Grindelwald - One of The First And One of The Best Swiss Ski Resorts
Grindelwald, situated in the classical snow sports area surrounded by the mountains of Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau presents itself many-sided. This tiny glacier village at 1,033 m (3,388 ft.) above sea level lives almost entirely on tourism. It is certainly one of the most beautiful destinations in Switzerland. The Eiger is the second famous mountain in Switzerland right after the Matterhorn. The village itself has barely 3,800 inhabitants and was also one of the first Swiss ski resorts. The famous Jungfrau Railway, a narrow gauge rack railway runs 9 km from "Kleine Scheidegg" to the "Jungfraujoch". At 3,353 m (11,400 feet), the Jungfraujoch terminus has been the highest railroad station in the world for more than a century. In addition, as one of the most popular excursions in Switzerland, it can often seem like Grand Central Station at rush hour. This railway runs almost entirely within a tunnel built into the Eiger and Moench mountains. It has two stations in the middle of the tunnel, where you can disembark to observe the steepness of the Eiger north face and the neighboring mountains. To avoid the worst of the crowds, you need to come early or late in the season to treat yourself to some of the most staggering mountain scenery anywhere in the world. 
For this reason, Grindelwald has always been as much a summer as well as a winter resort simple because of the famous Eiger north face. Countless alpinists have tried to climb that mountain over the years, which is a 1,000 m (3,300 feet) high vertical wall. The village became famous from filming the James Bond 007 movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" from April 68 to January 69. Later it made its mark from the first direct helicopter rescue on the Eiger north face in 1971. That same year was also the first helicopter night rescue on the north face of the Eiger under extreme difficult conditions. 
The fascinating Jungfrau region offers you the possibility to discover every day new pistes of all degrees of difficulty. You can discover new snow slopes or undertake unique excursions with the cable cars or on foot. In fact, Grindelwald has indeed become a popular destination for people from all over the world. The beautiful scenery all around invites you to participate in a variety of sports or different recreational activities or for just relaxation. The Japanese guests especially like this glacier resort and count with the most overnight stays, followed by the Germans and English. The Swiss account for only about 20% of the total overnight stays. That is no wonder, because there is stiff competition between the Swiss ski resorts. However, if you are looking for a romantic resort, but not as expensive as the best Swiss ski resorts, then Grindelwald is the place to choose. Après Ski Bars & Clubs The elegant Regina Piano Bar (033 854 86 00) is the ideal place for an après ski drink. The Piano Bar, which is located at the Grand Regina Hotel, has exquisite wine to taste and is the place to meet VIP. The Espresso-Bar (033 854 88 88) is really the fun place in town and the meeting point and party place for all ages. However, if you prefer to meet the locals, go to the Gepsi-Bar (033 854 31 31) located at the Hotel Eiger. In the Plaza Disco (033 854 77 77) you can dance all night and is visited mostly by the younger generation. At the Cally-Bar, the DJ creates a good atmosphere with his good choice of music. In the wintertime, various live bands play until the early morning hours. Restaurants The La Pendule d'Or (033 854 86 00) gourmet restaurant has a great selection of regional and French specialties. The Belvedere/Restaurant Francais (033 854 57 57) offers exquisite à la carte dishes and a 6-course gourmet dinner with a menu choice. The gastronomic surprise in the village is the Fiescherblick (033 854 53 53) which has a light, exquisite cuisine, but offers also à la carte dishes. Grindelwald Hotels The Grand Regina Alpin is the only luxury hotel in Grindelwald. This traditional 5-star hotel lies directly at the mountain train station. The antique decoration is from the 18th and 19th century. It has a Spa and has everything that a luxury hotel should have, like an indoor- and outdoor swimming pool, saunas, tennis courts etc. Some of the people who can afford it stay in Interlaken at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa. The hotel is a monument of luxury and as efficient as a Swiss-made watch. It is located 58 km (36 miles) down the valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. All the other hotels in the resort are in the 4-star category. The Sunstar-Hotel (033 854 77 77) is modern, quiet but still centrally located. The Hotel Belvedere (033 854 54 54) is personally operated by the family U. Hauser-Gertsch away from the hectic of the village centre. The view from this hotel is just magnificent and contains everything for a remembering vacation. For the individual guest, the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof (033 854 58 58) is just right. The rooms are comfortable from junior-, family- to luxury suites. One of the most likable hotels in the region is the Hotel Spinne (033 854 88 88) located in the centre of the resort. It has 4 restaurants, 2 bars, and 1 disco to serve you. Events 78th International Lauberhorn World Cup Ski Race, Wengen Thousands of spectators are expected every year to see the fast and sometimes dangerous Downhill race on Saturday and the Slalom on Sunday. Many people are not just coming to see the races, but in particular to enjoy the special atmosphere surrounding the race proceedings. 33th "Bull Trophy" International Curling Championships High-class international top curling teams compete in the Triple-Knock-Out for the bull Trophy, the Runner-up Trophy, and the Looser Trophy. King of the First Hill This "free-for-all" downhill race starts at the top of the Schilt lift with a mass start and is only suitable for bold skiers. Spring Alpine Festival In Grindelwald, tradition and folklore are very important. Every year in June, the Spring Alpine Festival takes place on Männlichen at the Männlichen restaurant. There you see dances in national costumes,folk songs, jodelling duets, alphorn trios, flag throwing and whip smackers from central Switzerland. Wrestling and Alpine Farmer's Festival Swiss wrestling is big in Switzerland. The wrestling festival and stone-throwing on the "Grosse Scheidegg" is one of the best to see in Switzerland. How to get there By Train By Car By Air Return from Grindelwald to Swiss ski resorts Return from Grindelwald to High End Travel Switzerland |
