Switzerland

Best Things To Do In Grindelwald, Switzerland With Kids In Winter

A magical winter wonderland brimming with fresh snow, glacier-laden Swiss Alps, and delightful activities await in the quaint town of Grindelwald, Switzerland.  Two hours by train from Zurich and a gorgeous 30-minute train ride from Interlaken, Grindelwald nestles amid soaring peaks like Jungfrau and Eiger.  Outdoor activities abound in Grindelwald year-round, but winter offers more unique snow sports for guaranteed, incredible family fun.

After we visited the Top of Europe this summer, we craved the opportunity to enjoy snow-laden Grindelwald and take the adventure in the various snow activities there.  Having just returned to our home in Portugal, we relish the memories we made in Grindelwald in the winter with the kids.

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Winter Activities For Families in Grindelwald

Skiing or Snowboarding In Grindelwald with Kids

The Swiss Alps inspire any ski-lover with layers of fresh powder and stunning backdrops to your ski day.  Grindelwald tops out as the most stunning ski town we’ve ever seen.  The backdrops are simply unreal, with glaciers sitting amid the sheer cliff walls. So dreamy!

The Jungfrau Ski Region offers three ski resorts in one: Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First, and Mürren-Schilthorn.  These three mountain ranges offer over 200 kilometers of fantastic ski and snowboard runs.  All three offer beginner areas for the youngest skiers to practice and challenging black runs to thrill the more skilled adventures. There is surely a place for every member of the family.

Ski Resorts Of Grindelwald

Grindelwald-First

For Gindelwald-First, you’ll take a 25-minute scenic gondola ride to the top, which will cross three stations.  Each station can be used to access restaurants, skiing, and other snow activities like sledding and hiking. This ride is gorgeous. Always have your camera ready!

The beginner’s area, Bodmi, is accessed by Bus 124, not the gondola. This is the largest beginner’s area in Grindelwald and should be your first stop for any beginners in the family.

The gondola ride alone is worth the trip.  The views will leave you breathless, and your camera will be full of pictures that can’t do this place justice.

Skiing from top to bottom will take up to an hour, even for talented skiers.  This requires stamina and planning. However, several restaurants and lodges options are available along the mountain.

Grindelwald-First offers many other winter and summer activities, like the Cliff Walk, parasailing, the First Flieger, First Glider, and more.  If you are not skiing or snowboarding in Grindelwald, this mountain is your best option for a day of winter fun.  You can enjoy the gondola up to the top, have lunch, walk around the sides of the mountain on the cliff walk and watch birds flying over the valley. Or, get an adrenaline high with the Eagle Flyer and more.

Grindelwald-Wengen Ski Area

Grindelwald’s “main” mountain is accessed by either a scenic train ride or the quick and efficient Eiger Express.  Depending on which you’d like to ride to the top, you’ll take one of two trains from Grindelwald City.  The train office is extremely helpful in guiding you to each option and equipping you with your passes and tickets. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

This mountain hosts the Top of Europe attraction, which you can access either by train to Kleine Scheidegg and then another train to Eigerletscher or by the Eiger Express to Eigerletscher.  Both of these stops also have ski and snowboarding runs.  

Going up the Eiger Express can be a little trickier with young kids that are new to skiing due to the steep runs at the very top (the easiest, blue, run is narrow and can get icy), so I would recommend for the little ones to use the train instead to Kleine Scheidegg.  There is a wonderful little practice hill right outside the train stop.  

For those still learning to ski, I’d also recommend riding the train back down. As skiing down to the next train stop is fairly long… 30 minutes with a competent skiing child.

Sledding is also available with dedicated runs on this ski mountain.  We did our sledding here by taking another gondola, the Mannlichen Express, and using the sledding trails here. It was a bit crazy and tons of fun!  

Murren-Schilthorn Ski Area

We did not make it to this ski mountain as I believe it needs to be accessed by bus or another method.  However, it appears to have many nice blue runs, the easiest, and some challenging black for experts at the top.  You can see the map here. 

Lily Slopes

If your family loves adventure parks with jumps, learning hills, and obstacles, be sure to visit the Lily Slopes! They are perfect for families and offer kids a fun way to improve their skills and show off to the family.

Lily Slopes is located on both Grindelwald-First and Kleine Scheidegg mountains. Our older kids LOVED the half-pipe, jumps, and challenges they found on the Lily Slopes.

Tips For Skiing In Grindelwald With Kids

• Ski runs in the Jungfrau Ski Region are fantastically long and plentiful.  However, little skiers may be unable to make it down the entire mountain.  Plan accordingly and take the train or gondola down the mountain after doing some learning in the practice areas.

• Ski etiquette is excellent in Europe.  Prep for kids for how they need to act around others, but rest assured that everyone else is kind and in control.  I was constantly impressed with the excellent etiquette I saw in the mountains.

• Renting ski equipment is easy!  We rented from Kim with Buri Sport.  Kim is the owner and someone I always want in my life!  She quickly outfitted us with goggles and helmets to boots, recommended where to ski based on our available time, got us all the way onto the train, helped us get our passes, and more!  She really went above and beyond in service, and we were blessed to work with her.  We’d highly recommend families rent from her. Her first shop is just steps from the train station when you arrive in Grindelwald. 

• Ski runs are based on color and go as follows:
  • Blue: easiest.  Tends to be long, narrow stretches with some openings on the gentle slopes.
  • Red: moderate.  Equivalent to blue runs in the USA.  Expect some moguls.
  • Black: difficult and only for experts.  My older kids did some of these as they’ve done ski teams in the past, and they said it was challenging.

• Be sure to enjoy some delicious Swiss food, like schnitzel and curry chicken, among the jaw-dropping views of the restaurants on all the mountains.  Food is not cheap in Switzerland (it’s one of the most expensive places we’ve visited), but the experience is wonderful.  You can also pack in your lunch but only eat in designated areas if you are not buying there.

• Note that your ski or sledding passes are good for their transportation (gondolas and trains) to get up the mountain.  In fact, when visiting the Top of Europe, it might be cheaper to get a hiking pass with the train included instead of just the train ride up.

• You can enjoy shopping in the Grindelwald Terminal, where you can get the Eiger Express.  We loved the Lindt hot chocolate and the Noodle Bar for dinner.

Other Winter Activities in Grindelwald with Kids

Not a ski or snowboard family?  Not to worry!  There are plenty of other activities to enjoy amid the snowy Swiss Alps.

Sledding In Grindelwald

Did you know the longest sledding route in the world exists in Grindelwald?  It’s 15km long!  That’s a long route for sure, with loads of fun to catch.

The ski mountains of Jungfrau Ski Region have dedicated sledding tracks, and sleds are available for rent all around town.  We’d recommend getting your sleds from Buri Sports.

Note that you’ll probably be breaking, or slowing down with your feet (most of the sleds do not have brakes), so ski boots might be your best option if you are also skiing.  If not, be sure to use sturdy, waterproof shoes.  

Snow Hiking

If you want to remain on your own two feet, snow hiking in Grindelwald boasts gorgeous trails and views.  With dedicated tracks to explore across the Swiss Alps, this can be a wonderful way to enjoy the region. 

Studded hiking boots or spiked ice grips and hiking poles are recommended.

Gondola Rides Up Jungfraujoch

No need to go out in the snow if that’s not your preference.  You can enjoy the stunning views from the gondolas!  The Eiger Express and the Grindelwald-First cable cars are wonderful options and will not deprive you of fantastic views.  You can enjoy a meal along the way or at the top of either mountain.

Enjoy The Top Of Europe

The Top of Europe attraction entertains in all seasons of the year.  In the summer, families can hike around outside on the top of the Swiss Alps and enjoy outdoor attractions.  In winter months, sweeping glaciers laden with fresh, powdery snow will awe all ages.  

Inside the Top of Europe attraction, families can enjoy the ice palace, lunch, the lookouts, and more.  Check out what we did on our last trip and tips here.

First Flieger

The First Flieger is a popular tourist attraction in Grindelwald. A thrilling and exciting way to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps and is a must-try for anyone visiting the Grindelwald area. It is a zip line that runs from the First mountain station to Schreckfeld, a distance of about 800 meters. The zip line reaches up to 84 kilometers per hour and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

When taking the ride, take note of the required body weight: 35 to 125 kg.

First Glider

The First Glider is another unique and exhilarating experience in the Swiss Alps. It takes you on an airy journey where you fly like a bird passing through the mountain and enjoys panorama and pace. The ride is an 800-meter-long flight distance of up to 83 kilometers per hour.

Note the requirements: Minimum age: 10 years, Minimum size: 130 cm, Body weight: max. 125 kg.

Snow Tubing

At the beginner’s hill, Bodmi, you can find snow tubing.  Zip down the hill in a bouncy tube and head back up on the stand-up lift.  

Ice Climbing

We have zero experience with this, but it is a popular activity in Grindelwald.  You can rent equipment all over town.

Shopping in Town

If you want to do touristy shopping, the shops along Main Street offer souvenirs, clothing, outdoor equipment, and more.

Playground Park In Grindelwald

Kids can let off steam at the sports center’s playground next to Sportszentrum.  We enjoyed some lively games of hide and seek!

Swimming In Grindelwald

The recreation center, Sportszentrum, in Grindelwald, offers swimming fun for the family with a slide.  Ask your hotel or vacation rental owner if they can give you a visitor’s card. Tickets start around $9.

Where to Stay In Grindelwald With Kids

We’d recommend staying somewhere close to the train station.  There is no need to have a car in Grindelwald. Renting a car can be costly. 

Instead, we love to enjoy public transportation and stay right in town.  Lugging skis and luggage with smaller kids can be quickly tiring if you are staying far from the station.  However, the bus is easy to use beside the train station.  You can also find amazing options if you stay along the bus route.  Here are some we’d recommend:

• Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald is located in a rural area near a train station. We’ve been here as a couple, and we liked their buffet. You can explore the area’s slopes with cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing. Sledding and ice skating are also great options!

• Hotel Spinne is located in the City Center and near a train station. They have an onsite restaurant, Rotisserie, and spa. An outdoor pool is also available where you can dip while enjoying the fantastic views of the Alps.

• Hotel Kreuz & Post is situated in the City Center. This hotel has a playground for kids and offers amenities like hiking, biking, and ecotours for active travelers. If you’re looking for some relaxation, you can book their on-site spa. Food will not be a problem; enjoy a meal at any of the three onsite restaurants featuring regional cuisine and more.

• Hotel Bernerhof lies in Central Interlaken, close to a train station and in the mountains. Enjoy your stay in the middle of the mountains and fantastic views of the Alps.

Where To Eat In Grindelwald with Kids

The food of Grindelwald and Switzerland at large is something to crave for.  Ingredients are fresh and healthy. We loved wiener schnitzel and ate it several times a day!  We also enjoyed Swiss fondue, Japanese noodles, and several quick visits to the cafés nearby.

Some of our favorite places to eat:

• Bebbi’s.  The only place I’ve found so far that offers both cheese and chocolate fondue, this was a family’s favorite.  Kids love the relaxed atmosphere, traditional Swiss vibes, and variety of food.

• Restaurant in Hotel Kreuz.  Enjoy a fun kid’s menu, quick, reliable service, and friendly staff.  The food was fabulous and very Swiss.  I loved the raclette on bread (melted cheese, known in this area of Europe), and the tomato soup was also delicious.

• Buffet in Sunstar Hotel.  If you’d like a fancier atmosphere, this hotel offers sit-down and buffet options.  The SunStar hotel is lovely, and we stayed there as a couple on a previous trip.

• Harder Kulm. Can’t get enough of the views at the Top of Europe? Dine with your family in this picturesque restaurant located high above Interlaken. The Harder Railway takes you up to Interlaken’s mountain from the valley station in just ten minutes. Enjoy a combination of scenic views and delicious food, and capture picture-perfect moments with your family before you head home.

What To Pack When Going To Grindelwald With Kids In Winter

If you are headed to Grindelwald in winter, pack warm!! Below are the must-haves I would recommend, along with layers and plenty of waterproof options.

• Warm, breathable clothing
• Backpack
• Rain Jacket
• Beanie
• Waterproof pants
• Winter gloves for kids
• Thermal Gloves (adults)
• Thermal underwear (boys)
• Thermal underwear (girls)
• Thermal underwear (men)
• Thermal underwear (women)
• Heated socks
• Winter boots

Other Activity Ideas in Grindelwald

• Snowshoe Tour Wetterhorn Grindelwald takes you on an easy trail with impressive views. Capture the Upper Grindelwald Glacier, First ski resort, and Schynige Platte as you hike through alpine meadows and snow-covered forests.

• First Cliff Walk might be the best spot to capture the view of the entire region, but it can be tricky, especially for those who are afraid of heights. It’s a narrow pathway structure that allows visitors to walk out on a cliff with nothing below. Just keep walking and don’t look down!

• Experience snow in Grindelwald with its very own velogemel. More like a bicycle, a sled, and skis, you can ride and slide through the alps with this wooden bike that locals have been using to get around since 1911.

Grindelwald has so much to offer. Plan your trip ahead so you can catch much of this place. Let me know about your experience!

Xoxo,

Leslie

Additional Reading

Essential Tips for Visiting The Top Of Europe in Switzerland With Kids

How To Conquer Training Around Europe With Kids

Seeing Northern Lights In Kiruna, Sweden And Staying In IceHotel With Kids: All You Need To Know