Switzerland · city guide
Grindelwald: in the shadow of the Eiger
Big peaks out every window, and the cliff walk I still dream about.
Grindelwald is where the Alps get loud. The Eiger's north face stands right over the village, so you're staring up at it from breakfast, and the Grindelwald-First gondola opens the door to the cliff walk and the easiest big-view hike in the region. I treated it as a day trip from my Lauterbrunnen hostel, but it makes a gorgeous base in its own right if you'd rather wake up under the peaks. Here's exactly how I'd spend a day or two.
- The big Jungfrau base, right under the Eiger
- Grindelwald-First gondola to the cliff walk
- 40 min by train from Lauterbrunnen, all on the pass
Best things to do
Walk the First cliff path
A steel walkway bolted to the cliff face, with a viewing platform that juts out over nothing. The whole valley drops away beneath you.
Fly the First Flyer zipline
Strap in at the top station and scream back down toward the valley at speed. Pure adrenaline, and the views are unreal.
Hike to Bachalpsee
A gentle hour from First station to a still mountain lake that mirrors the peaks. The most worth-it easy walk I did.
Take in the Eiger from the village
Just wander the main street with the north face looming over you; no lift, no ticket, the view's already there.
Where to stay
Getting there & around
Train from Interlaken Ost takes about 35 minutes and runs constantly; from Lauterbrunnen it's roughly 40 minutes with a quick change. From Zurich airport it's around 2.5 to 3 hours by train, all covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. You don't need a car, the trains and the Grindelwald-First gondola reach everything.
Eat & drink
- Bergrestaurant First — Right at the top gondola station; rösti and a coffee with the whole valley spread out below.
- Coop Grindelwald — My budget move: grab a picnic and rolls here and eat them up at Bachalpsee instead.
Day trips
On the map
Book this trip
A few of these earn me a small cut at no extra cost to you — only ever things I'd actually book.
Frequently asked
Should I base in Grindelwald or just day-trip from Lauterbrunnen?
Either works. I day-tripped from my Lauterbrunnen hostel and it was easy on the pass, but Grindelwald is a stunning base too if you'd rather sleep right under the Eiger.
Is the Grindelwald-First gondola covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?
It's discounted rather than fully free, so check the latest before you go. The train to Grindelwald itself is covered, and the cliff walk at the top is included with your gondola ticket.