Grindelwald, Switzerland, is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is another Swiss location right out of the scenes of a Disney movie, with stunning snow-capped mountains in the winter and verdant green scenery in the summer.
It’s one of our favorite places to visit in Switzerland because there are so many things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland. The locals call it “the vibrant Eiger village,” which certainly lives up to that name. Our family loved its gorgeous, breathtaking landscapes, active adventures like hiking and ziplining, and delicious Swiss cuisine (hello, Cheese and chocolate!)
If you love going on outdoor adventures with your family, then this location is the nature enthusiast’s dream. It includes skiing in the winter and various outdoor activities the rest of the year.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s get into all the amazing activities Grindelwald has to offer.
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Why Visit Grindelwald
Grindelwald is located in the Swiss Bernese Alps in the heart of the Jungfrau Region and just under the north face of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn. It’s just 30 minutes from Interlaken, with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
You and your family will find so many things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland, so I recommend you stay at least four to five days here to make the most of your vacation. You’ll find hiking trails galore, activities to learn more about Swiss culture, and can even take a day trip to Lucerne. We stayed in a mountain inn for an authentic and unique experience, which really added to the charm of our trip.
Top 10 Things To Do in Grindelwald, Switzerland
As Grindelwald is a mountain town, many of the mountain’s attractions center around hiking, enjoying the spectacular scenery, and other fun local activities.
The self-guided and guided hikes through Grindelwald Valley and the mountains were some of our favorite things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland, but there’s so much more to see and do here that your family will love.
1. Take the Cable Car to First Mountain Grindelwald
First Mountain is a trailhead for many hiking trails that dot the Swiss Alps. While it’s a minor mountain peak, the cable car ride from Grindelwald to the First Cliff Walk is absolutely amazing.
The First Cliff Walk is a metal walkway that surrounds the topside of the mountain summit. Here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the peaks, alpine pastures, a waterfall, and area lakes. My kids loved the big cable car, especially when we went over the cliff and saw some of the most incredible views.
2. The Bachalpsee Lake Hike (Balchap)
The hike to Lake Bachalpsee is the perfect one to start your day. It only takes about an hour round trip as it is within walking distance of the cable cars. We took the cable car up to this 1.86-mile hike and enjoyed stunning views of cows dotting alpine pastures, golden eagles flying overhead, and the two sparkling lakes.
Be sure to hike back to the second lake to the bench, as there’s a journal in a box where you can jot down your impressions of the scenery. My kids had a lot of fun documenting our family trip in the journal.
3. Grindelwald Mountain Activities
The family and I stayed busy for days with the many mountain activities! Besides riding on the cable cars and First Cliff Walk, there are many other things you can do on and around the mountains, such as:
- Tour the mountainside on a mountain cart — our kids’ favorite!
- Ride a Trotti Bike down the mountain.
- Zip down the First Glider (First Flyer), an 800-meter-long zip line that reaches speeds of 52.2 mph.
- Go paragliding.
- Try night sledding.
- Take a Tissot Cliff Walk.
- Visit the Ice Palace at the Aletsch Glacier at Jungfrau Top of Europe.
4. Hike from Pfingstegg to Bäregg Hut
One of our favorite hikes was the Pfingstegg to Bäregg trail. It starts at the Pfingstegg cable car, and the hike to the hut is about 3.5 miles round trip. The trail is relatively easy and runs up a narrow canyon with gorgeous views of the Ischmeer Glacier up to the Glacier Viewpoint.
Stop off at the hut to drink the famous Switzerland drink Ravella and eat a snack before the trek back. Once back in Pfingstegg, you can enjoy the tree zip line that my kids loved, and there’s even a restaurant where you can eat supper.
5. Grindelwald Glacier Canyon Walk
Grindelwald Glacier Canyon Walk is another sight you must see as you explore through walkways, tunnels, and rock galleries to see the Lütschine River rushing through the Glacier Canyon. The one to two hours it takes to explore the sights here are well worth visiting.
If anyone in your family is feeling brave, you can leap off the high cliff on the Grindelwald Canyon Swing and swing over the canyon or climb the spiderweb trampoline as you bounce over the racing water directly over the canyon. My kids were too young for some of the attractions here, but we still had a great time exploring.
6. Hike Eiger Trail
If you’re in for an easier walk, The Eiger Trail hike is mostly downhill. Climbers had used this path since at least 1853, when three mountaineers climbed to the top of the Eiger Mountain peak. The easiest way to get there is by taking a cable car ride to the base of the Eiger Trail.
As you hike with your kids, you’ll see climbers pulling themselves up one of the hardest mountains to climb on a wall that pays homage to the many mountaineers who have climbed it. Have a picnic lunch on the side of the trail, where you can see Swiss cows grazing, then take the Jungfrau railway back to the Grindelwald train station.
7. Visit an Alpine Dairy
We loved having breakfast with local herders and learning all about the alpine cheese-making traditions. Take in the sights of local life and see how they make cheese from fresh milk. We followed up breakfast with a walk on a leisurely “wanderweg” (wandering trail), but you can take a bus back.
8. Spend an Afternoon Shopping and Dining in Grindelwald Village
Take a break from the adrenaline rush of activities like the Grindelwald Canyon Swing, First Cliff Walk, or ziplining to spend an afternoon shopping and dining in Grindelwald Village.
Eat at a mountain restaurant, and check out the places to rent sledding and ski equipment, cute shops to buy souvenirs, and there’s even a ski school. The kids especially enjoyed trying authentic Swiss chocolates and buying some to take home.
9. Grindelwald Museum
While you’re in the village, stop by the Grindelwald Museum to learn about the history of the town. Tourism began here in the 18th century, and Grindelwald was the first village in the Bernese Alps, with local mountain guides leading visitor tours of the incredible views.
You’ll learn other neat facts, like the railway and cable car network was built about 100 years ago, and see exhibits with vintage climbing gear, handicrafts, and farming tools. We enjoyed looking at all of the old photographs, and it gave us a new appreciation for this charming mountain town.
10. Take a Day Trip to Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe
We found Jungfraujoch Top of Europe to be one of the most beautiful locations in the Alps. It is the highest railway station in all of Europe at about 3,500 meters above sea level.
Don’t miss dining in the restaurant from the 007 movies! My family loved taking pictures of the Bernese Alps from this vantage point. You could even take a guided tour of this part of the Jungfrau region to learn more about the magnificent scenery.
Getting to the location is half the fun, and you can do this with a train ride from Grindelwald. Or take the cable car to Eiger Glacier Station and then a 30-minute train ride.
11. The Ice Palace
While you’re at Jungfraujoch, check out the Ice Palace. Your kids will never forget this icy maze of sculptures! It begins with an ice tunnel that runs underneath Jungfraufirn, a tributary of the Aletsch Glacier. Built in 1930, the 1000 square meters of tunnels are dotted with ice sculptures throughout. My kids had a blast sliding down the ice slides and posing for pictures with penguins made of ice.
12. Skiing at Mürren-Schilthorn
The Jungfrau region is one of the best places for skiing in the world, and Mürren-Schilthorn is simply gorgeous. The ski area is located even higher than all the other resorts, and it has a mountain restaurant that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
If your kids are new to skiing, there’s even a ski school for beginners, as well as a toboggan safari and a snow park with plenty of tools for doing tricks. We had so much fun skiing here, and the views were simply breathtaking. Need help packing for your ski trip? Here’s The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List To Make Family Ski Trips Easy!
Other Activities to Add to Your Grindelwald Itinerary if You Have More Time
- Tour the Grosse Scheidegg mountain pass between the Wetterhorn and Schwarzhord mountains.
- Add in one of the other hikes that take you to the Upper and Lower Grindelwald Glacier.
- Visit The Alpine Sensation, a tribute to the area’s history and miners who built the railway at Jungfrau Top the World.
- Have a spa and wellness day.
- Ride Big Pintenfritz — the longest sled track.
- Visit Gletscherschlut, a large ravine carved out by the Lower Grindelwald Glacier.
Quick Tips for Your Grindelwald, Switzerland Vacation
When we visited Grindelwald, we picked up some tips to help you make the most of your trip. Here’s what we learned:
1. Be Sure to Bring Warm Clothes
Be sure to bring warm clothes even in the summer because it’s still chilly in some places. We found ourselves having to buy extra jackets because we underestimated how cold it could get. Wear layers if you plan on hitting a hiking trail or participating in any of the outside mountain activities.
2. Consider Purchasing a Transport Pass
With so many mountain attractions and activities in the area, we purchased a transport pass that covered the cost of cable cars and saved some money. There are several passes you can get, like the Jungfrau Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass, and Regional Pass Berner Oberland.
3. The Grindelwald First Adventure Package
If you plan on doing multiple activities at Grindelwald First, consider getting the Grindelwald First Adventure Package, which includes cable car rides and anywhere from one to four activities. We found this to be a convenient and cost-effective option.
You can also get a Swiss Travel Pass that includes bus, train, and boat transportation in over 90 towns and cities, mountain excursions, free admission to museums, and other activities. If you plan on being in the area for a while, this pass might save you some money.
4. The Adventure Card
If you plan on trying a couple of the First Mountain activities like the Trotti bikes, First Glider, and mountain carts, consider getting an Adventure Card. With this card, you can ride from Grindelwald to the First Cable Car Station and take one ride on several of the attractions. My kids and I had a blast trying all of the different adventure activities with this card.
5. Bring Travel Adapters
The outlets in most of Europe aren’t compatible with U.S. electronics because their gadgets have different plugs. So you’ll want to bring a couple of adapters, or else you’ll buy one once you arrive in Grindelwald.
6. Bring at Least One Travel Backpack
Since you’ll be going on many adventures, many not close to your hotel, you’ll want to bring a travel backpack to carry water and wallets. You can also pack anything else you’ll need while you are out. This makes carrying your items much easier.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Grindelwald, Switzerland
With its breathtaking mountain scenery and endless adventures, there are so many things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland, that you and your family will never get bored.
All the train stations and cable cars make it so easy to get around the Grindelwald region, and the Swiss Travel Pass can make it even more convenient and cost-effective. From hiking trails to activities for thrill seekers to learning about the history and culture of the area, this is one epic vacation you don’t want to miss.
Are you and your family ready for an unforgettable trip to the Swiss Alps? Grindelwald is waiting for you! To book a place to stay, check out our 12 Essential Tips For Booking Vacation Rentals For Families to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Happy travels!
