The Louk · 9 min read · Resort guide
ScenicIntermediatesNon-skiers welcomeFamiliesRailways
Grindelwald is about as scenic as skiing gets - a classic Swiss village spread beneath the terrifying north face of the Eiger, in the heart of the Jungfrau region. The skiing links with Wengen and Mürren across long, gentle, jaw-dropping runs, and the whole valley is stitched together by cog railways and cable cars. It's magic for intermediates, families and non-skiers alike, with the 'Top of Europe' Jungfraujoch railway as the ultimate day off the slopes.
Altitude1,034m · up to 2,486m (First) / Jungfrau region
Ski areaJungfrau — ~250km (Grindelwald–Wengen–Mürren)
Best forScenery · intermediates · non-skiers
SeasonMid-Dec – mid April
AirportBern ~1hr · Zurich ~2.5hr · Geneva ~3hr
Trip typeCouples · families · scenic
Budget£££ · scenic, Swiss prices
⛷The skiing
Grindelwald's skiing spreads across two areas: Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen, with long, scenic cruises down to Wengen beneath the Eiger, and sunny First, which mixes cruising with a famous cliff walk and a long sledge run. The wider Jungfrau pass adds Mürren and the Schilthorn across the valley. It's mostly gentle-to-intermediate and utterly beautiful - more about scenery and long, easy runs than steep thrills.
- Kleine Scheidegg to Wengenlong, gentle runs right beneath the Eiger.
- Firstsunny cruising, the cliff walk and a big sledge run.
- Mürren & the Schilthornthe dramatic far side, on the same pass.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (jungfrau.ch) →
The Louk tipTake the Jungfraujoch 'Top of Europe' railway on a clear day - it's not skiing, but the highest railway station in Europe and the glacier views are unforgettable. And First's toboggan run is a brilliant afternoon.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Hotel BelvedereGrand, historic 4-star superior with Eiger views.
- Romantik Hotel SchweizerhofElegant, central and beautifully run.
Boutique & mid-range
- Hotel EigerComfortable, family-friendly and well placed.
- Aspen Alpin Lifestyle HotelRelaxed, modern base with great views.
Chalets & cosy
- Downtown Lodge / hostelsGood-value beds in the village centre.
- Chalets & apartmentsCharacterful self-catered options with big views.
🍽Where to eat
On the mountain
- Berggasthaus FirstSunny terrace at the top of the First gondola.
- BrandeggFamous for its apple fritters on the run to Grund.
- Kleine Scheidegg restaurantsClassic mountain lunches beneath the Eiger.
In town
- Barry's (Belvedere)Refined dining with a view.
- Memory (Hotel Eiger)Buzzy, reliable and great for families.
- C und MModern Swiss cooking above the village.
🍾Bars & après
- Avocado BarCentral, friendly spot for après and evenings.
- Espresso BarLively hub in the middle of the village.
- Gepsi Bar (Eiger)Cosy hotel bar with live music.
- MescaleroWhere the night carries on.
❄Off the slopes
- Jungfraujoch railwayThe 'Top of Europe' - the highest station in Europe.
- First cliff walk & sledgingA vertigo-inducing walkway and a long toboggan run.
- Grindelwald-First activitiesZip line, mountain carts and more for non-skiers.
🚁Getting there
Grindelwald is a rail lover's dream. Bern is about an hour, Zurich around 2.5 and Geneva around three - and the train comes right into the village via Interlaken, so most people arrive entirely by scenic railway, no transfer needed.
Transfers & travel
- TrainSwiss rail via Interlaken Ost straight into Grindelwald - easy and scenic.
- Private transferDoor-to-door from Zurich or Geneva if you prefer.
- Grindelwald TerminalThe new gondola base with parking, if driving.
- PostBusLocal buses connect the valley villages.
