A brilliant one day in Grindelwald itinerary (2024)
Looking for a one day in Grindelwald itinerary? With my curated tips, you can plan the perfect day in the Swiss Alps.
Plan your trip to Grindelwald – Quick tips
👩🏻 Best guided tours in Grindelwald
- Jungfraujoch (⭐️ 4/5)
- 3-8 days Jungfrau travel pass (⭐️ 4/5)
- Mount First Gondola Ride (⭐️ 4.5/5)
🏡 Where to stay in Grindelwald
- Luxury: Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel (⭐ 9.0)
- Mountain view: Chalet Pfyffer (⭐ 9.6)
- Budget: Eiger Lodge Easy (⭐ 8.2)
Grindelwald is a small Swiss village enclosed by majestic mountains on each side. It’s beautiful all year round, but I was glad I visited in the spring because I got to experience both snow and emerald-green valleys with Alpine cows and thousands of blossoming dandelions.
If this was anywhere else than Switzerland, it would seem strange to write about snow adventures in June.
But that’s the beauty of the Swiss Alps; it can be 24 degrees in the valleys, and if you travel just 15 minutes north, you’ll find yourself in knee-high snow.
Ready for your one day in Grindelwald itinerary?
Let’s get to it!
🇨🇭 Read next: Jungfrau itinerary: 20 things to do in Jungfrau region
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One day in Grindelwald itinerary
Grindelwald is a great place for outdoor activities, and it’s one of those places you can visit all year round. In the winter months, there’s lots of snow and winter activities while summertime is perfect for hiking.
Even if a day trip is a short visit, you’ll still have time to experience the nature, the fun adventures and have a good time in the Swiss Alps.
Visiting Grindelwald in 1 day gives you time to explore the top attractions:
🌼 One day in Grindelwald itinerary:
- Grindelwald First
- Bachalpsee Lake
- Grindelwald First Cliff walk
- First Flyer zip lining
- Try trotti biking
- Glacier Canyon Grindelwald – Gletscherschlucht
- Walk around Grindelwald town
A map of Jungfrau region
Here is a map of Grindelwald town and area. To zoom in and out, use the + and – sign in the corner.
As you can see, Grindelwald covers a large area. You’ll arrive with train in Grindelwald village and then you can take the cable car, train or hike to other beautiful places in the region.
How to get to Grindelwald
The best way to get to Grindelwald is by train. The Swiss rail system is extensive, leaves on time, runs every 30 minutes and it’s extremely convenient.
Most trains pass through Interlaken on the way to Grindelwald. The train journey from Grindelwald to Interlaken Ost covers around 9 miles (15km) and takes about 34 minutes. There are usually 33 trains per day with tickets starting from $5.66 if you book in advance.
I’ve mentioned this before, but taking the train in Switzerland is an adventure in itself! On every single train ride, I was hanging out the window, my hair blowing all over the place. Those cute Swiss villages and the Alps are exhilarating!
🚞 Get the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!
With the Swiss Travel Pass you’ll get unlimited rides on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland!
Simply show the Swiss Travel Pass on your smartphone and you’re ready to explore Switzerland.
When to visit Grindelwald
The best time to visit Grindelwald is between June and October. With average temperatures of 20°C (64°F) and very little rain, it’s the perfect time to explore all the magical sights in this beautiful part of the Alps.
Grindelwald First has a different climate than Grindelwald village, because it’s located higher (2167 meters / 7109 feet above sea level).
So, while it can be sunny in the town, there might be snow at First. In fact, Grindelwald First has some of the best snow conditions for skiing in the Bernese Oberland. It has 47 sunny days on average per season.
😎 REMEMBER: To bring sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.
🏔️ One day in Grindelwald itinerary
To get the most out of your time in Grindelwald, make sure to start your day early. Preferably at dawn if you want to experience those amazing mountain views at Bachalpsee.
Take the cable car to Grindelwald First
Begin your day by taking the six-seater gondola cable car from Grindelwald to First. It passes through Bort and Schreckfeld. This 25-minute journey offers a stunning panorama while you float through the air in the gondola.
Grindelwald-First
Grindelwald-First (pronounced Feerst) is a mountain and top attraction in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland. You go hike here and have all sorts of fun adventures all year round.
I took the cable car from Grindelwald to Grindelwald First and from there it was a snowy hike up to the first stop.
Hiking in Grindelwald
Bachalpsee Lake
Difficulty: easy
From Grindelwald-First, hike directly to Bachalpsee (Lake Bachalp) – the most beautiful alpine lake in the region and the main attraction at First, if you ask me. It’s particularly beautiful in the morning!
The Bachalpsee hike is an easy 3km (one-way) hike with a gentle slope and 150 meter elevation gain. It takes about 1 hour each way, plus the time at the lake, so count at least 3 hours to visit Bachalpsee lake from Grindelwald-First.
If you have more than one day in Grindelwald, check out these other hikes:
- Hike to Grosse Scheidegg (difficulty: easy)
- Hike to Eigergletscher (difficulty: medium)
switzerland itinerary
Grindelwald First Cliff walk
Once you’re back from your hike, head to the First Cliff Walk.
The First Cliff Walk is a suspended bridge-like structure that offers a thrilling experience as you walk along the side of the mountain, with incredible views of the scenery.
Despite being suspended, the walkway is sturdy and not wobbly so there’s nothing to worry about. The walkway is only a few hundred metres long, so it takes no more than 15 minutes to complete.
Time for lunch
You’re probably hungry about now, and there’s a restaurant (Berggasthaus First) a short walk from the First Cliff Walk.
If you’re up for it, you can also postpone lunch until you’re back in Grindelwald village where there are more restaurants to choose from.
🍲The top restaurants in Grindelwald include:
- Restaurant Belvedere (check reviews on Tripadvisor)
- Onkel Tom’s Hutte (great pizza – check reviews on Tripadvisor)
One day itinerary For Grindelwald
Getting from First to Grindelwald
Now, it’s time to head back down to Grindelwald village. You have several ways of doing that and I’ll go though the options below.
You can go by:
- Cable car (the same way you got there)
- The ZipRider (zip line)
- Mountain carts
- Trotti bike
The Grindelwald ZipRider
The ZipRider is an 800-meter-long steel cable zip-line that goes from Grindelwald-First to the Schreckfeld intermediate station. From there, you can take a mountain cart or the cable car down the mountain.
You’ll fly down the mountain, over the ski runs below, at speeds up to 84 km/hour.
The price for a ride is 25 CHF.
Mountain carts
The Mountain Cart is the perfect mix of go-kart and sledge. It takes you safely along a rough track from Schreckfeld to Bort, where you can thunder over hills for three kilometres.
It’s fun for the whole family and free safety helmets are provided. Suitable for children with a minimum height of 135 cm.
Try trotti biking
On the way down, I chose trotti biking, which is a bike without a saddle. So basically you just stand up while racing down the mountain road. I felt like yodeling all the way down, but I think the cows appreciated my silence.
The trip can be done in 25 minutes, but it took me closer to 40 because I stopped repeatedly to take photos of Alpine cows and mountain peaks.
Imagine biking down a mountain road, breathing in the fresh air, surrounded by hills and cute huts to the sound of Swiss cow bells.
That’s Grindelwald.
Look for Swiss cows
The most charming part of Grindelwald is without doubt the Swiss Alpine cows. Make sure to go for a walk in the meadows or look for them on the way from Grindelwald-First to Grindelwald. You can hear the bells from afar!
Glacier Canyon Grindelwald – Gletscherschlucht
Once you’re back in Grindelwald and have had lunch, it’s time for another adventure. You’re going to the Gletscherschlucht, also known as the Glacier Canyon.
These series of tunnels, walkways and rocky outcrops lead you into the 250 million-year-old canyon where the Lütschine River roars through.
Inside the gorge, there is a 170 square meter spiderweb trampoline you can bounce on above the rushing water. You can even swing off the 300-meter high cliff on the canyon swing if you’re feeling particularly adventurous!
👉 Book your tickets to the glacier canyon and crystal museum here.
Things to do in Grindelwald village
After you’re done exploring the canyon, head back to Grindelwald village. It’s small and easy to walk around, and it has lots of cute houses. Although the village didn’t take my breath away like Lauterbrunnen did, I liked Grindelwald, especially the area surrounding it.
It’s got the Swiss Alps vibe 🚠
Where to stay in Grindelwald
If you’re staying the night in Grindelwald, these hotels are some of the best in town:
Boutique Hotel Glacier (⭐ 8.9) – Amazing view of Mount Eiger and only 350 m from the train station – this hotel has the perfect location. Rooms are modern and luxurious, and staff is very helpful. There’s spa and wellness, and hiking trails start at the hotel. Check the latest prices here.
Hotel Lauberhorn (⭐ 8.6) This hotel has direct access to ski slopes, hiking and biking trails. Rooms have balcony and a beautiful view of the Eiger. Check the latest prices here.
What to pack for Grindelwald
When I packed for Switzerland I didn’t expect to find snow. It was early June, after all. But there’s still snow at First and Jungfraujoch!
So – you might want to leave your mesh sneakers at home and bring waterproof boots and a warm jacket.
This is a packing list for visiting Grindelwald in one day:
- Sunglasses (to avoid snow blindness – important!)
- Hiking boots
- Warm clothes and layers (also in summer!)
- Fleece or zip jumper: I love my Colombia fleece
- Warm puffer or lightweight puffer jacket
- Gloves
- Lip balm
- Water bottle
Where to next?
Got a few extra days in the Jungfrau region? Make sure to explore the beautiful Lauterbrunnen waterfalls, the adventure capital Interlaken and Jungfraujoch – the top of Europe!
The magical Lauterbrunnen valley has no less than 72 thundering waterfalls. It’s the best place in Jungfrau.
Interlaken is the adventure hub of Europe. Discover the many fun adventures here, from river rafting to paragliding.
Visit the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch on a magical train ride. It’s the highest train station in Europe (3,454 meters) and the views are spectacular!
💸 Switzerland travel insurance
I highly recommend having travel insurance because let’s be real — the last thing you want on your trip is for accidents to get in the way.
I recommend Safety Wing — they offer affordable prices, great coverage, and a reliable 24/7 on-call service.
🙋♀️ Grindelwald itinerary FAQ
How many days do you need in Grindelwald?
If you’re planning a trip to Grindelwald, Switzerland, I recommend spending 1-2 days there.
In 1-2 days, you can have fun at Grindelwald-First, enjoy the stunning Swiss Alps, take a scenic train ride and visit popular attractions such as the Jungfraujoch or the Eiger Trail.
Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Grindelwald?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Larger adventure town with better train connections or small alpine town with hiking opportunities?
Here are the pros of staying in Interlaken vs Grindelwald:
| Interlaken | Grindelwald |
|---|---|
| Larger town | Charming, small alpine town |
| More restaurants and hotels | Swiss countryside |
| Closer to popular attractions | Peace and quiet |
| An adventure hub with paragliding, river rafting, etc. | Great for hiking and skiing |
| The perfect base for exploring the Jungfrau region | Closer to Jungfraujoch |
How long do you need in Grindelwald-First?
Plan on spending 4-6 hours to make the most of your visit. That way you can fully enjoy the panoramic views and the outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining and mountain biking at Grindelwald-First.
Is Grindelwald Switzerland worth visiting?
Absolutely! Grindelwald is definitely worth visiting for its stunning mountain scenery, outdoor activities, and charming town.
What are the best months to visit Grindelwald?
You can visit Grindelwald throughout the year, but the best weather is between June and October.
In July and August, the average temperature is approximately 20°C (64°F), and there is generally very little rainfall.
Why is Grindelwald Switzerland so famous?
Grindelwald is famous for its mountain landscapes and wide range of outdoor activities that include skiing, hiking, and more.
Also, Grindelwald has been a popular filming location for several movies like Star Wars Revenge of the Sith.
Is Grindelwald connected to Harry Potter?
Yes, Grindelwald shares name with the dark wizzard Gellert Grindelwald from from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts.
The Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling often named her characters from real places, like Dursley, Flitwick, Bagshot, Lockhart, Runcorn and Dawlish.
She was also inspired by names on gravestones at Greyfriars kirkyard in Edinburgh. This is where she found the names Potter, Thomas Riddell and Crookshanks (Hermione’s pet cat) among others.
Many thanks to My Interlaken for hosting me in Switzerland. Whenever I travel, there will always be full disclosure about whether my stay was hosted by a tourism board. And even if I’m on a press trip, my view will never be swayed one way or the other.
Read more posts from Switzerland
- Jungfrau itinerary: 20 things to do in Jungfrau region
- Amazing things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland’s adventure hub
- 7 Lauterbrunnen waterfalls you can’t miss
- A spectacular one day in Lauterbrunnen itinerary
- The Ultimate Guide to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
- Visiting Spiez and Oberhofen castles in the Swiss Alps
- Where to stay in Interlaken
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We’ve been to Switzerland for the first time this year, but it’s a country we would always happily return to! 🙂 Your pictures are so beautiful… snow in June? Haha, guess it’s the magic of such a high mountains and it’s so wonderful to enjoy snow on a sunny summer day!
I feel the same way! There’s so much to see and do in Switzerland and I feel I only scratched the surface this time. Next time, I’ll visit in high-summer when everything is fully bloomed 🙂
That cliff walk looks fantastic! Adding this to my list for sure!
It’s super fun! And at the end of the cliff walk, the floor is made of glass. Don’t look down 😉
Try the restaurant in the Sun Star hotel near the First Ski Lift, the steak is amazing and served on a hot stone sizzling.
Thanks for the tip. That steak sounds delish!
Miriam,that is an amazing article. I am brazilian, just moved to Bern, Switzerland 6 months ago. Tomorrow I am heading for a day trip in Grindelwald, and wasn’t sure about what to do once there, but landed here in your blog and got my head lighted 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that, Gabi! I hope you had fun in Grindelwald today and that the weather was good 🙂
The View is Fantatic, Grindelwald’s wonderful for travel with passion
Absolutely. Grindelwald is a stunner!
We are going to Grindalwald for the first time in a few weeks.I have waterproof walking shoes but am beginning to think that perhaps I should wear my hiking boots.Do not want to take both.What would you recommend.
Hi Susan, it depends on where in Grindelwald you’re going. If you’re heading to Grindelwald First or if you’re hiking, you should definitely bring waterproof waking shoes. There will most likely be snow, and lots of it. I went there exactly 1 year ago (also in May), and some of the hiking trails were closed due to snow.
Nice content and beautiful photos. I was in Grindelwald recently. It was a very beautiful place.
Sure is! One of the prettiest in Jungfrau.
Hi!! really nice post I was thinking about visiting this place and after reading you there is no wonder that I will, just a simple question, more or less how much do you pay for the cable car??
Really nice pics
Thanks for reading, Jorge! A regular return ticket Grindelwald – First costs CHF 58, but a fun way to return from First is by taking the trotti bike or the First Flyer (a giant zip line).
WoW!!! really admirable. Such an amazing post with bunch of charming pics. Sounds like something freaky cool. Thanks a lot for sharing your great thoughts through your amazing post. Looking forward for more from you.
Thank you, Revu, and thanks for reading! 🙂
Hi, love your photos and I am making a trip there next Summer. Do you mind sharing your itineraries in Grindelwald and how many days you spent there? I am thinking of 3D2N at Grindelwald and I love to explore those beautiful walks and the trotti bike. I do spend quite an amount of time stopping every now and then for photography too. Glad that I came across your posts. Thanks!
Hi Christine, I was based in Interlaken and spent a day in Grindelwald. You can check out my other posts from the area here: https://adventurousmiriam.com/switzerland/
Hi Miriam,
Loving your posts…so so so detailed, especially for first timers like me to Switzerland. We are coming from Sydney end of May and planning to stay in Interlaken. We are also hiring a car, our main interest is to see the jungfraujoch and go around Grindelwald first to do the activities you have done above. Would you suggest staying ingrindelwald or interlaken? Also can we see Grindelwald on the way back from jungfraujoch? As in get off to see it and catch a later train back to interlaken. Also can we drive from interlaken to Grindelwald? Is it an easier drive? Sorry about the many qns
Hi Vithu, I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks 🙂
First, you should consider taking the train instead of renting a car. As far as I know you can drive from Interlaken to Grindelwald, but it’s much, much easier and might also be cheaper to take the train.
I stayed in Interlaken and visited the nearby villages and Jungfraujoch from there. I’d say though, that if you have no plan of doing activities in Interlaken, you’d be better off staying in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen (the most amazing village with 72 waterfalls!). Lauterbrunnen is so magical and you can easily visit Grindelwald from there.
There are two routes to Jungfraujoch: either through Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. You can hop off and explore one of the towns for a few hours and then catch the next train down. Also, you can take one route up and another route back down. That’s what I did, just for fun 🙂
I hope this helped – otherwise feel free to ask more questions. I’m happy to help!
Hi Miriam, I super love your post – we will be in Switzerland this week! 🙂 From Zurich we will go straight to Grindelwald and stay there for 4 days. And we have 1 full day to explore Lauterbrunnen and Wengen – is that possible? Or should it be 1 day each? Plan is June 1, just explore nearby areas since we will arrive late afternoon. June 2 – Grindelwald First and Bachalpsee. June 3 – Lauterbrunnen and Wengen. June 4 check out and will be off to Lucerne for 5 days. Thank you!! 🙂
Aw, thank you Badette! And yes, what you mentioned is totally possible. Wengen is super small and so is Lauterbrunnen.
Sounds like a great itinerary, btw! Would have loved to visit Bachalpsee, but it was covered in snow when I visited.
Have fun 🙂
Hello Miriam, very well written post! Had a quick question – I am planning to visit the Geneva Motor Show in March’20 with my son. Will it a good idea to visit Grindelwald & Jungfraujoch during our visit considering it will still be cold? Which other places would you suggest? Thank-you!
Yes, absolutely. You never know about the weather this time of year, but both Grindelwald and Jungraujoch are beautiful all year round.
„Jungfrau“ is NOT the name of the area … Jungfrau is a montain in the range of „Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau“ located southwest of Grindelwald. When you have visited the Jungfraujoch, you have been squeezed between the Jungfrau (virgin) and the Mönch (monk), ;)). The Eiger is famous for his northflank, vertical nearly 3000 feet high. Over 70 climbers lost their lives until now. Suggestion: take a flight starting from Bern-Belpmoos to the Bernese Oberland and fly along next to these three montains. Unforgettable.
Great suggestion about the flight! It sounds like an amazing adventure 🙂
And while Jungfrau is the name of a summit, it IS also the name of the region: the Jungfrau region – https://jungfrauregion.swiss/en/summer/
I will include that in the post. Thanks for pointing it out.