Are you thinking about visiting Grindelwald, Switzerland? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Grindelwald worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this town for one to two days because of the many great activities. Grindelwald is a town and ski resort in the Bernese Alps. In the summer months there's amazing hiking and rock climbing with breathtaking views. During the winter months there's great skiing. The town makes a good base for exploring the area and enjoying long hikes through the countryside.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Reasons to Visit Grindelwald
Hiking
Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.
Skiing
Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.
Food
You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.
Nightlife
You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.
Is Grindelwald worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Grindelwald, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Grindelwald is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 23°C (73°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (82°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
You really can't miss the hiking here during the warmer months, as it is fantastic here. Even though this is mainly a ski resort area in the winter, the warmer months offer less crowds, gorgeous views, and plenty of trails to explore. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to savor the small town atmosphere, get out into nature, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Grindelwald
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| September | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
Is Grindelwald worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Grindelwald. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 15°C (58°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the hiking, and the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Grindelwald
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| November | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| December | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Grindelwald worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Grindelwald can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Winter is the shoulder season for travel in Grindelwald, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Most visitors come during the winter for the terrific skiing and snowboarding, as it's the main activity here. This is a great time of year to ski down the slopes, dine out at amazing restaurants, and enjoy the evening activities.
Winter Weather in Grindelwald
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| February | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
Is Grindelwald worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the high season for travel in Grindelwald, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 13°C (55°F).
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, soak up the small town charm, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Grindelwald
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| June | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Grindelwald
Museums
Grindelwald isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.
Shopping: Grindelwald isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Grindelwald might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Grindelwald here or see if Grindelwald is expensive here.
Related
What is Grindelwald most famous for?
Grindelwald is most famous for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. The town is very popular for its hiking. Also, it's known for skiing. Many people love the food and nightlife, too. It is often described as beautiful, adventure-filled, high adrenaline, and breathtaking.
What is the most famous sight in Grindelwald?
The most popular sight in Grindelwald is the beautiful mountain scenery. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Grindelwald on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the beautiful mountain scenery and other attractions here.
How touristy is Grindelwald? Is it a popular town to visit?
Grindelwald is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
- Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447
- Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
- From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
- Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
- Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
How long should I spend in Grindelwald?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Grindelwald is one to two days. Since Grindelwald has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Grindelwald?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Grindelwald?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Grindelwald?.
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