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Every facet of Grindelwald’s natural beauty is sublime. From its chiselled rocky faces to its spiked glaciers and jagged gorges, there is something bold and sensuous about its wilderness. Larger-than-life earthly formations constitute the region’s landscapes, gobsmacking travellers since the 19th century. As Switzerland’s oldest resort, Grindelwald has managed to retain its multi-sensorial appeal, dazzling anyone who treads its plains. Grindelwald tourism draws from the mountains, the sky, the pastures, the lakes. There is beauty to be found in every corner.
A kingly mountain within the Bernese Alps, Eiger is on many a climber’s bucket list. Its majestic beauty is unfathomable. It’s hard to imagine a landscape so awe-inspiring or for that matter, so all encompassing. The journey is gruelling but worth it, for the panoramic views of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are simply stunning. A 6 km trail, amidst sprawling mountain scenery, leads to Eiger’s mammoth north face. This is its most notable feature, an 1,800-metre-high north facing slab, carved out of rock and ice. Since the 1930’s, hikers have been perfecting this bumpy ascent. For those with an appetite for adventure, this picturesque path undoubtedly tops the list of Grindelwald famous places. However, one must take necessary precautions to make the climb.
First
A cable car ride from Grindelwald ascends to an exquisite playground, where a plethora of adventure awaits. First is a minor summit on the slopes of the Schwarzhorn, a glorious paradise for backpackers and nature enthusiasts alike. We’d recommend a stroll along the First Cliff Walk, a metal walkway that hugs the side of the cliff and projects 45 metres over a sheer drop. A bird’s eye view will showcase jagged and breath-taking slopes, ethereal alpine lakes, gurgling waterfalls and pastures galore. For adrenaline seekers, First Flyer is an 800-metre-long zipline that runs at 84 km per hour. Imagine being swaddled by nature, slinging away as gravity propels you forward! Individuals can even rent mountain trottibikes and explore away.
A short distance from the Gondola stop at First, is a fairy-tale like lake called Bachalpsee. Sitting pretty at an altitude of 2,265 metres, travellers will find that its crystal waters reflect the endless blue sky and the mountains of Chreckhorn, Wetterhorn and Finsteraarhorn. Grassy banks, dotted with dancing buds, contribute to the quintessential Alpine backdrop. Amongst several extraordinary places to visit in Grindelwald, we’d give this a 10/10. An hour’s walk, amidst wildflowers and ringing cow bells, you’ll get to truly experience what joy is all about. This is the place for nature photographers to get inspired. In fact, the scenery is so spectacular that Gmail features it as its default background!
A striking glacier gorge, oozing with mysticism, Gletscherschlucht is a natural formation that you must glimpse! The craggy ravine houses walkways that manoeuvre and weave through tunnels and impressions. A short bus ride leads right into the mouth of the canyon, a glorious underground world of grey rock and roaring meltwater. Once inside, it will almost seem like you’re in an Indiana Jones film. The path descends 1 km into the abyss, where you will find individuals clambering, rappelling and steering in all directions. This profound spot in Earth’s belly is precisely what makes tourism in Grindelwald so unique.
The charming main street of Dorfstrasse is concentrated with quaint cafes and restaurants for travellers to satiate their palates with. One of our favourite places is Bistro Memory, a rustic eatery that serves hearty Swiss food. We’d recommend an order of the Swiss Rosti, potato cakes or hash browns that are wholesome and delicious. The Swiss Mac and Cheese is also divine. Served with apple sauce, it enables a delightful balance of sweet and savoury! Do try these delicacies when in Grindelwald. For delectable cakes and pastries, head to C & M Café Bar Restaurant that resembles a cute little chalet.
Grindelwald is a picturesque little village in the nation of Switzerland. It is situated in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district within the canton of Bern. Elevated at a height of 1,034 metres above sea level, the township is ensconced by the Bernese Alps. The magnificent mountain trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau embrace it from all sides, while the settlements of Alpiglen, Burglauenen, Grund, Itramen, Mühlebach, Schwendi, Tschingelberg and Wargistal lie adjacent to it, making up the municipality.
The climate in Grindelwald varies greatly as average temperatures fluctuate. Due to its location and elevation, a multitude of micro-climates are witnessed. However, the general conditions that prevail year-round are chilly. The best time to visit and explore Grindelwald will depend on you want to see, do and experience. Spring is peak tourist season, with traveller’s wanting to make most of pleasant temperatures and mountainous landscapes - emerald valleys and blooming dandelions. Summer gives way to comfortable temperatures for hikers to enjoy sunshine, wildflowers and clear blue skies. Autumn, while glacial, is visited for its breath-taking red-gold foliage. Winter, with its snow and slate, can be particularly unforgiving but exquisite nonetheless for skiers.
By Air –To reach Grindelwald, one can avail of the following airports – Bern Airport, Zurich Airport and Basel Airport. While the former is the nearest aerodrome to the village, the latter is the largest International airport in Switzerland and the principal hub for Swiss International Airlines. As such, it is well connected to all major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Upon arrival, individuals can select between taxis and trains to make the final commute of approximately 2-3 hours.
By Rail – Grindelwald houses 2 major rail junctions – Grindelwald and Gund. While the former sits in the centre of town, the latter is situated on the valley floor en route Kleine Scheidegg. Individuals traveling from Europe can opt for international trains connecting to Interlaken Ost Railway Station, that serves as the meeting point for the Bernese Oberland Railway. One will simply have to change to a BOB train heading towards Grindelwald.
By Road – For those who wish to embark on a road trip, they may do so from within Switzerland itself. Individuals coming from all directions will have to take Highway A6 or A8 to Interlaken, followed by the Exit at Wilderswil and the main road to Grindelwald.
The first vestiges of human life in Grindelwald can be traced back to the Neolithic period, as reflected in the collection of tools excavated from the region. During the bygone ages, there was a strong presence of hunter and gatherers from Switzerland’s pre-history. By 1500 BC, several Celtic tribes had settled in the village. By 60 BC, Julius Caesar’s Rome had established control. As power shifted from a secular reign to that of a religious one, churches sprung up and thrived under the patronage of King Louis the German. The Celtic-Roman population was eventually relegated to the interiors of the mountains. Although kingdoms and dynasties came and went, the Roman Catholics did not lose foothold of Grindelwald until the year 1499. Tourism trickled into the Alpine village in the late 1800’s, a lucrative industry that is very much prevalent and continues to grow stronger even today.
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