Summary
Imagine an idyllic mountain resort, and Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps encapsulates that vision. Nestled beneath the renowned North Face of Eiger, a towering rock face that both inspires awe and evokes trepidation, this village is a haven for adventurers. First ascended in 1938, the North Face draws numerous climbers each year, who appear as mere specks as they navigate this formidable wall.
Grindelwald’s lush Alpine meadows present a picturesque landscape, easily accessible via cable-cars that lead to scenic trails, stunning mountain vistas, and captivating glaciers and lakes. When blanketed by snow, this enchanting region has served as the backdrop for films like Star Wars and James Bond, offering an extensive network of ski trails and sledging runs during the winter months.
1. First
Ascend via gondola from Grindelwald to this scenic summit on Schwarzhorn, where a plethora of adventures await.
A particularly attractive feature for those with a penchant for heights is the First Cliff Walk.
This metallic walkway hugs the cliff’s edge and juts out 45 meters over a steep drop.
The panoramic views of jagged slopes, high peaks, verdant pastures, distant lakes, and waterfalls are truly breathtaking.
For adrenaline enthusiasts, the First Flyer presents an exhilarating 800-meter zip-line that achieves speeds of 84 km/h.
First serves as the starting point for various hiking trails, which will be discussed in detail shortly.
Additionally, for family-friendly high-altitude activities, mountain carts or “trottibikes,” a combination of scooters and bicycles, can be rented.
2. Eiger Trail
Experienced hikers and climbers may already be acquainted with the Eiger trail, a six-kilometer path leading directly to the base of the Eiger’s north face.
This route has been trekked by climbers since the 1930s, as they embark on challenging ascents of the 1,600-meter-tall rock face.
The recommended approach is to take the Jungfrau railway to Eigergletscher, where you will soon find yourself dwarfed by the towering north face.
Utilizing binoculars on a clear day will allow you to spot climbers traversing this immense wall, while also taking in the breathtaking scenery of Grosse Scheidegg and Wetterhorn to the north.
The six-kilometer trek to Alpiglen Station should not exceed a couple of hours, featuring secured ropes alongside more challenging sections of the trail.
3. Jungfraujoch
The expedition to Jungfraujoch offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience unique to the Alps.
Traveling from Grindelwald Grund, one can board the train at Kleine Scheidegg and switch there to access the highest railway in the world.
Before long, you will stand at the Jungfraujoch saddle, an elevation of 3,454 meters.
One remarkable aspect of this location is that the railway was completed back in 1912. At the second-last stop, there are windows revealing the interior of the Aletsch Glacier.
Upon reaching “The Top of Europe,” visitors are treated to stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks such as Mönch and Jungfrau, each towering over 4,000 meters.
Enhance your experience by ascending to the Sphinx Observatory for 360-degree views extending as far as the Vosges in France, or explore the enchanting Ice Palace within the glacier.
4. Bachalpsee
One striking site accessible within walking distance from the gondola stop at First is the breathtaking Alpine lake, Bachalpsee, located approximately an hour away.
Situated at an elevation of 2,265 meters, its reflective waters, verdant banks, and mountainous backdrop create an archetypal Alpine scene.
On clear days, the impressive Schreckhorn, Wetterhorn, and Finsteraarhorn are perfectly mirrored in the lake, ideal for postcard-quality photographs.
The walk from First is surprisingly gentle, accompanied by the melodic sounds of cowbells and flourishing wildflowers during mid-summer.
5. Männlichen
From the Grund station at the valley’s base, the Grindelwald–Männlichen gondola cableway elevates you 1,300 meters to this magnificent mountain peak.
While higher peaks exist nearby, the excitement of this journey lies in the ride itself: This cableway ranks as the third longest of its kind globally, allowing ample time to relax and soak in the stunning vistas during the 30-minute ascent.
In late June, the valley bursts to life with wildflowers, and upon reaching the summit, visitors can wander among various viewpoints.
From there, you may opt to continue towards the town of Wengen on the opposite side of the peak or return on foot towards Grindelwald, re-boarding the gondola midway down.
6. Grosse Scheidegg
Reaching this elevated hiking paradise can be accomplished via multiple routes: You could again take the gondola to First and hike around, or opt for the convenient bus service to this location.
Regardless of the approach, Grosse Scheidegg provides a splendid environment for leisurely walks through cow-dotted mountain pastures.
With patience, you might encounter herds of chamois, marmots, or the majestic sight of golden eagles soaring overhead.
As always, the views are remarkable, offering vistas of waterfalls, glaciers, and an unparalleled perspective of the legendary north face of the Eiger.
7. Pfingstegg
During summer, if time is limited, a visit to Pfingstegg, which overlooks the valley, is an excellent choice.
You will arrive within mere minutes from Grindelwald, and after enjoying the views, the main attraction is the summer toboggan ride.
This ride, which spans 736 meters and features a vertical drop of nearly 60 meters, is operational throughout the summer.
A particularly convenient aspect of the ride is a mechanism that lifts you back to the top, saving you from a strenuous walk.
Forrest a picnic and seek out a quiet patch of grass or enjoy a hearty meal at the on-site restaurant.
Alternatively, venture out on one of the many trails that lead to the Upper and Lower Grindelwald Glacier at Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Ravine) and Bäregg, each reachable within 90 minutes.
8. Gletscherschlucht
A bus ride to the entrance of this ravine will get you there in just ten minutes from Grindelwald station.
This ravine, shaped by the Lower Grindelwald Glacier that has retreated significantly since the Little Ice Age, features walkways attached to its rugged walls.
In summer, visitors can even utilize the “SpiderWeb,” a large net suspended over the roaring meltwater.
Walkways invite you to traverse one kilometer into the ravine, where you will pass beneath climbers and canyoners maneuvering up or rappelling down the craggy rock faces.
9. Mountain Biking
The railways and cable-cars of Grindelwald are equipped to accommodate mountain bikes, thus during summer, a multitude of trails opens up throughout the region.
One particularly designated route is the descent from First back to Grindelwald.
Even at a leisurely pace, expect to descend over a kilometer in approximately two hours.
Fortunately, bike rental centers in Grindelwald are diligent in testing their equipment. There is no urgency to rush along the trail, as it meanders through flower-laden pastures and over varied terrains including tracks and paved roads.
The panoramic views along the routes are breathtaking, resembling a scene from a cinematic masterpiece.
10. Downhill Skiing
As winter arrives, Grindelwald’s extensive infrastructure swiftly transports visitors to the ski slopes.
Three ski areas are nearby: Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen, Bodmiarena, and Grindelwald-First.
The latter can be accessed by gondola, providing access to over 40 kilometers of pistes amidst stunning surroundings.
Also situated in the valley, Bodmiarena serves as the starting point for families and novice skiers, featuring the resort’s main ski school and two public lifts for skiing, snow-tubing, and tobogganing activities.
Beyond this, the Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen area caters to seasoned skiers, offering an impressive 110 kilometers of slopes, emerging as the starting point for the globally recognized Lauberhorn World Cup Tour.
11. Cross-Country Skiing
To explore the flat trails of Grindelwald, gear can be rented from local sports shops, and a pass can be obtained from the tourist office.
Following that, you can board a bus or train to access Grindelwald’s dedicated cross-country track.
As you ski, the imposing sight of Wetterhorn comes into view, accompanied by Eiger and a ring of snow-clad mountains.
The principal seven-kilometer trail is well-suited for beginners, making cross-country skiing a more accessible and safer alternative compared to downhill skiing.
12. Sledging
One winter activity that requires virtually no prior experience is sledging, and Grindelwald stands as an ideal locale for this exhilarating pastime.
The region is conveniently situated near Europe’s longest toboggan track, which stretches from the peak of Faulhorn all the way down to Grindelwald.
Helmets and goggles can be rented from the resort prior to acquiring a sled at one of the depots, located either at Bussalp midway down or at the summit following a hike.
This famed toboggan run, known as Big Pintenfritz, descends over 1,600 meters.
The path is well-maintained, allowing you to relish the breathtaking views of Jungfrau and Eiger throughout your descent.
13. Grindelwald Museum
If you seek a moment to rest, consider immersing yourself in the local history at the Grindelwald Museum.
Tourism in the region initiated in the 18th century, leading Grindelwald to be the first village in the Bernese Alps where local mountain guides began introducing visitors to the area.
This rich heritage is documented in the museum’s exhibits, which also cover a devastating fire that impacted Grindelwald in the late 19th century.
Visitors can learn about the development of the cable-car and railway network a century ago, view vintage mountaineering gear and agricultural tools, and appreciate traditional handicrafts of the Bernese Alps.
14. Marmot Trail
The final trail within the First area leads to Schilt in Wengen, where you can catch a cable-car back to Grindelwald.
This leisurely walk lasts a couple of hours and is designed for younger travelers.
Between June and October, maintaining a hushed demeanor will enhance your chances of spotting adorable marmots.
Binoculars or simply a bit of patience may be required.
Benches are provided at the entrance to their burrows, and you may see them emerge after a few minutes of quiet.
During other moments, their warning calls can be heard echoing down the hills, with educational information boards detailing their behavior and biology.
15. Spas
After a day of climbing or engaging in thrilling downhill activities, a visit to a spa will surely aid in relieving sore muscles.
If you are residing at a hotel, it likely features an attached spa; however, for those staying in rental accommodations, many hotel spas offer access to non-residents.
While prior arrangement may be necessary, there are ten spas in Grindelwald welcoming both guests and non-guests alike.
The Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel is one such establishment, where for CHF 40, you can gain access to a Finnish sauna, herbal bath, steam bath, ice fountain, and an outdoor whirlpool heated to 36°C, all situated on the slopes.
