Spend Christmas on the Swiss Alps in Grindelwald

Whether skiing, sightseeing, thrill-seeking or simply spending Christmas in a snow-capped chalet appeal, you’ll find all you need in the Swiss village of Grindelwald, writes Laura Barry. 

I was in search of the perfect ‘white Christmas’ destination when I happened across Grindelwald. Located just three hours from Zurich, easily accessible by train, snow-sure and boasting mind-bogglingly beautiful views, this traditional alpine village in the Bernese Oberland ticked every box – complete with snow-capped, chocolate-box chalets. The best part? It lived up to the hype.

As I alighted the Berner Oberland-Bahn and took my first step onto Dorfstrasse, the cloudy mist parted to reveal the majestic peaks of Eiger. Piles of snow collected on building facades and street corners like great dollops of whipped cream, and Christmas trees strung with fairy lights sat in front of every shop. There was even a van slinging piping-hot cups of mulled wine and cider. Festive perfection.

Is Grindelwald worth visiting?

Grindelwald is known for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, with many using the village as a base for ascents up the north face of Eiger Mountain. But it’s also the gateway to Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, a sprawling landscape of dramatic peaks, lush terrain and thrilling outdoor adventures. Its more accessible but less-touristed than Zermatt, Verbier and St. Moritz, so you can expect a quiet experience surrounded by locals.

While powder hounds make a beeline for the slopes of Grindelwald-First, Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen, those who are less athletically inclined can enjoy the alps in a different way. Sightseers can take a scenic gondola ride and bask in the panoramic views from First Cliff Walk, while thrillseekers can plummet down the mountain on a zipline. There’s carting, mountain biking, snow hiking and the glacial canyon to explore – not to mention Grindelwald’s direct access to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest peak you’ll ever stand upon without becoming a mountaineer. Whether you’re planning a festive escape in winter or an action-packed summer, there’s an abundance of things to do in Grindelwald for every type of traveller.

Where to stay

Two hotels hold Michelin Keys in Grindelwald, the Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort and the Boutique Hotel Glacier. Both showcase contemporary design, have an indoor pool, spa, sauna and dining venues, all with enviable views over the valley. Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald is a modern hotel with a picturesque garden, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and spa, plus its restaurant, 1910 Gourmet by Hausers, was awarded one Michelin Star in 2024 and 15 points by Gault&Millau.

How long do you need in Grindelwald?

Small and walkable, Grindelwald is an alpine village that can be fully explored in two to three days, depending on your interests. You can walk the whole village in an hour or two, spend a day at Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, spend a day skiing, or spend a day completing the Jungfrau activities, such as the cliff walk and ziplines. However, if you’re here to ski and clock up some hours in the spa, you can stretch the stay for five days for a leisurely slope-side holiday.

What are the best things to do in Grindelwald?  

Snow sports

It should come as no surprise that the best things to do in Grindelwald are skiing and snow sports. The most popular runs are found in Grindelwald-First and Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen areas, which are linked within the expansive Jungfrau Ski Region. Beginners and intermediates are catered for on First, which has 50 kilometres of gentle and scenic runs. The larger Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen area unfolds over 100 kilometres of varied slopes, including the legendary Lauberhorn World Cup downhill, challenging even the most seasoned of skiers. For those seeking a more daring alpine pursuit, the Mürren-Schilthorn region beckons with its steepest and highest pistes, though it’s a little farther from Grindelwald.

First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Step aboard the Firstbahn gondola and drink in the spectacular scenery on the 25-minute journey to the First Summit. Winter wraps this landscape in a thick blanket of snow, peppered with adorable timber chalets and pine trees. Keep your eyes peeled for skiers, sledders and snow-hikers traversing the terrain below – you may even spot a red train or two. Once you arrive at First Summit, follow the signs to the First Cliff Walk by Tissot. This steel walk is suspended from the cliffside and wraps around it to culminate at a 45-metre viewing platform. It takes around half-hour to complete. There’s a restaurant here if you need a snack before descending.  

Insider’s tip: First Cliff Walk gets very crowded with long queues for the viewing platform. Book the first gondola at 8am for a quieter experience.

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Home to Europe’s highest railway station, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is one of the best things to do in Grindelwald. Perched 3454 metres above sea level on the glacial saddle between the Jungfrau and Mönch, this attraction overlooks the Aletsch Glacier and offers visitors the chance to stand on the wind-whipped Jungfraujoch Plateau. Here, you can go inside the Aletsch Glacier on the Ice Palace walk, or take in the view from the Sphinx Observation Deck. However, half the fun is the journey to and from Top of Europe. Visitors have two options: the Eiger Express Cable Car and the Jungfrau Railway through the Eiger, which takes around 45 minutes; or the original Kleine Scheidegg train, which takes around two hours.  

Insider’s tip: Do both. Take the Eiger Express route to enjoy the alpine views from above, which includes a stop at Eismeer Station’s observation window to the glacier, then the train back down to drink in the scenery and ski hotspots up close.  

Grindelwald First – Top of Adventure

Travelling with teens or thrillseekers? Book a ticket to Top of Adventure. The offering varies a little between summer and winter, but visitors can ride the First Flyer, an 800-metre flying fox that zips from First to Schreckfeld at 84 kilometres an hour, or First Glider, an eagle-themed zipline that wrenches passengers backwards from Schreckfeld to First at around 70 kilometres an hour, then forwards at up to 83 kilometres an hour.  

Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? Ride a Mountain Cart from Schreckfeld to Bort on the three-kilometre stretch of natural road while absorbing the verdant sights, fly downhill to Grindelwald on the First Trottibike Scooter (a scooter/bike hybrid) that zooms past meadows, flowers and farmhouses from Bort to Grindelwald.  

Insider’s tip: Book these experiences well in advance, as they sell out fast.

Hiking

While many trails are closed in winter, once summer defrosts, this alpine wonderland, avid outdoor enthusiasts descend upon it. A few of the best things to do in Grindelwald include the Eiger Trail at the foot of the north face, or the Jungfrau Eiger Walk, which is an easier trail between Eiger Glacier and Kleine Scheidegg. On Männlichen, stroll along the Royal Walk and the Romantic Trail, or complete the easy walk out to mirror-like Bachalpsee Lake from Grindelwald Station – plus many more.  

Grindelwald Glacier Canyon

In summer, the ancient Grindelwald Glacier Canyon (Gletscherschlucht) defrosts and becomes safe for exploring. Offering a dramatic two-hour walk through a gorge of tunnels and walkways along the roaring Lütschine River, expect waterfalls, glacial erosion and a ‘spiderwebs net platform suspended above the water.  

Paragliding

While strolling the streets of Grindelwald, take the time to look up and you’re likely to see several people floating down to the earth on a fabric wing. One of the most popular things to do in Grindelwald is paragliding, an exhilarating adventure where you launch from a hillside or cliff and glide through the air with a lightweight wing, steering with brake lines and weight shifts. It’s a unique way to soar above the peaks for breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, valleys and glaciers below. 

The annual market  

Christmas kicks off early in Grindelwald. On the first Monday in October, Grindelwald’s Dorfstrasse comes alive with colour and charm as the village centre transforms into a bustling market. From morning until night, the street fills with stalls offering everything from mouth-watering local delicacies to quirky handicrafts, bargains, and curiosities, all carried on the air by irresistible aromas. Lively bar stalls provide a place to socialise, while a cheerful carousel keeps the little ones entertained.  

Grindelwald museum

The Grindelwald Museum is a fascinating stop for anyone exploring the region, showcasing the village’s rich alpine history, mountaineering heritage, and traditional way of life. With exhibits ranging from antique farming tools to stories of legendary Eiger climbers, it offers a deeper understanding of the area beyond its dramatic landscapes. For travellers looking for cultural experiences to add to their list of things to do in Grindelwald, the museum provides a perfect balance to the outdoor adventures. 

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