Swiss Alps Hiking Guide: Grindelwald vs Zermatt vs Lauterbrunnen Compared

The Swiss Alps offer some of Europe’s most spectacular hiking, but choosing the right valley can make or break your trip. Three destinations dominate the conversation: Grindelwald (gateway to the Jungfrau region), Zermatt (home of the Matterhorn), and Lauterbrunnen (the valley of 72 waterfalls). Each offers a distinct alpine experience, different difficulty levels, and vastly different price points.

Grindelwald: The Classic Alpine Experience

Grindelwald sits at 1,034m elevation in the Lütschinen valley, backed by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau trio of peaks. It’s the most developed resort area in the Bernese Oberland, with excellent rail connections (Zahnradbahn rack railways, cable cars), well-marked trails for all skill levels, and enough infrastructure that you never feel isolated.

Best Hikes from Grindelwald:

First to Bachalpsee (Easy, 2h round trip) — Take the cable car to First station (2,167m), then descend to the mirror-still lake with mountain reflections. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and accessible to families. One of Switzerland’s most photographed lake views.

Eiger Trail (Moderate, 5-6h) — A high alpine route from Kleine Scheidegg to Alpiglen following the Eiger’s north face. Panoramic views throughout, exposed sections. Not for those afraid of heights, but spectacular for experienced hikers.

Grindelwald to Mannlichen (Moderate, 3h one way) — Classic panoramic route with views of the entire Jungfrau massif. Take the cable car up from Grindelwald to Mannlichen for the downhill direction.

Zermatt: The Matterhorn Experience

Zermatt is a car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, accessed by train from Visp (about 1.5 hours). The village has a different feel from Grindelwald — more traditional Alpine, with horse carriages still common in the traffic-free streets.

Best Hikes from Zermatt:

Gornergrat Railway to Riffelberg (Easy, 2-3h) — Take Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway to Gornergrat (3,089m) for the iconic Matterhorn view. From there, hike down to Riffelberg through alpine meadows — the trail is gentle and the scenery is Matterhorn in your face the entire way.

5 Lakes Walk (Easy, 2.5h) — A curated circuit connecting five alpine lakes, each with a different perspective on the Matterhorn. The Stellisee mirror reflection shot is one of Switzerland’s most famous photos.

Schwarzsee to Zermatt (Moderate, 4-5h) — Descending from the Schwarzsee (Black Lake) back to Zermatt through high alpine terrain. Less crowded than the train routes, more solitude.

Lauterbrunnen: Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen is a village in a narrow valley with 72 waterfalls cascading off the surrounding cliffs. The setting is otherworldly — you stand in the valley floor looking up at 1,000-meter granite walls with waterfalls threading down every crease. It’s the most dramatic valley in the Alps.

Best Hikes from Lauterbrunnen:

Wengernalp to Kleine Scheidegg (Easy-Moderate, 2h) — One of Switzerland’s most famous walks, with the Jungfrau as backdrop. Take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengernalp, then walk to Kleine Scheidegg for views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Staubbach Falls Loop (Easy, 1h) — A short walk to the base of the 297m waterfall, which inspired Goethe’s poem “Ganymed.” Quick but spectacular.

Mürren to Grütschalp (Moderate, 2.5h) — From the car-free village of Mürren, descend through flower meadows to the Grütschalp ridge. On a clear day, you can see both the Jungfrau and the Eiger on the same walk.

Costs & Practicalities

The Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains, buses, and lake ships — it’s worth it if you’re doing 4+ days of travel. Book scenic routes via Kiwi.com in advance for discounts on point-to-point tickets.

Which to Choose?

• First-timers / Families: Grindelwald — most infrastructure, best for varied skill levels
• Iconic scenery / Photography: Zermatt — the Matterhorn is unmatched in recognition
• Dramatic valleys / Waterfalls: Lauterbrunnen — the most visually stunning setting in Switzerland

Consider combining two: take the GoldenPass route from Lucerne to Interlaken, base yourself in the Lauterbrunnen valley, and do a day trip to Grindelwald via the Jungfrau railway.

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