Posted by Grindelwald is one of the most famous tourist resorts in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. The village is located in a wide alpine valley and surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the Alps. Grindelwald offers large-scale summer tourism as well as winter tourism and is one of the key destinations in the region.
With its dramatic mountain scenery, modern cable cars, extensive hiking trails and direct rail connections, Grindelwald is both a destination in its own right and an important transport hub for excursions into the high Alps.
Location and Landscape
Grindelwald lies at an altitude of around 1,034 meters above sea level. The village is surrounded by famous peaks such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The north face of the Eiger, one of the most legendary rock faces in the Alps, is clearly visible from many parts of the village.
With a municipal area of more than 170 square kilometers, Grindelwald is one of the largest municipalities in Switzerland. Even mountains over 4,000 meters, such as parts of the Mönch massif, belong to the municipal territory.
Grindelwald Population and Tourism
Grindelwald has around 4,000 permanent inhabitants, making it significantly larger than other nearby villages such as Lauterbrunnen or Wengen.
During the high season, the number of visitors increases dramatically. Thousands of tourists stay overnight in hotels, holiday apartments and guesthouses. In addition, many day visitors arrive from Interlaken or Zurich.
Transportation to Grindelwald
Grindelwald is easy to reach by both car and train. The village has a direct railway connection from Interlaken, with trains running approximately twice per hour.
By car, Grindelwald can be reached via well-maintained mountain roads. Several public parking facilities are available in and around the village.
Railways and Mountain Transport
Grindelwald is one of the most important railway hubs in the Bernese Alps. From here, the famous Wengernalpbahn (rack railway) runs to Kleine Scheidegg and continues to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen.
At Kleine Scheidegg, passengers can change to the Jungfrau Railway,
which leads to the world-famous Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. Grindelwald is therefore one of the most popular starting points for this iconic excursion.
In addition to rack railways, several modern cable cars connect Grindelwald with the surrounding mountains:
- Grindelwald – First
- Grindelwald – Männlichen
- Grindelwald – Pfingstegg
Grindelwald as a Starting Point for Jungfraujoch
Many visitors arrive in Grindelwald primarily to continue their journey to the
Jungfraujoch.
A large number of tourists only change trains here before heading up via Kleine Scheidegg.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this route was particularly popular with overseas visitors, especially from Asia, North America and Australia. Today, international tourism has fully recovered.
Tickets to the Jungfraujoch
Demand for Jungfraujoch tickets is very high, while train capacity is limited. For this reason, booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended.
Train and cable car tickets to the Jungfraujoch (round trip only):
More info and booking
There are also guided tours from Interlaken, which are often only slightly more expensive than individual tickets: More info and booking
Cheap Day Trip from Zurich
Travelers staying in Zurich can book an affordable day trip to Grindelwald and the Bernese Oberland. Prices are often under 100 Swiss francs.
Summer Activities in Grindelwald
In summer, Grindelwald is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hundreds of kilometers of well-marked hiking trails lead through alpine meadows, past glaciers and to panoramic viewpoints.
Popular summer activities include:
- Hiking and mountain walking
- Mountain biking
- Cliff walks and suspension bridges
- Via ferrata routes
Winter Sports in Grindelwald
During winter, Grindelwald transforms into a major ski resort. Together with Wengen and Mürren, it forms the Jungfrau Ski Region.
Skiers can choose from a wide variety of slopes, ranging from easy runs to demanding downhill pistes. Snowboarding, sledding and winter hiking are also very popular.
Accommodation in Grindelwald
Grindelwald offers a wide range of accommodation options: luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, guesthouses, hostels and hundreds of holiday apartments.
Check hotels and apartments in Grindelwald:
Check availability and prices on Booking.com
Restaurants, Shops and Village Life
The village center of Grindelwald offers many restaurants, cafés and shops catering to tourists. Swiss cuisine, international food and après-ski bars are widely available.
Video: Grindelwald Impressions
Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting?
Grindelwald is ideal for travelers who want easy access to the high Alps, excellent infrastructure and a wide range of activities. Whether as a base for excursions or as a holiday destination, Grindelwald remains one of the top places to visit in Switzerland.