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Basel to Grindelwald
We spent an unforgettable four nights in Grindelwald, using it as our base to explore the stunning Swiss Alps. If you’re traveling via public transport, we can’t recommend the luggage transfer service enough—it made our journey so much easier. Check out this post for more information on the luggage transfer service we utilize through our travel in Switzerland. We check out of Hotel Victoria Basel, which is conveniently located just across from the train station. It was a breeze to walk over and catch our train to Grindelwald.
The train journey with SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) was an experience in itself. The boys were buzzing with excitement, their eyes glued to the window as we traveled through picturesque landscapes, from rolling hills to snow-capped peaks. The trip from Basel to Grindelwald takes about 3 hours, with a transfer at Interlaken station. You can easily purchase your train tickets via the SBB app, making the whole process smooth and hassle-free.
The boys were very excited on the train. But we still managed to get them to nap.
Day 3 – Checking in Hotel Glacier Grindelwald
The festive atmosphere was palpable, and we were immediately swept up in the holiday spirit. Hotel Glacier had arranged a pick-up from the train station, and the view that greeted us upon check-in was absolutely breathtaking. Read about our 4N stay at Hotel Glacier here!
The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the main street, but trust us, the view during the walk is simply enchanting. Snow-covered mountains, charming chalets, and twinkling holiday lights made every step a joy.
After settling into our room, we set out to explore the charming town of Grindelwald. We wandered through the picturesque streets, soaking in the festive decorations and vibrant holiday energy.
Then, we headed back to Hotel Glacier for a cozy and delightful festive dinner, perfectly wrapping up our first day in this winter wonderland.
Day 4 – A Day of Family Friendly Alpine Adventures: Jungfraujoch and Kleine Scheidegg
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The view from the breakfast area was simply amazing. We could see the tram going up the mountain, a tantalizing hint of the adventures awaiting us.
Our day’s big adventure started with a trip to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe.” From Hotel Glacier, we walked to the Grindelwald Terminal, a pleasant 15-minute stroll with stunning views all around. Unfortunately, it was not snowing when we were staying at Hotel Glacier.
Exploring Jungfraujoch
From there, we took the Eiger Express tricable gondola to the Eiger Glacier station. The ride itself was breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the majestic mountains and the valley below. At Eiger Glacier, we transferred to the Jungfrau Railway, which took us directly to Jungfraujoch.
Jungfraujoch was a winter wonderland, and the boys were ecstatic to play in the snow and explore the Ice Palace. The views from the Sphinx Observatory were out of this world, making the journey completely worthwhile.
Kleine Scheidegg
After soaking in the sights and enjoying some hot chocolate, we made our way back down, stopping at Kleine Scheidegg. This charming mountain pass offered more spectacular views and a perfect spot for a family hike. The boys loved running around in the open spaces, and we took in the beauty of the alpine scenery.
At Kleine Scheidegg, we decided to rent a toboggan. Our elder boy couldn’t wait to slide down the snowy slopes, and we took turns with him, sharing in the fun and laughter. Meanwhile, our younger boy was perfectly content playing with the snow, building tiny snowmen, and making snow angels.
To get to Kleine Scheidegg from Jungfraujoch, we simply took the Jungfrau Railway back down to the Kleine Scheidegg station. The journey was smooth and filled with stunning views.
After a day filled with alpine adventures, we returned to Grindelwald, once again appreciating the beauty of the mountains that surrounded us. We spent the evening relaxing and recounting the day’s highlights, grateful for the incredible experiences and the joy of spending time together in such a magical place.
Day 5 – Exploring Interlaken, Lake Brienz and Lauterbrunnen
The next morning after breakfast, I decided to fulfill one of my bucket list items: visiting the Korean drama Crash Landing on You filming site at Lake Brienz, Isetwald (Enter Schönbühl 30c on google map). To get there, we took a train from Grindelwald to Interlaken, then switched to a bus. The boys were surprisingly cooperative, making the journey smoother than expected.
Lake Brienz – A Trip to ‘Crash Landing on You’ Filming Site and Beyond
Upon arriving at Lake Brienz, we took plenty of pictures. The site has become quite a tourist attraction, even charging an entry fee via an automated gate to take photos at the exact spot where Ri Jeong Hyeok played the piano. Being cheapskates, we opted not to pay and still enjoyed our time there.
Check out our post on Crash Landing On You Film Locations we visited in Switzerland!
After our visit, we had lunch in Interlaken, soaking in the picturesque views and enjoying some local cuisine.
Lauterbrunnen
From Interlaken, we headed to Lauterbrunnen. The journey was straightforward: we took a train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen, a short 20-minute ride through stunning scenery.
Lauterbrunnen was another highlight of our trip, with its famous waterfalls and beautiful valley views. We spent the afternoon exploring, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to Grindelwald.
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