Walking in Grindelwald

Walking Trails:
500km

Terrain:
Diverse terrain from flat valley floors to towering 4000m peaks of the Jungfrau

Grindelwald at a glance

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  • Swiss Franc (CHF)
  • Birmingham Int. (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Edinburgh (EDI), London City (LCY), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Luton (LTN), Manchester Int. (MAN)
  • London St Pancras (QQS)

Travel included to Grindelwald

Depart: any day except Tuesday

Fly into: Zurich, Geneva or Basel airport, or Grindelwald station 

Transfer time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours

Included in your walking holiday to Grindelwald

  • Inghams Guided Walks included from 26 May - 11 Sep 25 (subject to availability)
  • Half price rail, bus, and boat travel with the Swiss Half Fare Card (worth over £100 per person)
  • Swiss Family Card - free travel for children under 16 on mainline trains/buses/boats in Switzerland when accompanied by a parent
  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Grindelwald
  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks, and useful information on holiday
  • Flights from the UK, transfers, and accommodation

Walking in Grindelwald

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
500km
Terrain:
Diverse terrain from flat valley floors to towering 4000m peaks of the Jungfrau

Walking holidays in Grindelwald provide something for everyone, from epic alpine hikes to family-friendly strolls. The famous Eiger Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike with awe-inspiring views of the Eiger’s north face, while gentler paths are perfect for those seeking a more leisurely pace. Whether you’re trekking through alpine meadows, navigating rugged mountain terrain, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the valley floor, Grindelwald offers an unforgettable hiking experience amidst some of the most stunning mountains in Europe.

We’ve included two walks per week (between 26 May - 11 Sep 25) in Grindelwald and Wengen, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. The walks in Grindelwald and Wengen are run by Tina Gertsch at Outdoor.

There are three walks to choose from each week and each walk has a limited number of spaces. All walks are available to guests staying in both Grindelwald and Wengen, and you can choose up to two per person, per week. Most walks require the use of public buses/trains and/or mountain lifts, which are payable locally. You can add the walks to your holiday by giving us a call.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Walks depend on weather, guide availability, and group size, and routes may change. Details are provided on arrival, and some may include a small local transport fee. Walks are not suitable for under 12s (under 18s must be with an adult). Please ensure the walk is right for you, our guides have the final say. See our booking conditions for full details. 

Our guided walks in Grindelwald

Get that high mountain feeling and surround yourself with incredible scenery on a spectacular walk from the top of the Männlichen Gondola to Kleine Scheidegg. We follow the Romantic Trail through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers - at the right time of year, you can spot wild anemones, gentians, alpine roses, and cotton grass. Views stretch across the valley towards Grindelwald and the surrounding mountain peaks including the impressive Eiger Mountain.

  • Grade: easy-moderate (reasonable fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 6km
  • Walking time: approx. 3 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 200m ascent and 350m descent
  • Terrain: Mainly gravel tracks or single-track footpaths (maybe a little uneven in places)
  • Useful information: This is a half-day walk in the morning so there's no hut stop for lunch, but you'll be back in Grindelwald or Wengen in time to enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many cafés. The Männlichen Gondola is required at the start of the walk and a train is required at the end (all payable locally).

In Summer 25, this walk will run every Monday.

Inghams Guided Walk Eiger Trail Grindelwald

This is a real bucket-list walk, with incredible views and a trail that follows the base of the Eiger Mountain. Starting with a scenic train or cable car to Eigergletscher, you follow the famous Eiger Trail which traverses – mainly in the shade - below the North Face of the Eiger Mountain, looking over Grindelwald. Get stories of first ascents along with beautiful views and the chance to spot wildflowers and marmots. If you’re going to do one hike in the Jungfrau, this Alpine classic should be on your list.

  • Grade: moderate to challenging (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 6km
  • Walking time: approx. 4 - 5.5 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 120m ascent and 820m descent
  • Terrain: varied mountain terrain which is mainly narrow rocky paths (can be quite uneven and steep)
  • Useful information: There will be a late lunch stop at Alpiglen restaurant (payable locally) or you can take a picnic lunch. The cable car or train is required at the start of the walk and the train at the end of the walk (both payable locally).

In Summer 25, this walk will run every Tuesday.

Image: (Copyright: Jungfraubahnen 2019)

This walk is a real experience, and one not to be missed. A relatively easy walk, starting from Grindelwald to the stunning Glacier Gorge (Gletscherschluct), where entry is included. Enjoy a pleasant, fairly flat route there and back with interesting information provided on route by your local guide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and evolution of glaciers in the Alps, geology and the formation of the gorge.

  • Grade: easy (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
  • Distance: 7km
  • Walking time: approx. 3 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 100m ascent and descent
  • Terrain: generally flat with wider paths (can be slightly uneven in places)
  • Useful information: You'll visit the glacier gorge where entry is included. This is a half day walk in the morning so there's no hut stop for lunch, but you'll be back in Grindelwald/Wengen in time to enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many cafés.

In Summer 25, this walk will run every Thursday.

Our favourite self-guided walks in Grindelwald

  • Grade: Easy
  • Distance: 4.6km
  • Walking time: 1.5 – 2 hours
  • Terrain: Wide, well-maintained path through mountain forests and pasturelands, with a section on the Tree Top Walk.

This family-friendly trail offers a blend of adventure, nature, and a tasty treat. Starting at Holenstein (1,529 m), the route takes you down to Brandegg, passing through scenic forests and meadows. The highlight is the Tree Top Walk, which features a slide and elevated platforms for a unique outdoor experience. At the end, enjoy the famous apple fritters at Brandegg Mountain Restaurant, a must-try after the hike.

Bort Grindelwald
  • Grade: Easy to moderate
  • Distance: 7.4km
  • Walking time: 2 – 3 hours
  • Terrain: Wide, well-maintained path through alpine meadows and past barns, requires sure-footedness.

A peaceful and scenic walk that begins at Bussalp and descends through alpine meadows, offering sweeping views of the Grindelwald Valley and surrounding peaks. The trail passes traditional barns and mountain huts, immersing you in the authentic alpine farming landscape. Perfect for those looking for a quiet walk without the crowds, while enjoying the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism Serge Hoeltschi)

Schynige Platte
  • Grade: Challenging
  • Distance: 14.5km
  • Walking time: 6.5 - 7 hours
  • Terrain: Mostly good paths over mixed terrain, including pastureland, scree, rough rocks, and exposed ridges.

A challenging hike for seasoned walkers, this route starts at First and leads you through ridges, alpine lakes, and rocky paths. After a steep ascent to Faulhorn, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Jungfrau Region. The trail continues through Laucherhorn and Oberberghorn before descending to Schynige Platte. The terrain is demanding, with scree and exposed ridges, but the rewards of stunning alpine vistas make every step worth it.

Image: (Copyright: Jungfrau Railways)

Our accommodations in Grindelwald

Discover Grindelwald

  • See the impressive rock formations in the Glacier Gorge
  • Visit the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe for the most magnificent views
  • Enjoy two guided walks per week with Inghams to Grindelwald, perfect for exploring the stunning surroundings

Summer holidays in Grindelwald are really special. Forget about dark wizards and wands – the real Grindelwald is magic for altogether different reasons. The village looks up to the Lower Grindelwald Glacier and is watched over by a wall of peaks, including the 4,000-metre-plus Mönch and the looming north face of the Eiger. Walks in Grindelwald range from alpine hikes to family-friendly rambles and getting from A to B is easy, thanks to the gondolas and trains that wind their way up to improbable heights. Back in Grindelwald, sunny terraces are laid out for marvelling at the huge mountains that kicked off the 19th-century golden age of alpinism.

Nicknamed the Eiger village or the glacier village, Grindelwald is loved for its diversity of summer activities, excursions, and walking. The charming village is home to chalet-style houses and a good variety of cafés, restaurants and shops.

Exploring further afield is easy - take the train over the mountain to Wengen, visit chocolate-box Mürren, or head to Interlaken, a busier town between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Explore the shops and restaurants, take a lunch cruise on the lake, or head up high for some amazing views.

A gondola links Grindelwald to First on the scenic Schwarzhorn, offering incredible mountain views and summer activities. Enjoy a meal overlooking peaks and glaciers, soar on ziplines or the First Glider, and let the kids explore the alpine playground or mountain kart tracks. Brave the Cliff Walk, or hike to the tranquil Bachalpsee lake, then continue to the ridgetop Alpine gardens and Schynige Platte, returning by cog railway and train.

Grindelwald First is for high-adrenaline family fun, while the Pfingstegg area specializes in more laid-back mountain adventures – lazy zip lines that loop through the trees and a summer toboggan. There are also lots of mountain biking trails in the summer around Grindelwald, plus canyoning routes, adventure playgrounds, and an indoor rope park. Another lift goes up to Männlichen, where there’s a treetop walk and a playground themed around Lieselotte, the beloved storybook cow. Check out our 'things to do' section for more details on family-friendly activities.

Grindelwald is the gateway to Jungfraujoch, nestled between two of the highest peaks in the Bernese Alps. Take the Eiger Express mountain lift to Eiger Gletscher, then a train to Europe’s highest station. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier and explore the Ice Palace for an immersive experience in this stunning ice world.

The arrival of the railway transformed Grindelwald from a mountain climbing base to the Jungfrau region’s biggest summer holiday destination. Catch the train down the valley to Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland. From here, you can wander the half-timbered houses of the old town, jump aboard a glass-roofed boat for a cruise on the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz (a perfect summer holiday activity), or take the funicular up to Harder Kulm to admire the lakes from above. Paragliding is a favorite activity here, too.

Grindelwald has a fantastic network of lifts and mountain railways that make getting around the area really easy.

Trains and mountain railways

Trains are what make Switzerland such a pleasure to explore and mountain trains run from Grindelwald up the Kleine Scheidegg side of the valley, linking the village to Kleine Scheidegg, Eiger Gletscher, Wengen and further afield. You can even take the train all the way up to the Jungfraujoch - the highest railway station in Europe - or reach the Schynige Platte from Wilderswil or the Harder Kulm from Interlaken.

Routes and timetables are available locally. The best way to enjoy the trains is to pre-book a travel pass - see the Cards & Passes tab for more information - supplements may apply locally for some routes.

Lifts

In addition to the mountain trains, cable cars and gondolas open up lots of walking possibilities, fun activities and stunning viewpoints, including:

In Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald First
  • Männlichen
  • Eiger Express
  • Pfingstegg

In Wengen:

  • Männlichen

In Mürren:

  • Stechelberg
  • Schilthorn

Buses

There are five different buses services available from the centre of the village connecting you to nearby places such as the Grosse Scheidegg. Routes and timetables are available locally.

Cards and Passes

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable cars, boats, and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace. 

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

Subject to change.

The Grindelwald Guest Card is provided by your hotel on arrival and gives you:

  • Free use of some local buses (route maps and timetables available locally)
  • Entrance to the Grindelwald swimming pool at 50% discount
  • Reduced entrance to various local attractions

Subject to change.

In addition to the Half Fare card you may wish to purchase other travel passes depending on your holiday plans, such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass - you can add this to your holiday at the time of booking.

Jungfrau Travel Pass

Enjoy three to eight consecutive days of travel on trains, cable cars, gondolas, and boats within the Jungfrau region including free travel on:

  • Grindelwald - First
  • Grindelwald - Männlichen
  • Wengen - Männlichen
  • Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg
  • Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg
  • Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher
  • Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp - Winteregg - Mürren
  • Wilderswil - Schynige Platte
  • Interlaken - Harder Kulm
  • Trains between Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz and Interlaken Ost
  • Passes from 3 days validity onward include boats on Lakes Thun & Lake Brienz and trains between Interlaken Ost, Interlaken West, and Brienz allowing for round trips by boat and train on Lake Brienz.

A supplement applies for going up from Eigergletscher to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (discounted rate of CHF63/75 (low season/high season)).

Please note that Family Cards are not valid with the Jungfrau Travel Pass and children must have the Jungfrau Junior Travel Card. 

Pass inclusions are subject to change. Pre-book prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount. Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of travel passes.

The Bernese Oberland Pass is another great option and includes:

  • Free travel on  Männlichen gondola (Grindelwald Terminus - Männlichen and Wengen - Männlichen)
  • Free travel on the Grindelwald - Pfingstegg cable car
  • Free travel Lauterbrunnen - Stechelberg/Gimmelwald - Mürren
  • Free travel Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp/Winteregg - Mürren
  • Free travel Stechelberg - Mürren
  • Free travel Mürren - Schilthorn
  • Free travel on the Brienzer Rothornbahn
  • Free travel on the Montreux-Oberland-Bahn all the way to Montreux (seat reservations are strongly recommended - these are not included)
  • Free travel on Oeschinen, Sünnbuel and Allmenalp lifts in Kandersteg
  • boat trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
  • discounts at various partner locations
  • and much more throughout the Bernese Oberland region...

Discounted travel on the following routes:

  • Wilderswil - Schynige Platte (50% off)
  • Interlaken - Harder Kulm (50% off)
  • Grindelwald - First (50% off)
  • Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg (25% off)*
  • Grindelwald - Kleine Scheidegg (25% off)*
  • Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminus - Eigergletscher (25% off)*
  • Eigergletscher - Jungfraujoch (25% off)*

Travel to Grindelwald

Travel by air

Flights depart any day expect Tuesdays between 17 May - 25 Oct 25 & 16 May - 24 Oct 26.

Fly from:

  • London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.

Fly into:

  • Geneva, Zurich or Basel airport

Transfer time:

  • From Geneva: 3 hours 40 minutes by rail 
  • From Zurich: 2 hours 55 minutes by rail
  • From Basel: 3 hours 10 minutes by bus/rail

The journey will require changes of the train.

On arrival at Grindelwald station, there might be a hotel shuttle to take you to your hotel. Please inform the hotel of your arrival time.

Travel by train

We offer holidays by train to Grindelwald, with daily departures except on Tuesday. The journey takes around 14 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery during journey through France and into the Swiss Alps.

See below for train journey details. 

The provisional outbound timings are:

  1. London St. Pancras

  2. Gare du Nord

    Change

  3. Paris Gare du Lyon

    Change

  4. Basel

    Change (Onward Travel by Train)

Onward travel from Basel: the transfer from Basel to Grindelwald will be by train. The journey takes around three hours and will require one or two changes of train.

On arrival into Grindelwald station, for most hotels there will be a hotel shuttle to take you to your hotel. Some hotels are close enough to the station to walk - please see the relevant hotel page for details.

The provisional inbound timings from Basel are:

  1. Basel

    (Travel to Basel by Train)

  2. Gare du Lyon

    Change

  3. Gare du Nord

    Change

  4. London St. Pancras

For your return journey, you will travel back to Basel on Saturday morning by train. The journey takes around three hours and will require one or two changes of train.

Things to do in Grindelwald

Get the ultimate photo from the First Cliff Walk - an exciting metal walkway that clings to the edge of the cliff and a 45-metre-long terrace that juts out over the valley below. It's a short walk from the top of the Grindelwald First gondola and is definitely worth a visit.

Grindelwald First Mountain Carting

 

First Glider

 

Grindelwald-First is nicknamed Top of Adventure - so it's no surprise you'll find heaps of fun things to do here.

It's the starting point for some amazing walks, home to the exhilarating Cliff Walk and packs a punch when it comes to views. But if it's adrenaline you're looking for, you're definitely in for a treat here - there are plenty of activities that adventurous teens and adults will love.

First Flyer zip line

Whizz down the mountain on the zip lines - race your friends at up to 80 kilometres an hour down the First Flyer zip line - there are four, 800-metre-long zip lines next to each other perfect for an exciting race against friends.

First Glider zip line

Fly like an eagle on the First Glider which carries up to four people beneath a huge model eagle. 

Trottibikes

Make your mountain descent more exciting by hiring a Trottibike scooter. Trottibikes are like a cross between a mountain bike and a scooter - ride past flower meadows and pretty farm houses as you journey down from Bort back to Grindewald.

Mountain carts

Mountain carts are three-wheeled carts almost like a cross between a sled and a go-cart. The route follows a three-kilomtre track from Schreckfeld to Bort along a gravel road.

Book locally - Grindelwald First Adventure Package

First Flyer, Glider & Trottibike or Mountain Cart from CHF64 per person

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Jungfraubahnen)

Pfingstegg Toboggan

There's fun to be had for all the family at the top of the Pfingstegg lift. Feel the thrills on the summer toboggan run or meander through the trees high above the ground on the Fly Line - this is a calmer version of a zip line that still offers lots of fun.

For little ones, enjoy a trip to the playground or complete the treasure hunt adventure.

Image: (Copyright: Pfingsteggbahn Pascal Imhof)

A cable car links Wengen to Männlichen, a 2,343-metre mountain that watches over the Lauterbrunnen Valley on one side, and Grindelwald on the other. You can choose to ride inside… or on the open-air balcony on top of the cable car for the 'Royal Ride' (just clutch your phone tight while taking a selfie). Many trails can be trodden from the mountaintop, including the Royal Walk to the crown viewpoint, the Treetop Trail and beautifully maintained trails between mountain huts. Come August, alpenhorn aficionados gather to play tunes in full traditional dress.

Families should head to the Sennen playground at Männlichen and see Lieselotte, the famous cow, with her own play area (there are trampolines, climbing frames, swings, and a huge wooden cow that hides a fun slide) and themed walking trail with fun stations along the way. 

Grindelwald Jungfraujoch Ice Palace

Swiss engineering is as good as rumour has it, with trains and cable cars allowing wanderers to easily explore car-free. One of the most famous train journeys include the track that runs all the way up to the Jungfraujoch – not only the highest railway station in Europe but the Jungfrau-Aletsch area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a must-see for all visitors making it the ultimate rail journey through the Eiger and up to 3,454 metres, for breath-taking views including the 14km-long Aletsch glacier and the Ice Palace. 

Pre-book your Jungfraujoch ticket

As well as the incredible views, there's a lot to do at the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. Head in to the Ice Palace to see the fascinating glacier from within and some impressive ice sculptures, try some Lindt chocolate in the highest Lindt shop in the world, or head out onto the snow fun park (snow activities payable locally).

This ticket includes travel from your resort - if you've pre-booked a Travel Pass some of your journey may be covered by it so we recommend checking the validity as it may be best to buy the Jungfraujoch supplement locally.

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken, Wilderswil, Grindelwald and Wengen. Tickets are bookable locally from Mürren.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Jungfraubahnen)

To The Schilthorn Mountain

A trip up the spectacular Schilthorn peak above Mürren, famous for being the set of the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Visit the museum and enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks. If you have a good head for heights, the 'Thrill Walk' at Birg is an exhilarating metal walkway that clings to the mountain edge, providing an exciting walk and some unbeatable photo opportunities.

Pre-book your Schilthorn ticket

This ticket includes travel from your resort - if you have a Travel Pass some or all of your journey may be covered by it so we recommend checking the validity as it may be best to buy the Schilthorn supplement locally if required.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: BENEDETTA BARBANTI)

Take the charming cogwheel railway up to Schynige Platte at 2,000 metres and visit the wonderful Alpine garden with some 600 different Swiss alpine plants including Edelweiss and Enzian.

You'll need plenty of time to admire the view from the top of the Schynige Platte. In one direction, the peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger dominate the skyline, and in another, the bright blue waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz glisten in the sun. It's the starting point for many great walks, or if you're keen on a more relaxing visit, enjoy lunch in the panorama restaurant and a live Alphorn concert (daily between 11am - 2pm by the railway station). Children will love the playground and treasure hunt. 

Pre-book your Schynige Platte ticket

Ticket will include travel from your resort to Wilderswil and return travel on the cogwheel railway up to Schynige Platte.

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken, Wilderswil and Wengen. Tickets are bookable locally from Grindelwald and Mürren.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

The thrill walk at Birg is a must-do if you take a trip to the Schilthorn. Metal walkways cling to the cliff beneath the lift station, with unique (optional) obstacles along the way, offering many perfect photo opportunities - just don't drop your phone!

Trümmelbach Waterfalls Lauterbrunnen

The Trümmelbach waterfalls are a natural spectacle and unique in Europe, located in the spectacular Lauterbrunnen valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sees bright blue water from the huge glaciers above flows over ten waterfalls through a narrow glacial gorge with rock walls tens of meters high.

Image: (Copyright: Schweiz Tourismus)

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