Interlaken vs Grindelwald: Which Jungfrau Base Is Better?

From our visits

Every photo on this page is our own, shot on the ground in these places.

The practical footing

Common questions

Should I stay in Interlaken or Grindelwald?

For most travelers, Grindelwald. Interlaken's name is on every itinerary, but the town sits on the flat valley floor between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the big peaks a train ride away. Grindelwald puts you directly beneath the Eiger with lifts from the village. Stay in Interlaken if you want a hub with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and adventure operators, or if you only have one night and an early train.

How far is Grindelwald from Interlaken?

About half an hour by train from Interlaken Ost, running regularly through the day. They are close enough that you can base in either and see the other easily, which is why plenty of trips use Interlaken for the first and last night and Grindelwald for the mountain days in between.

Which is better for reaching Jungfraujoch?

Grindelwald. The Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal is the fastest way up to the Top of Europe, cutting a significant chunk off the old route. From Interlaken you add the trip up the valley first. If Jungfraujoch is the centrepiece of your trip, sleeping in Grindelwald buys you an earlier start and the best chance of clear morning light.

Is Interlaken worth staying in at all?

Yes, for the right trip. It has the region's broadest range of accommodation and restaurants, the easiest rail connections, and the adventure-sport operators. It's also the practical choice if you're travelling with a mix of hikers and non-hikers, or arriving late. Just go in knowing it's a base town rather than a mountain village, and plan to spend your days elsewhere.

Which is better for families?

Grindelwald, for most families. There's more to do within walking distance, the lifts turn a rainy morning into an adventure, and the village feels calmer than Interlaken's busy main street. Interlaken has the edge if you need a wider spread of budget rooms, want easy access to a range of day trips, or have older teens set on paragliding.

Which is cheaper, Interlaken or Grindelwald?

Interlaken, generally, simply because it has far more beds competing across more price points, from hostels to four-star hotels. Grindelwald's mountain-village rooms carry a premium for the view and the location. Neither is cheap by international standards, so if budget is the deciding factor, consider Lauterbrunnen or Wilderswil as quieter and often better-value alternatives.

Is Lauterbrunnen a better base than either of them?

For a certain traveller, yes. Lauterbrunnen sits in the valley of waterfalls between the two, it's cheaper than Grindelwald, and it's the junction for the cable cars and trains up to Mürren and Wengen, so car-free villages are within easy reach. It's quieter in the evenings than both, which is either the appeal or the drawback depending on your trip. Compare it directly with Grindelwald if you're torn.