Is Grindelwald Switzerland worth visiting?
Grindelwald, Switzerland is definitely worth visiting, as it offers breathtaking mountain views, access to the Jungfrau region, and a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. With its charming alpine villages and stunning natural beauty, Grindelwald is a perfect destination for those who love adventure and nature. Here is why you will love to visit Grindelwald, Switzerland.
Why is Grindelwald famous?
Grindelwald, Switzerland is a breathtaking destination that is famous for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. With its picturesque mountain views and charming alpine villages, Grindelwald is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. The town is best known for its access to the Jungfrau region, which is home to the famous Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a scenic train ride up to the top of the Jungfraujoch, which is the highest railway station in Europe and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. With its variety of outdoor activities, Grindelwald is definitely worth a visit for those who love adventure and nature.
We absolutely love Grindelwald and have been lucky enough to visit this charming town five times! Three of those visits were during winter for skiing, while the other two times we went in the summer to soak up the stunning views. We want to share our personal experiences with you and help answer the many questions that first-time visitors to Switzerland or Grindelwald usually have. Whether you’re planning to spend a day or a week in the area, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make the most of your stay. Our goal is to help you enjoy the beauty of Grindelwald to the fullest! This article aims to answer every question you might have about Grindelwald, from the best things to do to transportation options to nearby attractions.
How to get to Grindelwald and travel around?
Planning a trip to Grindelwald and wondering what is the best way to get to Grindelwald? We’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know about getting there. If you’re travelling from outside Switzerland, the best way to reach Grindelwald is by train from the airport. Keep reading for all the details about train connections and how to make the journey as smooth as possible!
How do I get to Grindelwald Switzerland from the UK?
- Take a flight to Zurich or Geneva
- Take the train from the airport to Grindelwald
- From Zurich airport: If you’re travelling from Zurich to Grindelwald, you can take a direct train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken Ost, and then switch to another train to Grindelwald. The train station at Zurich Airport is called Zürich Flughafen. As of our last trip, the direct train runs every 2 hours, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours. There is no direct train from Zurich to Grindelwald.
- From Geneva airport: To reach Grindelwald from Geneva airport, take a train that requires two transfers – the first in Bern and the second in Interlaken Ost. The entire journey by train takes about 4 hours from Geneva airport to Grindelwald. At the time of writing this, there was no direct train from Geneva airport to Grindelwald.
Grindelwald is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, but remember, mountain excursions from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch, Eigergletscher, and Grindelwald First are not included. However, you can enjoy a 25% discount on these exciting excursions with your pass! Want to buy your train tickets for cheapest possible price, here is our detailed guide on buying train tickets for Switzerland.
The train ticket from Zurich to Grindelwald typically ranges from CHF 50 to 100 for a one-way journey, depending on how far in advance you book your ticket.
💡Golden tip if you are travelling via train to Grindelwald
When you arrive at Zurich or Geneva airport, head to the train station ticket office and grab a queue number from the little machine before joining the line. Once you reach the counter, ask for a ticket with the train times and platform numbers for all your connections. This way, you’ll know your platforms in advance, which is essential when connecting trains in Bern and Interlaken, where there are usually only 5-10 minutes between connections. Trust us – this little tip will make all the difference!
Getting to your hotel in Grindelwald is easy and affordable! When you arrive at Grindelwald station, simply hop on a local bus to your hotel. Your hotel booking includes free use of the local bus service, so you can save a lot of money compared to taking a taxi. Just check with your hotel which bus number and direction you need to take to reach your hotel.
Which airport to fly into for Grindelwald?
After trying both Geneva and Zurich, we found that flying to Zurich is a more favourable option for travelling to Grindelwald. Not only does it take an hour less than travelling from Geneva, but you also only need to change once at Interlaken. Conversely, travelling from Geneva requires two changes and takes longer.
Is there a direct train from Interlaken to Grindelwald?
Yes, there is a direct train from Interlaken Ost station to Grindelwald.
How do you get around Grindelwald?
Grindelwald offers an efficient local bus service with easily accessible stops near all hotels. When checking in or booking, visitors can ask their accommodation provider for the bus number, location of the nearest stop, and schedule. The bus is a convenient mode of transportation for local travel. For excursions outside of Grindelwald, taking the train is the recommended option.
Are Grindelwald buses free?
Good news! If you’re staying in Grindelwald, you can enjoy free rides on the local buses. Your hotel will provide you with a card that grants you complimentary access to the buses within the area.
Can you get around Grindelwald without a car?
Absolutely! The local bus is the most convenient way to travel within Grindelwald. If you plan to stay for 3-4 days, it’s not necessary to have a car. In fact, most of the places you’ll want to visit can only be reached by train, as they are not accessible by car.
Grindelwald to Bern
To go to Bern, first get a train from Grindelwald to Interlaken West then from Interlake West change for a train to Bern. It takes about 1 and half hours to 2 hours by train from Grindelwald to Bern.
Grindelwald to Interlaken West
There is direct train from Grindelwald to Interlaken Ost. From Interlaken Ost you can cahnge train to Interlaken West. It takes about 45 mins by train from Grindewald to Inetrlaken West. Interlaken Ost is where you can then catch trains to other parts of Switzerland or other European countries.
Grindelwald to Mürren / Lauterbrunnen
There are two ways you can reach Mürren from Grindelwald. Both ways are via Lauterbrunnen. To get to Lauterbrunnen, first Get a train from Grindelwald towards Interlaken Ost, leave train at Zweilütschinen or Wilderswil. Then get a train from here towards Lauterbrunnen.:
- Get gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp. From Grütschalp get a mountain train to Mürren.
- Get bus from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthornbahn Stechelberg and then catch gondola to Schilthorn. On the way you will have option to leave the gondola at Mürren.
Grindelwald to Eigergletscher
The quickest way to get to Eigergletscher is via Eigerexpress cable car from Grindelwald Terminal. Or other option is to go via Jungfraujoch train from Grindelwald.
Grindelwald to Basel
It takes 3 hours via train from Grindelwald to Basel with one change at Interlaken Ost.
How long should I spend in Grindelwald?
Want to experience the ultimate Swiss adventure? But wondering how long to stay in Grindelwald to make the most of it? Let’s find out!
If you’re planning a trip to Grindelwald and wondering how long to stay, it really depends on what you want to do during your visit. For the summer holidays, we recommend staying for a minimum of 5 nights and 4 days to explore the Jungfrau region. If you’re visiting for a winter ski holiday, people typically stay for 5-7 nights. If you just want to explore Grindelwald, a single day is enough to explore the village and surrounding areas, assuming you don’t plan to go up to Jungfrau on the same day. We also offer various itineraries for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days to help you plan your ideal stay.
What is the best time to visit Grindelwald?
If you’re wondering what is the best time of year to visit Grindelwald Switzerland, it depends on the activities you’re interested in. For summer hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing, the best time to visit is between June and September. If you want to beat the crowd, then try to go in early June or in September start. If you’re planning a winter ski holiday, it’s best to visit from the first week of January to the end of March.
January, February & March
These are the 3 main months of ski season in Grindelwald. We have visited in started of January and then in Easter holidays. Both times lifts were not overcrowded. We mainly used area towards Grindelwald First as we are intermediate skiers. Weather is typically cold and snowy. The average high temperature is around 1°C (30°F), while the average low temperature is around -8°C (17°F).
April & May
These are transition months from end of Ski season to start of summer season. Some shops/hotels and ski lifts might be closed after end of ski season. April. We don’t recommend visiting Grindelwald in months of April and May. The average high temperature in April is around 10°C (50°F), while the average low temperature is around 1°C (34°F).
June, July & August
These are summer months popular among visitors who wants to do hiking or sightseeing in the area. The average high temperature in summer in Grindelwald is 20°C (68°F) and average low temperature is around 10°C (50°F). Although its not clod in Grindelwald in summer, we advise you to carry extra layer. Because as you travel using lifts to higher altitudes e.g. to Jungfrau, you will need winter layers as the temperature is below 5°C even in summer months high up in mountains. Plus as its situated in valley with high altitude mountains around it, weather can be very chilly in mornings and evenings.
September & October
From September temperatures start to fall in Grindelwald, average high temperature 15°C (59°F) and average low temperature is around 5°C (41°F). For a summer trip to Grindelwald, start of September is perfect time to visit because by this time crowd is gone and you can enjoy activities without crowded lifts, trains and buses. October is like April and May, kind of least busy.
November & December
It starts getting cold from November with sometimes early snowfall too. Usually, mountains around Grindelwald start getting snow in late November or start of December. New year is very popular time as well among international visitors and hotel rooms are very expensive between Christmas and till first week January.
Where should I stay in Switzerland for the first time?
If you’re a first-time traveller to Switzerland, we highly recommend staying in Grindelwald. This charming village in the Jungfrau region offers easy access to stunning mountain villages and a plethora of local activities and sights to explore. With a variety of accommodations and dining options, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. Plus, Grindelwald is well-connected by train and bus to other parts of the Jungfrau region, making it an ideal base for your Swiss adventure.
Is Grindelwald a nice place to stay?
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Switzerland, Grindelwald is certainly a top choice. It offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, and is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. For those who are visiting Switzerland for the first time, Grindelwald offers a quintessential Swiss mountain experience. Located at an elevation of 1,034 meters (3,392 feet) above sea level, Grindelwald is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning natural beauty and variety of activities, Grindelwald is definitely a nice place to stay during your trip to Switzerland.
Best places to stay in Grindelwald
Here are our 5 Top places to a stay in Grindelwald
🏆 Hotel Lauberhorn: Hotel Lauberhorn in Grindelwald is our top choice—we’ve stayed here four times, once in summer and three times for ski holidays. This family-run B&B offers a clean, comfortable stay with caring hosts who provide excellent local advice for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities like paragliding. The hotel features a sauna, bar, and storage for ski equipment, making it the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests also appreciate the stunning views from the room balcony. There is bus stop next to the B&B to catch a bus to the town, train station and ski lifts. It is around 15 mins walk from the town.
You will not go wrong if you choose to stay at Hotel Lauberhorn.
Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald: Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald offers stunning views of the Eiger, luxurious accommodations, and excellent service. Pros include spacious rooms, a top-notch wellness area with a pool, sauna, and hot tub, and a fantastic restaurant with diverse cuisine. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and convenient location near the train station and ski lifts. Cons mentioned by reviewers include higher prices and occasional noise from nearby trains. Overall, it’s a great choice for a comfortable and memorable stay in Grindelwald.
Hotel Fiescherblick: Newly renovated in late 2022, Hotel Fiescherblick in Grindelwald offers modern accommodations with stunning mountain views. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, an on-site restaurant serving delicious cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Conveniently located for easy access to skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities, it’s the perfect base for exploring the region.
Hotel Spinne: This is a 4 Star Hotel very close to centre of the Grindelwald town and train station. Hotel Spinne in Grindelwald offers breathtaking Eiger views and features modern amenities including a spa room, sauna, pool, and massage services. The hotel also boasts a fantastic restaurant serving local cuisine. Perfectly situated for outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, it provides a cozy retreat with friendly, helpful staff.
Hotel Kirchbühl: Class: 4 Star Hotel. Hotel Kirchbühl in Grindelwald offers charming accommodations with stunning views of the Eiger and the surrounding mountains. This family-run hotel features cozy rooms, a wellness area with a sauna and hot tub, and an excellent restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Perfectly situated for outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, it provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff ready to offer local advice. Enjoy a memorable stay with top-notch amenities and breathtaking scenery.
Sunstar Hotel: Class: 4 Star Hotel. Sunstar Hotel in Grindelwald offers comfortable accommodations with views of the Eiger. The hotel features a wellness center with a pool, sauna, and steam bath, as well as a restaurant serving Swiss cuisine. Its central location close to the town and train station makes it convenient for exploring the area.
Recent positive comments by guests mention: Location, some rooms with good views, amenities
Recent negative comments by guests mention: Poor staff at reception, late check-in time as compared to other hotels,
Top Restaurants & in Grindelwald
💡Top Tip: Book a day in advance the place you want to have dinner the next day. It usually gets very busy between 6 and 8:30 PM and you will struggle to find a place in popular restaurants.
🏆Ristorante Pizzeria Da Salvi: Best place for having a Pizza in Grindelwald. Year after year we always pick this place if we want to try Pizza / Pasta. There are three sitting areas in the restaurant, the Groto and the area to the left of the entrance are better options. They normally keep the area to the right of the entrance for non-bookings
Restaurant Belvedere: Very good selection of menu items. Good choice for vegetarians as well. Here you also got opportunity to enjoy fondue in a stationary Gondola with views of Eiger mountain.
Golden India Grindelwald: If you fancy Indian food, you can try Golden India. It’s our go to place for India food for all our travels to Grindelwald.
Restaurant Fiescherblick
AVOID!!! Onkel Tom’s Hütte: Restaurant to avoid at all costs is Onkel Tom’s Hutte. Especially if you are not local. There is no table reservation, you have to go there on the day and get your name on the waiting list. Then you are forever waiting. You can end up spoiling your evening by trying to have dinner here. Few times we tried, we can easily see that they only prefer local customers. You can even expect your waiting list position to be handed over to a local if someone walks in and knows them. Because they got this weird waiting system, there is always lot of crowd outside and you will fall for it as well like we did. Best is to walk away and enjoy your evening meal elsewhere. Or if you are desparate then go very ealry like 4 or 4:30 PM when it opens for dinner.
Coffee & Cakes
Grindelwald: Your questions answered
Can you do a day trip to Grindelwald from Zurich?
While a day trip from Zurich to Grindelwald is possible, it’s a bit of a stretch. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours each way, totalling 6 hours round trip. Grindelwald itself serves as a great base for exploring the Jungfrau region, although the town itself doesn’t have many attractions. Most visitors use Grindelwald as a starting point for day trips to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald First, Eigergletscher, and the Mürren/Lauterbrunnen area. We recommend planning a one-night stay in Grindelwald. Take a morning train from Zurich to arrive in Grindelwald around 11-12 PM. Spend 4-5 hours exploring on the first day, and another 4-6 hours on the second day before catching the return train to Zurich in the evening. This allows you to make the most of your time and experience the beauty of the region.
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