A Grindelwald Escape: A Dreamy Swiss Getaway

Grindelwald, Switzerland

To close out 2024, I decided to do the opposite of what most people typically consider. Living in New York, where winter can feel unbearable, many aim to escape the cold for warmer destinations. But this past December, instead of chasing the sun, I embraced the chill and ventured to an even colder place—Grindelwald, Switzerland. Picture this: a dreamy snow globe come to life.

Grindelwald quickly became one of my all-time favorite travel destinations, and I can’t recommend it enough. Below, I’m sharing a guide to help you make the most of your time if you plan to visit this magical winter wonderland!

Best Time to Visit Switzerland (Grindelwald to be Specific)

Locals often say the best time to visit Switzerland is during the summer months—unless you’re planning to ski. But as a non-skier, I have to admit there’s something truly magical about experiencing Switzerland in the winter. The sight of snow glistening on the mountains creates an unforgettable charm that makes a winter visit extra special.

When I visited in December 2024, temperatures ranged from 20-30°F. The higher up in the Alps you go, the colder it gets, so be sure to pack appropriately! While I personally love the cozy, wintry vibe of this destination, I can imagine that the summer months are equally breathtaking, with lush green trees and vibrant mountain landscapes. Ultimately, it all comes down to your preference!

Getting To Grindelwald & Around While There

There are a few ways to get to Grindelwald - I personally started my journey in Milan, Italy. Having visited Milan before, I was already comfortable navigating the trains there. You can either fly or take a train to reach Grindelwald. If you’re flying directly into Switzerland from the United States, the best options are Zurich or Geneva Airport—both are international and about the same driving distance to Grindelwald.

If you decide to start your journey in Italy like I did, here’s my biggest piece of advice: pack light! :) LOL. I packed two suitcases and a large Beis Weekender bag, which was not ideal, especially when I arrived in Switzerland to a snowy wonderland. Let me tell you, managing a lot of luggage in winter conditions is not for the faint of heart!

My journey from Milan took about 4-5 hours, and I absolutely loved it. The scenic views were breathtaking and gave me plenty of time to reflect. While living in New York has prepared me well for navigating trains almost anywhere, the Swiss train system was a bit of a learning curve. To get from Milan to Switzerland, there were several transfers, some with very short timeframes that required quickly switching to a completely different track. But in the end, the journey was 100% worth it!

Where I Stayed

I stayed at Boutique Hotel Glacier in Grindelwald, a charming 4-star hotel that should definitely be on your bucket list if you're planning a visit to Grindelwald. The hotel is fairly small, with just 28 rooms and suites, so I highly recommend booking early to secure your stay! They also have a sister property called Grindellodge, which opened in December 2024. Grindellodge offers a cozy bed-and-breakfast-style experience.

At Hotel Glacier, the level of service and attention to detail is exceptional. The hotel features two on-site restaurants: a casual dining option and a fine dining experience for dinner. Breakfast is offered daily, which is a perfect way to start your day. One of the highlights is their stunning spa, which overlooks the mountains and includes an outdoor heated pool—pure bliss! Whether you're looking for adventure or pure relaxation, Hotel Glacier is the ideal place to stay.

Things to do in Grindelwald and surrounding areas

• Grindelwald First

  • First Cliff Walk

• Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), the highest railway station in Europe

• Bachalpsee Lake: Can be reached through hiking, one of the most photographed locations in Grindelwald

• Eiger Trail

• Glacier Canyon

• First Mountain Cart

Other Places to take a Day Trip from Grindelwald

• Interlaken: Easily accessible by train from Grindelwald

• Lauterbrunnen: I did not go here personally, but I have heard this is one of the most photographic places to visit near Grindelwald

• Wengen: A car free village not to far from Lauterbrunnen

Customizable itineraries for all my trips will be available very soon here. Make sure you check it out!

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