If there’s one place on this entire trip that made us stop and say “I can’t believe this actually exists” — it was Grindelwald.
We arrived in mid-September 2019 and spent three nights at Hotel Alpenblick, a small local hotel right in the village. Every morning we had coffee on the balcony staring at the Eiger. If you’re going to Grindelwald, skip the big chains. Waking up to that view from a place that actually feels like it belongs there is worth it.
Getting There
We took the train from Lake Como to Lugano, then picked up a convertible from Hertz and drove the rest of the way through Switzerland with the top down. Driving through the Alps in a convertible is something we’d recommend to absolutely everyone. The roads alone are worth it — pull over constantly, you won’t regret it.
The First Cliff Walk
The main event was the First Cliff Walk — a suspension bridge and cliff-side walkway at the top of First mountain. We took the gondola up, which is an experience in itself. As you rise above the valley the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau just reveal themselves and it’s genuinely hard to process that you’re looking at something real.
The Cliff Walk itself is stunning — dramatic, a little terrifying in the best way, and completely unlike anything we’d ever seen.
The Hike Down
We decided to hike all the way down instead of taking the gondola back. It’s downhill — how hard could it be?
Very hard. It took the entire day and our feet have never been so destroyed. We were not prepared. But the views the entire way down were unreal and we’d do it again in a heartbeat — just with better shoes and zero expectations about how easy it would be.
The Spa You Need to Book
After a full day of hiking we found the Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel spa nearby and it was the best decision we made. They have an outdoor hot tub that opens up to the outside with a direct view of the mountain. You’re sitting in a hot tub staring at the Alps. After a day of hiking it’s hard to imagine anything better. Even if you’re not staying there, go for the spa.
When to Go
Late September was perfect. The summer crowds were gone, the weather was crisp and clear, and the fall light on the mountains was something else. If you can go in shoulder season, do it.
Pro Tips
- Rent a convertible if you can — driving through the Alps with the top down is non-negotiable
- Bring proper hiking shoes, not just sneakers. Your feet will thank you
- Go in late September — fewer crowds, perfect weather, incredible light
- Take the gondola up to First, hike down — but give yourself the whole day and prepare your legs
- Stay somewhere local — Hotel Alpenblick puts you right in the village with those views every morning
- Even if you’re not staying at Aspen Alpin, book the spa
- The train from Lake Como to Lugano is beautiful — don’t skip it just to save time
Where to Stay: Hotel Alpenblick, Grindelwald
Spa: Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel, Grindelwald
Getting Around: Hertz car rental — BMW convertible highly recommended
Gondola: First Gondola, Grindelwald
