Cat Meffan

GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND HIKING GUIDE

GUIDE TO HIKING GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND 

You've probably seen the postcard-perfect photos from the mountains and lakes of Switzerland, lots of which will probably have been from the hikes that can be found in and around the Jungfrau region and Grindelwald. After three hiking trips to this area, I've put together everything you need to know about the best hiking routes. It's time to start planning your dream hiking holiday! This might be a trip you want to save your pennies for though, as Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries to travel around.

GETTING THERE

Fly from London to Zurich via EasyJet or Swiss Air from around £150, then you'll have three very comfortable trains to get to Grindelwald. It sounds like a lot, but the trains are so easy. The train goes directly from Zurich airport, you'll then change at Bern, heading to Interlaken Ost and then change one more time to Grindelwald. One way costs around £70, so yeah, not cheap!

WHERE TO STAY

Personally I've always stayed in Grindelwald, as it's the the hub of many hike starting points and has very easy bus and train connections. Expect lots of traditional Swiss chalet vibes with a couple of bigger hotels. If you want to wake up to an epic view of the Eiger every morning, I recommend Hotel Bodmi. The interior is dated, but the view makes up for it. If you're looking for something a little cheaper, I recommend booking something via AirBnb.

GETTING AROUND

Obviously you'll be doing a lot of walking, but you might want to purchase a bus, train and cable car pass from the tourist information centre. Planning your trip is a must, so you can be sure you're saving a bit of money where possible. Getting the pass makes sense if you're going to use a lot of the transport on consecutive days. A three day pass will cost you around £170.

AND NOW FOR THE BEST HIKES...

And then the last recommendation on my list for you isn't a hike, but somewhere to spend your rest day! Lake Brienz is one of my favourite ever places and if you're lucky enough to have a hot, sunny day, then please take the opportunity to cool off in the lake. Yes, it's freezing, BUT once you start swimming you'll quickly warm up. There are lots of restaurants around if you fancy dining out, but as you can tell from the hikes above, I love a good picnic, so I tend to just sit by the lake and nibble on bits I've bought from the supermarket.

You can get to Lake Brienze either by train and ferry or just two trains. Go from Grindelwald to Interlaken and from there you can decide whether the train or ferry is for you. The train is quicker, but via ferry you get to see the beautiful house (pictured), along with views of the whole lake.

So that's it from me... Who's already started planning their hiking holiday to Switzerland?! 

Love, Cat xx