Grindelwald

i’d recommend this place, but with reservations. the main things about Grindelwald is that it’s big, lots of shops, lots of restaurants and accomodations. but that’s also its problem: you get busloads of tourists being dropped off all day long, so it’s not exactly the charming, quiet, Alpine experience people look for when staying in the Jungfrau region. the views from Grindelwald is also rather mediocre; it’s located on the valley floor, so you mostly get to see the sides of mountains (though not to the extent of being overshadowed by cliffs as you’d get in Lauterbrunnen). the funny thing is that Grindelwald heavily advertises its views of the Eiger northface, even though you can get completely unobstructed views of Eiger, Monch, AND Jungfrau from Murren, and Wengen also gets better views of Eiger and Monch. Grindelwald’s main attractions include First (pronounced “fear-st”); summertime Trottibike from Bort is deliriously fun, and wintertime you can sled or ski. the other Alpine excursions would be Jungfraujoch and Mannlichen, though both sites are actually closer/quicker if you start from Wengen. Grindelwald is a fine place to stay, pretty convenient (though it takes longer to reach Interlaken Ost from Grindelwald compared to towns in the Lauterbrunnen Valley side), and a vastly better choice than staying in Interlaken. however, given the option, you’d be better off staying in Wengen or Murren—much more quaint, better views, and faster access to the other towns in the area.

Utterly fantastic. Lush green valleys below and craggy snow capped peaks above!

Awesome!

Have visited Grindelwald in both the late spring and early fall, and it’s as beautiful as those postcards one used to see of rural Switzerland. It’s easily accessible by car from a number of points, and there’s even rail service for those who aren’t inclined to drive. Happened to share a cable car to the mountain with some Swiss troops in the fall during “shoulder season” when they were on military exercises – very friendly and hospitable.

The view of the Eiger, Wetterhorn and Mettenberg mountains is truly spectacular. One of the most picturesque towns in the country, and want to return in the winter for the snow sports and glacier exploration. A very friendly place, with plenty of hotels and interesting restaurants. But above all, don’t forget your camera!