Grindelwald: At The Foot Of Giants In The Jungfrau Region
Grindelwald feels like turning up the dial on the Alps. You are still in the Canton of Bern, but now you are firmly in the Jungfrau region, one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain playgrounds. Grindelwald sits beneath the north face of the Eiger, with the Wetterhorn and Mettenberg looming nearby. The peaks feel closer, sharper, and the scenery suddenly has a touch of high drama.
Grindelwald is larger and busier than Adelboden (see my previous blog), with more shops, restaurants and activity providers. As you wander through the village, the Eiger is a constant presence at the end of the street or looming over rooftops. Traditional wooden houses are mixed with hotels and modern lifts, reflecting its long history as a centre for mountaineering and, more recently, all-round mountain tourism.
It makes an ideal base for exploring the wider Jungfrau region. The network of trains, gondolas and cable cars fans out in all directions, taking you to famous viewpoints like Jungfraujoch or First, as well as countless hiking trails.
What To Do In Grindelwald
How you spend your time here depends on the season, but Grindelwald always has more to offer than you can fit into one visit.
Summer highlights:
- First
and the Bachalpsee hike
Take the gondola up to First for some of the region’s most photogenic views. From here, a popular hike takes you to Bachalpsee, a mountain lake where, on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks reflect perfectly in the water. The walk is manageable for reasonably fit walkers and is rewarded with classic postcard scenery. - Adventure
activities
Grindelwald has fully embraced the “alpine playground” idea. Up at First you can tackle the First Cliff Walk, zoom down on the First Flyer or First Glider, or descend via mountain carts and trotti-bikes. It is brilliant fun for older children and adults who like a little adrenaline.
- Hiking
across the Jungfrau region
From Grindelwald you can access huge numbers of walking routes, from gentle valley strolls to full-day hikes linking mountain stations, alpine huts and other villages like Wengen or Alpiglen. The views change constantly as you move around the base of the mountains.
Winter highlights:
- Skiing
in the Jungfrau Ski Region
Grindelwald links into the Jungfrau Ski Region, shared with Wengen and other villages. Wide pistes, long descents and dramatic backdrops make it a joy for skiers and snowboarders. From Grindelwald Terminal you can take the Eiger Express gondola up towards the Eiger Glacier, reducing travel times and putting high-altitude skiing and scenery within easy reach. - Non-ski
winter fun
Even if you do not ski, there are plenty of options: winter hiking trails, toboggan runs, snowshoeing, and cosy mountain restaurants for long lunches in the sun.
Year-round icons:
- Jungfraujoch,
“Top of Europe”
From Grindelwald Terminal, a combination of gondola and cogwheel train takes you up to Jungfraujoch, a high-altitude saddle between the Jungfrau and Mönch. It is famous for its observatory, ice palace and views over the Aletsch Glacier. On a clear day, it is an unforgettable excursion.
- Railway
journeys with a view
Simply travelling around the Jungfrau region feels like an experience in itself, with cogwheel trains and cable cars gliding past waterfalls, forests and sheer rock faces.
Grindelwald is where you come to feel the full drama of the Bernese Alps right in front of you, but it still retains enough traditional charm that it does not feel overdeveloped.
