Grindelwald

A picturesque mountain village at the base of the dramatic North Face of the Eiger, offering excellent hiking, skiing, and the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch at 3,454 meters. The stunning scenery and accessibility via the Jungfrau Railway make it a must-visit alpine destination.

Things to do

• Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch — Take the iconic cogwheel train from Grindelwald up to Jungfraujoch at 3,454 meters, Europe's highest railway station, offering panoramic views and access to the Aletsch Glacier.
• Eiger Trail Hiking — Hike the spectacular Eiger Trail which runs along the base of the North Face, providing dramatic views of the iconic 1,800-meter vertical rock wall.
• First-Schreckfeld Paragliding — Launch from First at 2,168 meters via cable car and experience world-class paragliding with views of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Matterhorn.
• Bachalpsee Alpine Lake — Hike to this stunning turquoise glacial lake surrounded by peaks, offering one of the most photographed views of the Eiger reflected in its waters.
• Winter Skiing and Snowboarding — Access the Grindelwald-First ski area with slopes ranging from beginner to expert, featuring reliable snow and spectacular alpine terrain.
• Grindelwald Gorge Walk — Explore the dramatic limestone gorge carved by meltwater, featuring walkways built into the canyon walls with thundering waterfalls.

Food to try

• Raclette — Melted Valais cheese scraped onto bread or potatoes, a warming Alpine specialty served in many local restaurants, particularly popular in winter.
• Fondue — Traditional Swiss melted cheese dish where diners dip bread into a communal pot, emblematic of Swiss mountain culture and widely available in Grindelwald.
• Rösti with Alpine Cheese — Crispy Swiss potato pancakes topped with local Valais cheese and often a fried egg, a hearty regional comfort food found throughout the village.
• Bratwurst and Rösti — Grilled Swiss sausage paired with rösti, a classic lunch combination served at mountain huts and local restaurants.
• Birchermüesli with Local Dairy — Swiss oat and yogurt breakfast cereal made with fresh cream from Valais alpine dairies, often served with berries sourced locally.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mountain Safety Protocols — Always check weather conditions before hiking or mountain activities, as Alpine weather changes rapidly and rescue services expect visitors to be properly equipped and informed.
• Learn Basic German Phrases — While many locals speak English, learning simple Swiss German greetings and phrases like 'Grüezi' (hello) shows respect for local culture and is appreciated by residents.
• Embrace Seasonal Rhythms — The village transforms dramatically between seasons with winter sports, summer hiking, and shoulder seasons offering distinct experiences; visit during your preferred season as services and accessibility vary.
• Support Local Businesses — Grindelwald thrives on sustainable tourism; prioritize family-run hotels, restaurants, and guides over large international chains to support the community that maintains these mountains.