15 Best Things to Do in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Switzerland. Surrounded by dramatic peaks like the Eiger and endless alpine scenery, this charming town is the perfect base for exploring the Jungfrau region. Whether you want to ride scenic gondolas, hike through wildflower meadows, experience thrilling adventures like the First Flyer zip line, or simply sip coffee with views of the mountains, there are countless unforgettable things to do in Grindelwald.

From iconic attractions like Jungfraujoch — the “Top of Europe” — to hidden alpine trails and cozy mountain restaurants, this guide covers the best things to do in Grindelwald to help you plan the perfect Swiss Alps adventure.

***trip photos are from feb/march 2026

Things To Do in Grindelwald

Grindelwald is one of the most scenic villages in the Swiss Alps and serves as a hub for hiking, adventure activities, and incredible mountain viewpoints. From scenic gondola rides to alpine lakes and adrenaline-filled experiences, here are the best things to do in Grindelwald.

One of the most popular things to do in Grindelwald is ride the Grindelwald First gondola, which takes visitors from the village high into the mountains to the First adventure area. The scenic ride climbs above alpine meadows and traditional Swiss chalets, revealing incredible views of the surrounding peaks, including the famous Eiger.

The gondola ride takes about 25 minutes and stops at several stations along the way, but most visitors continue all the way to First, where you’ll find hiking trails, mountain restaurants, and some of the region’s most famous attractions. From here you can access experiences like the First Cliff Walk, the First Flyer zip line, and the hike to Bachalpsee Lake.

Even if you don’t plan on doing the adventure activities, the gondola ride alone is worth it for the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.

At the top of the gondola, one of the first attractions you’ll see is the First Cliff Walk by Tissot. This dramatic metal walkway is built directly into the side of the mountain and offers incredible views over the Grindelwald valley.

The walkway leads to a suspension bridge that extends out over the cliff edge, creating one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Jungfrau region. Standing here, you’ll have sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and the alpine landscape surrounding Grindelwald.

Best of all, the Cliff Walk is free to access once you reach First, making it an easy and unforgettable stop when visiting the area. It’s absolutely stunning.

📸 Photo Tip: Visit early morning right when the ski lift opens, or stay overnight on the mountain (more on that in the “where to stay” section)

If you’re looking for a thrill in the Swiss Alps, the First Flyer zip line is one of the most exciting activities in Grindelwald. This zip line launches from the First station and sends riders flying high above the alpine landscape toward the valley below.

Riders are secured in a seated harness and can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h (about 50 mph) as they glide down the mountainside. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding peaks, green pastures, and traditional Swiss farms.

The First Flyer is one of several adventure activities in the First area and is a popular add-on for visitors exploring the gondola station and nearby hiking trails.

While many visitors come to Grindelwald for hiking and mountain adventures, simply walking through the village itself is one of the most enjoyable things to do. The town is filled with traditional Swiss chalets, cozy cafés, and incredible views of the surrounding Alps — including the dramatic Eiger North Face towering above the valley.

As you wander through the village, you’ll find plenty of great places to grab a quick bite or coffee while enjoying the scenery. A few local favorites include Eiger Bean, a cozy café known for great coffee and mountain views, Grindelwald Bakery for fresh pastries and sandwiches, and Onkel Tom’s Hütte, a casual spot serving hearty food like pizza and Swiss comfort dishes. If you’re looking for something quick and unique, the Soupi Food Truck is another popular stop for visitors exploring the village.

Even if you’re just passing through between hikes or gondola rides, taking time to stroll the streets, grab a coffee, and soak in the alpine atmosphere is a must when visiting Grindelwald.

Just 30 minutes from Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Swiss Alps and makes a perfect half-day trip from town. Known for its towering cliffs and dramatic waterfalls, the valley is often considered one of the most picturesque landscapes in Switzerland.

The small village of Lauterbrunnen sits at the bottom of a deep glacial valley and is famous for its 72 waterfalls, including the iconic Staubbach Falls, which cascades nearly 1,000 feet down the cliffside above the village.

Visitors can explore the charming village, walk through the valley floor, or continue up the mountains to nearby villages like Wengen or Mürren for even more incredible views. Whether you’re stopping for lunch, taking photos of the waterfalls, or exploring the surrounding hiking trails, Lauterbrunnen is an unforgettable addition to any Grindelwald itinerary.

One of the most famous experiences in the Swiss Alps is visiting Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” Sitting at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe and offers incredible views of glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and the vast Aletsch Glacier — the largest glacier in the Alps.

To reach Jungfraujoch from Grindelwald, visitors take a scenic train journey through the mountains via Kleine Scheidegg, where the historic Jungfrau Railway climbs through tunnels carved directly into the Eiger and Mönch mountains. The ride itself is an unforgettable experience, with panoramic views along the way.

At the top, there are several attractions to explore, including the Sphinx Observation Deck, the Ice Palace, and the Snow Fun Park, where visitors can step out onto the glacier even in summer. Because of its high altitude and incredible alpine scenery, Jungfraujoch is considered a bucket-list destination for many travelers visiting Switzerland.

While it’s one of the most expensive excursions in the region, the views and unique experience make it one of the most memorable things to do near Grindelwald. I did enjoy this excursion!

Grindelwald is one of the best places in Switzerland for hiking, with trails ranging from easy alpine walks to more challenging mountain routes. Many of the area’s most scenic hikes begin near gondola stations, making it easy to reach incredible viewpoints without a long climb. I didn’t get to experience the green hills and blue lakes because I visited in winter, but I will definitely go back for this some day!

Here are a few of the most popular hikes near Grindelwald:

• Bachalpsee Lake Hike
  One of the most famous hikes in the Jungfrau region, this relatively easy trail begins near the First gondola station and leads to the stunning alpine lake of Bachalpsee. The lake is known for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains and is one of the most photographed spots in the Swiss Alps.

• The Eiger Trail
  For incredible views of the famous Eiger North Face, hike the Eiger Trail from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen. This trail runs along the base of the towering mountain and offers dramatic scenery throughout the route.

• Panorama Trail (First to Schynige Platte)
  The Panorama Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the Jungfrau region, offering sweeping views of alpine meadows, distant peaks, and the lakes below Interlaken. It’s a longer hike but incredibly rewarding on a clear day.

• Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Trail
  This easy ridge walk is one of the most beautiful short hikes in the area, with panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains the entire way. It’s a great option for visitors looking for incredible scenery without a difficult hike.

No matter which trail you choose, hiking in Grindelwald offers some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in Switzerland.

Where to Stay in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald offers a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy alpine chalets to modern mountain resorts with incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the village near restaurants and the train station or wake up high in the mountains, there are plenty of memorable places to stay in the area.

Here are a few great options to consider when visiting Grindelwald (both of which I stayed at):

Bergwelt Grindelwald is one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in the village, known for its modern alpine design and incredible mountain views. Located close to the Grindelwald First Gondola, the hotel features stylish rooms with warm wood interiors, cozy fireplaces, and balconies overlooking the Alps. Guests can also enjoy an on-site spa, multiple restaurants, and a heated outdoor pool with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. I loved staying here SOOO much.

For a truly unique experience, consider staying at Berggasthaus First, a mountain hotel located at the top of the Grindelwald First gondola. Sitting more than 2,100 meters above sea level, the lodge offers incredible views of the Jungfrau region and direct access to hiking trails like the route to Bachalpsee Lake.

One of the best parts of staying here is that once the last gondola leaves and the day visitors head back to the valley, the mountain becomes quiet and peaceful. Guests can enjoy sunset views over the Alps, walk the First Cliff Walk without crowds, and wake up to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Switzerland. I believe there was only 8 rooms. It’s definitely not luxurious, having a shared bathroom and just simple beds in your room, but the experience when everyone is gone is worth it!