PLAN A DAY TRIP TO GRINDELWALD & GRINDELWALD FIRST
Spend one day in Grindelwald and explore the incredible beauty of this majestic Swiss village located at the foot of the famous Eiger mountain. From its snow-capped peaks to its impressive glaciers, Grindelwald is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland.
I often visit Switzerland and make sure I also visit Grindelwald for a day (or even longer). It is just an exceptionally pretty destination.
I love the spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and the adventurous activities – and in this post, I share these tips so you’ll also have an unforgettable trip to Grindelwald in one day.
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. MORE ABOUT IT HERE.
DAY TRIP TO GRINDELWALD: FAQs
Before jumping to your 1-day Grindelwald itinerary, here are some quick tips for your trip to Grindelwald.
ℹ️ Grindelwald is approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Bern (1 hour) and just 20 km (12 miles) southeast of Interlaken (20 minutes).
ℹ️ Less than 4,000 people live in Grindelwald, but there are hundreds of hotel rooms and apartments available. It gets crowded in the high season – which is in July and August (summer season) and December and at the end of February (winter season).
ℹ️ Grindelwald is situated close to some of the most impressive peaks in Switzerland – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau (the Swiss Skyline!). You might even recognize it from its alternative name… The Eiger village. After all, this charming spot is nestled at the feet of North Face of that very peak!!!
ℹ️ Have you ever wondered what the ancient Swiss village that started it all was like? Well, if we turn back time to the late 18th century, this picturesque spot has already begun its journey as a tourist destination! Believe it or not, English climbers were flocking here in droves during the 19th. Fast-forwarding to 1888 and voila – winter sports enthusiasts can now enjoy one of Europe‘s first resorts right there! Who would have thought such an old-timer could keep up with St. Moritz?!
SUMMER OR WINTER SEASON IN GRINDELWALD?
Summer and winter in Grindelwald provide totally different experiences – one is sunshiney and warm, the other snowy and chilly. I love both seasons! So, let’s check out what each has to offer so you can make your perfect holiday choice.
SUMMER IN GRINDELWALD AND GRINDELWALD FIRST
Summer season in Grindelwald starts in mid-April and ends with a bang in October/early November. All our favorite cable cars/funiculars should be running during the summer months!
ℹ️ Just note that due to snow, some of those beautiful hiking trails won’t open until April, May, or even June…and you don’t want to miss out on all that natural goodness, tight?
ℹ️ July and August bring the perfect mix of visitors – sun-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike. However, this is also the busy season – accommodations might be fully booked and it gets more expensive.
ℹ️ July and August can bring the heat! You might even reach 80°F (27°C) – though an average of 60°F (20°C) is more likely.
ℹ️ Switzerland is the Land of Uncertainty when it comes to weather – no matter what season! In Grindelwald, expect anything from sunshine and rainbows one minute to torrential downpours the next. But hey – if you don’t like today’s forecast just wait a few minutes…it’ll change soon enough!
ℹ️ Make sure to check the weather forecast a few days before you go and pack accordingly (though even these forecasts might change) and pack layers! When outdoors, it will feel warm in the sun, but refreshing in the shadow or the wind.
WINTER SEASON IN GRINDELWALD AND GRINDELWALD FIRST
Get ready to wrap up warm and explore the beauty of winter – because it’s snow time! Starting off in mid-December, you can expect bright snowy days until the beginning of April.
ℹ️ While New Year’s Eve is particularly busy in Grindelwald, Swiss ski slopes are bustling with skiers all season long (not to mention their landscapes look like something out of a fairytale!).
ℹ️ Don’t forget your thermals and scarves before hitting those white hills – temperatures average around 0°C even when there’s sunshine about.
ℹ️ For more tips on how best to make use of this wintry wonderland check out my Grindelwald in the winter blog post!
SWISS TRAVEL PASS FOR YOUR DAY TRIP TO GRINDELWALD
For an effortless journey in Switzerland, consider a Swiss Travel Pass! It makes touring the country hassle-free – whether you’re driving or hopping on public transport. I can vouch for it; this is my go-to whenever exploring gorgeous Switzerland!
- Enjoy unlimited rail, bus, and boat travel throughout Switzerland (with very few exceptions).
- Get complimentary entry to more than 500 museums and discounted tickets for cable cars, boats, and other activities.
- Take advantage of discounts in the top ski resorts in Switzerland.
The Swiss Travel Pass might seem expensive at first glance, but if you’re in it for a few days or more of train-hopping and boat cruising delightfulness, then this pass sure will pay off. Better bring out your calculator – crunch some numbers & save big time with the Travel Pass!
WHERE TO STAY IN GRINDELWALD
If you stay overnight and have 24 hours in Grindelwald check out these hotels.
- LUXURY: Though Grindelwald is a top destination in Switzerland, there is only one 5-star hotel – this is the beautiful Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof. It is located behind the train station, however, I did not hear any trains in my room and it was quiet! It offers a spa area (what a treat after a long active day) and the breakfast is actually really great. Check out rates here.
- MID-RANGE: Hotel Caprice is a family-run 3-star hotel that also has a spa area and is centrally located. I enjoyed the room views the most when I stayed there during my first Grindelwald trip. Find out more about the hotel and the rates.
ONE DAY IN GRINDELWALD AND GRINDELWALD FIRST
Okay, let´s start with how to actually spend your one day in Grindelwald.
START WITH THE VILLAGE OF GRINDELWALD
Don’t miss the charm and beauty of Grindelwald’s town center! From traditional Swiss chalets lining Dorfstrasse (the main street) to restaurants, hotels, and shops – it’s a great place for some sightseeing or just relaxing with coffee on one of the terraces.
The village center is just a 2-minute walk from the train station of Grindelwald.
Most of all, I love the views from “Eiger Plus Square” near the train station – an epic panorama that includes Eiger’s particularly impressive north face.
As pretty as the town center is, exploring the village center just takes an hour or so! Also, swing by for a quick grocery stop – pick up some snacks and drinks before heading out on your Grindelwald First adventure.
GET UP GRINDELWALD FIRST – DAY TRIP
So, this is part two of your Grindelwald itinerary – Grindelwald First. But first of all: What is Grindelwald First?
WHAT IS GRINDELWALD FIRST?
Grindelwald First is a mountain at 2,222 meters (7,293 feet) on the north side of Grindelwald village.
As much as I enjoy a scenic hike here and there, I admit the easy access to the top via cable car/gondolas is another reason I love visiting Grindelwald First.
But also, I love the activities that are offered up there!
HEAD TO GRINDELWALD CABLE STATION
From the train station to the cable car station of Grindelwald First it is about 20 minutes on foot. You could also take a local bus which drops you off at the cable car station. However, if you are fit, then do the walk through the village center.
Hop on a cable car at the station, relax, and take in nature’s wonders (while avoiding pesky vertigo) as it transports you alllll the wayyyyy up high for 25 minutes.
There are two intermediate stations, where you have to change cable cars – Bort and Schreckfeld but I suggest not getting out to “explore these areas”. Just change the cable cars. Don’t worry if changing cable cars in Switzerland sounds stressful – it’s so smoothly coordinated that you won’t even know when one ride ends and the other begins!
OPENING HOURS: GRINDELWALD’S FIRST CABLE CAR
The Grindelwald First cable car operates all year round and runs on a regular schedule. However, there are a few days/weeks when it does not operate.
ℹ️ Operates from mid-December to late October.
ℹ️ Grindelwald First cable car opens at 8:30 a.m. in summer and 9 a.m. during winter, with closing times varying depending on the time of year. Check the exact opening hours online before you head out.
HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS FOR GRINDELWALD FIRST
The price of a ticket for the Grindelwald First cable car depends on whether you buy a single or return ticket, as well as your age.
💵 An adult ticket costs 68 CHF (about $75) for a return journey. A single ticket is 34 CHF (about $38).
💵 Children, seniors, and other discounts are available.
! There is a 50 % discount with a Swiss Travel Pass
Now, with this information and your Swiss Travel Pass in hand, you have everything you need to make the most of your time in Grindelwald!
WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR GRINDELWALD FIRST
ℹ️ Buy tickets for the Grindelwald First cable car station at the station itself when you arrive. If you have a discount card, like the Swiss Travel Pass, make sure to give the information PRIOR to buying the tickets.
ℹ️ When I visited Grindelwald First on my 4th trip this summer (2023), the line for the ticket machines was crazy! It really was long! So I quickly checked the website and bought an online ticket, instead of waiting to get it from the ticket machine.
If you do have a Swiss Travel Pass, I recommend buying it from their website, as you get a discount. If you do NOT have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can buy your ticket here. This is not the official site but as good and I normally get my tickets via this website for most of my travels.
ℹ️ Keep in mind, that the Swiss Travel Pass, which includes unlimited travel on public transport in Switzerland, gives you a 50% discount.
BEST THINGS TO DO AT GRINDELWALD FIRST
So, what can you do at Grindelwald First apart from just admiring the panorama of the Swiss Alps? Here are the top activities for Grindelwald First.
FIRST MOUNTAIN CART
Ready for some off-road fun? Then come thunder along with the First Mountain Cart! Take a wild ride across three kilometers of hills, valleys, and rough terrain from Schreckfeld to Bort – it’s just like go-karting meets sledding.
ℹ️ The minimum height is 125 cm (1,41 feet). It can be hard for kids to brake and steer well.
ℹ️ Tickets cost 21 CHF.
FIRST GLIDER
Strap in tight and get ready for an experience like no other – soaring through the picturesque mountain landscape with First Glider, a majestic eagle taking flight! Your four-birds adventure begins when you are pulled backward from Schreckfeld to First at 72 km/h.
But it’s on the return journey that your bird buddy really shows off his skills; reaching speeds of up to 83 km/h as she glides 800 meters along this incredible route.
I actually planned to do this activity, but it was canceled due to windy weather.
ℹ️ There is a weight restriction for First Flyer – minimum 35 kg (77 lbs), max 125 kg (275 lbs).
ℹ️ Minimum height for the First Glider (minimum 130 cm/ 4,2 feet).
ℹ️ Tickets cost 31 CHF for each activity. Discounts are available for holders of local passes, such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass or the Grindelwald Adventure Package.
FIRST FLYER
Experience the ultimate feeling of flight with First Flieger! Buckle up and soar through Switzerland’s alpine sky, barely touching 50 meters off the ground as you zip along at 84km/hr. Up to four people can join in on this wild ride – prepare for a rush like no other!
This was such a fun thing to do. It just took a few minutes, and was not as scary as I thought, but still so much fun.
- There is a weight restriction for First Flyer – minimum 35 kg (77 lbs), max 125 kg (275 lbs).
- Tickets cost 31 CHF for each activity. Discounts are available for holders of local passes, such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass or the Grindelwald Adventure Package.
TROTTIBIKE
Make memories that will last a lifetime with an unforgettable trottibike ride! Grindelwald is home to the first ever cableway, so come on up and be transported in comfort straight to your launch point.
And don’t worry – helmets are provided for a safe yet thrilling journey down the picturesque asphalt road back into town. So hop on board, put some wind beneath your wings, and enjoy every minute of it!
ℹ️ The minimum height is 125 cm (1,41 feet), but it can be hard for kids to brake and steer well.
ℹ️ Available from 01. May 2023 – 05. November 2023
ℹ️ Tickets are about 21 CHF
FIRST CLIFF WALK
If you’re looking for an amazing view from some dizzying heights, then look no further than First Cliff Walk presented by Tissot. You’ll be greeted with beautiful alpine pastures, forests, and a high waterfall as well as lots of friendly choughs soaring around – what could possibly beat that?
And if it’s not enough already, take a step out onto the terrace where your jaw will drop even further: 45 meters up into thin air and mighty mountainsides in every direction.
The only downside here are the many people who also enjoy walking this impressive walk.
ℹ️ The First Cliff Walk is free of charge, and it is suitable for people of all ages.
HIKE TO BACHALPSEE
Have you ever wondered why the renowned symbolist Ferdinand Hodler (who painted the Jungfrau and the Schynige Platte) never painted Lake Bachalpsee? Well, it’s because there are no photos that can do justice to its stunning radiance!
The postcards of this “blue jewel” have given us a taste of what we’re missing out on…but only if you take a trip up First and experience it in person will you truly appreciate everything. And don’t worry – getting there is as easy as breezy: 60-90 minutes on foot (2- hours as a loop) and includes only a bit of uphill hiking.
Did I hop into the water? No. Can you swim in the Bachalpsee? Yes, but it is supposedly very cold water, even in the summer months!
HIKE INFORMATION – GRINDELWALD FIRST – BACHALPSEE (LOOP)
- Distance: 5.9 km (return)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Ascent: 188 meters
- Descent: 188 meters
- Highest point: 2,280 meters above sea level
- Lowest point: 2,164 meters above sea level
WINTER SPORTS AT GRINDELWALK FIRST
Come to Grindelwald-First, an epic snowboarding and free-ski paradise! Here you can show off your skills and impress even the most experienced locals.
With over 56 kilometers of slopes, plus 40 kilometers of winter hiking and sledding trails – all with an incredible view of the Bernese Alps – you’ll have plenty of places to show off your skills or just chill out. Après ski? Don’t worry, they’ve got that covered too!
ℹ️ Winter sports operation: Mid-December 2023 until 1st April 2024
GLACIER CANYON
This is an extra activity in Grindelwald you could add to your 1-day itinerary. Your day would be jam-packed but this is a super cool place to visit in the summer months.
The Glacier Canyon in Grindelwald, Switzerland, is a stunning natural wonder that is created by the melting of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. As the glacier melts, it has created a narrow canyon with towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools.
Explore the canyon on a network of suspended walkways, staircases, and bridges that run alongside the canyon walls, providing breathtaking views of the natural beauty below. The walkways are designed to be safe and accessible for visitors of all ages, and there are many lookout points and resting areas along the way.
ℹ️ The canyon can only be visited from the beginning of May until November.
ℹ️ It is about 25 minutes by foot from the Grindelwald First Valley station
➡️ YOU CAN BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE
FINAL THOUGHTS – GRINDELWALD AND GRINDELWALD FIRST IN A DAY
Visiting Grindelwald and experiencing Grindelwald First is an unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking alpine views and ski opportunities to the locally-run restaurants and luxurious stays, there’s something for everyone here!
With its easy-access trails, diverse activities, and stunning scenery – it’s no wonder that Grindelwald is a popular destination for all sorts of outdoor adventurers.
I love the easy access and the abundance of activities offered in Grindelwald. See for yourself why this Swiss paradise is one of the best places to visit in Europe and how to spend one day in Grindelwald and Grindelwald First.
READ MORE: