Grindelwald, Switzerland, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a true paradise for outdoor lovers in both summer and winter.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the best activities in the region, then I’ll share a detailed day itinerary to enjoy Grindelwald with friends, family, or as a couple. And finally, I’ll include practical tips and useful links to help you plan your trip easily.
Useful links to plan your trip
Before we dive into the details, here are a few useful links:
- ✈️ Compare flights
- Find the best car rental deal
- 🚊 Travelling by public transport :
Swiss Travel Pass - 🚡
Book your ticket to Grindelwald First - ❤️ Our favorite activities in Switzerland:
⛴ Cruise on Lake Thun
⛰️ Explore Mount Rigi
🚠 Golden Tour to Mount Pilatus - 📖
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Table of contents
Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland
❄️ Winter in Grindelwald, Switzerland
Skiing in the Jungfrau region
Grindelwald in Switzerland is a famous winter sports destination in the Jungfrau region. The area includes two ski zones: Grindelwald-Wengen and Grindelwald-First. Nearby, the Mürren-Schilthorn ski area is another great option. Together, they offer over 213 km of ski slopes.
Winter zip lines
The First Flyer and First Glider are included with a ski pass. Adrenaline rush guaranteed at Grindelwald-First!
The world's longest sledging trail is in Grindelwald, Switzerland
Grindelwald is home to the world’s longest sledging descent, 15 km of pure fun, starting from Faulhorn at 2,680 meters altitude. You’ll need about 2.5 hours of hiking from the Grindelwald-First cable car station to get there.
Hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Grindelwald
Over 100 km of marked winter trails are available for scenic hikes, snowshoeing, or Nordic skiing, with breathtaking alpine views at every turn.
Grindelwald truly is a dream come true for winter sports enthusiasts.
🌼 Summer in Grindelwald, Switzerland
Hiking in Grindelwald, Switzerland
There are over 300 km of hiking trails in the region, offering breathtaking routes with views of towering 4,000-meter peaks. Most trails are easily accessible via cable cars or cogwheel trains.
As soon as you step off the cable car, the crisp mountain air and panoramic views instantly captivate you, that’s when the magic begins.
Among the must-do hikes, the walk to Bachalpsee stands out for its easy access and spectacular scenery. This stunning alpine lake is the perfect spot for a scenic picnic.
🎟️ Book your ticket to Grindelwald First
Avoid long lines and secure your spot in advance by booking your First Aerial Cableway ticket online. You’ll enjoy a flexible experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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Thrilling Activities at Grindelwald First
At Grindelwald First, you can choose from mountain carts, trottibike, zip lines, hiking, and the cliff walk, ideal for an adventure-packed day.
Grindelwald Glacier Canyon
Open from May to mid-November, the Glacier Canyon features a scenic walkway through tunnels carved into the rock, ending with a net suspended above the river!
Grindelwald First in Switzerland: a full day of adventure in the Alps
Grindelwald-First is the ideal place to spend a day filled with adventure and exceptional views.
Optional Activities:
- First Flyer (seated zip-line)
- First Glider (lying zip line)
- Mountain Cart (downhill karting)
- Trottibike (downhill scooter)
Tickets are available at the departure station or directly at the activity site. Unlimited cable car rides are included with the pass.
👉🏼 Avoid lines – Book in advance on GetYourGuide
ℹ️ GetYourGuide offers free cancellation up to 24h before the activity.
Free access: First Cliff Walk
Entry to the First Cliff Walk is free. This is a footbridge suspended on the side of a cliff and offers a unique view of the impressive mountains.
How to plan the perfect summer day in Grindelwald Switzerland?
My suggested itinerary:
- Arrive early in the morning
- Try the adventure activities
- Hike to Bachalpsee lake
- Have a scenic picnic
- Walk the First Cliff Walk
- Enjoy a drink on the terrace
- Enjoy the view before you leave
I recommend arriving early in the morning to take advantage of the activities and avoid waiting times.
Afterwards, you can head towards Lake Bachalpsee for a picnic with a spectacular view of the mountains. The place is calm and soothing.
You’ll even meet cows grazing in the meadow. It’s an hour’s walk to the lake. The round-trip hike is 6 km long.
🌄 Bachalpsee: An Easy Hike with amazing Views
Bachalpsee is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland. Located at over 2,200 meters, it reflects the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in its crystal-clear waters.
- 📍 Starting point: top station of the First cable car
- 🥾 Distance: 6 km round trip
- ⏱ Duration: about 1 hour one way
- ⬆️ Elevation gain: +115 m
- 🧺 Perfect spot for a peaceful picnic in the mountains
👉 Start early to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and catch the best morning light 🌞
After lunch, you can hike back to the First station and discover the First Cliff Walk.
Enjoy the last moments of the day on the terrace before heading back down to Grindelwald.
Visiting Grindelwald in Switzerland: practical information
How to get to Grindelwald in Switzerland?
Grindelwald is easily accessible from Interlaken. Trains on the Bernese Oberland Railway run every 30 minutes from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald station. Be sure to stay onboard past the “Grindelwald Terminal” stop, your final destination is Grindelwald station, located in the heart of the village. From there, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the valley station of the First Aerial Cable Car.
The Swiss Travel Pass is the best way to explore Switzerland by public transport (if you plan to visit for more that 3 consecutive days), giving unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats, including routes to Grindelwald.
If coming by car, parking is available at First Bahn station. The Parkplatz Grindelwald First Bahn parking lot is located right next to the Grindelwald-First gondola lift.
You can also book day trips from major cities like Zürich, but exploring on your own gives more flexibility.
Where to stay in Grindelwal, Switzerland?
Eiger Lodge Chic
We stayed here before visiting Jungfraujoch. It’s located steps away from the terminal and offers great value with incredible mountain views.
Other accommodation options in Grindelwald, our selection :
Berggasthaus First
A cozy mountain lodge at the top of the First cable car. Dorm beds, alpine charm, and hearty local meals await.
Boutique Hotel Panorama (★★★)
Stylish rooms, stunning views, and just a 5-min drive or 20-min walk from the First cable car.
Stay in Interlaken
Only 30 minutes away by car, Interlaken is a great base to explore the region.
What to do around Grindelwald in Switzerland?
Grindelwald is an amazing destination, but the surrounding area also offers a multitude of activities and adventures to discover. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of this extraordinary alpine region:
Visit Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe
Accessible year-round (we recommend May–October), the Jungfraujoch offers surreal views at over 3,450 meters, where the Aletsch Glacier begins, the longest in the Alps.
The Jungfraujoch can be reached by cogwheel train from Grindelwald via Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher stations.
Visit Schynige Platte and its alpine botanical garden
Enjoy stunning views aboard the traditional cogwheel train that takes you up to Schynige Platte, located at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level (summer access only). To visit Schynige Platte and its botanical garden, GetYourGuide offers a convenient round-trip ticket (see below).
Visit the village of Lauterbrunnen
A short train or car ride from Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen is famous for its 72 waterfalls, including the Staubbachfall. The picturesque village is perfect for a day’s exploration, with hiking trails and spectacular scenery around every corner.
Schilthorn and Piz Gloria
Ride to the summit and dine at the James Bond spinning restaurant with panoramic views.
Explore Interlaken
Only half an hour’s drive away, Interlaken is a charming town nestled between two lakes.
Interlaken is the hub for paragliding, cruises, and Harder Kulm’s viewpoint.
Don’t miss the funicular to Harder Kulm, offering spectacular views of the town and the lakes.
Hike to Augstmatthorn
For avid hikers, the Augstmatthorn offers an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps. The trail is demanding, but the panoramic views at the summit are worth every effort. The Augstmatthorn ridge is also home to colonies of ibex.
Grindewald in Switzerland add it to your bucket list!
Grindelwald is a popular tourist destination in Switzerland. The area offers spectacular panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönsch and Jungfrau mountains and glaciers.
Whether you’re skiing in winter or hiking in summer, this mountain village delivers unforgettable experiences.
With wooden cabins, restaurants serving local specialties, and access to iconic sights like the Jungfrau Railway, Grindelwald is a must-visit in the Bernese Alps.
Grindelwal, final words
Grindelwald is a dream destination for nature lovers and mountain adventure seekers.
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