Switzerland hides countless gems, but only one single valley managed to inspire J. R. R. Tolkien himself to create the mythical Rivendell. Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland is exactly as magical as you remember it from The Lord of the Rings, and perhaps even a touch more so. Steep rock walls tower all around you, and dozens of waterfalls plunge from incredible heights.

In photos it almost looks like a fairy-tale illusion, but trust me, this Alpine village is absolutely real. I’ve put together a complete guide so you know what you can’t miss here and how to avoid the biggest crowds. We’ll cover everything from iconic waterfalls to adrenaline-pumping viewpoints.

On top of that, this year a new record-breaking cable car is being completed in the area, but you’ll also need to factor in one major transport closure. Let’s take a look at twelve places and experiences you simply can’t miss in the valley of 72 waterfalls.

TL;DR

• Tallest waterfalls: You’ll be dazzled by the free-falling Staubbachfall and the glacial Trümmelbachfälle hidden right inside the mountain.
• 2026 closure: The cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp won’t run from 13 April to 10 July 2026. To reach Mürren you’ll have to go via Stechelberg.
• New cable car: In April 2026 the project for the steepest cable car in the world will be completed, taking you all the way up to the Schilthorn.
• Where to stay: Capacity in the valley is very limited, so book your accommodation months in advance. A great choice is Hotel Staubbach with a view of the waterfall.
• No entry fees: Despite media reports about introducing an entrance fee, no charge is paid to enter the village.
• Car-free zones: You can’t reach the villages of Wengen and Mürren by car — you have to leave it in the multi-storey car park by the station.

When to Visit Lauterbrunnen and the Weather in Switzerland

The waterfalls are at their most powerful in spring, when the snow melts in the mountains, and that’s also the most beautiful time to visit. May and June are absolutely ideal months if you want to see the falling water at its most majestic. What’s more, the gallery behind the main waterfall opens as soon as the winter ice melts, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Around the same time the first flowers start appearing in the Alpine meadows, so the whole place looks like a painting.

If you head out in July or August, you can be sure that all the infrastructure and cable cars are up and running. But be prepared for the fact that the valley faces a huge influx of tourists. In the summer season I recommend getting up very early in the morning so you can enjoy the most beautiful spots in peace. By the afternoon there are usually fairly long queues at the cable cars.

September and October bring gorgeous autumn colours and far fewer people to the valley. You do need to check the timetables in advance, though, because some cable cars undergo autumn maintenance. For example, the Stechelberg–Mürren section has a closure planned for the second half of October this year.

In winter the valley turns into a snowy fairy tale and becomes a great base for the surrounding ski resorts. Keep in mind, however, that the Trümmelbach waterfall is completely closed in winter. The main Staubbach waterfall, meanwhile, often freezes into an enormous curtain of ice, which is beautiful but means you can’t get as close. On the plus side, the skiing here is perfect and you can try winter hiking along the groomed trails.

Lauterbrunnen Hotels: Where to Stay in Switzerland

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We like to look for our accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. Tickets, day trips and activities are then worth comparing and booking through GetYourGuide.

Bed capacity in the valley is desperately small and demand from all over the world is enormous. You absolutely have to sort out accommodation here well in advance, ideally as soon as you’ve booked your flights or planned your road trip. Be prepared, too, for the fact that Swiss prices are merciless — but waking up to a view of Alpine peaks is well worth it.

Right by the train station you’ll find Hotel Silberhorn, a great and practical classic. It has a lovely terrace and is often the first choice for couples who want to have everything within easy reach. If you’re after something more romantic, definitely check out Hotel Staubbach, which has fantastic reviews and offers rooms with a direct view of the iconic waterfall.

In the centre of the village stands the popular Hotel Schützen, which tempts you with a cosy restaurant with a fireplace and good prices. If you’re travelling on a smaller budget, there’s Valley Hostel, an absolute legend among backpackers with incredibly clean rooms, some of which look straight out onto the waterfalls.

For nature lovers and campers there’s Camping Jungfrau, which is flooded with enthusiastic reviews online — and from the photos you’ll understand exactly why. You can also take a look at their website. It offers not only tent pitches but also comfortable bungalows. And if you’d rather sleep high above the valley in a car-free zone, book a room at Hotel Edelweiss Superior in the village of Mürren, where absolute peace and quiet await.

Where to Eat in Lauterbrunnen: The Best Restaurants

Swiss cuisine is admittedly a little heavy, but after a full day of hiking through the mountains you absolutely deserve those cheesy feasts. In Lauterbrunnen and the surrounding villages you’ll find plenty of great spots, from cosy mountain huts to more modern cafés.

Cheese Fondue and Rösti on Every Corner

If you want to enjoy the classics, I recommend grabbing a table at one of the traditional restaurants in Mürren or Wengen. Excellent traditional rösti — golden, pan-fried potato cakes topped with melted cheese — are served, for example, at the restaurant of Hotel Schützen right in Lauterbrunnen. Most places here open for lunch and then again for dinner, so keep an eye on the time.

Another sure-fire tip for a great lunch with an incredible view is the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant on the Schilthorn. And if you get a craving for something smaller during the day, stop for a hot chocolate or a homemade dessert. The Swiss are masters at making sweet pastries, so you really can’t go wrong.

12 Best Things to See and Do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Let’s take a look at the very best this Alpine region has to offer. I’ll show you how to save time, where to find the most beautiful views, and what to watch out for this year.

1. Staubbachfall

This is the absolute landmark of the entire village and quite possibly the most photographed waterfall in Switzerland. Staubbachfall stands at an impressive 297 metres and proudly holds the title of the country’s tallest free-falling waterfall. The water plunges down from a sheer rock face and shatters against the rocks so forcefully that a fine mist of water hangs permanently in the air. From the train station it’s just a few minutes of easy walking to get there.

An interesting feature is that you can actually get right behind the falling water. A narrow path leads up from the foot of the cliff, guiding you through a tunnel and up steps to a special viewing gallery. Be sure to bring a raincoat or a waterproof jacket, because you’re guaranteed not to stay dry here.

This experience is completely free — you only pay a voluntary contribution towards path maintenance. You do have to come during the main season, though, because the gallery is only open from May to October. The waterfall has been an inspiration to many artists and writers over the centuries — even the famous Goethe wrote a poem about it. The best light for photography here is usually in the morning, when the sun beautifully lights up the whole rock face. In the winter months access is closed for safety reasons due to falling chunks of ice.

2. Trümmelbachfälle

If Staubbachfall amazed you from the outside, Trümmelbachfälle will completely blow you away from the inside. It’s a system of ten glacial waterfalls hidden deep within the heart of the mountain. These waterfalls drain the mighty glaciers of the giants Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and an incredible twenty thousand litres of water flow through here every second.

To reach them, you don’t have to climb any rocks. A special tunnel lift takes you inside the mountain, and from there you continue along safely secured walkways and corridors. It’s a deafening, dark and utterly fascinating natural phenomenon with no equal in Europe. The sound of the roaring water bouncing off the cave walls is so loud you can’t even hear yourself speak.

There’s an entrance fee, and the official website lists admission at 18 CHF for adults (around €19) and 8 CHF for children. Precisely because of the spray, it’s quite cold and damp inside, so dress warmly even in the height of summer. Remember that children under four and dogs are not allowed in for safety reasons. The waterfalls are open from April to the beginning of November, and the whole complex closes in winter.

3. The Valley of 72 Waterfalls and the Hike to Stechelberg

The entire region proudly calls itself the valley of 72 waterfalls, and the best way to get to know it is on foot. A beautiful and completely easy trail leads from the train station along the flat valley floor all the way to the neighbouring hamlet of Stechelberg. The whole route is just under eight kilometres, and the elevation gain is absolutely minimal, so you can even tackle it with a pushchair.

During the roughly two-hour walk you’ll pass one waterfall after another. The path takes you past snow-capped peaks, green pastures and traditional wooden chalets. Along the way you’ll come across several rest stops and benches where you can have a snack. To your right you’ll see walls towering up that reach heights of up to four hundred metres.

About halfway along the route you can take a detour to the Trümmelbach cave waterfalls, and if you’re lucky you’ll even spot cows with traditional bells — an inseparable part of the Alps. Once you reach your destination in Stechelberg, you don’t have to walk the same way back. There’s a regular yellow PostBus that runs from here and conveniently takes you back to the centre of Lauterbrunnen.

4. Wengen and the Männlichen Viewpoint

Perched on a sunny terrace right above the valley lies the picturesque village of Wengen. A key piece of information is that the entire village is completely car-free. From Lauterbrunnen you can only reach it on the Wengernalpbahn cog railway, whose journey takes about fourteen minutes and offers gorgeous views into the chasm below you.

Wengen is the quintessential postcard Swiss village (wooden façades, geraniums in the windows), but the biggest draw is the cable car up to the Männlichen summit. Some of its cabins even have an open viewing balcony on the roof, which is an experience in itself. At the top a wide Alpine panorama and crisp mountain air await.

From the upper station, definitely set off on the so-called Royal Walk. It’s an easy thirty-minute climb to the very summit, where there’s a crown-shaped viewing platform built up top. From it you’ll have the iconic trio of mountains — Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau — beautifully laid out in front of you.

5. Mürren and Its Alpine Views

On the opposite side of the valley, at an altitude of 1,638 metres, lies another car-free village: the famous Mürren. It acts as a natural balcony above the deep valley, and the views from here are arguably even more dramatic than those from Wengen. Normally you get here by cable car from Lauterbrunnen up to Grütschalp and then on a narrow-gauge train.

💡 Tip: This year, though, you really need to watch out for the transport. From 13 April to 10 July 2026 there’s a huge closure, and the cable car to Grütschalp is completely out of service for a full rebuild. During this period you can reach Mürren exclusively via the alternative route from the Stechelberg valley station.

Mürren itself is wonderfully photogenic. You’ll find classic Swiss chalets decorated with geraniums and plenty of great restaurants. Accommodation here is admittedly on the pricier side, but waking up high above the clouds with a view of the Jungfrau massif is simply priceless. If you’re looking for a spot for lunch, the local establishments serve excellent Alpine cheese fondue or traditional rösti.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Lauterbrunnen

6 accommodations — campsites, hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Staubbach

Romantic hotel with fantastic ratings, offering rooms with direct views of the iconic Staubbach Falls. Ideal for couples seeking an unforgettable experience.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Silberhorn

Practical hotel right at the train station with a beautiful terrace. Often the first choice for couples who want everything within easy reach.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Schützen

Popular hotel in the village center with a cozy restaurant featuring a fireplace and good prices. Great choice for staying in the heart of the action.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏡 Hostel

Valley Hostel

An absolute legend among backpackers with incredibly clean rooms, some of which look directly onto the waterfalls. Ideal for budget travelers.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⛺ Camping

Camping Jungfrau

Campsite with enthusiastic reviews for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts. Offers not only tent pitches but also comfortable bungalows.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏔️ Mountain Hotel

Hotel Edelweiss Superior

Hotel in the village of Mürren high above the valley in a car-free zone, where absolute peace and quiet awaits you with breathtaking views.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

6. Gimmelwald and Its Honesty Shops

If you head downhill on foot from Mürren, you’ll come across the little village of Gimmelwald. Here, they say, time stopped many decades ago. About a hundred permanent residents live here, and you won’t find any large hotels or typical supermarkets. The whole place has retained an incredibly authentic farming atmosphere.

The most interesting thing in Gimmelwald are the so-called honesty shops — little stores built entirely on trust. Local farmers have fridges set up outside in which they offer homemade Alpine cheese, fresh eggs or jams. No one is watching over it; you simply take the goods and drop the money into a wooden cash box that’s been put out.

It’s a wonderful example of the fact that somewhere in the world decency still works. Stop by the self-service fridge at Esther’s Guesthouse, for instance, and buy a piece of cheese for a snack. Plus, you know that every franc goes straight to the locals — and they genuinely need it.

7. Schilthorn and Piz Gloria

This is the absolute highlight of any trip to this region. The Schilthorn summit rises to nearly three thousand metres and was made famous by the legendary Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The revolving Piz Gloria restaurant still operates up here today, completing a full rotation around its axis in forty-five minutes, giving you views of more than two hundred mountain peaks.

2026 is a year of enormous changes for this mountain. In April of that year the final section of the new Schilthornbahn project will be officially completed, with the total construction costing 130 million francs. The section between Stechelberg and Mürren even boasts the title of the steepest cable car in the world, with a gradient of over 159 percent.

According to the official price list, the cost of a return ticket from Stechelberg is around 115 CHF (roughly €120). The price, however, includes not just the ride itself but also entry to the interactive James Bond museum and access to the adrenaline-fuelled Thrill Walk (suspended on a sheer rock face at the Birg intermediate station). The whole trip is packed with fantastic experiences from the first minute to the last.

8. Allmendhubel and the Flower Park

If you’re travelling with children, you mustn’t skip Mount Allmendhubel. An old-fashioned funicular runs up here from Mürren, taking you up to an altitude of just under two thousand metres. The journey takes only a few minutes, and a return ticket costs a reasonable fourteen francs (it’s best to check the price on site, as it can vary outside the season).

At the top you’ll find the Flower Park, a children’s playground that looks as though nature itself designed it. Kids can clamber through giant wooden flowers, swing and slide, while you can sit on the terrace of the panoramic restaurant and enjoy a coffee with an incredible view of the Eiger massif.

The playground is also where beautiful themed trails like the Flower Trail begin. On these you’ll learn lots of interesting facts about the local Alpine flora and see flowers that grow only at these extreme altitudes. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon once you’ve had enough of demanding hikes.

9. The Via Ferrata from Mürren to Gimmelwald

For adrenaline lovers there’s a secured route on offer that is definitely not for those with a fear of heights. The via ferrata starts in Mürren and, unusually, leads downhill to Gimmelwald. The whole route is over two kilometres long, and the entire time you’ll have a deep three-hundred-metre drop beneath your feet.

The biggest highlight of the whole route is the so-called Nepal Bridge. It’s an eighty-metre-long rope bridge that sways slightly and beneath which gapes pure emptiness. Crossing it takes genuinely steady nerves, but the photos from this spot are absolutely unbeatable.

Access is free (you only pay a voluntary contribution towards cable maintenance), but you must bring the mandatory gear — a harness, a via ferrata set and a helmet. Don’t have your own? Any sports shop in Mürren will rent them out without any trouble. The staff at the rental shops will happily explain all the safety rules to you.

10. BASE Jumping

Lauterbrunnen is known worldwide as the mecca of BASE jumping — the extreme sport in which people leap with a parachute from fixed points. Each year fifteen to twenty thousand jumps take place here from the surrounding vertical cliffs. It’s a fascinating spectacle, but we have to approach it with great respect, because this sport is extremely dangerous.

Never try to look for take-off points on the edges of the cliffs — it’s an enormous risk. The best and completely safe spot for watching is right from the valley road heading towards Stechelberg. About twenty minutes’ walk from the village, all you have to do is look up and you’ll almost certainly see colourful parachutes drifting down to the ground.

Right in the centre of the village there’s the Airtime Café, a legendary spot closely linked to the community of jumpers and paragliders. They make absolutely delicious cinnamon rolls and great coffee — an ideal stop before you set off on another hike. What’s more, you’ll often find enthusiastic conversations between flyers from all over the world going on around you.

11. The Little Church and Cemetery

Every mountain town has its photogenic church, but the one here plays in a completely different league. The Gothic church dates back to the fourteenth century, and there’s a gorgeous view from its well-kept cemetery. From here you’ll see not only the village itself but, above all, the Staubbach waterfall and the massive rock walls in the background.

If you’re after the best angle for that perfect shot for social media, head up the main street towards Chalet Pironnet. A little way from it you’ll find a narrow path by two stone spheres. From this exact spot you’ll capture in a single frame the church tower on the left and the falling waterfall on the right.

It’s a favourite spot among photographers, especially in the early evening when the sun lights up the spray. Just bear in mind that the cemetery is still in active use and that quiet is part of the place. Simply sit silently on a bench and soak up the magical mountain atmosphere.

12. Talmuseum Lauterbrunnen

When bad weather catches you out in the Alps, it’s good to have a backup plan under a roof. The Talmuseum is tucked away in a former sixteenth-century mill and shows the hard life of the local people in the past. It’s a small but very engaging exhibition that transports you back to the era before mass tourism.

Here you’ll find historic skis, old climbing equipment and examples of traditional lace-making. On the upper floors you’ll learn interesting facts about the history of mining in the region and about the first pioneers of alpinism who conquered the surrounding three-thousanders with primitive gear. These are stories of incredible courage and perseverance from the mountain folk of the time.

Admission costs six francs, but if you have a guest card from your accommodation, entry is often completely free. It’s best to check the opening hours in advance: it’s usually open only in the afternoons from June to October, and it’s normally closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. There’s nothing worse than a wet day and a closed museum 😅

Where to Go Next from Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen makes a wonderful starting point for a day trip. The surrounding valleys are each more beautiful than the last. If you don’t want to bother with train connections, organised tours will save you a lot of planning. There are plenty of options that can easily be booked online, for example through GetYourGuide, from where you can even head out to the glaciers.

If you want to explore the surroundings on your own, definitely head to the neighbouring valley and read our article Grindelwald: What to See and Do. The atmosphere there is a little livelier, and the cable cars take you up to incredible viewpoints.

If you’re planning a longer road trip, you shouldn’t miss the most beautiful mountain in Europe, which we write about in the guide Zermatt and the Matterhorn: What to See and Do. You can also stop in the capital, where our article Bern: What to See in the Swiss Capital will help you out. And for an overall overview of the country, I recommend our big guide A Holiday in Switzerland: Where to Go, What to See and When.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re heading to the area for the first time, you’re bound to have plenty of practical questions about transport or admission fees buzzing around your head. Here are the answers to the most common questions to help you with your planning.

When you picture an Alpine idyll, Grindelwald in Switzerland is exactly the kind of place that springs to mind. Timber chalets dotted with geraniums scattered across deep-green pastures, the ominous north face of the Eiger looming right outside the window, and air so clean you could happily bottle it and sell it. The village will have you reaching for your camera every five minutes, because the panoramas look almost too good to be real.

Grindelwald is responsible for a lot of full SD cards and drained power banks — and honestly, I’m not the least bit surprised. Here are 14 tips that will help you get the most out of this mountain paradise, save money on the cable cars and dodge a few nasty surprises.

One word of warning up front: the trip up to Jungfraujoch costs over 260 CHF (around £230), and in bad weather you’ll come away with nothing but a painful memory. Pack your sturdy boots, get your calculator ready and let’s dive in 😉.

TL;DR

• The First cable car (from 76 CHF / ~£68) is an absolute must, and the price includes the photogenic First Cliff Walk suspension bridge.
• The hike to fairy-tale Lake Bachalpsee takes about 50 minutes, but bear in mind the lake often doesn’t thaw until well into July.
• The revolutionary new tricable Eiger Express whisks you up to the glacier in just 15 minutes, saving you almost an hour of slow travel.
• A trip to the famous Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) costs over 260 CHF (~£230) and is only worth it in crystal-clear weather.
• For a longer stay, consider the Jungfrau Travel Pass, which can save you a fortune on cable cars and local trains.
• Avoid the dead season in November, when the main cable car maintenance takes place and lots of attractions and hotels are closed.
• If you’re after accommodation with breathtaking mountain views, book the iconic Hotel Belvedere or the luxurious Bergwelt Grindelwald well in advance.

When to Visit Grindelwald

Picking the right dates is absolutely crucial in the Swiss Alps. If your goal is high-altitude hiking and you want to see that famous mirror reflection of the mountains on the lakes, the best time to visit is from July to September. By then all the main trails are safely passable and the snow at higher elevations has usually melted. On top of that, Alpine weather in Grindelwald can change minute by minute, so even in the middle of a hot summer don’t forget to pack a quality waterproof layer and a warm jumper. You’ll be glad of them once the cable car takes you above 3,000 metres.

Spring and early summer can be deceptive. Right through June there’s still snow on many trails, especially on the popular Eiger Trail and around Lake Bachalpsee. Winter, from December to April, transforms the valley into a top-class ski resort with over a hundred kilometres of groomed pistes and the longest sledging run in Europe.

The biggest mistake you can make when planning is to go in November. It’s the dead off-season in the most literal sense: nature is bracing for winter, the cable cars are being serviced, and the village itself feels as if everyone’s gone away on holiday. The glacier gorge is closed too, and a sleepy atmosphere hangs over the whole place.

Where to Stay in Grindelwald and Around

Accommodation in Grindelwald is gorgeous, but it won’t do your wallet any favours — we’re in Switzerland and in the mountains at the same time, so you get a double premium. Rooms fill up incredibly fast in both the summer and winter seasons, so I’d strongly advise against leaving your booking to the last minute. A big perk of staying right in the village is the included guest card, which gets you discounts on selected attractions and free travel on the local buses.

For families or a group of friends, renting an apartment with its own kitchen often makes the most sense, because dinners at the local restaurants can really stretch your budget. Here are the top-rated hotels travellers fall for, both for their atmosphere and their fantastic views of the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks.

• Bergwelt Grindelwald is a stunning, modern four-star design resort with an infinity pool and a luxury spa. The rooms have glass balconies with a direct view of the Eiger massif, which makes it arguably the most stylish choice in the entire valley.
• Hotel Belvedere is an absolute classic, boasting an incredible 8.9 rating on Booking. It’s a family-run place with a celebrated panoramic terrace where you can soak up the views straight from the outdoor salt-water hot tub.
• Sunstar Hotel is strategically positioned right opposite the lower station of the First cable car. With a rating of 8.7 it’s the ideal family hotel, with a spacious pool and a lovely view of the north face from most of the rooms.
• Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort sits right in the centre by the station and prides itself on its unique wellness concept. The staff are famous for their friendliness, and the hotel offers great facilities after a tough day in the mountains.
• Eiger Lodge Easy is the tip for anyone wanting to save money while staying in the thick of it. It’s just a short walk from the new terminal, breakfast is included and you can choose between shared rooms and private ones. For the price, a genuinely good option.

Where to Eat Well in Grindelwald

Switzerland may be best known for its meaty sausages and air-dried meat, but vegetarians certainly won’t go hungry here. The very foundation of the local cuisine is cheese and potatoes. The absolute must-tries include traditional cheese fondue and golden-fried potato rösti, which you’ll find on the menu of just about every mountain hut.

If you’re after a cosy atmosphere, head to Onkel Tom’s Hütte, a cult tiny pizzeria in an adorable wooden chalet. They serve excellent vegetarian wood-fired pizzas and a huge wine selection, but booking a table is absolutely essential. For an afternoon coffee and cake, the unbeatable spot is C&M Café, with a terrace offering the best imaginable view of the glacier.

For lovers of mountain romance, Alpinhotel Bort at the cable car’s mid-station is a great choice, serving superb fondue and plenty of vegetarian options right on the slope. And when you’ve finally had your fill of melted cheese, a surprisingly brilliant rescue is the restaurant GoldenIndia. They cook utterly authentic Indian food packed with spices, and their vegetarian selection is exceptionally generous.

Grindelwald, Switzerland: 14 Best Things to Do

Grindelwald is a little sneaky, actually. From a distance it looks like a place for relaxed mountain gazing, but then you discover you can fly on a zipline, drive go-karts and hike beneath a wall where climbers fight for their lives. Here are the best things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland, so you can pick exactly according to your mood. The area is incredibly varied, and thanks to a dense network of cog railways and modern cable cars you can reach spots that would otherwise be reserved for experienced mountaineers only.

1. The Cable Car to Grindelwald First

The First area has earned, without exaggeration, the nickname ‘the local adventure hub’ — and the cable car ride is only the beginning. Over twenty-five minutes you climb an impressive number of vertical metres, with green pastures and grazing cows in bells gliding by beneath you. At the top, 2,168 metres above sea level, you’re treated to an incredible view of the glaciers and the surrounding giants.

A return ticket in peak summer season costs 76 CHF per adult, which works out at a little over £68. If you hold a Half Fare Card or a Swiss Travel Pass, you get 50% off the ticket. The absolute winners are holders of the regional Jungfrau Travel Pass, for whom the trip to First is included completely free.

The cable car has two important mid-stations on the way up, named Bort and Schreckfeld. Don’t head straight back down from them, because this is exactly where all the popular adrenaline attractions and descents into the valley begin. During the summer months there tends to be a fair queue at the village station, so I’d recommend hopping into the very first cabin of the morning.

2. First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Right by the upper cable car station you’ll find one of the most photographed attractions in all of Switzerland. The First Cliff Walk is a unique steel walkway that clings firmly to a vertical rock face, with nothing but tens of metres of empty air below you in places. The whole loop ends on a long suspension bridge with a glass floor, offering a phenomenal view of the Eiger.

Access to the walkway is free (you only pay for the cable car), and a one-way pass, including stops for photos, takes about fifteen minutes — so even people who aren’t keen on heights have nothing to fear, because the whole structure is solidly built and completely stable.

💡 Tip: The viewpoint is open during cable car operating hours, until roughly 4:15 pm, but it closes during strong winds or thunderstorms. In peak season there are long queues for that final photo on the protruding platform, so the early-bird rule applies here too.

3. The Hike to Lake Bachalpsee

If you only had time for one single hike in Grindelwald, it has to be the walk to the blue Lake Bachalpsee. The trail starts at the upper First station and takes roughly fifty minutes of easy walking one way. It’s a very easy, wide path with minimal elevation gain, which even small children or all-terrain pushchairs can handle with no trouble. Don’t forget to pack plenty of drinking water and ideally a small snack too, because you won’t pass any mountain huts with refreshments along the way.

The reward at the end of the trail is two connected mountain lakes, in which the sharp peaks of the Schreckhorn massif are perfectly mirrored on a windless day. If you want to capture that famous flawless reflection on the water, you’ll need to get up early. Around ten in the morning a thermal wind often picks up in the valley, rippling the surface and wiping out the reflection in an instant. The ideal move is to reach the water as early as possible.

I do have to flag one important thing that often catches tourists out unpleasantly. Given the altitude of over 2,200 metres, the lake is often frozen until the end of June. Even in mid-July there are routinely ice floes drifting on the surface, so the best window for classic summer photos opens up from mid-July to roughly the start of October.

4. Adrenaline on First: Flyer and Glider

For those for whom simply admiring the mountains isn’t enough, the Swiss have laid on a proper dose of adventure on the slopes of First. The first option is the First Flyer, a giant seated zipline that sends you racing down to Schreckfeld station at speeds of up to 84 kilometres per hour. During the flight you’re safely strapped into the seat and you enjoy the sensation of soaring freely over the Alpine meadows. As scary as it sounds, the safety standards here are absolutely top-notch and the staff explain everything carefully.

An even more bizarre experience is offered by the First Glider. Here, the crew clip you into a harness shaped like a giant eagle, which can hold up to four people at once. The eagle first hauls you sharply backwards up the slope, and then you plummet back down at over 80 kilometres per hour. It’s great fun for a group of friends or a family with older children.

These activities can be bought as part of the so-called Adventure Package. The price for a single activity starts at around 69 CHF (~£62), and there are also combinations that include unlimited cable car rides. Given the huge popularity of these descents, I’d recommend booking the package well in advance, as the afternoon slots are hopelessly sold out during the summer months.

5. Descending to the Valley by Mountain Cart and Trottibike

Once you’ve flown through the air enough, you can carry on down to the village by land — but definitely not on foot. At Schreckfeld station you can hire a Mountain Cart, a three-wheeled off-road go-kart, for a fantastic three-kilometre descent along a gravel track to Bort station. The ride is incredibly addictive and you control the speed yourself with strong brakes, which is more than enough to give you a cracking dose of adrenaline.

At Bort station you then swap the kart for a giant off-road scooter called the Trottibike. These rugged machines with fat tyres are ideal for the final stretch along the tarmac lanes all the way down into Grindelwald itself. Hiring the scooter on its own costs 21 CHF (~£19) per adult, or it’s included in the adrenaline packages mentioned above.

💡 Tip: On the scooter descent you share the road with hikers and occasionally with local farmers in tractors. I’d recommend riding really carefully and keeping to the edge, because the road drops away quite sharply in places and the scooter can pick up unexpectedly high speed.

6. Eiger Express: The Revolutionary Tricable

Getting up to the famous glacier has never been easier. In December 2020, the ultra-modern Eiger Express tricable opened to huge fanfare, completely transforming the way tourists travel around the region. The enormous glass cabins, each holding 26 people, carry you from the new terminal up to Eigergletscher station in an incredible 15 minutes.

The cable car ride is a visual experience in itself. The whole route is over six kilometres long and held up by just seven giant pylons, so the cabins seem to float effortlessly through the air. At its highest point the cable car passes the ominous north face of the Eiger at a distance of just 1.8 kilometres, so you feel you could almost reach out and touch the rock. Inside the cabin there’s plenty of room to take photos from every angle.

This engineering marvel saves passengers a brilliant 47 minutes compared with the old route on the traditional cog railway over the Kleine Scheidegg pass. Tickets and any reservations can be easily arranged through the official website, or you can book them from the comfort of home via the trusted GetYourGuide portal.

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Where to Stay in Grindelwald

6 accommodations — resorts, hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Belvedere

Family-run property with a renowned panoramic terrace and 8.9 rating on Booking.com. Offers incredible mountain views and an outdoor saltwater hot tub.

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Bergwelt Grindelwald

Beautiful modern four-star design resort with an infinity pool and luxury spa. Rooms feature glass balconies with direct views of the Eiger massif.

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Sunstar Hotel

Strategically located directly opposite the First cable car base station. Ideal family hotel with an 8.7 rating, spacious pool and beautiful views of the Eiger north face.

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Check availability 🌲 Resort

Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort

Located right in the center by the train station. Features a unique wellness concept, staff renowned for their friendliness, and offers excellent facilities after a demanding day in the mountains.

★★★★ Check Prices

Check availability 🏡 Pension/B&B

Eiger Lodge Easy

A tip for those who want to save money while staying close to the action. Located near the new terminal, breakfast is included, and both shared rooms and private options are available.

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View All Accommodations in Grindelwald

Explore all available accommodation options in Grindelwald and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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7. Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch — 3,454 metres above sea level, the highest railway station in Europe and a bucket-list item people travel here from the other side of the world to tick off. The cog railway has been running here for over a hundred years, and a substantial part of the route runs through a tunnel blasted directly into the heart of the Eiger and Mönch. At the top you’ll discover the famous Sphinx Observatory, the magical Ice Palace carved into the glacier and, above all, the view of the majestic Aletsch Glacier, which at 22 kilometres long is the longest in the Alps.

I’d recommend slowing your pace a little at the summit itself, because at three and a half thousand metres you’ll feel the thinner air the moment you climb the first flight of stairs. A return ticket from Interlaken costs a whopping 261 CHF (~£233) in summer season, and from May to October you have to add a compulsory seat reservation of ten francs. If you have the regional Jungfrau Travel Pass, you get a significant discount and the top-up for the summit itself costs just 63 to 79 CHF depending on the season.

💡 Important warning: Travellers on the popular TripAdvisor forums agree unanimously that the trip up is only worth it in absolutely clear weather. Always check the live webcams in the morning, because paying over £230 to stand in thick white fog is a genuine nightmare. If you’re on a limited budget, many reckon the First area offers far better value for money.

8. Männlichen and the Royal Walk Viewpoint

If you want to see the famous mountain trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau from the best possible angle, take the cable car up to Männlichen. You’ll find the boarding station right in the new terminal in Grindelwald, and the twenty-minute ride up costs around 34 CHF (~£30) one way — though I’d always advise checking current prices on the official website.

From the upper cable car station, a short and easy trail called the Royal Walk leads to a viewing platform shaped like a royal crown. The climb takes about half an hour of gentle ascent, and your reward is a panoramic view often considered the most beautiful in all of the Bernese Oberland. The benches along the way practically invite you to extend the walk and just soak up the atmosphere.

Besides the snow-capped peaks themselves, from the viewpoint you’ll also get a stunning view down into the deep Lauterbrunnen valley, famous for its dozens of waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs. It’s a very photogenic spot where you’ll feel as if you’re on top of the world, and all without any extreme physical effort.

9. The Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg

Right after returning from the Royal Walk viewpoint, I’d recommend not taking the cable car back down but setting off on foot for one of the most famous walks in Switzerland. The Panorama Trail links Männlichen with the Kleine Scheidegg pass and offers just under five kilometres of pure mountain perfection. The path is very easy and runs gently downhill the whole way, so you can cover it in around an hour and a half.

It’s exactly the kind of trail you set off on in trainers, without a map and without planning, because the path is so wide and clear that you simply walk and gaze. You need nothing more. The whole way you have the iconic trio of mountains constantly in view, surrounded by meadows full of Alpine flowers.

This route is a popular choice for families and older travellers and makes a perfect logical loop. In the morning you take the cable car from Grindelwald up to Männlichen, walk the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg, and from there descend on the famous yellow-and-green cog railway back into the valley.

10. The Historic Kleine Scheidegg Pass

The mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg, at 2,061 metres, is a genuine crossroads of the entire region. The cog railways from Grindelwald and neighbouring Wengen meet here, and it’s also where the historic route of the famous train to Jungfraujoch begins. The place is constantly buzzing with life and has an unmistakable mix of transport and tourist atmosphere.

Right in the pass stands the legendary Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, which has retained its almost fairy-tale charm since the early twentieth century (it served as a base for countless climbing expeditions, and the chilling film North Face was shot here too). Even if you’re not staying overnight, do stop for a coffee on the outdoor terrace and enjoy watching the bustle around you.

In the winter months the whole area turns into the pulsing heart of the Jungfrau ski region. The pass serves as the main interchange point for skiers, and the renowned Lauberhorn run — the longest course in the entire Alpine Skiing World Cup — starts nearby.

11. The Eiger Trail Beneath the North Face

If you have any respect for climbing history, you can’t miss the legendary Eiger Trail. This trail starts at Eigergletscher station, where the new express conveniently drops you off, and descends roughly six and a half kilometres to Alpiglen station. The whole route runs directly beneath the sheer 1,800-metre north face of the Eiger, which sends shivers down your spine just looking up at it, especially when you grasp the sheer scale of that drop.

The hike is rated as moderate, but technically there’s nothing tricky about it, because you walk downhill the whole way on a well-maintained gravel path. It takes roughly two to three hours, and along the way you’ll come across special information boards describing the dramas and heroic feats from the days of the first attempts to conquer this feared wall.

💡 Important warning: Because of the shadow cast by the giant wall, layers of snow often linger on the trail until the end of June. During this period the trail is usually officially closed for safety reasons, so the best conditions for this walk reliably come only from July to September.

12. The Gletscherschlucht Glacier Gorge

Once the mountain heights tire you out, head off to explore the power of nature deep in the valley. Just about 35 minutes’ walk from the centre of the village lies the fascinating Gletscherschlucht glacier gorge. Over millennia the River Lütschine has carved out a kilometre-long ravine here, its vertical limestone walls rising to a staggering height of up to three hundred metres.

The walk through the gorge runs along safe wooden walkways and through short tunnels blasted straight into the rock. The temperature inside rarely exceeds ten degrees, even on the hottest August days, so you definitely won’t manage without a light jacket. The biggest draw for the brave is a giant net platform called the Spiderweb, stretched high above the roaring river, which you can walk out onto. It’s a great spot to take refuge on sweltering summer days, since it stays reliably cool inside.

Admission for an adult is 21 CHF (~£19), with children under six getting in free, and the guest card earns you a small discount. Bear in mind, though, that the gorge is only accessible in summer season, from May to mid-November — over winter it’s uncompromisingly locked for safety reasons.

13. Pfingstegg: The Summer Toboggan Run

The Pfingstegg hill, on the southern edge of the village, is the smaller, quieter sibling of bustling First. A charming little cable car carries you up, and a return ticket costs around 32 CHF (~£29). It’s an ideal spot for families with younger children looking for fun without the massive crowds of tourists.

The main attraction is a fast 736-metre toboggan run, with a superb view over the whole valley as you descend; a ride costs 8 CHF (~£7) and the carts reach up to 40 km/h. Children from the age of four can ride with an adult for a token surcharge.

Besides the toboggan run, they recently opened the Fly-Line, a gentler suspended track that glides you smoothly between the treetops. Up top there’s a spacious terrace with a restaurant, where you can grab a coffee and admire the view of the village below.

14. Winter Paradise: The Longest Sledging Run

If you head to the region in winter, alongside the first-class skiing you’ll also enjoy one absolute European rarity. It’s called Big Pintenfritz, and it’s the longest sledging run in Europe, measuring an incredible 15 kilometres. It starts at the summit of Faulhorn at 2,681 metres and ends right down in the village of Grindelwald.

There is, however, one small catch. You can’t take a cable car to the start itself. From the upper First station you have to carry your sledge by hand and face a roughly two-and-a-half-hour walk uphill through the snowy landscape. Don’t forget to bring really good, warm, waterproof boots. It’s a proper sporting effort, but that endless descent into the valley is absolutely worth the trouble.

For those who want to sledge without trudging uphill, there’s a great yellow bus service up to Bussalp. You can buy a day pass and enjoy shorter but still fantastic runs with a view of the Eiger. Another huge hit here is night sledging combined with a traditional cheese fondue dinner — a real treat you won’t forget in a hurry.

Where to Go Next from Switzerland (or from Grindelwald)

Switzerland is laced with such a perfect rail network that it would be a shame to stay in just one place. If you’re planning a longer holiday and wondering how to put your itinerary together, take a look at our big overview, Switzerland Holidays: Where to Go, What to See and When.

From Grindelwald it’s just a short train ride into the neighbouring valley, which looks like something straight out of Lord of the Rings. Find out everything hidden in Lauterbrunnen: The Valley of Waterfalls. If cities are more your thing, you mustn’t skip the capital with its bear park — read all about it in Bern: What to See in the Swiss Capital. And if you want to see the single most iconic mountain in the whole Alps, read our guide to Zermatt and the Matterhorn: What to See and Do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Planning a trip to the Swiss Alps can sometimes leave your head spinning, so it’s no wonder you often ask the same practical questions. Here I’ve gathered the answers to the most common queries, so you have everything important in one place.