Grindelwald, a charming alpine town in Switzerland, is an amazing summer getaway that also dazzles in winter. Last summer, we had an unforgettable time in Grindelwald, and the activities we enjoyed can easily be adapted for winter fun too. Here’s a glimpse of what we did—and what you can look forward to if you’re visiting during the snowy season.
How did we get to Grindelwald from Dubai? We landed in Munich and stayed there for a Bavarian Road trip. Then we drove to Lucerne and spent few days exploring the city including Mount Pilatus. From there, we drove to Grindelwald, which took around two and a half hours. The journey itself was incredibly scenic. Every twist and turn offered mind-blowing views that made the drive unforgettable.
The drive from Lucerne to Grindelwald takes about 2 hours, and it was hands down one of the most stunning road trips I’ve ever experienced. Our journey took us along the A8 motorway from Lucerne to Interlaken, then onto Route 19. This scenic road winds through the awe-inspiring Lauterbrunnen Valley, climbing towards Grindelwald with jaw-dropping views of the Swiss Alps at every turn. So, take note of this if you plan to drive there. En route to our alpine hotel, we made a spontaneous stop at Lake Brienz—a gem we stumbled upon along the way.
We stepped out of the car and followed a narrow path that led to a panoramic viewpoint. Wooden benches lined the spot, perfect for sitting and soaking in the beauty of nature in all its glory and splendour. The view felt like something straight out of a fairytale. It’s one of my favorite memories of Switzerland, one I’ll always cherish and often revisit in my mind.
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The drive to the alpine town of Grindelwald is not for the faint-hearted. The narrow, winding road up into the Alps feels like a mini roller-coaster ride. But once we reached our boutique hotel, all I felt was pure joy and one thought: the ride was absolutely worth it.
Our Home Away from Home: Hotel Bodmi
A Boutique Hotel Nestled in the Eiger Valley with Stunning Views of Snow-Capped Peaks
Hotel Bodmi is a charming retreat that seamlessly blends Swiss luxury with modern comfort. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Eiger mountain, this family-run hotel offers cozy rooms adorned with traditional Swiss décor and breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast made with local ingredients, unwind on the patio, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Afterward, explore nearby hiking trails or hit the ski slopes. With its warm hospitality and picturesque setting in the heart of Grindelwald, this hotel is an ideal haven for a memorable mountain getaway. While it’s not located in the town center, its serene location, away from the hustle and bustle of visitors, makes it perfect for a peaceful and quiet holiday.
We stayed in a cozy family room. Not big but just right. But it was the little details that made it truly memorable. Upon entering, we were welcomed with an assortment of Swiss-made chocolates, pastries, and a thoughtful selection of drinks such as fresh water, wine and fresh juices.
The highlight of our stay? The breathtaking view from our room. Snow-capped mountains stretched across the horizon, dotted with picturesque chalets. From afar, there’s a charming winding road that leads to the heart of the town.
After a quick refresh, we embarked on a 45-minute hike to the main square and train station. The journey, though long, was absolutely worth it. The tranquil atmosphere, coupled with the natural beauty surrounding us, made it feel like we had stepped into a dream.
Honestly, I fell in love with this hotel, and I truly believe it’s worth every penny spent.
Activities in the Alps for 3 days
Our summer days were packed with outdoor adventures in the Alps, taking in the beauty of this stunning landscape! From hiking scenic trails and wandering through charming alpine towns to whizzing down the mountain on summer toboggans, every moment felt unforgettable. And, of course, we couldn’t miss the chance to visit the Jungfrau—the highest peak in Europe! Every view was straight out of a postcard, making this a summer trip to remember.
Day 1: Exploring the Scenic Hiking Trails Around Grindelwald from Our Hotel! 🌲✨ Ready to lace up your hiking boots and discover the beauty of the Swiss Alps? Let’s go!
The trail took us along a scenic backroad. We passed valleys and meadows dotted with rustic chalets, pine trees, and apple trees. Snow-capped mountains tower above us. But what made it extra special was the perfect weather—14°C, ideal for a peaceful hike into town. For dinner, we chose a cozy Italian spot with views overlooking the Alps. We were lucky to get a table at 7 PM, as restaurants in Grindelwald are usually fully booked from 7 to 9 PM in the summer.
Grindelwald’s town centre is surrounded by restaurants, souvenir shops, and chocolatiers. Right next to it is the train station, where you’ll also find several restaurants and the famous Coop. Coop is perfect for picking up ready-made meals, drinks, and other essentials.
Day 2: Tobogganing in Pfingstegg and Waterfall Hiking in Lauterbrunnen
I woke up to a postcard-perfect view of the Alps and enjoyed my morning coffee on the balcony, looking right at the Eiger Mountain—one of the most famous peaks in the region. Together with the Jungfrau and Mönch mountains, the Eiger creates a stunning trio that’s visible from our balcony.
The we went for breakfast. Our hotel treated us to a scrumptious breakfast with a wide variety of options at the buffet. From cheeses and olives to fresh fruits, hot eggs, and pastries—there was something for everyone. I especially appreciated the vegetarian options they provided. But the highlight for me was the breakfast spot itself. We sat outdoors, overlooking three snow-capped mountains, with paragliders and cable cars gliding by above us. At 8:00 AM, with a crisp temperature of 9°C, it felt like a winter wonderland with a touch of summer—a truly surreal experience.
Is it your first first-time tobogganing in Grindelwald? Here’s what you need to know!
We love summer tobogganing so much that we decided to do it again after our time in Lucerne. Instead of visiting the First Cliff Walk, we took the cable car up to Pfingstegg. Parking was a bit challenging, but we eventually found a spot a little farther away. The cable car ride was quick, and compared to Mount Pilatus, this spot felt a bit smaller. But there’s still plenty to do—hiking, summer tobogganing, and a playground for the kids. We also spotted some cows grazing and couldn’t resist going over to pet them. We went tobogganing twice and had a blast every second.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice lunch at the café before heading back down. Then off for a road trip. The best part about having a car in Switzerland is how easy it is to hop from one alpine town to another, so we jumped in the car and made our way to Lauterbrunnen.
Here’s my tip:
When you go tobogganing, you’ll sit on a chair without a seatbelt. To move, simply push the lever forward. Don’t worry about the speed—it’s safe, and you won’t fall off. Heading back up is effortless, as a lever or tow rope will pull you up automatically back to the starting point.
Chasing Waterfalls: A Picturesque Road Trip Through Lauterbrunnen’s Natural Beauty
Our waterfall hike started with a stunning road trip, filled with breathtaking views of rivers, waterfalls, and lush valleys. I saw cows grazed peacefully and eagles soared above us. Everywhere I looked, nature was pure bliss. There were pine trees perched on hills and chalets adorned with summer flowers. It was a road trip I’ll never forget. If you’re seeking a scenic adventure around the alpine town, Lauterbrunnen should be in your bucket list.
The drive there took about 25 minutes. It was quick. We parked at a public lot right beneath the Staubbachfall waterfall. Lauterbrunnen has 72 waterfalls, making it the perfect spot for waterfall-chasers! From there, we set off on a 30-minute hike from the cemetery up to a viewpoint. When we reached that point, we had an incredible bird’s-eye view of the town. But it didn’t come without challenges. The trail has a stairway but is quite steep and slippery in places.
After our hike, we headed into town for a coffee. But unfortunately, the cafés were closing around 5 PM. Luckily, our kids were thrilled to grab ice cream from a nearby food truck. All in all, it was a wonderful day road-tripping and chasing waterfalls.
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Day 3: Exploring the Snow-Capped Heights of Jungfrau, the Highest Peak in Europe 🏔️❄️
Jungfrau, the highest peak in Europe, is one of Switzerland’s top attractions. My family and I decided to spend a full day exploring it. After some online research, I booked our tour directly through Jungfrau’s website. Our adventure began with a 15-minute ride on the Eiger Express. We boarded from the city center’s train station, offering stunning panoramic views on the way up. From there, we transferred to the cogwheel train, which took us all the way to the Jungfrau summit—known as the Top of Europe—at an impressive 2,800 meters above sea level.
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Ultimate Family Adventure: Must-Do Activities with Kids at the Top of Europe!
We spent the entire day at the Top of Europe, and there were plenty of free activities to enjoy with the kids. First, we headed to the viewing platform for some amazing photos with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. Even in summer, it was around -1°C. Thankfully, I came prepared with water- and wind-resistant jackets, scarves, hats, and mittens for everyone.
Next, we explored the ice castle—a fascinating spot where we learned about the mountain’s history and the incredible efforts of early engineers who drilled through the rock in the 1800s. They created a tunnel for the cogwheel train to reach the summit. This achievement made Jungfraujoch the highest railway station and an iconic destination in Switzerland that you shouldn’t miss. Exploring the ice castle and visiting the viewing platform for amazing photo opportunities are some of the free activities you can enjoy at the top.
For a bit of adrenaline, we decided to try sledding and snow tubing. I paid around 80 CHF for two adults and 30 CHF for two kids. The kids had a blast, and we all enjoyed the thrilling rides, adding a fun, energetic twist to our day. To top it off, we went chocolate shopping. Yes, there’s a Lindt chocolatier at the highest peak in Europe, and I’m so glad we got to experience it!
A quick tip if you’re planning a trip to the Alps. It’s best to pre-book tickets to Jungfrau, but not too far in advance. The weather there is unpredictable. It can shift from sunny to windy or foggy in no time. To make the most of your visit, check the forecast about three days before your trip and book your tickets during this time frame.
On our last day, we enjoyed one final hearty breakfast in front of the breathtaking Alps. As I took my last bite, I couldn’t resist capturing one last image of the view I’d fallen in love with—snow-capped mountains rising above fields of summer flowers, Swiss chalets nestled in meadows, and cable cars gliding quietly overhead. Switzerland, you truly took my breath away!
Grindelwald is certainly an amazing summer getaway that also dazzle in the winter. So, if you can’t visit in the summer, I hope you’ll experience them in the winter!
Leave a piece of your heart in every place you visit, and it will always call you home.
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