Grindelwald | Excursions from the Town

Grindelwald lies at the foot of the notorious Eiger north face. It is a village in the Bernese Oberland surrounded by the pristine mountain range of Mount Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The valley’s numerous vantage points make Grindelwald one of Switzerland’s largest ski resort destination. It also entails some of the world’s most renowned excursions along the Swiss Mountain railways, one of which visits Europe’s highest railway stations at the Kleine Scheidegg followed by the ascend to Jungfraujoch which is also known as Top of Europe.

Mountainous Excursions in Grindelwald Along the Swiss Mountain Railways:

Jungfraujoch

The Jungfrau experience includes travelling to Europe’s highest railway station at an altitude of 2,061 m/6,762 ft called Kleine Scheidegg. From there you take the cogwheel train to the summit of the Jungfrau at 3,454 m/11,332 ft from where you will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and on a clear day can see into Germany and France. And looking west you will see the largest Glacier of Europe, the Aletsch Glacier. As one of the Bernese Oberland’s ultimate excursions, the Jungfraujoch is truly an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Schilthorn

The Schilthorn’s summit is a must-see during any Grindelwald, Switzerland vacation. It offers the ultimate Swiss skyline of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and is elevated at 2,970 m/9,744 ft. In addition to its spectacular view, the summit features a revolving restaurant called Piz Gloria. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal while having a 360° panoramic view. The Schilthorn can be reached from Grindelwald by taking a train along the Swiss Mountain railways and a bus to Stechelberg’s valley station, from where the Schilthorn aerial cableway departs.

Schynige Platte

The Schnyige Platte historic cogwheel train brings guests back in time to the Belle Epoque with its 19th century vintage rolling stock. The mountain station is at an altitude of 2,076 m/6,811 ft and features an authentic Swiss restaurant along an Alpine Garden. Schnyige Platte’ cogwheel train is accessible to Grindelwald visitors by train on the Swiss Mountain railways from Zweilütschine to Wilderswil.

City Excursions from Grindelwald to other cities in Switzerland:

Berne

Beautiful Bern is only 1.5 hours away from Grindelwald. The Swiss Capital is a city of medieval magic, and listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Attractions include the famous clock tower, the new bear park which is home to Berne’s heraldic animals, excellent shopping arcades and the Albert Einstein House.

Interlaken

Interlaken is also located in the Bernese Oberland between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Interlaken is 30 minutes away via car or train, and is an ideal starting point for many mountain and lake excursions along the Swiss Mountain railways. Interlaken’s lakeside location offers visitors beautiful cruises among historic paddle steamers. Interlaken is mainly a vacation destination however also a conventional location of international importance and the gateway for many mountain excursions.

Other Excursions in Grindelwald:

Golden Pass

The Golden Pass Line is a panoramic train route that spans across the Swiss Mountain railways from the shores of Lake Lucerne to the vineyards of Lake Geneva. It is popular to take the Golden Pass train to and from Montreux. Visitors on their Grindelwald, Switzerland vacation board the train in Interlaken from where the train proceeds towards Montreux. The train duration between Grindelwald and Montreux is approx. 3 hours whereas the route in its entirety takes about 5 hours.

St. Beatus Caves

The St. Beatus caves’ subterranean waterfalls, stalagmite and stalactite formations are a spectacular sight that can be explored at depths of 1,000 m/3,280 ft. These caves are located on the shores of Lake Thun and can be reached from Grindelwald within 80 minutes on the bus or a train on the Swiss Mountain railways. Visit Switzerland’s first and only underground cave museum as a half or even full day excursion.

Bernese Oberland Cruises

The Bernese Oberland Navigation has a fleet of 12 cruise boats and 2 paddle steamers that navigate either Lake Brienz or Thun year-round. The cruises depart from Interlaken Ost and West, which is about 35 minutes from Grindelwald via car or train on the Swiss Mountain railways. This excursion offers a unique perspective of the Bernese Oberland on the water. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on your Grindelwald, Switzerland vacation. Cruise during the day or evening with entertainment and beautiful views.

Museums in Grindelwald:

Heimatmuseum

This interesting museum exhibits local history in regards to the Swiss Mountain railways, handicrafts, winter sports, agriculture, alpine farming and much more. Discover Grindelwald’s rich history and the mysterious Myth of the Eiger during your Grindelwald, Switzerland vacation. The Heimatmuseum is located on the village street and is within close proximity to the city’s church.

Swiss Woodcarving Museum

The Swiss Woodcarving Museum is located in Brienz and is easily accessible via car or Swiss Mountain railways. As Switzerland’s only museum dedicated exclusively to woodcarving, this exhibit traces the crafts’ history and techniques with carving demonstrations. The museum showcases woodcarvings from other Swiss regions to highlight its role in Swiss culture, economy and tourism history.