11 Best Things To Do In Grindelwald, Switzerland

Winter is white

You can simply stop and build snowmen, but is there more than that?

1. Snowboarding & skiing

Grindelwald-First is a popular ski resort where all winter sports levels are welcomed. The same applies when dealing with the Eldorado terrain park, where all skiers and snowboarders can have a go, try out new tricks and jumps, or simply improve their style. Free ride tours are also on offer and the après-ski scene is a must.

The first person to ski here was Gerald Fox, an Englishman who put his skis on in his hotel bedroom in 1881 and walked out through the hotel Bar to the slopes wearing them. A pioneer. And, ultimately, the crowds followed.

Ski resort Grindelwald-First

Website: Ski resort Grindelwald-First

2. Velogemel

What is a Velogemel, after all? Typical to the region, this snow-bicycle even has its own world championships. It all started a century ago, when Christian Bühlmann applied the principles of the bicycle to help people move in large amounts of snow. Still wondering what ‘gemel’ means? It stands for ‘sledge’ in the Grindelwald dialect.

Velogemel in Grindelwald

Website: Velogemel

3. Sledging

I have just mentioned sledging. Grindelwald is without a doubt one of the best places in the world to have a go. The yellow Grindelwald buses take you from the train station up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft). Answer that call for adventure and enjoy the sun on your skin; don’t forget to wrap it all up with a delicious fondue!

Sledging

Website: Sledging

4. Ice climbing

Grindelwald has had a long tradition of climbing. The colder season sees ice climbing in centre-stage. Like in all sports, there are level-specific routes and tours. From taster sessions and safety skill courses to ice fall dreams and private ice climbing trips. All introductory courses require the completion of a basic rock climbing, mountaineering, or indoor climbing course, plus basic climbing and rope handling skills. Full steam ahead!

Ice climbing with Mountain Guides

Website: Ice climbing with Mountain Guides

Summer is bright

Stop and smell the flowers for which the elusive Swiss summers are famous!

5. Canyon rope swing

The Canyon Swing gives you the chance to test your courage. Plunge 85 metres (279 ft) into Grindelwald’s glacier gorge and survive. After a 50-metre (124 ft) free fall, you swing at a speed of up to 120 km/h (74.5 mph) through the canyon. That’s an adventure I’d die to try out. What? This is how the saying goes.

Canyon Swing

Website: Canyon Swing

6. Paragliding (+base jumping)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Starting with base jumping, I remember watching ‘The Adventurist’, an extreme series in which Joby Ogwyn was initiated in various challenging sports. One of them was base jumping. If his first attempts were registered in the States, his final and most difficult task would be jumping off the Eiger mushroom. I realised back then that the landscape of the area is perfect, allowing a huge drop and a long-floating landing.

The currents are also good for paragliding. Guaranteed: Eiger – Mönch – Jungfrau – lakes & valleys views.

Tandem flights in Grindelwald

Website: Tandem flights in Grindelwald

7. Hiking

It is said that no trail comes closer to the famous Eiger North Face. The Eiger Trail is open July though October and the total hiking time is two hours, with the starting point in Eigergletscher and the end point in Grindelwald. Make use of the world-famous Jungfrau Railway to get to the start. Postcard-perfect views await and the more difficult sections are secured with ropes.

Another wow-factor hike is from Grindelwald all the way up to First. This hike is dotted with flowing water, green pastures, and Swiss cows grazing. The route has a medium difficulty level and it is uphill all the way, taking around three hours. From the top, you can jump into a gondola and ride back to Grindelwald.

Eiger Trail by Hiking Project

Website: Eiger Trail by Hiking Project

8. Bouldering

During the summer, use bouldering as a way to have fun outdoors. Bouldering started as a type of training and has become a recognised sport over the past years. Bouldering World Cups are organised in Grindelwald. When the weather is bad, you can switch to the 170 sq.m (1,830 sq. ft) boulder hall in the ice arena to improve coordination and finger strength and be ready to apply these skills on real rocks.

Bouldering In Grindelwald

Website: Bouldering In Grindelwald

Seasons

All four seasons can be experienced here in either a shorter or longer fashion, and there is a variety of microclimates.

9. First Cliff Walk by Tissot

First Cliff Walk by Tissot is one of a kind! It truly is! And the views are spectacular, irrespective of the time of the year you’re visiting! The balcony rises 45 metres (147.6 mi) out into the void. How can you reach it? Take the gondola to Grindelwald-First, hike to Bachalpsee, then continue to the summit. And then enjoy the view — or continue to do that!

First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Website: First Cliff Walk by Tissot

10. Indoor rope park

…or Seilpark is the largest in Europe. As advertised, it is ‘dry and windless in winter, cool in summer’. It also promises to let you experience the Eiger indoors. There are five circuits just waiting for you to complete. Set under the roof of the ice arena — yup, just like that! —, it gives the chance to both children and adults to test their strength and limits and accept a challenge.

Seilpark

Website: Seilpark

11. Retail therapy in Stein am Rhein

A very dear friend of mine is simply in love with this place. He encouraged me to ‘Just go there, have some time to go watch shopping and then stop in the square, grab a drink and gaze at the colours’. I think it would be quite adequate if I encouraged you to do the same. What do you think?

Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein Tour

Website: Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein Tour

'This is the end...

Hold your breath and count to ten…’ Thank you, Adele, we’ve actually reached eleven and we’ve enjoyed the run. Shall we have another go? Start planning your visit to Grindelwald today!