5 Reasons to Stay in Grindelwald Instead of Interlaken
If you're planning a luxury escape to the Swiss Alps and find yourself debating between Interlaken and Grindelwald, let me make your decision easier: stay in Grindelwald. Not Interlaken.
Yes, Interlaken has the name recognition. It’s the well-known “gateway” to Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and home to countless souvenir shops and tour buses. But that’s exactly the problem—it feels more like a pit stop than a destination.
Grindelwald, on the other hand, is the true alpine gem you’ve been dreaming about. Nestled deep in the mountains, this fairytale village offers everything you came to Switzerland for—and so much more. If you're looking for authentic alpine charm, jaw-dropping views, and seamless access to the best outdoor adventures in the Jungfrau region, here's why you should make Grindelwald your base.
1. You’re In the Mountains—Not Just Looking at Them
Let’s start with the most obvious: location. Interlaken sits in a valley between the lakes, which gives it distant views of the Alps—but that’s about it. You’re not actually in the mountains. You’ll need to hop on multiple trains just to get to where the action starts.
Grindelwald, however, is right in the heart of the Alps. You’re surrounded by towering peaks, including the legendary Eiger North Face, one of the most dramatic backdrops in Europe. From the balcony of your luxury hotel, you don’t just see the mountains—you feel them. The air is crisper, the vistas are wider, and the experience is immersive.
In Grindelwald, the mountains aren't a postcard. They’re your front yard.
2. Fewer Tourists, More Authentic Alpine Atmosphere
Interlaken is undeniably convenient—but it’s also overrun with tourists, tour buses, fast food chains, and souvenir shops. It’s a transient town designed for people passing through, not for those seeking a true connection to the place.
Grindelwald offers a completely different experience. It feels like a real Swiss village, with traditional wooden chalets, family-run restaurants, and the sound of cowbells echoing through the valley. Even during peak season, it’s more relaxed and intimate.
This is where Switzerland shows its true colors—timeless, charming, and quietly luxurious. If you're traveling for that authentic alpine magic, you’ll find it in Grindelwald.
3. You’re Closer to Jungfraujoch—The “Top of Europe”
No trip to the Bernese Oberland is complete without a visit to Jungfraujoch, one of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations. But where you stay matters.
From Interlaken, reaching Jungfraujoch involves a long and often crowded journey with multiple train transfers—typically over 2 hours each way.
From Grindelwald, you’re already halfway there. The cutting-edge Eiger Express gondola whisks you from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher station in just 15 minutes, dramatically cutting travel time and adding convenience.
Translation? More time at the top, less time juggling train schedules. If you want to enjoy Jungfraujoch without the logistics headache, Grindelwald is the way to go.
4. Adventure Begins Right Outside Your Door
Grindelwald is a luxury traveler’s basecamp for some of Switzerland’s most thrilling outdoor experiences—and many don’t even require a train ride to reach.
From the village, you can:
Hike to Bachalpsee, one of the most photogenic alpine lakes in Switzerland.
Walk the First Cliff Walk, a heart-pounding suspended walkway with unforgettable views.
Zoom downhill on a Trottibike from Bort through winding forest paths.
Ride scenic gondolas to mountaintop restaurants and enjoy a hot plate of rösti with panoramic views.
Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply relaxing with a glass of Swiss wine, the adventure starts the moment you step outside your hotel.
From Interlaken? You’ll first need to get to Grindelwald anyway.
5. Evenings in Grindelwald Are Pure Magic
Luxury travel is about more than just daytime activities—it’s about how a place makes you feel when you slow down. And Grindelwald evenings are unmatched.
As the sun sets behind the Alps, the entire valley glows with golden light. There’s no rush, no crowds vying for sunset photos, no noise—just pure, serene beauty. You might hear a distant yodel, or the clink of glasses from a candlelit mountain restaurant.
Interlaken simply can’t offer this level of peace, immersion, or magic.
Choose Grindelwald, Elevate Your Trip
If you're coming to Switzerland for stunning alpine scenery, upscale mountain living, and unforgettable adventures, don’t settle for a basecamp. Stay in the mountains themselves. Grindelwald isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s the highlight of your trip.
So skip the crowds, ditch the commute, and embrace the luxury of being exactly where you want to be. Grindelwald is not just Switzerland—it’s the Switzerland you came for.