Best things to do in Grindelwald

Use Grindelwald-First as a starting point for many scenic hikes and ski trails in the Swiss Alps. Sitting above the mountain village of Grindelwald, the summit is quickly reachable by gondola railway and provides panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks. From here you have access to over 60 km (37 mi) of ski slopes and about 40 km (25 mi) of marked footpaths. Have a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant or relax on the sun terrace with seats for up to 300 people. Instead of hiking or taking the railway back to Grindelwald, descend on the 800 m (2,624 ft) zipline, which races down the mountain at speeds exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph).

Discover spectacular views of an icy Alpine wilderness at the very top of Europe by visiting Jungfraujoch, the continent's highest train station. Nearly two million people travel to this winter wonderland each year, lured by its panoramic views of mountains and glaciers, skiing, and snowboarding. Opened in 1912, the Jungfrau railway line passes through a tunnel that took several thousand workers over a decade to drill. The station sits 3,454 m (11,330 ft) above sea level, with the Sphinx viewing house providing sweeping vistas of the largest glacier in the Alps, a World Heritage Site. The adjoining commemoration hall displays memorials to miners who died building the railway and features a giant and incredibly detailed snow globe. Saunter through the Ice Palace, a year-round frozen hallway featuring ice sculptures. Dine in one of several panoramic restaurants, pick up a box of Swiss chocolates, and test your golfing skills in a hole-in-one challenge above the glacier. No matter the time of year you're visiting, don't forget your camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Hike around some of Switzerland's most dramatic landscapes at Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls, which plunge down overhanging rock faces created by natural forces over thousands of years. A huge draw for adventure seekers from around the globe, the lush valley features 72 thunderous waterfalls, some of which carry 20,000 l (5,280 gal) of water per second. When Goethe visited the valley in 1779, the majestic falls moved him so deeply that he returned home to write one of his best-known poems, "Spirit Song Over the Waters." Discover this untamed glacial valley by trekking around some of its world-famous trails, or hop on the scenic rack railway linking the region's half-dozen mountain villages.

Hike around the massive subterranean Trümmelbachfälle, which cascade down a narrow slot canyon carved out by natural forces over thousands of years. Illuminated and accessible to visitors by a tunnel elevator, the World Heritage-listed falls drain the melting snow and ice from three glaciers, carrying up to 20,000 l (5,200 gal) of water per second. The water crashing down the tight canyon walls generates a constant mist in the air and makes the walking paths extremely slippery, so be sure to wear a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes with non-slip soles. Once you tire of the cave-like tunnels, hike to nearby Lauterbrunnen, an unspoiled village nestled between the walls of a sheer-sided valley.

From valley to peak, Maennlichen provides access to skiing, as well as unsurpassed panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The cable car travels from Grindelwald village to the summit of Mannlichen, at 2,343 m (7,687 ft) above sea level. Traveling 6,071 m (19,918 ft) to the top, it is the third-longest passenger cable car in the world. Experience the 30-minute ride to the summit, taking in the mountain sights along the way. At the top, you can easily connect to the Wengen-Mannlichen cable car if you'd like to continue sightseeing.

At Titlis you'll have year-round access to a world-class ski resort, including Europe's highest suspension bridge. Ride up the mountain on the world's first revolving cable car; the final station, containing several shops and restaurants, serves as the starting point for hikes to the 3,239 m (10,623 ft) summit--the highest in central Switzerland. Walk across the suspension bridge for unobstructed views of the Alpine mountaintops and surrounding glaciers. If you don't feel like tackling the challenging scramble to the very top, take the chair lift to the nearby freestyle park, where you can ski and snowboard year-round.

Embark on a scenic hike to view the famed Bachalpsee Lake. This 8 hectare (20 acre) body of water sits at an elevation of 2,265 m (7,431 ft) with a beautiful frame of snow-capped mountains. You can choose from a number of trails that lead to the lake, varying in length and difficulty. Those who prefer a shorter walk can take a cable car much of the way. Make sure to bring your camera to snap this alpine scene.

Visit the clear turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, located just north of the Alps. The towering Swiss Alps border the lake, with the town of Brienz nestled in the eastern section. One of the best ways to explore the 14 km (8.7 mi) long lake is by boat--passenger ships have been in operation since 1839. The lake also serves as a great starting point for hikes around the area and into the surrounding mountains. One of the most popular walks runs along the southern bank of the lake from Bonigen to Giessbach through Iseltwald.

Dotted with wooden chalets and surrounded by green meadows and snowy mountains, Lauterbrunnen Village offers an endless list of alpine activities, including helicopter flights over the mountain peaks. This typical alpine village--and the main gateway to the Jungfrau--is set against the picturesque backdrop of numerous waterfalls tumbling down steep cliffs. After a stroll down the main street or the riverside promenade, reward yourself with a hearty Swiss meal at a sunny outdoor cafe with a mountain view. Apart from hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, the village boasts a swimming pool and a mini-golf course.

Nestled between two valleys surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Kleine Scheidegg represents a popular hiking and skiing destination. Allowing some of the best views of Eiger North Face, this mountain pass makes a good lunch stop on your way back from Jungraujoch, the Top of Europe. It also serves as the finishing line of a mountain race that takes place every September. The pass is traversed by the Wengernalp railway.

Dine among the snow-capped mountain peaks at Bergrestaurant Aellfluh, a family-run restaurant in operation since 1911. The establishment takes pride in only serving locally sourced dishes that support the area's farmers and village shops. Sit on the sunny terrace with the north face of awe-inspiring Eiger Mountain just to your side and Grindelwald valley below you. Visitors can reach the mountain restaurant by hiking trails or by bus. The hike is about one hour long and the route is well marked throughout.