Visit Grindelwald: Skiing, Hiking, Adventure & Jungfrau Region

General Information

Location: Canton of Bern, Jungfrau Region Altitude: 1,034 m (village) – 2,970 m (Eiger Glacier station) Population: ~3,800 permanent residents Language: German (Swiss dialect), English widely spoken Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most vibrant mountain villages — easy to reach, yet surrounded by wilderness. Set at the foot of the Eiger North Face, it serves as the gateway to the Jungfrau Region and one of the most photographed landscapes in the Alps. Unlike car-free resorts such as Wengen or Zermatt, Grindelwald remains fully accessible by road while preserving its authentic village charm.

History

The history of Grindelwald goes back to the 12th century, when alpine farmers and shepherds settled the fertile valley. Tourism began in the 19th century, spurred by early mountaineers who came to conquer the Eiger and Jungfrau. In 1890, the Wengernalpbahn — Europe’s longest cogwheel railway — connected Grindelwald with Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg, forever transforming it into an international resort.

By the early 1900s, Grindelwald became one of the world’s most famous destinations for winter sports and mountaineering. Today, it’s a rare blend of old and new: wooden chalets, luxury hotels, and cutting-edge gondolas coexisting under one skyline.

Economy

Tourism dominates Grindelwald’s economy, generating more than 85% of local income. The village thrives year-round: ski schools, hotels, restaurants, and shops support a steady flow of visitors from around the globe. The rest of the economy relies on small-scale farming and cheese production in the upper meadows — a living connection to the valley’s roots. Local cheese, honey, and cured meats are sold at village markets, keeping tradition alive in a modern resort setting.

Culture and Traditions

Grindelwald may be dynamic, but it’s deeply traditional. Locals proudly maintain Bernese customs such as the Alpabzug (cow descent in autumn), Yodel evenings, and open-air brass concerts in summer. The annual World Snow Festival turns the streets into an outdoor sculpture gallery, with ice artists from every continent.

Food here is hearty and comforting — cheese fondue, Rösti, and mountain cheeses dominate menus. Visitors often find themselves invited into spontaneous village celebrations, where the rhythm of cowbells and alpine horns mixes with laughter and mulled wine. It’s mountain life at its most genuine.

Ski Schools and Family Programs

Grindelwald offers some of the most professional and family-friendly ski schools in Switzerland. Swiss Ski School Grindelwald and Altitude Ski & Snowboard School provide group and private lessons in multiple languages. For children, the Bodmi Arena serves as the largest beginner area in the region — a safe, sunny zone with conveyor lifts and playful slopes. Meanwhile, advanced skiers can take off toward the Eiger Glacier for freeride terrain and black runs.

In summer, guides organize via ferrata climbs, glacier treks, and paragliding experiences above the valley. Everything is designed for safety, adventure, and education.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: – Winter: December–April for skiing and snowboarding – Summer: June–September for hiking, paragliding, and nature activities

• Transport: – Easy road access and train connections to Interlaken, Wengen, and Kleine Scheidegg – TripTransfer provides private transfers from Zurich, Basel, and Bern airports directly to your hotel

• Accommodation:

• Luxury: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Aspen Alpine Lifestyle Hotel, Bergwelt Grindelwald

• Mid-range: Sunstar Hotel, Eiger Selfness Hotel, Hotel Gletschergarten – Chalets and apartments available for long-term stays

• Dining:

Gourmet: Barry’s, Restaurant Glacier, C & M Café

Mountain huts: Berggasthaus First, Brandegg, Kleine Scheidegg

• Shopping: – Bahnhofstrasse offers outdoor brands (Mammut, Salewa, North Face) and Swiss souvenir shops – Don’t miss local handmade knives, cowbells, and cheese aged in mountain caves

• Events:

World Snow Festival (January) – international ice-sculpting competition

Eiger Ultra Trail (July) – marathon through the mountains

Alpabzug Parade (September) – return of the cows from high pastures