Going From Zurich on an Exciting Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken

If you’re in Zurich and looking for a unique day trip to explore some of the nearby Swiss Alps, then look no further than a visit to the stunningly beautiful towns of Grindelwald and Interlaken. From the rolling meadows and ski slopes of Grindelwald to the cobblestone arcades and quaint wooden chalets of Interlaken, there’s plenty to explore on a day trip from Zurich. Even better, with a range of wonderful activities, you can spend your day exploring nature, riding the Swiss railway, and even embarking on cultural adventures. So if you’re searching for an unforgettable day trip from Zurich to Grindelwald & Interlaken then read on for our guide to make sure you get the most out of your excursion.

Getting to Grindelwald & Interlaken

The first step to having an awesome day trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken is, of course, to make sure you get there. Luckily, both Grindelwald and Interlaken are extremely easy to reach from Zurich – it only takes around 2 hours each way when travelling by train. Several trains depart Zurich Central Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) headed towards both Grindelwald and Interlaken throughout the day. While specific departure times depend on the season, there is generally one train every hour or two. When you arrive at Grindelwald, you’ll disembark at its station in the base of the valley. From Grindelwald, it is only about 20 minutes by train to get to Interlaken Ost station.

Once you’ve arrived in Interlaken Ost station you can continue exploring the area either by train or by hopping aboard one of the many buses in the area. All you have to do is purchase a ticket or rent a Swiss Travel Pass and make sure that your ticket covers both Canton Bern (where Interlaken & Grindelwald are located) and Canton Zurich (where Zurich is located). Once you have these two Cantons covered, you’re free to explore all that the Swiss Alps has to offer.

Exploring Grindelwald

For incredible snow-capped mountain views and plenty of exciting outdoor activities, it’s definitely worth starting your day with a visit to beautiful Grindelwald. This picturesque mountain town is only 45 minutes away from Zurich via train, so it’s a great way to get an introduction to the spectacular Swiss Alps. Once you’ve arrived on your train, you’ll find yourself surrounded by incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, as well as a vast array of outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking trails, and cable cars rides up the slopes.

Outdoor Adventures in Grindelwald

No matter your hiking or skiing ability level, Grindelwald has something for everyone. With easy trails for those who are just getting into walking or skiing, as well as some more tricky trails and slopes that will keep even experienced hikers or skiers entertained. One must-visit spot is the world-renowned first mountain, which features an incredible view opening up over the alpine valleys and summits. Trying out some eco-friendly skiing or snowboarding is another great option, with a range of better-for-the-environment skiing gear made to reduce overall damage to the stunning Alps environment over in the area.

Where to Eat in Grindelwald

Eating out in Grindelwald is just as big a treat as reaching its peak! The town boasts numerous restaurants with menus featuring Swiss and international dishes – both classic and modern. There are also plenty of cafes and snack bars that serve beverages such as hot chocolate and beers – perfect for warming up during winter, or an afternoon break while enjoying views of snow peaked mountains.

Exploring Interlaken

Not too far down the valley sits Interlaken – another charming Swiss alpine village boasting its own range of activities and attractions that should definitely be included in your day from Zurich. This charming little village boasts plenty of traditional Swiss architecture, cobblestone arcades, wooden chalets, and an array of restaurants and cafes ideal for a few hours exploring on foot. Here’s what you can expect to find when visiting Interlaken:

Cultural Attractions in Interlaken

As well as all things outdoorsy, there are a number of cultural attractions in this charming Swiss village that should not be overlooked;Take a wander around one of the most iconic churches in Switzerland – Interlaken Abbey – or explore Hoheweg – one of the oldest streets in Switzerland located right in the heart of the old town. You can also check out Unspunnen Castle – once one of the residences of the former counts of Oberland – or take a stroll around Schlosskirche – once the former home to Napoleon Bonaparte during the Napoleonic Wars.

Where to Eat in Interlaken

Interlaken also boasts numerous restaurants and cafes serving up classic Swiss dishes and snacks alike. While many restaurants serve local delicacies such as cheese fondue, rosti dishes, and smoked ham (all are absolute must-tries for those traveling to Switzerland), you’ll also find more international cuisines such as Japanese Ramen or Indian curries!

Other Activities in Interlaken & Grindelwald

There are plenty more outdoor activities available in these alpine towns – beyond skiing and snowboarding! Imagine taking an incredible ride on the nostalgic steam-powered Jungfrau railway train – or hopping aboard a hot air balloon ride across the spectacular Swiss countryside. Visitors can also take boat cruises around Lake Thun nor even explore climbing spots such as Bachalpsee Rock face – if you’re an experienced climber of course!

Conclusion

Taking a day trip from Zurich to visit both Grindelwald & Interlaken is one of the best experiences you can have while visiting Switzerland. Not only is this an amazing way to enjoy some of Switzerland’s most stunning viewpoints that make way for incredible photos – but there are plenty of activities available for people of all abilities and interests too! Whether it’s skiing down one of the many slopes available in Grindelwald, exploring some classic Swiss architecture in Interlaken, or even taking an afternoon cruise across Lake Thun – there’s plenty to explore on this exciting day trip outside of Zurich.

If you would like to have a truly incredible day trip experience then book yourself onto one of these amazing tours they have listed on GetYourGuide Epic Day Trip from Zurich To Grindelwald & Interlaken From Zurich . With loads of different tours available for everyone, there’s something for everyone in this guide!