Set beneath the towering north face of the Eiger, Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps combines stunning scenery with fabulous skiing. This traditional mountain village acts as a popular gateway to the renowned Jungfrau region. Offering skiing in winter and hiking in the summer months, the village has a long mountaineering history and is famous for its breathtaking views of the Eiger. Grindelwald is the largest and liveliest resort in the Jungfrau region which includes Wengen and Mürren. It has a laid-back atmosphere with traditional Alpine architecture and a range of quaint shops, bars and cafes. With three airports within two hours, Grindelwald is popular for long weekends and short breaks.
Grindelwald is ideally placed to make the most of the Jungfrau ski area. Directly linked to Wengen, the resort also has its own area of sunny slopes on First. At 1,034m, Grindelwald is not the highest resort but it is reasonable to expect excellent skiing across the area for much of the season. The resort is best suited to beginner and intermediate skiers but more experienced skiers can enjoy some awesome off-piste by traversing below the north face of the Eiger. Those up for a challenge should check out the famous Lauberhorn World Cup black run, although the Black Rock and near vertical Kanonenrohr are arguably more intimidating.
Aside from the skiing, Grindelwald has plenty to offer holiday goers. A ride on the impressive cog railway takes you up the north face of the Eiger, through the mountain and on up to the Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe.” This UNESCO protected site, between Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, offers superb views of the Swiss mountains. On the other side of the valley, above Mürren, is the revolving solar-powered Piz GLoria restaurant which has featured in the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, offering incredible 360-degree views from the surrounding terrace.
Grindelwald also boasts Europe’s longest sledging trail which starts on the Faulhorn (2680m above sea level) and is only reachable from First on foot. The bravest sledgers run the 15 km distance in about 30 minutes, although a stop off at a mountain restaurant on the way down is recommended. The region also offers some excellent winter hiking and snowshoeing trails, an exhilarating zipline from Schreckfeld to First and a natural ice rink for skating and curling.
