Th Eiger village: Grindelwald - Switzerland

saarisweg
Dec 15, 2014
3 min read

At 1034 meters above sealevel and surrounded by high peaks such as the Eiger (3970m), Schreckhorn (4078m) and Wetterhorn (3692m) lies the little Swiss vilage of Grindelwald. Formerly cut off from the outside world by these mountains and a glacier, this hidden town is the start of the trainride which ascends inside the Eiger up to Jungfraujoch, the highest trainstation in Europe.

And how did I come to live in this quiet mountain town, you wonder? Well, basically I'd spent enough time in Austria, wanted a change, decided on Switzerland because I heard there was good money and applied for some jobs at various ski-regions. Since I started looking for a job a bit late, there weren't a lot of options, and this seemed like the nicest one.

I worked for a little private skischool called Buri, which I totally recommend to anyone who needs lessons or rental-equipment! Not only are both shops filled with friendly people who know what they're talking about and will hook you up with whatever equipment or lessons you desire, the teachers are nice, patient and professional, have tons of insider information on the best parts of the mountain in current conditions ans basically love being there and helping you make the most of your holiday.

Junfrau Region is big, and since you buy a ticket for the whole region, posibilities are endless:

Are you lazy and only going for a couple of runs? Stay closeby and take the lift straight from town up to First, where the goats wil welcome you onto 60 km of runs and 40km of winter footpaths and toboggan runs.
Take a 30-min trainride under the Eiger North Face towards Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen. This main ski area with 110 km of slopes and 30 km of toboggan runs lies right at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
In need for some change? Follow James Bond to Mürren-Schilthorn and enjoy the highest ski-region in the Bernese Oberland at altitudes between 1,650 and 3,000 metres above sea level. Guaranteed 54 km of ski slopes and top snow conditions well into the spring.

Favourites:

Run That would have to be Wixi, a wide red slope that starts next to the Lauberhorn World Cup run and down to the right over the bridge across the traintracks. Best around 10, when the sun comes onto that side of the mountain.
Lunch-place Bring your own sandwiches and something to drink and head up to the top of Schilthorn for the most amazing views into the valleys on all sides.
Mountain bar There's a huge tipi standing in the snow by Kleine Scheidegg that makes for a good beer-stop and if the weather is decent I recommend going to Bargelegg Hutte on First to sit in the sun.
Town hangout Not really in town, but the bus will take you there in 10 mins and the slopes down from First end up there anyway. Bus stop bar is an 'apres-ride' bar with a laid-back vibe, they host little festivals with live music and ollie-contests. Try the hot-mojito, it will warm and cheer you up even on the worst day.
Bar Avocado is actually the only nice bar in town if you ask me, but even if there would have been others, it would be popular. Great music, broad selection of beer and overall very fun vibe.
Restaurant Onkel Tom's offers Swiss pizza in a tiny hut where they don't take reservations. Cozy, delicious food, friendly staff, good wine. It's not cheap (hey, we're still in Switzerland) but not crazy expensive either.
Off-mountain pass-time Hardly off-mountain but no ski's/board involved: go sledging!