Hostels in Grindelwald

The Naturfreundehaus is in a nice location above town on the Terrassenweg. There is a footpath that will take you to the center of Grindelwald in 15 minutes or less. Assuming you are going to Grindelwald for the hiking, that walk should not be a deterrence to staying at this hostel.

Thanks Lola,

True, I am in the region for the hiking. The only issue with Naturfreundehaus is that I'll be arriving in the area fairly late in the day, around 21:00. Don't want to be walking up to the hostel with my big pack in the fading light! Suppose I could shell out on a taxi. Such a shame there's no Amsterdam to Zurich night train anymore!

Looks like Grindelwald Youth Hostel is out as there's no self catering Kitchen.

OK, I understand. But maybe taxi may not cost much. Depending on your age the Naturfruendehaus might be most appropriate. I have only stayed in Grindelwald twice, both times in hotels in the center. But we would walk up to Hotel Bodmi, also above town on that side, for dinner at least once. I always loved the views from that position.

I would totally recommend Naturfreundehaus. I stayed there with 3 other friends in the summer of 2016 and arrived late in the evening, taking the path from the train station up the hill. We made prior arrangements with Naturfreundehaus about our late arrival and someone was waiting for us. While you may not be able to cook in their kitchen, the breakfast was outstanding. It was my first time in Switzerland and when I looked out the window the next morning I felt like I could touch the mountains they were so close! I could’ve spent hours just soaking up the view. Enjoy your stay!

Looks like Naturfreundehaus is the way to go then. Thanks both for your great input. I'm 41 by the way.

I've seen photos of the breakfast, and it does look impressive. There is a kitchen in fact - I hear it's a recent addition - it's the other youth hostel up the road that doesn't. However, it seems they charge 5chf per person per night for the use of it! Rather cheeky I think as other hostels include it in the price.

Starting to think I should maybe split my stay, with say 3 nights in the Lauterbrunnen Valley Hostel, which I stayed at 2 years ago, and 3 nights in the Naturfreundehaus. The former is very handy for the station, so would solve the arrival issue, although I found out last night that there is a night train I can catch from Koln to Basel, albeit only an intercity, so seats only, arriving in Basel at 06:20. Weighing up my options!

Can anyone let me know what the dormitory is like? I hear it's in the basement which I gather is underground. I just want to make sure that each bunk has it's own space so to speak, and you're not jammed in side by side like sardines as I know some hostels do (Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald for one). I've tried to find photos, but the only ones I can find seem to be of the first/second floor bedrooms.
Thanks.

Oh dear, that's Naturfreundehaus out then - I've just found photos of their dorm. If you're young and with friends perhaps, it's not an issue. I need my personal space! Maybe if they'd had a single room, I might have gone for that, but I'll have to look elsewhere.

Ok, so it's down to Mountain Hostel or Downtown lodge. Anybody got any experience of these?

mike,

This is the only Hostel I've seen in the Grindelwald area - https://www.youthhostel.ch/en/hostels/grindelwald/ . It's a bit of a walk uphill from the town, but shouldn't be too difficult for someone your age. It's a large building so lots of rooms, and seems to have good facilities.

You may need an inexpensive HI Hostels membership to stay there? I've found to be the case with other HI properties in Switzerland.

Thanks all, have finally decided on Grindelwald Youth Hostel - everything seems really good about it apart from the lack of a kitchen. Will stay there for 4 nights, and 3 more at the Lauterbrunnen Valley hostel beforehand.

Mike,

Just curious, is the Grindelwald Youth Hostel the same one I provided in the web link? If so, I think you'll be very comfortable there.

If your budget will allow, you might try supper one night at the Hotel Oberland, which is close to the Valley Hostel. It will be pricey but the food is great.

Hi Ken,
Yes, I'm referring to the one in the link you provided, thanks. I had previously ruled it out because it doesn't have a guest kitchen, but it looks like it gets everything else right. I'll have to book meals there I guess, or eat out during the day and bring a sandwich back or something. It does look like a lovely place to stay, I guess the chalet style building won me over rather!

I stayed in the Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen for 3 days in 2016, and was quite happy with it - nice garden to sit in in the evenings as well as the usual. It's so much cheaper than anything in Grindelwald - 30chf a night! I almost considered staying there for the duration, but it's nice to try somewhere new as well, so 3 nights there, 4 in Grindelwald.

Hotel Oberland sounds good, but I always feel self conscious eating solo in a proper restaurant - thanks for the tip though!

"Hotel Oberland sounds good, but I always feel self conscious eating solo in a proper restaurant"

LOL! I often travel solo and eating alone doesn't bother me at all. If I'm travelling alone, that's really the only option. Once you see the dinner bill, you may be happy that you're not paying for two.