By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 8th August 2024 | Updated: 8th August 2024
Grindelwald is often top of people’s lists when planning a trip to Switzerland and it is easy to see why with its picturesque village surrounded by the Jungfrau region mountains. So, is Grindelwald worth visiting? After having visited Grindelwald and the surrounding area a few times over the years since we moved to Switzerland, we can honestly say that yes, Grindelwald is worth visiting.
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Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting?
100% Grindelwald is worth visiting and for so many reasons! With a couple of local mountains, (both of which have plenty to explore), a quaint village centre and some of the best views in the Bernese Oberland, Grindelwald should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Switzerland.
Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting Map
Best things to do in Grindelwald
There are of course many more things to do and see in Grindelwald and the surrounding area, but these are our top five things that you simply can’t miss:
We have a separate post going into more detail on day trips from Grindelwald, so be sure to check that out too.
Before setting out any hikes in this region, or elsewhere in Switzerland, be sure to check the forecast for the duration of your hike and hiking trail status as you don’t want to be caught out in a storm or snowfall unprepared up a mountain. Plus, the routes may be closed due to rock fall, snowfall or just for renovation. You can find the hiking trail status for the Jungfrau region here.
1. Wander through Grindelwald village
Grindelwald village is much smaller than you would expect from a well known mountain village but it is well worth a wander through before heading out on any mountain excursions. Be sure to try some Swiss cuisine at one of the local restaurants, be it rosti, raclette, cheese fondue or gelato, (there is a great gelato place near the Grindelwald First cable car!), and to explore the village’s shops for a traditional Swiss souvenirs or for any outdoor equipment you may need. There are a couple of great stores to buy seasonal weather gear if you need some extra warmth or hiking poles etc.
2. Grindelwald First
You can’t come to Grindelwald and not head up Grindelwald First. Not only is the mountain itself one of the most picturesque locations you will find in Grindelwald, but there is also a great hike out to the local mountain lake, Bachalpsee, (more on that below), and a rather nice restaurant up perfect to grab a bite to eat and to sit and take in the view! Grindelwald First is worth visiting throughout the year as well, with both summer and winter activities that you can get involved in including Trotti bikes, various zip lines and hikes in the summer months , and skiing / snowboarding, and snowshoeing during the winter months.
📍 Tickets for Grindelwald First cost from 72 CHF return per adult / 36 CHF with a Half Fare, Swiss Travel Pass or GA Pass and from 20 CHF return per child.
📍 Summer activities cost from 78 CHF per adult / 52 CHF with Half Fare, Swiss Pass or GA Pass and 43 CHF per child for one activity.
Book your tickets for Grindelwald First here.
3. Hike to Bachalpsee
Ever fancied an easy hike out to an alpine lake surrounded by snow peaked mountains? That is just what you can get hiking from Grindelwald First out to Bachalpsee. In both the summer and the winter, this route is maintained, (it can get closed with significant snowfall however), so you can hike to the mountain lakes and back, or even out to Schynige Platte instead.
We’ve done this hike a few times over the years and had very different experiences depending on the time of year we did it. April we had snow taller than us piled high along the path sides the further up we went, and in September it was so warm we had to dip our feet in the lake at the top to help with the heat!
4. Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg hike
One of the best hikes in the area is the Panoramaweg Route 3 from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. The views are some of the best in the Jungfrau region, with the towering snow topped peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger, sweeping views down to Grindelwald and some lovely eateries at the end of the hike, (perfect for refuelling with a bite of local cuisine!). We would recommend starting at Männlichen and walking towards Kleine Scheidegg as you get the best views that way, so you will follow this route:
Grindelwald Terminal cable car to Männlichen > Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panoramaweg > Kleine Scheidegg train to Grindelwald Grund.
📍 Tickets for the route from Grindelwald Terminal to Grindelwald Grund, cost from 71.60 CHF per adult, but there are various discounts that you can get with a Gästekarte or varying Swiss travel passes.
5. Visit Pfingstegg
Pfingstegg is another location you can’t miss whilst in Grindelwald, and less known in comparison to the likes of Grindelwald First. With a small mountain restaurant, summer toboggan and zip wire and or course a few hikes you can enjoy both into the Grindelwald valley and up towards the nearby Unterer Grindelwaldgletscher, there is plenty to do to spend a few hours to a day up Pfingstegg.
Book your Pfingstegg tickets here.
Where To Stay In Grindelwald
Grindelwald has numerous accommodation options to suit different styles and budgets for travelling in Switzerland, however we would recommend staying at Hotel Spinne, Hotel Steinbock or Hotel Grindelwalderhof. All of these hotels include buffet breakfast, incredible mountain views and are all easily accessible from the train station, and with easy access to the cable cars for Grindelwald First.
Check out the map below for some of the other accommodation options in Grindelwald.
Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting FAQs
Where is Grindelwald?
Grindelwald is located in the Bernese Oberland in the central Swiss canton of Bern.
How to get to Grindelwald
There are two ways to get to Grindelwald, either via car or via train. Both of these routes come from the west as Grindelwald is in a valley surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the Bernese Oberland. Although you can of course drive to Grindelwald, we would recommend taking the train as not only is the train ride beautiful, but you don’t have to worry about parking in Grindelwald when you arrive either.
How to get around Grindelwald
Grindelwald is really small village, so is very easy to get around on foot, or via the local bus network if you need too. We haven’t ever taken the bus when visiting Grindelwald though as it takes under 10 minutes to get from the train station to the First cable car terminal on foot!
How to get to Grindelwald First?
It is very easy to get to Grindelwald First as there is only one main road that runs through the village of Grindelwald, (Dorfstrasse), and the cable car up to Grindelwald First is located along there. It is only a short 5 minute walk east along this road from the train station so no need to get a bus.
Best time to visit Grindelwald
We have visited Grindelwald a few times since we moved to Switzerland and a differing times of the year, and we honestly don’t think there is a bad time to visit! The month of May can be slightly trickier to get around the valley, as this is the month across Switzerland that cable cars / funicular railways etc are refurbished ready for the summer season, and of course the summer months can get a little busier, but we wouldn’t put off Grindelwald because of either of these reasons.
Day trips from Grindelwald
The best day trips from Grindelwald are to Lauterbrunnen and various locations in the Lauterbrunnen valley including Wengen, Mürren and Gimmelwald, Interlaken with boat trips on Thunersee or Brienzersee, (you can stop at Spiez or Niederhorn too) and Schynige Platte for some of the best hiking views in the area.
Parking in Grindelwald
We have never actually driven into Grindelwald as it is so easy to use public transport we tend to do that! However there are various parking garages and parking spaces at Grindelwald Terminal, (the stop for train / cable car up to Kleine Scheidegg), Grindelwald main train station and at Pfingstegg cable car. We would recommend parking at Grindelwald Terminal and taking the shuttle bus or train into Grindelwald rather than driving in the village itself though as it can get busy.
How much time do you need in Grindelwald?
You can easily see the village of Grindelwald in a day as it is quite small, plus add another day if you want to see and experience Grindelwald First. However if you want to explore the surrounding area and go for a hike or two the you’ll want at least 4 days in the area.
Is Grindelwald First worth it?
Yes, Grindelwald First is worth visiting, purely as there are a few different things you can do up the mountain as well as a rather nice restaurant with some rather good views!
What is Grindelwald famous for?
Grindelwald is famous for its beautiful surroundings, Grindelwald First and the Tissot Walk, and of course for its summer and winter mountain sports.
Which is better Zermatt or Grindelwald?
Zermatt and Grindelwald are not comparable, one is a small village and the other is a larger town. Admittedly they are both surrounded by some of the most beautiful Swiss Alps, but you really need to visit both.
Which is better Interlaken or Grindelwald?
This depends on what you want from your trip, and if you want a good place to make a base that you can easily do day trips out from. We tend to stay in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen if we are in the area, purely as there seems to be better options for accommodation as well as great day trip options. Interlaken can also be a little cheaper than Grindelwald so that’s always a bonus!
What to do in Grindelwald when its raining?
If it is raining there isn’t exactly something to do inside when in Grindelwald! But there is nothing to stop you putting on some wet weather gear and still getting out exploring the village and mountains, (assuming there are no storm warnings!).
Tours in Grindelwald
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Conclusion: Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting?
So, is Grindelwald worth visiting? We think so, with the incredible mountains that surround it and plenty of day trips that you can take we think that it is the perfect destination for everyone. Plus, with views like the ones you get from Grindelwald First, (which is the perfect place to stop for a drink and bite of local cake!), why wouldn’t you want to visit?
All Our Switzerland Content
Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:
📍 How To Visit Switzerland On A Budget
📍 The Perfect Grindelwald Itinerary: 1 to 5 Days
📍 Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen: Which is better to visit
📍 Is Switzerland Worth Visiting & When?
📍 Is Lauterbrunnen Worth Visiting?
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.