No, Grindelwald is not the same as Interlaken. They are two distinct, neighboring locations in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, located about 30–40 minutes apart by train.
Key takeaways: Consider staying in Grindelwald for closer access to major attractions like Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn, even if it adds some travel time from Interlaken. If you choose to stay near Interlaken, taking a bus to your accommodation may be safer and quicker than walking, especially with luggage.
Grindelwald (Swiss Standard German pronunciation: [ˈɡrɪndl̩ˌvald]) is a village and municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the canton of Berne.
Grindelwald is considered to be one of Switzerland's most popular travel destinations. The Gletscherdorf resort makes for an ideal starting point for excursions across the Jungfrau region as well as the entire Bernese Oberland.
Top 10 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in Grindelwald 🇨🇭
Is Grindelwald free with a Swiss pass?
Yes, Grindelwald is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. This pass allows unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats across Switzerland. While trips to Grindelwald are included, mountain rides like the Grindelwald First Gondola are not free but offered at a 50% discount, which makes it a great value option.
1. Lucerne. Located in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is cradled between snow-capped mountains and an icy-blue lake. For the stunning lakeside views alone, Lucerne is easily one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland (and one of the most breathtaking cities in the European Alps).
With access to the iconic Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt offers a wide variety of slopes catering to all skill levels. Grindelwald, on the other hand, while impressive, doesn't quite match the sheer scale and diversity that Zermatt provides.
How much is a taxi from Grindelwald to Interlaken?
The fastest way to get from Grindelwald to Interlaken is to taxi which takes 21 min and costs SFr 100 - SFr 130. Is there a direct bus between Grindelwald and Interlaken? Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Grindelwald, Bahnhof and arriving at Interlaken, Sonnenhof.
Which is more beautiful, Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen?
100% yes! It may be very well known, and a bit of a tourist puller in the summer months, but if you visit in the low seasons then Lauterbrunnen is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Switzerland.
Which city is best to stay in Switzerland for tourists?
Zurich. Located in the heart of Europe, and in the center of Switzerland, is the city of Zurich. Often recognized as one of the world's most livable cities, Zurich is framed by alpine mountains and set where the Limmat River meets Lake Zurich's shores.
Top Things to Do in Grindelwald. Check out must-see sights and activities: First Cliff Walk by Tissot, Bachalpsee Lake, Walking Tours, Hiking Trails. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Both amazing!!! Lucern is more of a big city with plenty of things to do while Interlaken is more of a small town amazing for walking around though. It's also beautiful on the way to Interlaken… Just came from there so I'm taking from a winter time point of view.
There's no single "nicest" place in Switzerland as it depends on your preference, but top contenders for beauty include the fairytale valleys of Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald (dramatic Alps, waterfalls), the iconic Zermatt (Matterhorn, skiing), the lakeside charm of Lucerne (medieval city, lake), and the adventure hub of Interlaken, all offering breathtaking scenery, from pristine lakes to snow-capped peaks and charming villages.
Trains run frequently on this route, starting from 7:05 in the morning to 4:35 in the evening. It takes roughly 10 minutes to reach Grindelwald First from the Terminal Station via a walk.
Where is the best place to base yourself in Switzerland?
For those who love the energy of a city, a Swiss urban center might be the best place to stay in Switzerland. Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne offer a perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. Zurich: The Cosmopolitan Hub.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. A destination that needs no introduction – the Great Barrier Reef has long topped lists of the world's most beautiful places.
For the first visit, it may therefore be best to decide whether to stay close to a lake or in a small mountain resort. We often recommend the wonderful town of Lucerne or the quiet of the village of Weggis, also on Lake Lucerne and with the mountains just a delightful local journey away.
The nearest town directly at the base of the Matterhorn is Zermatt, Switzerland, a famous car-free resort known for stunning views and access to cable cars and trains for mountain exploration, while the closest town on the Italian side is Breuil-Cervinia, connected by the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable car.
The area around Lauterbrunnen and Murren south of Interlaken in the Bernse Oberland was the principal location for the filming of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (OHMSS) in 1969.
After portraying Grindelwald at the end of 2016's “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Depp returned to the role for the 2018 sequel, “The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Then, following his resignation from the role in 2020, Depp was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen, 59, for 2022's “The Secrets of Dumbledore.”
