11 Best Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald is the perfect destination for a winter getaway to the mountains for those who love adventure, great food, luxury stays and a chance to ski, or learn to! Planning a trip to Grindelwald and want to know the best things to do in the mountain town? I've got you. If you haven't visited this part of Switzerland yet, what are you waiting for? Switzerland is a beautiful country all year round, but this was my first time experiencing it in winter. The best things to do in Grindelwald include everything from visiting glaciers and the Top of Europe, to learning to ski, zip lines, spas and fine dining experiences – there really is something for everyone in Grindelwald.

It's also a perfect area for a quiet trip – away from the crazy aprés scenes that are popular in other ski areas. If you prefer a relaxing trip or family-friendly holiday, Grindelwald has everything you could want. I visited the Jungfrau Region in March with Visit Switzerland, Jungfrau Region & Grindelwald Tourism – and it was the perfect time of year to indulge in all of these top activities on your first visit. It was my first ever time skiing – and what a place to learn!

Best Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland:

1. Is Grindelwald, Switzerland worth visiting?
2. What is the best thing to do in Grindelwald?
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5. Travel Insurance for Ski Trips and Adventure Holidays
6. 11 Best Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland

11 Best Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Visit Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe is an absolute must-see when visiting Grindelwald and a completely unique experience to the area. From riding a train through the mountain to 3,454 metres above sea level to the top of this high-altitude building with views over the Aletsch Glacier. You can walk around the metal walkways and take in the views as the freezing wind whips around your cheeks before heading inside to the restaurant where you can dine with panoramic mountain views. Don't miss a visit to the Ice Bar and viewing platforms.

Top tip: Be prepared to feel very strange from the altitude – you might feel woozy, wobbly or a bit nauseous – it's totally normal and there's nothing you can really do to prepare for it, but it does help to understand why you feel so strange.

Learning To Ski

If you've never skied before, don't worry! Grindelwald is a perfect place to learn to ski and it's where I learned for the first time. You can rent ski equipment from InterSport and take ski lessons from the experts at Swiss Ski School. Shoutout to my amazing teachers Joëlle and Sandro who helped me feel confident on the slopes. My favourite place to learn was at the Beginner's Park at Oberjoch which has incredible views as it's high in the mountains, but it's also the perfect playground for beginners to build their confidence on the slopes.

Check out my What to Wear Skiing | First Time Skiing Women's Packing Guide blog post

Zipline Down the Mountain

If you love adventure – you need to try the First Glider and First Flyer for the exhilarating experience of flying down the side of the mountain for a thrill you won't forget. The First Flyer is up to 50m high and made up of 800m of steel cable, reaching speeds of 84kmph as you descend from Grindelwald First to Schreckfeld. The First Glider gives you the experience of flying with a bird of prey as you float through the mountain landscapes strapped to an eagle. This 800m flight reaches speeds of 72-83kmph – an unforgettable ziplining experience.

Cliff Walk Through the Mountains

If you want to make your palms sweat while taking in spectacular mountain vistas, look no further than the thrills of First Cliff Walk by Tissot. It's a 45m footbridge which winds around the mountain with stunning views of snow-covered 4,000m peaks. Expect alpine pastures, waterfalls and forest views from the lookout platform near the terrace at the Bergrestaurant.

Stay in a Luxury Hotel with Mountain Views

Grindelwald is located in a beautiful valley encircled by mountains which provide incredible alpine views in every direction. One experience you won't want to miss is waking up to the mountains glowing gold in the sunlight, or returning to your luxury hotel room to relax and unwind with an aperitif at sunset after a day on the slopes. I stayed at the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof which offered amazing views of the mountains. I also dined and viewed the two hotels below which were stunning, with amazing service and beautiful views – plus don't get me started on the food!

• Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof – BOOK NOW
• Bergwelt Grindelwald | Alpine Design Resort – BOOK NOW
• Hotel Restaurant Fiescherblick – BOOK NOW

Go Hiking on Mountain Trails

Grindelwald is a haven for hikers who want to explore the incredible alpine landscapes. Grindelwald First has over 40km of hiking and sledging trails including the popular winter walking hike to the idyllic Lake Bachalp.

>> Click here for lots of other ideas for tours, day trips and adventures around Grindelwald <<

Enjoy a Fine Dining Using Local Produce

Make sure you book a table at the Fiescherblick Hotel in Grindelwald for a fine-dining gastronomic experience that will tantalise your tastebuds. The menu is inspired by culinary travels through Japan and Scandinavia – influenced by classic French culinary craftsmanship. Using local produce and championing the flavours with wine pairings from across Europe and dishes that I'm still thinking about now. This is luxurious dining experience, so book early and expect it to take the entire evening as you eat your way through an incredible seasonal menu. 

Relax in a Spa with Mountain Views

There's nothing better after a day of skiing and adventure on the slopes in Grindelwald, than heading to the spa to unwind. I highly recommend the spa at the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof which offers access to a heated indoor pool, sun terrace, steam bath, bio sauna, Finnish sauna, glacier grotto, tropical rain shower and private SPA along with massages and treatments. The indoor pool has floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing views of the mountains – perfect for relaxing after ski lessons.

Ride in a VIP Gondola with Champagne

Did you know that you can catch the Eiger Express VIP Gondola up to Eigergletscher with champagne to start your day on the slopes? The ultimate boujie experience – it comes as a part of a package deal where you can also dine at the Top of Europe and visit the Ice Bar for a private aperitif, you can even visit the luxury lounge and enjoy lunch and drinks after a day of skiing. If you're looking for a unique, luxury experience in Grindelwald – this is one you won't want to miss. 

>> Check out the Platinum Club

Skiing, Sledging & Snowboarding

Grindelwald is a winter mecca with everything winter sports lovers could ask for including 50km of ski sloped groomed daily at Grindelwald First. There's also The White Elements Snowpark which features a Pro Park of 850m and kickers up to 25m at the ski lift Bärgelegg. Over at Ski Area Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen you will find 102km of slopes and impressive mountain panoramas which, in my humble ski opinion, really makes the ski experience all the more spectacular! You will also find the world-famous Lauberhorn downhill in this ski area.

Visit a Glacier

You cannot visit Grindelwald without taking a trip up to the top of Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe, where you will be able to view the Aletsch Glacier! Between the icy wind and the incredible mountain panorama, this experience will take your breath away. Stand on the Sphinx observation deck for a magnificent view of the largest and longest glacier in the Alps, lined with four thousand metre peaks, and views towards Italy, France and Germany. This platform is guaranteed snow and ice 365 days of the year.

>> Click here for lots of other ideas for tours, day trips and adventures around Grindelwald <<