Why Grindelwald is the best base in the Jungfrau Region
Grindelwald sits at 1,050 metres, right below the Eiger north face, with the Wetterhorn and the Schreckhorn rising straight above the village. From the valley floor, cable cars climb to three very different areas: First with its cliff walk and the Bachalpsee lake, Männlichen with the Royal Walk viewpoint, and the Eigergletscher station on the way to the Jungfraujoch.
Unlike Wengen and Mürren, Grindelwald is not car-free. You can drive in, park at the Grindelwald Terminal and still reach every mountain by gondola, which makes it the most practical base for families and road trips. The Berner Oberland-Bahn train from Interlaken Ost takes 36 minutes.
The best things to do in Grindelwald
From the cliff walk at First to a walkway through a glacier gorge, these are the places worth planning your days around.
Grindelwald First
A 25-minute gondola ride to the cliff walk, the First Flyer zip line and the start of the Bachalpsee trail.
Bachalpsee
The mountain lake above First, about an hour's walk each way on a wide, family-friendly path.
Glacier Canyon
A walkway into a gorge with 300-metre rock walls, plus a net to walk on above the glacier river.
Männlichen
The Royal Walk viewpoint and the easy panorama trail to Kleine Scheidegg below the Eiger.
Pfingstegg
A short cable car ride to a summer toboggan run and trails towards the Lower Glacier.
Eiger Trail
Six kilometres directly below the Eiger north face, from Eigergletscher down to Alpiglen.
Our picks: Grindelwald tours and tickets
A swing into the Glacier Canyon, a guided day trip from Zurich and the gondola to First.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Canyon Swing in the Glacier Canyon
A giant rope swing into the Grindelwald Glacier Canyon. One of the most memorable things to do in the valley, if you have the nerve.
Check availability →
Guided day trip to Grindelwald, Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen
A guided day trip if you are staying in Zurich and only have one day for the Bernese Oberland.
Check availability →Gondola ride to Grindelwald First
The return gondola to First, where the cliff walk is free. With a Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass the official ticket is half price.
Check availability →More Grindelwald tours and activities
Cable car tickets, day trips, paragliding and winter activities, with live prices and availability.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Grindelwald's three mountain areas at a glance
Each gondola leads to a different side of the valley. Plan one area per day rather than rushing through all three.
First
The sunny north side of the valley. Cliff walk, First Flyer and Glider, mountain carts down to Bort and the easy walk to the Bachalpsee. Gondola from the village centre, 25 minutes.
Grindelwald First →Männlichen
The ridge between Grindelwald and Wengen. The Royal Walk to the summit takes 25 minutes, the panorama trail to Kleine Scheidegg about 1 hour 20 minutes. Gondola from the Grindelwald Terminal.
Männlichen →Eigergletscher
The Eiger Express reaches Eigergletscher in 15 minutes. From here, trains continue to the Jungfraujoch, and the Eiger Trail leads down along the north face.
Eiger Trail →In the valley
The Glacier Canyon, the Pfingstegg cable car with its toboggan run, and walks along the Lütschine river. Good for a short day or bad weather in the mountains.
Things to do in Grindelwald →Plan your Grindelwald trip
The practical details that save money and time.
Check the passes first
With a Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass, the First gondola is half price. The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers First, Männlichen and the Eiger Express. The First Flyer and the other adventure rides are always extra.
Getting to Grindelwald →Watch the revision dates
Cable cars close for maintenance in late autumn. In 2026, First is closed from 26 October to 27 November and Männlichen until 11 December. Pfingstegg reopens in spring.
Grindelwald in winter →Go up early
The adventure rides at First have no time slots, and queues build up around midday in summer. Start before 10 am and do the Bachalpsee walk first.
Hiking in Grindelwald →Book a bed with a guest card
Overnight guests get a free guest card: local buses are free, and First, Pfingstegg and Männlichen (in summer) are discounted.
Where to stay in Grindelwald →Grindelwald, Switzerland: frequently asked questions
Is Grindelwald worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like mountain views without hard climbs. Gondolas take you to lakes, viewpoints and trails in under 30 minutes, and the Eiger north face is visible from almost everywhere in the village.
How many days do you need in Grindelwald?
Two to four days. Plan one day for First and the Bachalpsee, one for Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg, and half a day for the Glacier Canyon or Pfingstegg. Add a day if you want to go up to the Jungfraujoch.
How much does the cable car to First cost?
In 2026 the return ticket costs CHF 76 for adults, or CHF 38 with a Half Fare Card, GA or Swiss Travel Pass. The cliff walk is included. The First Flyer and the First Glider cost CHF 35 each.
Can you drive to Grindelwald?
Yes. Grindelwald is reached by road via Interlaken, unlike the car-free villages of Wengen and Mürren. The car park at the Grindelwald Terminal has over 1,000 spaces and costs CHF 15 for 2 to 24 hours.
When is the best time to visit Grindelwald?
From late June to September, when all cable cars run and the high trails are free of snow. For skiing and sledging, come from mid-December. Avoid late October to late November, when most lifts close for maintenance.