Three days in Grindelwald: an itinerary for adventure-seekers

Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Grindelwald is a village in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Despite its small size, Grindelwald is a well-known destination for travellers seeking outdoor adventures, stunning alpine scenery, and a taste of traditional Swiss culture and hospitality.

Along with its stunning alpine views, the region is famous for its mountain railways, including the Jungfraubahn, which takes passengers to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. The village also serves as a gateway to many outdoor activities in the region, including hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. Here's how to spend a few days in Grindelwald.

How long should I spend in Grindelwald?

Three days should be enough to get a sense of the beauty and adventure Grindelwald offers, especially if you plan your itinerary well.

You can dedicate a day to visiting Jungfraujoch, another day to hiking or exploring the First Mountain area, and the remaining day to leisurely exploring the village, the Glacier Gorge, or trying all the local adventure activities.

If you have more time, you can extend your stay to visit the other nearby villages of Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Iseltwald, among others.

Alternatively, if you only have one or two days in the area, you can still follow our itinerary and pick the top activities and sights that interest you the most.

Day 1: Grindelwald First and Bachalpsee Lake

Begin your day with a breathtaking journey aboard a gondola from Grindelwald Grund to First Station. We suggest you buy the Adventure Package for access to all of the First attractions. The ride up to Grindelwald First is beautiful, but it can also be scary if you’re afraid of heights. Try and relax, enjoy the ride and remember that the Swiss are some of the best engineers in the world!

When you reach Grindelwald First, make sure you get to your most desired attraction right as it is opening, or you may be stuck waiting in long lines. For us, that’s the heart-pounding First Glider experience – probably our favourite activity on our trip to Switzerland.

Expect to get strapped in together with others in your group and are positioned as if you’re flying like a bird. It is such an adrenaline rush and make sure to take in the panoramic views of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Since it allows for four people to participate all at once, it is great for people who are on group trips.

After enjoying the thrilling ride down the mountain, it's time to gear up for an awesome hike to Bachalpsee Lake. Throw on your hiking boots and hit the well-marked trail, fully soaking in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. From Grindelwald First, the hike is about 4 miles there and back.

As you wander along, take in the beautiful greenery and keep an eye out for wild cows or alpacas! Cows are a huge part of Swiss culture and you will see them everywhere! Don't forget to stop every now and then to snap some pics of the breathtaking scenery—it's too good to miss!

As you continue your stroll towards Bachalpsee Lake, you'll start noticing the landscape changing, treating you to stunning panoramic views of those iconic snow-capped peaks. If it’s a clear day, you’ll see a reflection of the mountains in Bachalpsee Lake when you arrive. You could also swim in the lake if it’s warm enough. Many people will look around for a quiet little spot along the lake to lay out a blanket and enjoy a laid-back picnic.

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After your picnic or lunch at a local restaurant, continue your adventure with the unique Trottibike experience. Coast down mountain trails on these specialized scooters. On our way down the mountain, we were able to see so many different types of wildlife, many of which we stopped our ride to watch for a while.

Heading back up the gondola at Grindelwald First, elevate your journey with the First Cliff Walk. This walk brings you all the way to the cliff's edge and gives incredible views of the surrounding Alps and valleys. It was such a strange feeling just walking and seeing absolutely nothing beneath us! 

As the sun begins to set behind the tall mountaintops, start making your way back to the village of Grindelwald. Capture the beautiful sunset with your camera, preserving the memories of this day in the Swiss Alps. (if you have an iPhone, try using the night vision lens on your camera for the best photos). Take one final look at all of the beauty you had the opportunity to experience because it was one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been.

Then,. stroll through Grindelwald's quaint streets, knowing the town is very safe. You can admire the traditional Swiss chalets and charming shops, each offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of this community. For dinner try traditional fondue at Hotel Eiger Restaurant - it's a must-visit spot for any cheese lover.

Day 2: Jungfraujoch - The Top of Europe

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps from its highest peak in The Bernese Oberland region.

Rise early and prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you journey to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Begin your journey with a scenic train ride from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, where you'll transfer to the iconic Jungfrau Railway.

As the train ascends through the breathtaking alpine landscape, marvel at panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and charming mountain villages in the valleys below.

You pass through tunnels carved into the heart of the Eiger and Mönch mountains before arriving at Jungfraujoch, at 11,332 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level!

When you step out onto the expansive viewing platforms at Jungfraujoch, take a few minutes to soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding Alps, including the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. Then, explore the attractions at Jungfraujoch, starting with the Sphinx Observatory. Ascend to the observatory's viewing platform for unparalleled 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps and beyond.

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After exploring the observatory, venture into the heart of the glacier at the Ice Palace. You will walk through a labyrinth of ice tunnels and marvel at intricate ice sculptures carved into the glacier, creating a magical wonderland beneath the surface. Take time to capture photos of these unique ice formations.

After the Ice Palace, you’ll be ready for lunch! At Jungfraujoch, you can eat at Aletsch Self-Service Restaurant. After lunch, don’t forget to check out the Lindt  Swiss Chocolate Shop at Jungfraujoch.

It’s crazy to think about the process of delivering food and drinks to this location on a daily basis. As the day begins to wind down, board the train back to Grindelwald, retracing your route through the stunning Swiss Alps.

Return to Grindelwald and enjoy your last night. Indulge in a delicious meal of traditional Swiss dishes, enjoying fondue, raclette, or rösti while reminiscing about the highlights of your day.

Day 3: Adventure activities

Note: if adrenalin-inducing activities aren’t your thing, skip to the next section for other suggestions on what you can do instead.

Rise early and grab breakfast at C und M Café Bar Restaurant as you prepare for a day of adventure. Start with an exhilarating ride on the Grindelwald Canyon Swing.

This activity will have you jump from a platform 160 feet above the ground and swing at 75 miles per hour! As you swing through the canyon, you'll be surrounded by magnificent views of the Swiss Alps and the rushing blue waters below.

After your canyon swing, it's time to take to the skies for a paragliding adventure over the majestic Swiss Alps. Paragliding is one of the best things to do in Grindelwald offering you the opportunity to soar through the air and experience an adrenaline rush like no other. Your experienced pilot will guide you as you fly over beautiful mountains and many Swiss villages.

When you glide back to solid ground, take a moment to catch your breath and reflect on the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss Alps from above. If you’re ready for lunch, start making your way to Derbystube for a traditional Swiss lunch.

If you’d like to continue on the adrenaline junkie trend, head to the Pfingstegg Toboggan Run. Feel the thrill of the descent as you twist and turn along a winding track, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. The Pfingstegg toboggan run is 2,400 feet long and has a vertical drop of 180 feet!

Challenge yourself to beat your own speed record or simply enjoy the exhilarating ride as you soak in the natural beauty of the alpine landscape. If you’re in Grindelwald with children, this is an absolute must-stop!

As the day draws to a close, take some time to relax and unwind after a day of craziness and adventure!  Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the best restaurants in Grindelwald, Restaurant Belvedere, for more Swiss cuisine. 

If you have more time 

For those of you who can stay for a bit longer, here are some other ideas of how to spend your time:

• Schilthorn: You can also take a scenic train ride to the top of Schilthorn, where you'll find breathtaking views and the infamous revolving restaurant featured in James Bond's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."

• Gletscherschlucht: Explore the Glacier Gorge with its impressive rock formations and waterfalls.

• Lauterbrunnen Valley: Just a short train ride away, this valley is known for its 72 waterfalls, steep cliffs, and picturesque villages. It's also the gateway to the car-free village of Wengen.

• Lake Brienz: Visit the beautiful lake town of Brienz, famous for its woodcarving tradition, and take a steamboat cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.

• The Eiger Trail: This hike offers close-up views of the Eiger's North Face. It's a moderately challenging hike but well worth it for the scenery.

• Schynige Platte: Take the historic cogwheel train from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte and enjoy the panoramic hiking trails with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Planning a trip to Grindelwald? Stay at Eiger Lodge Chic for stunning views in a convenient location.