Cozy Alpine hostel with spectacular Eiger views offers dorms and family rooms. Social atmosphere perfect for hikers and skiers on a budget.
Mountain Hostel Grindelwald sits on Terrassenweg in the village of Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland, elevated slightly above the valley floor to deliver unobstructed views of the Eiger North Face directly across the valley. At 1,034 metres elevation, Grindelwald is itself a mountain village, and the hostel's position makes the most of its Alpine setting: the terrace faces the iconic black limestone wall of the Eiger that defeated generations of climbers before the first ascent in 1938. The hostel is a practical base for both winter skiing and summer hiking in the Jungfrau region, one of Switzerland's most visited Alpine areas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Accommodation consists of dormitories of four to eight beds and multi-bed family rooms, all sharing communal bathrooms. A lounge and dining area are warmed by a wood stove in winter and serve as a social hub where hikers and skiers compare routes and swap advice. Ski storage with drying facilities is provided on the ground level, and the hostel is within walking distance of the Grindelwald Grund gondola stations that serve the ski areas of First, Männlichen, and the Jungfrau ski region. In summer, the same infrastructure accesses some of the finest Alpine hiking in Europe, including the Eiger Trail below the North Face and the trails toward Bachalpsee and Schynige Platte. The front-desk team is knowledgeable on weather conditions, trail status, and the Jungfraujoch excursion, which ascends to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres.
Amenities
- shared kitchen
- lounge
- mountain views
- ski storage
- terrace
Location
Terrassenweg, 3818 Grindelwald
46.6222, 8.0336 View on map
Highlights
- Direct terrace views of the Eiger North Face across the Grindelwald valley
- Ideal base for Jungfrau region skiing at First, Männlichen, and Kleine Scheidegg
- Access to Eiger Trail, Bachalpsee, and Schynige Platte summer hiking routes
- Ski storage and boot-drying room for winter sports guests
- Social lounge with wood stove and experienced staff advice on trails and conditions
Tips for visiting
- Book dorms and family rooms well in advance during February school holidays and July–August peak season
- The Eiger Trail is one of Switzerland's most dramatic walks — staff can advise on current conditions and timing
- Jungfraujoch tickets are expensive but can be purchased at the hostel desk; sunrise trips are less crowded
- Pack layers even in summer — temperatures at First (2,168m) are 10–15 degrees cooler than the valley
- Walking from the hostel to Grindelwald Grund station for gondola connections takes 15–20 minutes downhill
Accessibility
Mountain Hostel Grindelwald is situated on a hillside and involves steps on the approach path and between floors. There is no lift. The building is not fully wheelchair accessible; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How do guests reach Grindelwald from Interlaken?
Trains run frequently from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, taking approximately 35 minutes. From Grindelwald station it is a short walk or taxi to the hostel on Terrassenweg.
Is the hostel open year-round?
The hostel operates across the main winter and summer seasons. It may close during the quieter shoulder periods of spring and late autumn; check current dates with the property before booking.
What ski areas are accessible from the hostel?
Grindelwald is the gateway to the Jungfrau ski region, which covers over 200 kilometres of piste. The First gondola and Männlichen cable car are both accessible from Grindelwald Grund, a 20-minute walk from the hostel.
Is the hostel suitable for families?
Yes. Multi-bed family rooms are available and children's ski programmes operate across Grindelwald's ski schools in winter. The hostel's common areas are informal and welcoming for families.