Grindelwald
Ideal: Ideal for nature, hiking, Alpine villages, and mountain views.
The village sits directly at the foot of the Eiger's north face; this wall, among the Alps' most famous and deadliest, was first climbed in 1938 and more than sixty climbers have died here since — watching ascents through binoculars from hotel terraces is an old local habit. The valley is squeezed between two large glaciers, both visibly retreating over the last century. The Cliff Walk at the top of the gondola to First leads along the cliff on a steel platform bolted to the rock.
Quick facts
- Area
- 171 km²
- Elevation
- 1,034 m
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why is the Eiger's north face so famous?
Its 1,800 m vertical wall is one of the hardest climbs in the Alps and was first conquered only in 1938. So many climbers died on it that in German it earned the nickname "murder wall".
Are the glaciers still reachable from the village?
Grindelwald once had two glaciers descending almost to village level; both have retreated markedly. Reaching the ice caves and gorges now takes a hike or a cable car.
What is the First Cliff Walk?
A steel walkway bolted to the rock face along the cliff. Its 45 m bridge juts out over the void with a direct view of the Eiger.
Why go?
- To experience Swiss Alpine village atmosphere
- To explore mountain, valley, and hiking routes
- Because it makes access to the Jungfrau region easy
Travel tip
Summer offers hiking and views, winter snow activities — plan according to season.
