Grindelwald

Nestled below the towering peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, Grindelwald is the largest and oldest of the ski resorts in the Jungfrau region. The town boasts plenty of traditional Swiss charm and the year round appeal makes it one of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps. As one of the most famous climbing spots in the world, Grindelwald has a thriving summer season and is as busy in summer as it is in winter.

The charming cog railway connects each of the resorts in the area with the Jungfraujoch station at the top of the glacier, serving as a tourist attraction throughout the year. The three famous peaks in the Jungfrau region make a spectacular backdrop visible throughout the village. The resort has a number of high class hotels with lively bars and restaurants, including the Challi bar in the Hotel Kreuz and Post, and the popular Avocado bar in the centre of the resort. 

As this is a traditional resort there are plenty of other activities available for non-skiers including a number of winter hiking and snow shoeing routes, as well as bicycle sledges and an ice rink. What really makes this resort special though are the stunning views from the resort and the slopes which are some of the best in the Alps. 

Grindelwald has two main ski areas; First and Kleine Scheidegg. The First side of the mountain is primarily intermediate skiing, with wide, open runs and a gondola that runs from the centre of the resort. There are a number of un-pisted runs that are more challenging for expert skiers, while the nursery slopes at Bodmi catch the sun early enough to be a pleasant learning experience.

Kleine Scheidegg is the side of the ski area that links to Wengen, and as such offers more extensive pistes. The skiing is slightly steeper and more challenging, and the views over the Eiger North Face are more impressive than they are from First. Accessible from Grindelwald via a traditional cog railway, Kleine Scheidegg is slightly more snow-sure than the sunnier slopes over the valley on the First mountain. 

Whilst there are some runs to suit expert skiers, for the most challenging skiing, it's best to use a mountain guide to ski the lift served off piste or the heli-skiing. Two classic races, the Lauberhorn and the Inferno take advantage of the long, steep terrain and vie with the famous Lauberhorn run, one of the most popular in the resort. Grindelwald has planned a 200m Sfrs investment to upgrade the lifts including a V-cableway that will provide access to both the Eiger Glacier as well as the Männlichen.

Not only are the summer months prime climbing season for those wanting to tackle the Eiger, but the rolling hills are perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The high mountain lakes are popular for keen fishermen, while the surrounding scenery is as striking in summer as it is in winter. 

Grindelwald is only half an hour from Interlaken, with lakes Thun and Brienz boasting a spectacular range of activities throughout the summer months, including sailing and kayaking. The golf course at Interlaken is always popular, while the cog railway running throughout the region makes the high mountain areas more accessible than they are elsewhere.

The Jungfraujoch is popular throughout the summer and tourists come from all over the world to take the hundred year old cog railway up to Europe’s highest station at 3,454m. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is stunning at all times of the year, and each of the villages in the area has that pretty Swiss charm which keeps visitors returning year after year. 

Grindelwald has a range of resale properties which are available for foreigners. These properties are valued at 750,000 Sfrs or more, as the cheaper properties are only available for locals.

Prices in Grindelwald are higher than in neighbouring Wengen so for properties below 750,000 sfrs look in Wengen as that commune does not have the same restriction. Unlike Wengen, however, it is possible for foreigners to buy a detached, whole chalet in Grindelwald.