We spent 5 days exploring the scenic Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland. Grindelwald, a village in Swiss Bernese Alps, was our base here. Grindelwald attractions can be explored in any season. There are many things to do in Grindelwald, enough to spend 3-4 days here. But if you had just one day in Grindelwald, read on to find the perfect Grindelwald itinerary.
Grindelwald is hugely dependent on tourism. It has built cable cars, ski lifts and alpine huts, and developed hiking trails to encourage travellers throughout the year. This alpine village makes for a great getaway to explore the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, big on skiing in winter and on hiking in summer. We visited this alpine village in early summer when it is perfect for hiking.
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Perfect Grindelwald Itinerary for One Day
Morning: Take the gondola ride to the Mount First
At more than 2000 metres above sea level, Grindelwald-First is a hotspot for adventure in summer. You can try many adventure activities here. Opening hours for the Tourist Centre are 830 AM until 6 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM until 6 PM on weekends.
The first order of the day is to reach Grindelwald village station and then take the cable car / gondola up the Mt. First. The cable car drops you at First Station. It is best to book return tickets to Grindelwald-First online in advance to not have to stand in line for the same. The ticket includes a round Trip Cable Car to Mount First and access to the First Cliff Walk. The cable car journey lasts for about 25 minutes one-way and has amazing views of the valley and mountains.
Pro Tip: Train travel to Grindelwald is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. It also gives you a 50% discount on the Grindelwald First gondola fare.
Late Morning: Adventure activities at Grindelwald-First
The First Cliff Walk, which leads along the cliff face to a viewing platform, gets even the most daring of hearts beating a bit faster. It’s free to visit (included in your Gondola Ride Ticket to Mount First) and takes about 15 mins to walk. You can see not just the Swiss panorama all around you but also see through the floor and the giant drop beneath you. But don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe even with young kids.
Then there are many other adventures to be tried here. I tried the classic zip-line called First Flyer, where you sit in sturdy harness hooked to a steel cable. You get scenic views along with the thrill of zipping across at speed of over 80 km/hr.
There are other exhilarating activities like First Glider, which is a unique zip line where you ride face first like superman. Then there is First Mountain Cart, a three-wheel go-cart you can ride down the mountain. And Trottibike, a scooter with hand brakes like a bike.
Pro Tip: Tickets for these are sold as part of an Adventure Package that includes unlimited gondola rides and upto 2 rides of your choice.
Afternoon: Short hike to Lake Bachalpsee
Depending on the time you spend at the adventure activities, you can do this beautiful short hike either before lunch or after. There are several restaurant options at Grindelwald-First: Bort, Schreckfeld, First, and Café Genepi (that opens only in winter).
You must put Lake Bachalpsee on your Grindelwald itinerary, easily one of the best day hikes in Jungfrau. This is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Bernese Oberland region, with a backdrop of glacial mountains. Bachalpsee Lake has an altitude of about 2265 meters, but most of this altitude gets covered by the 25-minute cable car ride up to Grindelwald First station.
There are several hikes in the Jungfrau region that pass by this lake, and you can do one of the longer trails if you are visiting Grindelwald for a longer time. Continuing further from Lake Bachalpsee on to Faulhorn Summit is a popular longer hike.
We did the easy walk on a dirt trail from First station to Lake Bachalpsee, which is possible even with young kids. This distance is a round trip of 6 km in total. We spent a 2.5 hours including photo stops.
The Bachalpsee trail is usually open for hiking around June until mid-October. When we went, there was quite a bit of snow in and around the lake. But in peak summer, this area is overtaken by gorgeous wildflowers and verdant green landscape. Being a popular and easy trail, expect crowds in summer months but the lake area has enough space for everyone. It makes for a tranquil spot even with all the trekkers.
Optional detour for Grindelwald 1-day itinerary
If travelling to Switzerland with young kids, families may enjoy to spend some time at the Bort Playground. This Playground, next to the Bort Gondola station, has spectacular views of the Grindelwald valley. You will find lots of climbing structures, swing, slide, mini trampoline, water play, for your kids to enjoy.
Grindelwald beyond a day
There are enough hiking trails, mountain biking, paragliding and other adventures awaiting, should you spend 3-4 days at Grindelwald. It makes for a good base to explore the mountain villages of Wengen and Murren, the stunning Lauterbrunnen valley, and the famous spots of Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn.
You can even extend your trip and explore other towns in the Swiss Alps beyond the Jungfrau region.
Consider some of these activity options:
Where to stay in Grindelwald
Our hotel Aspen Alpine had the scenic Eiger, one of the three peaks that form the Jungfrau, as its constant backdrop. All rooms feature views of the Eiger or Wetterhorn Mountains. This modern hotel is in a rustic, chalet style. From the sun terrace, you can see the mountain peaks glow while dining and in the early hours hear the cowbells.
Explore other boutique hotels and chalets in this lovely village:
Planning a trip to Switzerland?
Start with a 5-day Bernese Oberland Itinerary and Jungfrau Hiking Trails
Check out Family Friendly Things To Do In Switzerland
If your trip is in summer, see this post on Switzerland in July
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Have you visited Jungfrau region? If yes, any activity or place that you would recommend? Share with us in the comments below.
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Wow, Grindelwald was not on my radar, but after reading your article and seeing your beautiful photos I am definitely adding it to my list. I would be particularly interested in trying the First Flyer zip-line!
Grindelwald was my covid trip that got cancelled so I am planning and hoping to go again soon! Beautiful pictures. It’s good to know that you can spend several days here and use it as a base to get around to other villages!
Oh. Covid wrecked so many travel plans. I do hope you get to this part of Switzerland soon. This alpine village is so pretty.
Gorgeous views! I haven’t been in Grindelwald but will definitely put it on my list. Hiking in such a gorgeous environment would be absolutely amazing.
I really enjoyed reading and seeing all of the pictures. I rode the Bernina Express train through Switzerland but didn’t really get a chance to stop and take in all the scenery. I am saving this for my next trip.
So lucky to have travelled via Bernina Express. Was it worth it?
If going for more than one day, how many days are recommended to explore Grindelwald fully?
2 days should be great to explore it. But many folks make it a base to explore the other mountain villages (Wengen, Murren)and visit Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen valley. In that case, 5-7 days.