Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? One Day in Grindelwald Itinerary (2024)
If you’re looking up places to visit in Switzerland, you may be curious if Grindelwald is worth visiting and adding to your itinerary. After all, you likely have limited time, and in Switzerland, everything is expensive 🥲. So, to help you out, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences exploring Grindelwald, providing insights on things you can do, and what to expect in terms of costs. This way, you can hopefully better decide whether or not Grindelwald is worth visiting for you!
Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? (2024)
For those who don’t know, Grindelwald is a small village nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. And in my totally biased opinion, it’s an absolute gem that should not be missed by any traveler passing through Switzerland. Think of it as the Swiss equivalent of iconic landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or Paris Opera House.
Grindelwald may not boast grand museums or towering steel structures or be a household name for travelers, its natural beauty and outdoor adventures rival any cultural or architectural wonder. And I know that may sound over the top, but when people ask me about my European adventures and my favorite place I visited on my 2023 trip, Grindelwald is the first destination that comes to mind. I love it that much.
The picture above is even my screensaver on my phone that I use as motivation to remind me why I put my heart and soul into this blog. Hint: It’s so I can afford to take my parents to Grindelwald one day and explore other unbelievably gorgeous places in Switzerland with them! :’)
All this said I’m well aware that some people won’t share my point of view or think that I’m being over dramatic. That’s fair play if that’s your opinion because the truth is Grindelwald isn’t worth visiting for every single person.
But, just so you get an honest overview that isn’t completely one-sided… in the following sections, I’ll talk about a few cases in which I think Grindelwald is worth visiting and a few scenarios in which you may want to opt to go somewhere else.
Grindelwald Is Worth Visiting If…
You want to see some of the most incredible alpine scenery. Grindelwald is famous for its breathtaking snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and pristine lakes that seem like they’ve been plucked from a postcard. I mean looking back, I don’t know how this isn’t the go-to place that comes up whenever people talk about visiting Switzerland.
It also happens to be the gateway city to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) whether you’re traveling from Interlaken, Zurich, Lucerne, or somewhere else! 😉
Another case in which Grindelwald is worth visiting is if you enjoy partaking in thrilling outdoor activities. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone seeking an adrenaline-fueled ride, Grindelwald has all kinds of fun activities to partake in!
Lastly, Grindelwald is worth visiting if you are after a tranquil escape, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Truly, I think this is one of the best destinations to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of nature. Thus, if you enjoy looking at ridiculously beautiful mountain landscapes, want to embark on fun outdoor excursions, and/or need a place to ground yourself in nature, then Grindelwald is likely worth visiting!
Grindelwald Is Not Worth Visiting If…
Despite Grindelwald being one of my all-time favorite places, to the point that I’m quickly running out of words to describe the sheer beauty of the place, there are a few scenarios where Grindelwald may be worth skipping.
The first case is if you’re on a tight budget. Like most places in Switzerland, Grindelwald is ✨expensive✨. But because it’s this small town high up in the Swiss Alps, it’s especially expensive. Grindelwald’s accommodations, dining, and activities are 2-3x more expensive than places and activities in Spain or Portugal. And if you aren’t up for a 2-hour hike… getting to one of the best and most popular spots in Grindelwald comes at a hefty price.
Another scenario would be if you have limited mobility. Again, with Grindelwald being a hilly/mountainous destination, it takes a bit more effort to get around. And if you can’t easily move around on foot, the trip might not be worth it.
Finally, I’d say Grindelwald is not worth it if you are after urban attractions. This is pretty much a given, but Grindelwald is primarily a nature-centric destination. Therefore, if you’re someone who prefers big cities, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of urban attractions, you might find Grindelwald too quiet and lacking in the entertainment options that major cities like Monte Carlo, Paris, or Barcelona offer.
Ultimately, whether or not to visit Grindelwald depends on individual preferences and priorities. And at the end of the day, these are just my *little* opinions 🙂
How to Get to Grindelwald Switzerland
Depending on your starting location there are a few different ways to get to Grindelwald Switzerland. For instance, if you’re beginning your journey outside of Switzerland, you’ll want to rent a car and drive to Switzerland or fly into the country. Two airports I’ve personally flown through in Switzerland and had quite positive experiences at are the Basel International Airport (BSL) and the Zurich International Airport (ZRH).
✈️ NOTE: For cheap flights, check out the flight search engine Skyscanner or StudentUniverse. And if you haven’t heard of StudentUniverse, you can read my honest review of the company here. I’ve booked flights with them 10+ times because they have offered me the cheapest prices on the market by $100+.
Getting Around Switzerland
Once you’re in Switzerland, getting between the cities is fairly easy with their public transportation network. It just comes at an expensive price. 🥲 To sum it up, you can get a Swiss Travel Pass, which is great if you plan on staying for several days and need to cover a lot of ground. For example, if you want to visit Geneva, Zurich, and Grindelwald in the span of a few days, you would likely save money by getting a Swiss Travel pass.
Or, you can purchase point-to-point tickets. This is the option I went with when visiting Grindelwald since I was based nearby in Interlaken. To purchase a point-to-point ticket, you can do it directly at the ticketing machines at the stations. Or, you can buy them in advance through Omio, which is my preferred method.
The reason I like to buy via Omio is because tickets tend to be a bit cheaper online depending on the time slot you pick. Additionally, it saves you the trouble of fumbling with the ticketing machines on the track, especially if it’s a busy platform. My friend and I nearly missed our train twice because some ticketing machines were down, and the working ones had long lines.
✅ 🚂 Check rates and availability for trains to Grindelwald via Omio.
Or, use this link to get $11 off if it’s your first time using Omio.
You can delve into my full review of Omio after using them for 5 years here.
Map of Grindelwald Switzerland
To give you an idea of where everything is in relation to one another, including some of the places I’ll be mentioning in the next section, below is a map of Grindelwald, Switzerland. The red pins represent the train stations, while the purple pins represent some attractions and key points within Grindelwald. As you can see, Interlaken is one of the closest major cities near Grindelwald. By train, it only takes about 45 minutes to commute between Grindelwald and Interlaken.
The other town I included is Lauterbrunnen, which is denoted by the lower red pin. Lauterbrunnen is known for its thousands of waterfalls and towering mountainsides and is about 45 minutes away by train from Grindelwald. Literally, while visiting Lauterbrunnen, I felt like I had been plopped into some alternate universe where my only concern was tending to farm animals. It’s just so tranquil and idyllic. And speaking as an American who is used to hanging around the beaches of San Diego and Nice, France, it was unlike anything I had seen before.
Together, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald form what I call the Swiss trifecta. I say this because these three Swiss towns are some of the most popular *small*, in terms of population, towns to visit within Switzerland! And if you’re passing through Switzerland, even if only for 3 days… I highly encourage you to make an effort to visit all three because each is absolutely stunning.
9 Things to Do During One Day in Grindelwald
If you’re convinced that Grindelwald is worth visiting, you might be wondering what all there is to do. So, to help you expedite the planning process and hopefully make life a little easier for yah, here are 9 things to do if you have one day in Grindelwald! The last two activities are if you’re in Grindelwald for more than one day or want to swap out activities.
1. Grindelwald First
Alright, so the biggest attraction that draws thousands upon thousands of visitors to Grindelwald is Grindelwald First! This is an area on top of First Mountain that offers the most gorgeous views of the surrounding area. From the top, you can see some of the most famous and tallest snow-covered peaks that make up the Jungfrau region. These include Jungfrau, also known as the Top of Europe since it’s the tallest peak in Europe, Mönch, and Eiger.
You’ll also discover that there are quite a few different activities to partake in, a few of which I’ve covered below! But before I do that, let’s talk about the two different options you have for reaching Grindelwald.
Grindelwald First Gondola
The quickest and easiest way to reach Grindelwald is via the Grindelwald First Gondola. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online and the gondola ride usually lasts 25 minutes give or take a few minutes depending on mid-ride delays. There are 6 people per cabin. Thus, you’ll likely be sitting with strangers if you don’t have 6 people in your group. But, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to befriend strangers like I did — because unless you plan on sitting in silence for 25 minutes… you might as well get to know each other!
One piece of advice based on my experience is to buy your ticket for the Grindelwald First gondola online in advance. I honestly don’t know why more people don’t do it because there isn’t a price difference and you get to skip the crazy lines.
✅ 🏔️ Check rates and availability for the Grindelwald First gondola
My friend and I did this, and we skipped a snake-like line that wrapped through the inside and went out the door. I estimate that it would’ve taken 20-30 minutes, if not more to go through the on-site ticketing people. But, since we bought our ticket online, we immediately were sent a QR code and were able to walk straight up the turnstiles to enter the gondola. Once you scan the QR code, you can hop into the gondola!
🚡 PRO TIP: The gondola ride is super duper scenic! Capture a time-lapse of the ride so you can remember the gorgeous views, including all the fluffy cows!
Hike to Grindelwald First
Now, I won’t lie. Like most things in Switzerland, the Gondola ticket for Grindelwald First is ✨pricey✨. So, if you have plenty of time to spare and are keen to get all your steps in for the day, you can hike to Grindelwald First.
Another one of my friends who I was traveling around with decided to go this route. It took him and some of our mutual friends about 2 hours and 45 minutes to do this. He isn’t particularly fit and has minimal hiking experience, but he said it was a moderate to challenging hike. This is due to the steep uphill nature, but 90% trail is fairly well defined and maintained. I say 90% because there’s a section that isn’t, so you’ll want to double-check your phone for where to go.
Also, if you have bad knees, I wouldn’t recommend hiking down from Grindelwald First to Grindelwald. My friend said it’s quite rough on them since there are pretty steep sections. Oh! And, along the way, you’ll likely pass a bunch of people riding mountain carts and trottibike scooters down. More on that later though.
Lastly, beware that you are subject to the elements when you hike. It was clear blue skies riding the gondola up, but on the way back down it was pouring rain. My friend who opted to hike was absolutely drenched when we got to the bottom, and the weather forecast previously said no rain…
🏔️ 🚡 So there are options: Save money by hiking to Grindelwald First or save your knees and time by riding the gondola!
2. Pictures with Crash Landing On You
Once you exit the gondola station or pass it (for those hiking), you’ll see a little Marmot statue! This is a great photo opportunity as the view is gorgeous.
Another photo spot that any fellow Korean drama fans should stop by is right at the entrance to First Cliff Walk. There, you’ll see a post with a giant red heart and a little plaque showing the corresponding scene from Crash Landing on You aka one of the greatest Korean dramas of all time 😌.
For those who don’t know, Grindelwald First is one of the first settings where the two protagonists, Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong Hyeok, first encounter each other. The irony is that the location of the photo post is not at all correct. The scenes where they’re together in the drama are shot somewhere else around Grindelwald First. My guess is that the sign was put there since it’s a highly frequented area, and the true filming location is not. Whatever the reason, it’s a nice photo opportunity and you’ll want to head over anyway since First Cliff Walk is a must-do!
3. First Cliff Walk
Just to the left of the ‘Crash Landing on You,’ photo opportunity is the entrance to First Cliff Walk. This is a metal walkway that wraps around the side of the First Summit! You get quite a bit of exposure but I promise the structure is super stable and safe. It’s not like a via ferrata where you need to be clipped in or anything.
And, as you walk along First Cliff Walk, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the verdant valley below, including a giant waterfall that can be spotted tucked into the mountainside. Furthermore, being partially bolted to the side of the mountainside, you can see the rock striations and layers up close. There’s even a little bridge section that might give those with a fear of heights a short adrenaline rush! But again, everything is very secure.
In total, the First Cliff Walk takes about 5-10 minutes to do, depending on how often you stop. I will say that this is completely free to do, so there may be a bit of foot traffic.
Once you arrive at the end of First Cliff Walk, you’ll pass through a little gate since this is a uni-directional activity. To the left of the gate is a winding walkway that leads to a lookout terrace that extends 45 meters out from the mountainside.
Overall, it’s one of the best photo spots with Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger, and the other soaring mountains in the background. Just remember to be patient because there’s likely going to be a fat line. But, if you have time to wait in it, the view is SOOOOO worth it! This was definitely one of my favorite photo spots 🙂
4. Grab a Bite at Bergrestaurant
On top of the First Summit is arguably one of the most scenic locations to grab a bite. Well, at least within Grindelwald. The restaurant offers different types of services based on your needs. For example, if you want to sit back, enjoy the unreal panoramic views, and lizard in the sun for a bit, you can sit outside on the terrace. This area is open to those who want to receive table service and those who prefer self-service.
If the weather isn’t fantastic, you can also eat inside. Again, there’s a self-service section for those who want to grab something from the buffet. The buffet includes options for everyone, whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, looking for a small snack, or want the whole 9 yards. But, for a proper dining experience, you can be served as well. The restaurant offers regional specialties and fine wines and even has a menu of the day. You can view the menu here, and they do take reservations!
5. Hike to Bachalpsee
Once you have some fuel in your system, I recommend hiking to Lake Bachalpsee! This is one of the most popular hikes to do at Grindelwald First since it’s a pretty chill hike and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Not to mention, the hike lets you break away from the heavy crowds that surround the gondola station.
Oh, and along the way, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible alpine views! You may recall that I mentioned in the beginning that pictures from this hike are what I use as my phone screensaver because they serve as a reminder of why I work hard and try to create helpful content!
In total, the hike takes a little less than an hour (one-way). The trail is super well maintained and defined, and there aren’t any super steep sections. That said, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes that are comfortable to hike in. There are small rocks and some sections can be slippery because of the loose dirt.
Another recommendation is to pack snacks! Before you take the gondola, stop by one of the grocery stores, such as COOP, and pick yourself up some snacks for the day! I brought along some Nature Valley bars and heavenly Swiss chocolate. My friend and I also made two delicious sandwiches back at our hostel in Interlaken.
This is one way to save money in Switzerland since everything is understandably a bit more expensive on top of a mountain! 😅 Plus, we got to eat our little lunch on one of the many benches while admiring the super-reflective glacial waters of Lake Bachalpsee!
6. First Adventures
Another fun activity to do is a First adventure! They promise a memorable time with lots of fun but do come at a price. There are 4 different First adventures available from the beginning of May to the start of November.
You can click the links to view a detailed description, see pricing, and grab your ticket. These activities are as follows:
- First Mountain Cart: Spend ~30 minutes riding down the mountain on a cross between a go-kart and a sled. You are low to the ground, so you have a low center of gravity, which helps keep everything safe. In addition, you have hydraulic breaks to control the speed and are provided a helmet free of charge!
- First Flyer: Fly along an 800m long steel cable while strapped via a harness! You’ll be transported from the First summit area to Schreckfeld with a top speed of 84 kmh (52mph). Body weight requirements: 35 kg (77 lbs) – 125 kg (275 lbs).
- First Glider: Moving in the opposite direction compared to First Flyer, First Glider involves 4 passengers riding with a golden eagle from Schreckfeld towards First. Again, guests will get to soar high and fast while marveling at the unbelievable panoramic views. This is open during the summer and winter season!
- First Trottibike Scooter: As the name suggests, ride down from Bort to Grindelwald on a mix between a bike and a scooter. You stand on a wide footboard, have breaks to control your speed, and be given a helmet to ensure your safety!
🏔️ PRO TIP: If you decide to complete these activities, make sure to reserve your ticket in advance and to get to Grindelwald early in the day! These activities fill up FAST…
7. Souvenir Shopping
Last on the itinerary for the day is to do a bit of souvenir shopping. I mean, did you even visit a place if you didn’t buy a little souvenir?! I’m just kidding but if you want a little magnet, wooden cow, or cozy sweatshirt to help remember your time on the mountain, be sure to stop by the souvenir shops. There’s one in the restaurant area of First Summit, which is also by the bathrooms.
You’ll also find that the streets of Grindelwald are lined with souvenirs! Personally, I’m a big fan of buying a postcard at every place I visit and writing a memory or funny story on the back. Or, if there’s an affordable and easy-to-carry regional specialty, for example, wine from France or soap from Marseille, I like to bring those back home.
These are perfect for loved ones since they get a taste of the local culture, and the gift is functional. So in this case, I’d recommend bringing home a healthy heaping of Swiss chocolate! ✨ P.S. The Lindt chocolate factory in Zurich is chocolate heaven! 😉
8. Visit Grindelwald’s Glacier Gorge
Now, for things to do aside from Grindelwald First, I highly recommend visiting Grindelwald’s Glacier Gorge! This canyon dates back 250 million years and is a truly spectacular place. It’s also where you can partake in an unforgettable adventure that’s sure to be a highlight of your Switzerland trip! I’m talking about leaping into this astonishing gorge!
In a nutshell, you’ll go through a short safety brief, put on a harness, get attached to the ropes, and then jump from a platform that’s 295 feet above the canyon/gorge floor. I can only describe the Glacier Canyon Swing as a terrifyingly fun experience that also happens to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 😂😅
✅ 🤠 Check rates and availability for the Glacier Canyon Swing
And, even if you have a massive fear of heights 🙋🏽♀️, the guides that lead this excursion are excellent. They’re so supportive, comfort away any of your worries, and explain exactly how everything is going to go down. Essentially, you’ll be in free fall for several seconds and then enjoy 5 – 6 swings back and forth through the canyon. Chill right? 😉
And once you complete your thrilling leap into the gorge, you can come off the adrenaline high with a complementary, congratulatory drink! So if you want the ultimate adrenaline-fueled experience or to perhaps conquer your fear of heights, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
✅ 🤠 Check rates and availability for the Glacier Canyon Swing
** It’s worth noting that this is a small-group activity that departs from Interlaken and includes round-trip transportation. This means you can admire the stunning Swiss views on the way over!
Just Want to Walk Through Glacier Gorge?
Now, I know everyone isn’t seeking an exhilarating experience. So, if you prefer to explore this astonishing canyon and all its rock galleries and winding tunnels at a leisurely pace, that’s also an option! There’s even a “Spiderweb” net structure that’s a crowd-favorite to walk across as it’s suspended in the middle of the gorge, above the Lütschine River.
Entrance tickets can be bought online or in person. That said, I’ve found that you usually can save a little bit of money buying them online in advance. The exchange rate tends to be a little bit better, but that’s just my experience.
✅ 🏔️ Check rates & availability for an entrance ticket into Grindelwald’s Glacier Gorge
And a little insider tip is that if you visit on a Friday night, you’ll get to witness the glacier gorge lit up with vibrant colors! They turn on a bunch of lights scattered around the gorge so it offers you a completely different view compared to the daytime.
🇨🇭 NOTE: Be sure to arrive well before closing. I’m talking at least 2 hours before closing! They will turn you away if you arrive an hour or less before closing. So to be on the safe side, I recommend arriving at least 2 hours prior to closing!
9. Travel to the Top of Europe!
Last on the list is trekking to the top of Europe, also known as Jungfraujoch! For those who don’t know, Jungfraujoch is the most famous attraction in Switzerland as it’s the tallest mountain peak in Europe! Hence, you’ll often hear it being referred to as the Top of Europe.
Depending on your starting location, there you can travel to the top on your own, or opt for a stress-free experience with a guided tour! I’ll be covering both options below, feel free to click here to skip to the tour section if you know you don’t want the stress of navigating the different trains and railways.
Reaching Jungfraujoch by Yourself
From Grindelwald, you can easily reach Jungfraujoch in about 2 hours. First, you’ll want to go to Grindelwald Terminal WAB, which is separate from the main train Grindelwald Station. This is where you can purchase your Eiger Express ticket if you haven’t already reserved your seat online. Additionally, the small terminal offers a few (expensive 🥲) shops and places to eat.
You’ll then ride the Eiger Express gondola for about 15 minutes to Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher). Just for your reference, each gondola seats 10 people, so you might be seated with strangers if you don’t have a large party.
Afterward, you’ll switch to a cogwheel railway known as the Jungfrau Railway. This ascends for about 30 minutes along the north face of the Eiger to Europe’s highest railway station, which is located on the Jungfraujoch!
Once at the top, you can enjoy the literally breathtaking (hello thin air!) alpine views from 3454m above sea level! Then feel free to check out the other attractions and activities up top, such as wandering through the Ice Palace, visiting the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, and of course, dining with a view! For up-to-date information on visiting Jungfraujoch, check out the official Jungfrau website!
Travel to Jungfraujoch Stress-Free
Now, if you’re someone like my friend who doesn’t want to deal with making train connections and figuring out where to go, a great option is to join a guided tour! There aren’t guided tours that leave specifically from Grindelwald since it’s one of the shortest journeys to Jungfraujoch. But, if you happen to be based out of Interlaken, Zurich, Lucerne, or some other places around Switzerland, I’d recommend the tour route.
The reason is because there will be several train connections involved the further away from the Eiger Express you are. And if you miss one of those connections, it can significantly delay your itinerary for the day and leave you pressed for time on Jungfraujoch.
So, for a hassle-free, in-depth experience, I recommend going with a knowledgeable local expert guide! Here are some quite popular and highly-reviewed tour options to check out based on where you’re traveling from in Switzerland.
- Interlaken to Jungfraujoch:
- 🌟 Rating: 4.5 / 5 (245+ 5-star reviews!) | ⏳ Tour Length: 7 hours
- Zurich to Jungfraujoch:
- 🌟 Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1200+ 5-star reviews!) | ⏳ Tour Length: 11.5 hours
- Lucerne to Jungfraujoch:
- 🌟 Rating: 4.5 / 5 (550+ 5-star reviews!) | ⏳ Tour Length: 9.5 hours
Best Time to Visit Grindelwald
From a “sunny days, clear blue skies” standpoint, the best time to visit Grindelwald is around and during the summer months. This means ideally, try to plan your visit between June and September. During these months, you can expect average high temperatures of about 61°F (16°C) and average low temperatures in the low 50s°F (11-12°C).
So, not only is the weather pleasant but also this is the time when everything is open. Previously, I mentioned the adventure activities you can partake in on top of Grindelwald First. Most of the activities are offered seasonally. As such, if you plan on visiting Grindelwald in November or December, you may be disappointed to find out these activities are closed.
That said, if you’re after a winter wonderland and want to experience some Swiss winter temperatures, visit during the holiday season! You can stop by the Grindelwald Christmas Market and get your festive spirit on! Just expect heavy crowds during both seasons. But, for the unreal alpine views, I’d say it’s worth enduring some crowds.
How Much Time Do You Need in Grindelwald?
Although this post includes an itinerary for one day in Grindelwald, I’d actually recommend spending two or three full days in the area if you can. This will give you time to visit the Top of Europe and discover Grindelwald First. So while you can easily spend one day in Grindelwald and experience a good portion of the fairytale village, spending two days in Grindelwald or even three would be my recommendation.
Where to Stay in Grindelwald
If you plan on spending more than one day in Grindelwald, here are some places worth checking out for your housing accommodations!
Low-Cost Stay
- Grindelwald Youth Hostel — hostel that comes with lovely views! | ⭐️ 8.3 / 10
- You do have to travel up a giant hill, but there is a bus
- Eiger Lodge — Clean, modern hostel that comes with free breakfast! | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Located near Grindelwald Terminal, so great for visiting Jungfraujoch
Mid-Range Stay
- Parkhotel Schoenegg — great 3-star hotel with indoor pool & bar | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Outdoor dining is available, restaurant, sauna, and games
- Gletschergarten — lovely 3-star hotel with spa, and free breakfast | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Free train station pick up, terrace, game room, terrace, and sauna
Fancy Stays
- Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort — charming 4-star hotel on main street | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
- Terrace, wellness center with Spa, sauna, and massage services, & bar
- Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald — stunning 4-star hotel w/ the best views |⭐️ 9 / 10
- Spa, Hot tub, free parking, 2 restaurants, & is centrally located
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Or, if you want an easy way to check out other housing options, check out the interactive map below. You can see current prices for other housing accommodations in Grindelwald. Enter your party size and travel dates for even more acurrate pricing.
Visiting Grindelwald: FAQ
Assuming the are no delays or lengthy stops 🥲, the gondola ride up to Grindelwald First takes about 25 minutes.
YES! You can easily walk around Grindelwald, but it is a bit hilly in some areas.
For me, First Cliff Walk wasn’t scary because I completely trusted the equipment and rigging. But, if you have a fear of heights or don’t like walking along the sides of a cliff, it can be scary. Initially, my friend was petrified walking across First Cliff Walk, but she got used to it and was so glad she completed the walk.
Personally, I stayed in Interlaken. I found that Interlaken is a better home base since you can easily do a ton of day trips from there and it’s more centrally located. However, if you want to spend more time in the Alps, then finding housing in Grindelwald may be better.
While it’s not impossible and some tours hit up both in one day, I wouldn’t recommend seeing both Interlaken and Grindelwald in one day. You’ll be extremely pressed for time and likely won’t be able to fully enjoy both locations.
As someone who visited both Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, I believe both are worth visiting if you have time. Lauterbrunnen is best if you want to see lots of waterfalls and walk alongside towering mountains. Meanwhile, Grindelwald is amazing if you want to do some hiking or see stunning panoramic views of the Jungfrau region from high up!
Wrap-Up: Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? (2024)
Grindelwald is one of the most magical places I’ve ever traveled to. And despite having only spent a limited time in the area, I truly believe Grindelwald is a place worth visiting for just about everyone. It offers everything from crisp mountain air like none other to glorious panoramic alpine views and thrilling adventures that will make you feel on cloud 9. So, unless you hate beautiful alpine scenery or don’t have the budget right now to travel to Switzerland (understandable!), there are not a lot of cases in which Grindelwald isn’t worth visiting.
But hey, that’s just my opinion. Regardless of your decision, I hope my experiences and personal insights have helped you determine whether Grindelwald is worth it for you or not!
