This post will show you the most incredible things to do in Grindelwald, this gorgeous mountain village in Switzerland.
Grindelwald is an incredibly beautiful mountain village in Switzerland, in the Bernese Alps region, that offers exciting things to do in any season.
This post will show you exactly what are the 9 best things to do if you are traveling to Grindelwald in summer, the best day trips from Grindelwald and which things you can do totally free.
We visited Grindelwald for the first time this August and were blown away by its beauty!
The drive to the village was getting more and more spectacular with every mile, with high mountain walls and wooden chalets on green slopes on both sides. You think you know it, you’ve seen the pictures, yet it’s 100 times better and more impressive in real life!
Best Things To Do In Grindelwald Switzerland in Summer
As we spent 4 nights in Grindelwald we’ve had plenty of time to explore it all so here are the best things to do during your trip to this gorgeous village of Switzerland:
1. Hike The Eiger Trail
Hiking the Eiger Trail is one of the best things to do in Grindelwald and a must for any nature enthusiast. The views are breathtaking and the hike itself is not very difficult, especially if starting from Eigergletscher (downhill).
The Eiger Trail ends in Aplinglen, where a small restaurant with gorgeous views awaits you. A few meters away is the Aplinglen train station, from where you can take the train down to Grindelwald.
The trail is moderate in difficulty. There are easy parts but also more challenging ones, with rocks and steep descends on the side. So watch your step and make sure to take your good hiking boots.
While the sign says 2 hours, we completed it in 3 with several stops for picnic and pictures along the way.
If you decide to hike the other way – from Aplinglen to Eigergletscher, it will take you 2 hours and 50 minutes, according to the sign.
READ NEXT: 10+ Best Hikes To Do in Switzerland
2. Visit Jungfraujoch Top Of Europe – 1/2 Day Trip from Grindelwald
Visiting the Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe is another great thing to do when you are in Grindelwald, which I recommend if you have enough time to spend in Switzerland. And money.
This is a pricey activity but worth it if you have the budget. The ticket was about 220 CHF per person (220$) during the peak summer season. We bought the Grindelwald cable car pass for 3 days, which included this trip, for 249 CHF. I highly recommend you buy this pass as you will use it a lot during your stay in Grindelwald.
Visiting Jungfraujoch is exciting: you will reach the highest train station in Europe and get to walk on a glacier! 🙂 The whole experience takes around half a day so you can still plan a hike if you want to, for example, the Eiger trail or the Eiger Walk, which both start at Eigergletscher.
Make sure to pack warm clothes for this trip, temperatures are very low at that altitude. Yes, even if you are visiting in August. It was 1C (33F) when we visited. I was wearing a base layer, mid layer, winter jacket, leggings with hiking pants on top, a hat, and gloves.
Also, do not forget your sunglasses and apply SPF on your face. The sun is very strong up there.
3. Eigergletscher & Eiger Walk
Even if hiking isn’t your thing, you can still make the most of your trip to Grindelwald by getting up close to glaciers and the beautiful Swiss Alps.
In a short, 15-minute cable car ride from Grindelwald Terminal, you will be at Eigerglestcher (2.328m above sea level) the first stop to Jungfraujoch.
Step out here and enjoy the fresh, crisp air and beautiful views of the glacier. You can also do the Jungfrau-Eiger Walk, which is an easy, 30 minutes downhill walk to Kleine Scheidegg. Do take your hiking boots and gear with you.
4. Grindelwald FIRST – For Epic Adventures in Switzerland
If you are looking for some fun and adrenaline-boosting activities, then Grindelwald FIRST is the place for you! They have a zip line, a glide line, and a cliff walk.
HOW TO GET TO GRINDELWALD FIRST
It is very easy to find Grindelwald FIRST – simply walk straight ahead towards the center from the Grindelwald train station. In about 5 minutes walk, you will see a big sign of the Grindelwald FIRST cable car on your left. It is very clearly marked so you can’t miss it.
The cable car ride from Grindelwald all the way up takes about 20 min, and the views are stunning.
FIRST Cliff Walk by Tissot- one of the many free things to do in Grindelwald
The FIRST Cliff Walk (sponsored by the famous Swiss watch brand Tissot) is a short but fun walk along the side of the mountain on a suspended metal structure. It ends in a very Instagramabale spot, opening to the impressive Grindelwald valley and Swiss Alps.
As this spot is pretty well known, you need to plan your trip here wisely and arrive very early morning if you want to avoid long lines for that magical selfie.
Alternatively, you can walk just a few meters next to it and you will have the same views and great pictures.
Find out more about Grindelwald FIRST HERE.
5. Take the Grindelwald cable car to Mannlichen & The Royal Walk
If you have enough time to spend in Switzerland, I suggest adding Mannlichen to your list of things to do in Grindelwald. The views from up there are truly unique.
Take the cable car from Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen. At the top, you will find stunning views of the Eiger and Jungfrau peaks, but also an amazing kids’ playground and a restaurant. It’s the perfect spot for brunch or dinner, up in the mountains.
An easy yet impressive hike is the Royal Walk at Männlichen. Maybe “hike” is even a too big word for it, as it is mainly a road, but quite an uphill one.
I highly recommend going up to this point as no other spot will give you this incredible sight: you will see the Grindelwald valley on your left side and Lauterbrunnen on your right. Both of them at the same time! It’s surreal!
READ NEXT: Where to Stay in Grindelwald For The Perfect Mountain View
6. Train Ride to Kleine Sheidegg & Wengen
A train ride through the Swiss Alps is an absolute must for any holiday in Switzerland. Especially if you are in a region with such scenic views as Grindelwald.
Take the train to Kleine Scheidegg all the way up to 6.762 ft – this is a spectacular ride with awesome views of the village and mountains. Up here you can have a hot chocolate or lunch and at the restaurant and shop for some Swiss souvenirs for your family & friends back home.
You can also discover by train the other villages in the area – Wengen is a cute one which is worth seeing.
7. Explore Grindelwald – the village
Of course, we can’t talk about the top things to do in Grindelwald without exploring the village itself.
Grindelwald is a little town, with no more than 3.900 inhabitants. It is very easy to explore, by simply walking along the main road that will lead you from the train station to the city center.
You will find all the main restaurants and shops along this road. The mountain views, especially at sunset, are gorgeous from any angle.
8. Fine Dining with a Glacier View
Even if you are in Switzerland, take a break from the famous raclette and try a gourmet experience at THE MARMITE restaurant. Located inside the Kirchbühl Hotel, the restaurant and chef Peter Nydegger will delight you with delicious food with an unbeatable view.
9. Try the Swiss Chocolate
Last (but definitely not least) of the best things to do in Grindelwald is to try the delicious Swiss chocolates.
You will have many opportunities to do so as you will find a Lindt store at almost all touristic attractions. I LOVE how they sample chocolates as you walk in: try the Raspberry, Pistachio, and Salted Caramel flavours. They are insanely good!
Another Swiss chocolate brand you need to check out is Ovomaltine. I love the crispiness of it!
They have expanded into biscuits, cereals, hot chocolate, and a lot more. The best is the chocolate bar, the spread, and the ice cream in my opinion.
Top Things To Do In Grindelwald Switzerland – Final Thoughts
I hope my list of the best things to do in Grindelwald was helpful in exploring this wonderful region.
If you are considering a trip here, I suggest planning it for summer (July & August are the best months). Especially if you plan to hike. Earlier than that, some trails might not be open due to snow.
Of course, Grindelwald in winter must be magical too, so if you are considering a winter holiday, make sure to book well in advance, as this is a popular destination.
Happy travels! 🙂
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