Grindelwald sits in a broad valley beneath the north face of the Eiger, its chalets and green meadows framed by some of the Alps' most dramatic peaks. The village has long served travelers as the natural starting point for the Jungfrau Railway, a cogwheel train that climbs through tunnels cut into the mountain to reach Europe's highest railway station, near the saddle between the Mönch and Jungfrau summits.
At the top, wide viewing terraces and an ice palace carved into the glacier reward those who make the ascent, with panoramas stretching across the Aletsch Glacier on clear days. The rail journey itself, with its shifting alpine scenery, is as memorable as the summit. Travelers typically join this excursion by motor coach from lowland gateway cities, making Grindelwald an inland highlight reached overland rather than a coastal call.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Grindelwald-Bern-Lucerne.
Ride to the Top of Europe
The cogwheel train tunnels through the Eiger to reach the Jungfrau railway station at over 11,000 feet, the highest in Europe; allow a full day round-trip from Grindelwald.
Explore the Ice Palace
Wander illuminated tunnels and chambers carved directly into the glacier at the summit station, a short walk from the observation terraces and included with the ascent.
Take in the Aletsch Glacier View
Step onto the Sphinx viewing platform for sweeping panoramas over the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding 4,000-meter peaks on clear days; go early to beat clouds rolling in.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Grindelwald-Bern-Lucerne sailings and Pavlus pricing.
