As I sipped my penicillin cocktail beneath the weight of a fleece blanket, one of Europe’s tallest snow-capped mountains staring back at me, it immediately clicked: this is what people come to the Swiss Alps for — well, my kind of people at least. While many visitors pack their bags destined for the slopes, for someone as anti-winter sport as I am, sipping belly-warming cocktails against one of the planet’s most stunning backdrops is certainly something I can get behind.
Photo: i viewfinder/Shutterstock
This Fairytale Village in the Swiss Alps Is Perfect for Outdoor Adventure, Food Crawls, and Local Wine
Photo: Vicki Denig
Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s tiny, fairytale-like villages, and is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Many come to take on the heights of the Jungfrau, deemed the “Top of Europe,” or take on other forms of daring outdoor escapades. I, however, was drawn to the village for its food and beverage scene, which flies under the radar compared to the reputation the region has built up around outdoor adventure.
Photos: Vicki Denig
In addition to the standard savory delights that Switzerland is known for — many of which incorporate copious amounts of gooey cheese — there’s another side to Switzerland’s gastronomy scene, one focused on precision, technique, and locally-sourced ingredients. This has allowed for a diverse drinking culture. From small-production wines crafted in cool-climate vineyard sites to locally-produced brandies and liqueurs distilled from fresh fruit, and Grindelwald is a great home base for diving into the best Switzerland has to offer.
Where to eat and drink in Grindelwald
Hop in a fondue gondola at Hotel Belvedere
Starting with the basics is always a good idea, especially when it comes in the form of melted cheese stored in a stationary vintage cable car. Located just outside the Hotel Belvedere, these nostalgic gondolas offer the perfect backdrop for enjoying fondue al fresco, snow-capped mountain views included. Enjoy your cheese the classic way (plain) or add some truffle for a boost of flavor. Spring for the two-person tasting package, which includes a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. Important note before going: Dress in layers! Although the gondola doors close, their outdoor location makes it susceptible to getting a bit chilly.
Hotel Belvedere: Dorfstrasse 53, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Indulge in a local chef’s choice tasting menu at Hotel Fiescherblick
Photo: Vicki Denig
Spearheaded by brothers Matthias and Lars Michel, Hotel Fiescherblick is a piece of Grindelwald history. Opened in December 2022, the pair represent the fifth-generation of hoteliers in their family (their parents own the Gletschergarten just next door), and bring a myriad of experience to the table, both figuratively and literally. The boutique hotel’s restaurant offers one of the most impressive tasting menus in town, and is inspired by the pair’s culinary travels through Scandinavia and Japan. The dynamic kitchen team is made up of young (sub-30) chefs passionate for high-quality produce and locally-sourced ingredients, which they use to craft the joint’s seasonally rotating four, five, and six-course Chef’s Choice menu. The wine pairing is optional, though definitely recommended.
Hotel Fiescherblick: Dorfstrasse 203, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Enjoy the village’s best wine cellar (local picks included) at GLACIER
This is the place for wine lovers to dive into the world of Swiss wine. In addition to the thoughtful five- and seven-course tasting menus proposed by chef Paul Cabayé (á la carte offerings are also available), one of the most impressive highlights at GLACIER is its show-stopping wine list. The 42-page list features more than 450 references with an emphasis on Swiss and French wine, with more than 150 selections available by the glass at all times. As the team states, the restaurant’s focus on Swiss wines “showcases the heritage and exceptional craftsmanship of winemakers in the region” — which, above all, come to life alongside Cabayé’s delectable dishes. Best of all, groups of up to 16 people can book a private wine experience in the restaurant’s cellar, which is over 320 years old.
GLACIER: Endweg 55, 3818 Grindelwald Switzerland
Caffeinate with a view at EigerBean Roastery
Located on the main street (Dorfstrasse) in Grindelwald village, EigerBean offers a delightful ambiance for a caffeine-fueled pick me up. As the name implies, the roastery is known for coffee and coffee-based beverages (the cappuccino is simply unmissable), though other coffee shop favorites (tea, hot chocolate, etc.) are also available. Enjoy a brew on site, then grab a bag of beans to go to recreate the moment at home.
EigerBean Roastery: Dorfstrasse 195, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Enjoy a variety of local brandies and liqueurs at The Seven Spirits Bar
Photo: Vicki Denig
Tucked away in the Bergwelt Hotel, The Seven Spirits Bar offers one of the best, not the best, selections of locally produced libations. In addition to a rotating list of seasonal craft cocktails, the bar features a handful of Swiss beers and whiskies, along with a full-page offering of local brandies and liqueurs. Whether cherry, apricot, or plum is what you’re after, this impressive lineup will likely be able to fit your preference. Grab a seat by the fire and let the talented bar staff lead the way.
The Seven Spirits Bar: Bergwelt Grindelwald – Alpine Design Resort Bergwelt 4 3818 Grindelwald
What to do in Grindelwald
Visit Jungfraujoch, AKA the “Top of Europe”
Photo: AaronChenPS2/Shutterstock
No trip to Grindelwald would be complete without a visit to Jungfraujoch. Trekking to one of the highest points in the world has never been easier thanks to the newly launched Eiger Express. Opened in December 2020, this tricable car allows visitors to access the Top of Europe directly from the newly opened Grindelwald Terminal in just 15 minutes (47 minutes quicker than before). Upon reaching the summit, take in the icy air and let the snow crunch beneath your boots at altitudes of over 11,000 feet above sea level.
Photo: Vicki Denig
Tour the resident Ice Palace in winter featuring a handful of sculptures, enjoy a multimedia journey through the history of the mountain, and be sure to grab some delectable Swiss chocolates at the highest Lindt store in the world.
Drive a Mario Kart-esque sled down the mountain
Nintendo 64 fans, get ready for a dream come true. Inspired by the Swiss love of sledding, the First Mountain Cart allows adventure seekers to steer down Grindelwald’s main mountain, all against a stunning Alpine backdrop. Crafted in a hybrid go-kart/sled design, the carts are able to take on a variety of surfaces, including grass and gravel, which are varied and prevalent across the course’s 1.8-mile duration. Curious adventurers can equally partake in a harnessed hover on an 800-meter long steel cable from First to Schreckfeld via First Flyer, or a belly-down, Superman-inspired soar via the First Glider, which has been known to hit speeds of over 50 miles per hour.
Hike to Lake Bachalp via First
Photo: Vicki Denig
Grab your Jungfrau Travel Pass and hop the cable car to First mountain, which is the access point to a number of scenic hikes and outdoor activities. Upon exiting the terminal, take in the breathtaking views from the lift station’s summit, then embark on a mountainside journey to Bachalpsee, otherwise known as Lake Bachalp.
Photo: Vicki Denig
Photo: Vicki Denig
Deemed the blue jewel of the Bernese Alps, this medium-intensity hike takes around two hours roundtrip, and although certain points are relatively steep, the path is well developed and easy to traverse. Be sure to bring enough water (and possibly a snack for fuel). Upon completing the hike and returning to the cable car station, treat yourself to a First coffee (similar to an Irish coffee, but with a Swiss twist) at the Berggasthaus First mountain inn, located in the terminal.
Where to Stay
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Bergwelt Grindelwald
Photo: Vicki Denig
For those seeking a harmonious melange of sleek Alpine design meets snug chalet vibes, look no further than the Bergwelt Grindelwald. Home to 90 rooms and suites, this warming hotel offers stunning 360-degree mountain views, as well as a communal fireplace, well-stocked bar, gym, and the unmissable Fire & Ice spa. Guests receive complimentary access to the spa’s sauna and outdoor jacuzzi (reservation required), with a variety of treatments available for an additional cost. Warm up by the fire with a local libation in hand (the bar stocks an impressive amount of Swiss fruit liqueurs and distillates) and settle in.
Boutique Hotel Glacier
@epic.stays Wake up to breathtaking mountain views at Hotel Glacier in #Grindelwald ️✨ @Joanna | Travel Creator #switzerlandtravel #luxuryhotel #switzerland #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Good Days – Yenibi
Known for its stunning views of Eiger North Face, this four-star boutique hotel offers 28 cozy rooms, each equipped with a plush king-size bed, Apple TV, Nespresso machine, and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker for lighting up your go-to chill playlist. South-facing rooms boast direct views of the snow-capped Eiger Mountain — with a private outdoor hot tub as the cherry on top. The hotel is also home to a bottom-floor spa equipped with a log-lined sauna and hammam, as well as an award-winning ground floor restaurant that beautifully meshes classic Swiss cuisine with a signature French twist, courtesy of chef Paul Cabayé. 