive early to avoid crowds – the line for the Cliff Walk can get pretty long, especially when some visitors turn their visit into an impromptu photo and video shoot, holding up everyone behind them. (Yes, that actually happened, and the crowd even gave a round of applause when they finally finished!)
Explore Glacier Canyon (Gletscherschlucht Grindelwald)
Time Spent – 1 hour
Why You Should Visit – Carved out by the Lower Grindelwald Glacier over 250 million years, you can explore the 300-meter-high walls of the Glacier Canyon that leads you through a 1-kilometer walkway through tunnels and viewing platforms that have interactive, educational installations to learn about the history. There is also a Spiderweb Net that hovers 7 meters above the rushing glacial stream, or if you’re feeling brave, you can try the Canyon Swing – a thrilling 90-meter free-fall into the depths of the canyon. If you decide to visit later in the evening, you can experience the illuminated night walk for a magical view of the canyon after dark. Here’s an Instagram reel walkthrough of my time at Glacier Canyon.
Get To The Top Of Europe At Jungfraujoch
Time Spent – 3 to 5 hours
How To Get There – From Grindelwald Terminal, you will take the Eiger Express gondola to Eigerglestcher (Eiger Glacier) and take a short break for some photos before taking the Jungrfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch. On the way back, instead of taking the Eiger Express gondola back to Grindelwald Terminal, I recommend taking the train to Kleine Scheidegg for a super-scenic view, where you’ll be coming down from the other side of the mountain right into Grindelwald.
Why You Should Visit – Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level that has been operating since 1912. With snow year-round, this bucket-list destination offers a mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget to dress for the weather as it’s about -7 degrees Celsius up there! Here’s what you can experience during your visit: 1) The Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world, offers panoramic views of the longest glacier (over 23 kilometers) in the Alps – Aletsch Glacier – where, on a clear day, you can see as far as France, Italy, and Germany 2) An Ice Palace, where you walk through frozen tunnels with intricately carved ice sculptures and walls 3) A Snow Fun Park where you can ski, sled, tube, or even zipline with unreal glacier views 4) Send mail from Europe’s highest post office with the exclusive Jungfraujoch stamp 5) Take a multimedia journey back in time through over 100 years of history of the Jungfrau Railway 6) Visit the highest Lindt shop in the world 7) Choose from 4 restaurants, offering everything from Swiss specialties to Indian cuisine. Note: Try to book your ticket at least a day before you decide to visit to ensure you get to go at the time you want. Jungfraujoch is the biggest attraction in Grindelwald, and it gets sold out fast.
Visit Pfingstegg For Hiking And A Mountain Slide
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
How To Get There – From Grindelwald Village, you can take the Pfingstegg cable car. The ride lasts just a few minutes and offers panoramic views of the stunning Swiss Alps. If you’re up for a more challenging adventure, you can also hike from Grindelwald Village to the summit.
Why You Should Visit – Located at 1,391 meters above sea level, Pfingstegg is a popular summer destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Whether you’re into hiking or simply soaking in spectacular mountain views, you’ll find plenty to explore. There are several hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels, with breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. For an extra dose of fun, experience the Alpine Coaster, one of the longest summer toboggan runs in Switzerland. The 736-meter track takes you down the mountain at speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour. You can also challenge yourself with the Fly-Line adventure—a thrilling ride along a 350-meter steel track, where you’ll be harnessed and glide through the forest at speeds of up to 12 kilometers per hour for 2.5 minutes. In addition to these activities, don’t miss the Pfingstegg Glacier Garden, where you can dive into the region’s fascinating glacial history and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Relax At Grindelwald Village
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Why You Should Visit – This is most likely where a majority of your meals may be as this is the main street where many restaurants and shops are located. Stroll around the village and visit the small cafes for a relaxing coffee, or sit on a bench to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding landscape. Whether you’re taking in the majestic scenery or enjoying some downtime at one of the quaint shops, Grindelwald Village is the ideal place to recharge and appreciate the beauty of the region. You’ll find everything you need to make your visit memorable, from local delicacies to unique Swiss souvenirs, making it a perfect stop for those looking to slow down and enjoy the alpine vibe.
Grindelwald is just one of the many stunning destinations in Switzerland that offer unforgettable experiences. If you’re craving more Swiss adventures, make sure to check out my other Switzerland blog posts for travel tips, hidden gems, and must-see spots in Switzerland.