Grindelwald

Land at Zurich Airport (ZRH) and clear immigration(1 hour)

Zurich is the main gateway; the SBB train station sits directly beneath the arrivals hall — no transfer needed. If you fly into Geneva instead, the route runs via Bern and takes about 30 minutes longer.

Train Zurich Airport to Interlaken Ost(2 hours)

Direct or one easy change at Bern on the SBB. Buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass (from ~190 CHF for 3 days) or a Swiss Travel Pass at the airport SBB counter before boarding — it pays for itself within two mountain trips.

Transfer to Berner Oberland-Bahn for Grindelwald(35 minutes)

At Interlaken Ost cross the platform to the green BOB train (front carriages split for Grindelwald, rear for Lauterbrunnen — check the signboard). It climbs past Lütschine gorges into the valley.

Check in and settle(1 hour)

Central options near the station include Hotel Belvedere, Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald, or the more affordable Hotel Kirchbühl. Most are a short walk from the station; ask about the free Grindelwald guest card for local bus travel.

Orientation stroll along Dorfstrasse(45 minutes)

Walk the main street for your first head-on view of the Eiger north face. Stock a picnic supply at the Coop or Migros — a restaurant main runs 30-45 CHF, so self-catering saves a fortune.

Dinner at Onkel Tom's Hütte(1.5 hours)

A tiny, beloved wood-fired pizzeria on Dorfstrasse (booking essential in season) with an excellent local wine list; pizzas 20-28 CHF. Alternatively try C und M for rösti and a valley-view terrace.

Firstbahn gondola from Grindelwald to First(25 minutes)

Board the gondola near the village centre up to First at 2,168 m; ~68 CHF return, free with the Jungfrau Travel Pass. Ride early (first cabins around 08:00) to beat the tour groups.

First Cliff Walk by Tissot(30 minutes)

A vertigo-inducing steel walkway bolted to the mountainside with a spur suspended over the void — free with your gondola ticket. Superb Eiger and Wetterhorn views; go before the crowds thicken.

Hike to Bachalpsee(1 hour)

An easy, well-graded 3 km trail (about 120 m of gain) to one of the Alps' most photographed lakes, mirroring the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn. Free. Bring layers and a picnic from this morning's Coop stop.

Lunch at Berggasthaus First(1 hour)

Panorama terrace right at the top station; alpine macaroni (Älplermagronen) around 24 CHF, or picnic at the lake to save money. Refill your bottle — the tap water is superb and free.

First Flyer zipline or descent(45 minutes)

Optional adrenaline: the First Flyer zipline back toward Schreckfeld reaches 84 km/h (~31 CHF), or ride a Mountain Cart / Trottibike scooter down. Otherwise take the gondola back to relax in the village.

Dinner at Restaurant Barry's(1.5 hours)

Modern alpine cuisine at the Eiger Selfness Hotel with terrace views of the north face; mains 32-48 CHF. Book ahead for a window table at sunset.

Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal(15 minutes)

Walk or take the local train to Grindelwald Terminal, then ride the tri-cable Eiger Express to Eigergletscher — it halves the old journey time, gliding right past the Eiger north face. Reserve a Jungfraujoch timed ticket online in advance for the cheapest fare.

Jungfraubahn cog railway to Jungfraujoch(35 minutes)

The historic cog railway tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch to the Top of Europe. Full round-trip from Grindelwald is ~210-240 CHF; with the Jungfrau Travel Pass you pay only the ~63 CHF Eigergletscher-to-summit supplement.

Sphinx Observation Deck and Aletsch Glacier view(45 minutes)

Take the lift to the 3,571 m Sphinx terrace for the panorama over the 22 km Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps and a UNESCO site. Move slowly — the thin air at this altitude tires you fast.

Ice Palace and Alpine Sensation walk(45 minutes)

Wander the carved tunnels and ice sculptures inside the glacier, then the Alpine Sensation corridor telling the railway's history. Included in your ticket; the floor is slippery, so tread carefully.

Lunch at Restaurant Aletsch Self-Service(45 minutes)

On-site dining at the summit complex — expect summit prices (sandwich/hot dish 15-25 CHF). A Lindt chocolate heaven shop is also up here for a warming treat.

Scenic return via Kleine Scheidegg(1.5 hours)

For variety, descend by the classic cog railway to Kleine Scheidegg (1,800 m), where Restaurant Bahnhof and the historic Hotel Bellevue des Alpes sit under the Eiger, then continue down to Grindelwald. Take the Eiger Express one way and the railway the other.

Gletscherschlucht glacier gorge walkway(1 hour)

A dramatic marble canyon walkway threading above the roaring Lütschine, about 30 minutes' walk or a short bus ride from the village; entry ~19 CHF. Cool and shaded — an ideal cloudy-day option.

Pfingstegg cable car(5 minutes)

A short, steep cable car to Pfingstegg at 1,391 m; ~34 CHF return, discounted with the Jungfrau Pass. A quiet local favourite with terrace views across to the glaciers.

Fliegender toboggan run(30 minutes)

The Fliegender rodelbahn at Pfingstegg swoops through the trees on rails — ~7 CHF per ride, great for all ages and a fun low-effort thrill on a rest day.

Lunch at Pfingstegg restaurant terrace(1 hour)

Simple mountain fare (soup, sausage, rösti 18-26 CHF) on a sunny deck facing the Eiger and Fiescherwand. Or picnic on the short, near-level trail toward the Bäregg viewpoint.

Afternoon spa and village time(2 hours)

Unwind at the Sportzentrum Grindelwald pool and wellness area (~12 CHF), browse Dorfstrasse's boutiques, or simply read on your balcony. Observe the Sunday and midday quiet hours (Ruhezeit) locals keep.

Dinner at Memory Restaurant, Hotel Eiger(1.5 hours)

Hearty Swiss classics — cheese fondue for two around 30 CHF per person, rösti, and Berner platter — in a cosy traditional room right in the centre.

Männlichen cable car from Grindelwald Terminal(20 minutes)

Board Europe's longest cable car at Grindelwald Terminal up to Männlichen at 2,343 m; ~64 CHF return, free with the Jungfrau Pass. Go in the morning while the peaks are still cloud-free.

The Royal Walk to Männlichen summit(40 minutes)

A gentle ~20-minute climb (round trip 40) to the Männlichen crown viewpoint for a sweeping panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, plus the Lauterbrunnen valley on the far side. Free.

Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg panorama trail(1.5 hours)

A near-level 4.5 km high-balcony walk facing the great north faces the whole way — one of the finest easy hikes in the Alps. Free; watch for cows and keep your camera ready for the Eiger.

Lunch at Restaurant Bahnhof, Kleine Scheidegg(1 hour)

At the trail's end sit under the Eiger at this railway-junction restaurant; barley soup and sausage 18-28 CHF, or picnic on the meadow. Trains here run to both Grindelwald and Wengen.

Return by Wengernalpbahn cog railway(45 minutes)

Descend by the classic green cog railway from Kleine Scheidegg back down to Grindelwald Grund, then the short walk or train home. Covered by your pass.

Dinner at Restaurant Aspen or Schmitte(1.5 hours)

The Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel restaurant offers refined regional cooking with valley views; mains 34-46 CHF. The Schmitte at Hotel Schweizerhof is a cosier alternative for grilled meats and fondue.

Ride to Eigergletscher(40 minutes)

Take the Eiger Express or the cog railway up to the Eigergletscher station (2,320 m), the trailhead directly under the wall. Set off early for the best light on the face and cooler walking.

Hike the Eiger Trail to Alpiglen(2.5 hours)

A ~6 km, mostly-downhill path along the base of the north face to Alpiglen, gazing up at the routes climbers pioneered. Free. Sturdy shoes essential; carry water and sun protection as there is little shade up high.

Refreshment at Berghaus Alpiglen(1 hour)

The historic inn at trail's end where 1930s Eiger climbers once stayed; alpine soup, sausage, and apple strudel 12-26 CHF on a terrace under the wall. The little station here connects back to Grindelwald.

Train back to Grindelwald(20 minutes)

Hop the Wengernalpbahn cog train from Alpiglen down to Grindelwald Grund; covered by your pass. Relax the legs on the ride down.

Afternoon at leisure and souvenir shopping(2 hours)

Browse Dorfstrasse for Victorinox knives, alp cheese, and Lindt chocolate, or visit the small Grindelwald Museum (~7 CHF) on the region's mountaineering and farming past. A good moment to buy gifts before departure.

Farewell dinner at Restaurant C und M(1.5 hours)

A modern, buzzy spot with a big Eiger-facing terrace; think alpine burgers, rösti, and local Rugenbräu beer (~8 CHF). Mains 26-40 CHF. Toast the week beneath the north face.

Morning coffee and last Eiger view(45 minutes)

Grab a coffee and fresh nussgipfel pastry at Bäckerei Ringgenberg on Dorfstrasse and take a final look at the north face. Refill your water bottle for the journey.

Last-minute shopping and checkout(45 minutes)

Pick up any remaining chocolate or cheese at the Coop for the trip home, then check out. Confirm your train time — Swiss departures are exactly punctual, so arrive at the platform a few minutes early.

Berner Oberland-Bahn to Interlaken Ost(35 minutes)

The green BOB train winds back down through the Lütschine gorges to Interlaken Ost; covered by your pass. Sit on the left for valley views.

Train to Zurich or Geneva Airport(2 hours)

Change at Interlaken Ost (or Bern) for the direct airport train. Allow at least 3 hours total buffer before your flight given the connection; the airport station sits under the terminal.

Departure(0)

Check in for your onward flight. Grüezi und uf Wiederluege — safe travels home from the Jungfrau region.