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Get to know Grindelwald: 5 great things to do on your trip

Holidays to Grindelwald in the Jungfrau region tick off all the best bits about being in the Swiss Alps. We’re talking mountain railways, famous summits and scenic strolls that’ll have you camera-clicking all week long. And to seal the deal, you’ll get a visitor’s card included with your stay that gives you free bus travel, as well as discounts on some activities and attractions. Get a glimpse of what you could be doing on your Grindelwald trip with our snapshot of the highlights…

1. Head to the heights on the Jungfrau Railway

Hop aboard one of Switzerland’s best train trips and clack your way up to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454m – with views all the way to Italy, France and Germany, it’s easy to see why this spot is nicknamed the ‘Top of Europe’. One of the must-snap photo opps is from the Sphinx Observatory, where you can look over the Great Aletsch glacier and see more peaks than you can count stretching into the distance.

And before heading back down, don’t miss going inside the Snow Park’s Ice Palace to check out hand-carved sculptures of eagles, bears and other animals in tunnels cut deep under the glacier.
Red train with mountain backdrop.

2. Take a walk through a glacial gorge

Of all the paths around Grindelwald, the Glacial Gorge trail leads the way for wow-factor. It takes around an hour, following wooden bridges and passing through tunnels, with the Lütschine river splashing along beside you every step of the way. Then once you get to the end, you can step out onto the Spiderweb, a net that stretches right across the gorge, and look down to see the rushing water 7m below your feet.
Wooden boardwalk through a gorge with a river.
© David Birri

3. Go summit spotting on the Schilthorn cable cars

For an outing that’s bound to keep your camera finger busy, it’s well worth visiting nearby Mürren. From there, four linked lifts carry you up to the Schilthorn summit, where you’ve got a 360-degree lookout over 200 peaks, including the most well-known trio in Switzerland, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

James Bond buffs might also recognise the rotating Piz Gloria restaurant up here – it starred as the villain’s lair in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The real star is the scenery though, so book a table and watch the mountains glide by as you munch on a sharing platter of Swiss specialities.
Schilthorn cable car.

4. Tuck in at a traditional Swiss restaurant

If you’re after an authentic lunch spot in town, try Barry’s, which is named after a St Bernard mountain rescue dog that lived 200 years ago. Inside, there’s a rustic alpine look with lots of natural wood and stone, as well as pics of the famous hound himself on the walls.

And menu-wise, you’ve got some of Switzerland’s best dishes to tempt you – think national faves like rösti, which is a crispy potato pancake that comes loaded with toppings from fried egg and bacon to spinach and smoked salmon.
Rösti
Rösti

5. Discover scenic paths and picnic spots on First Mountain

Grindelwald’s local peak is just a gondola ride from the centre of town. At the top, you’ve got heart-in-your-mouth views every step of the way on the First Cliff Walk – a series of walkways bolted to the rock that ends with a 45m-long platform over a sheer drop.

Then afterwards, you can swing by the Berggasthaus restaurant and drink a coffee while paragliders take off from the grassy slope nearby. Or for an extra-special picnic spot, follow the path to Bachalpsee lake. A gentle 1-hour stroll from the gondola station, its still water reflects the snow-capped Schreckhorn mountain, and there are benches and shared barbecues for an al fresco lunch.

Where to stay: hotels in Grindelwald

Hotel Derby

The Derby’s a classic Swiss pick in a winning location – it's under a minute's walk from the train station and not much further to First gondola so it's really easy to get out and explore. And when you get back to the hotel, wrap up your day with a drink and take in mountain views from the terrace.

Hotel Kreuz & Post

You’ll feel at home the moment you step inside the Hotel Kreuz & Post. The rooms feel spacious and modern, and the service here is second to none. Heading out and about couldn’t be simpler – just step out the door and walk a few metres to get to the Jungfrau mountain railway.

Sunstar Grindelwald

The sleek Sunstar hotel mixes of modern decor with a touch of Swiss tradition. It’s got some fab facilities – the indoor pool has huge windows looking out on the Eiger mountain, one of Switzerland's famous peaks. Plus there's a modern spa with a Finnish sauna log cabin.

Keen to make for the mountains this summer? Start planning your holiday to Grindelwald, or take a look at our favourite things to do in nearby Interlaken.

Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Mathew Robinson

Last updated: 13.05.2024

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