Global TravelKevin LeitchApril 15, 2022Food, Exploring, Top Cities, Photography, USA, United States of America, Charleston, South Carolina2 Comments

The Grindelwald Guide

Global TravelKevin LeitchApril 15, 2022Food, Exploring, Top Cities, Photography, USA, United States of America, Charleston, South Carolina2 Comments

One of our favorite places to visit in Switzerland is easily Grindelwald! It's lovely yet low-key. In fact, when friends visit, it's at the top of our list of places to share with them. We pop in at my favorite pizza joint for lunch when we hike in the area. It's just one of those places that we fell in love with immediately and stop by when we are in the area.

This time, we had a long weekend for a holiday and opted to go for an extended stay versus our typical day trip. We knew it would be our last taste of Switzerland for a while, with our upcoming move to Tokyo looming soon. We seized the opportunity to spend five days hiking, exploring, and relaxing.

Grindelwald, Switzerland

A Winter Guide to one of the Jungfrau Region’s Best Villages

Grindelwald is a beautiful mountain village nestled in the valley at the base of the Eiger north face in the Swiss Alps. There's no shortage of things to do here, yet it's small and intimate. The snowy slopes make for ideal skiing, snowboarding, and are perfect for those who love a well-groomed surface for a winter hike. There are bike tours and incredible views around each mountain pass in the summer.

Everything is within walking distance and accessible by the local bus or short hike distance! If you are hoping to visit a nearby village, they are a quick ride away via the SBB rail service, the most reliable transportation I've experienced in Europe. If you are driving here, you'll undoubtedly be able to get to any nearby restaurant or site.

Where To Stay

Bergwelt Grindelwald

Bergwelt 4, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland

Imagine waking up in a cozy bed on a snowy morning. Now imagine sitting up and looking past your feet out of a large window facing the Eiger mountain while drinking a hot cup of coffee. This dream is possible at Bergwelt Grindelwald, an incredible new hotel in the heart of Grindelwald.

Bergwelt features an incredible restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and more. The time between your welcome drink and check-out is nothing short of perfection. There's energy amidst the skiers preparing for their day on the slopes, yet a relaxing vibe from the spa and the warm chalet.

Visit Bergwelt Grindelwald’s Site

What To Do and See

You won't find yourself bored while in Grindelwald. There are plenty of fun things to do and explore. Below are our favs!

Hike, Ski, and Cliff Walk at First

Friends advised us that a visit to First is an absolute must when in Grindelwald, and I agree! This must-see site is an excellent area for skiers, snowboarders, and hikers. While up there, walk the First Cliff Walk! Whether it's winter or summer, it's gorgeous.

Hike to Bachalpsee

While up at First, you'd be remiss not to hike out to Bachalpsee. It took a bit on our snowy day, but it made me very excited for a future summer visit upon arriving at the snow-covered lake. It was beautiful with snow, so I know the views will be incredible in the late spring and summer months.

Spa Treatments

You deserve it, after all! Check out Fire & Ice Spa, the spa at Bergwelt Grindelwald. Whether you've had a long day of skiing, hiking, or simply want the pampering of an excellent spa, Fire & Ice will have a treatment to fit your needs.

Explore Nearby Villages

If you want to explore another nearby village, there are several from which you may choose. Our favorites are Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Thun. Check out those linked articles for a bit more about these places.

Where To Eat

As with many Swiss restaurants, the price is high. Luckily, there are some great options to get your money's worth! As with the 'Things to Do,' check out the Interlaken post for other excellent places to eat nearby!

Onkel Tom's Hütte

Dorfstrasse 194, 3818 Grindelwald | Website

Each time friends visit, and we make our way to Grindelwald, Onkel Tom's Hütte is our first stop. Their thin crispy crust, fresh toppings, and wide selection stand out from the typical Swiss pizza restaurant. It's my Swiss favorite since moving here five years ago. You won't be disappointed!

Glacier

Endweg 55, 3818 Grindelwald | Website

You can find one of Grindelwald's finest presentations of food at Glacier. The multicourse menu is incredible, and there's a great selection on the wine menu. Check, check annnnd check! Each course was perfectly plated with beautiful and delicious ingredients. The pictures I saw before going made me quite excited about the meal, and it didn't disappoint!

Restaurant BG

Bergwelt 4, 3818 Grindelwald | Website

Conveniently located on the main floor of the Bergwelt Grindelwald is Restaurant BG. We were particularly impressed with the quality of each dish, notably the grilled beef cuts.

Jàgerstübli

Itramenstrasse 29, 3818 Grindelwald | Website

If you arrive by car, Jägerstübli will be convenient and offer an authentic lunch or dinner experience. We visited during lunch after a 6km walk into the valley and up the hills to the guesthouse and restaurant. Great stübli food is a favorite for me, and the chef's prep at Jägerstubli is excellent. I loved the Cordon Bleu special!

Avocado Bar

Dorfstrasse 158, 3818 Grindelwald | Website

Cold beer and relaxed vibes. What else can you ask for? I had seen posts from outdoor activities and half-pipes from the past, but sadly there wasn't enough snow when there. Nevertheless, the beer was cold, and it was the perfect drop-in after our hike to Bachalpsee!

C&M Cafe

Almisgässli 1, 3818 Grindelwald | Website

C&M is your spot if you fancy a pastry, cake, or coffee! We stopped by for a coffee before a hike to lunch and immediately wished we had more time. While I didn't have time to try any delicious treats, they all looked incredible.

I look forward to coffee and cake on the veranda next time!