Grindelwald is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Swiss Alps that transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow falls. While it’s known for its world-class skiing and stunning mountain views, there is an exhilarating winter activity that should not be missed – sledding! Sledding in Switzerland is totally different from the sledding we are used to doing as kids. In Switzerland, it is called “sledging” and is enjoyed by both adults and children. If you don’t know how to ski or snowboard, it’s the perfect winter activity where you can enjoy the snow and have an adventure. We had such a great time and it was our favorite activity that we did on our Switzerland Trip. In this guide, we will be exploring the thrilling world of sledding in Grindelwald and sharing all the details for an unforgettable experience.
The Best Sledding Slopes in Grindelwald
Grindelwald has a variety of sledding slopes suitable for all levels of experience, from gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging runs for thrill-seekers. You can find a bunch of different options in the Jungfrau Ski Region. The season starts in the beginning of December and ends in April depending on the snow conditions. It is 58 CHF for a one day sledding pass. You can buy your pass here! They also have options for multiple days. This pass will give you unlimited access for the day to hike and sled in the Jungfrau region.
Here are some must-visit slopes for a fun sledding adventure in Grindelwald:
Jungfrau Eiger Run
The sled run that we did in Grindelwald was the Jungfrau Eiger Run and we loved it! This trail is surrounded by the most incredible views of the Lauberhorn and the Eiger North Face, which is the biggest north face in the Alps. The Eiger Run is 13km (about 8 miles) and takes about 70 minutes to complete. It consists of four sections and starts at Eigergletscher station and ends in Grindelwald Grund.
How to get to the Jungfrau Eiger Run? From Grindelwald, you can take a taxi or bus to the Grindelwald Terminal. From the terminal, you will take the Eiger Express to Eigergletscher, where you will begin the sled run.
The first section is from Eigergeltscher to Kleine Schedegg, where you get a magnificent view of the Bernese Alps. The second section is from Kleine Schedegg to Alpiglen, where you see the north face in the Alps. The steepest sections is between Alpiglen and Brandegg. After that, you can sled down towards Grindelwald at a more leisurely pace.
You can start the Eiger Run at any of the four sections. The Eiger Express gondola takes you directly to Eigergletscher, while the Wengernalp Railway takes you to each of the three starting points. When we were there, not all the sections were open so just pay attention to the status of the trails.
You can even do part of this sledge run at night which is pretty cool!
Big Pintenfritz
The Big Pintenfritz slope is the longest sledging run in the world at 15km (a little over 9 miles). The start of the trail is only reachable by foot. To get there, you start at the mountain station Grindelwald First and walk approximately 2.5 hours to Faulhorn. On this walking trail, you will see incredible views. The ascent is long, but the sled run is an adrenaline rush! The trip takes about an hour or if you are feeling adventurous, you can complete it in 30 minutes! You also have the option of taking a break at restaurants on the way and having some mulled wine and fondue.
Ritas Speedway Männlichen
Männlichen has stunning views and is a fast paced sledding run on Rita’s Speedway. You can get to the start of the slope by taking the gondola from Wengen to Männlichen or Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen. The slope starts right at the top of the gondola and has numerous bends. The slope is about a half mile long and takes 15 minutes to go down.
Fox Run
The Fox Run is a challenging sledge run that is 4.5 km long (2.7 miles) and takes about 25 minutes to complete. This slope starts at Wengernalp and ends at Wengen train station. This sledge run goes alongside the Lauberhorn ski slope and it runs over gentle slopes, railway tracks and through the forest.
First – Schreckfeld – Bort
This sledge run from First – Schreckfeld – Bort is awesome and challenging and takes about 20 minutes to go down. To get to this slope, you take the gondola from Grindelwald to First. From First, you walk towards the valley station of the Oberjoch chairlift. Afterwards, the sledge run leads along and then parallel to the ski slope towards Schreckfeld. The sled run is well marked with purple slope poles. It is a mix of steep and less steep slopes. Then, the route continues leisurely towards Egg and then there is a rapid descent to Bort station.
Preparing for the Sledding Adventure
What to Wear Sledding in Grindelwald
Winter in Switzerland can be unforgiving so dressing in layers is essential when you are sledding in Grindelwald. I would start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Merino wool thermal layers are perfect. In addition to moisture wicking, they are insulating, temperature regulating, odor resistant, and breathable. This is a must while you are sledding in Grindelwald.
Pair your merino wool layers with snow pants, a sweater, and a waterproof coat. And don’t forget a good pair of waterproof snow boots, thermal gloves and a snug-fitting hat to protect against the cold. If it is a sunny day, I also recommend bringing sunglasses.
Check out my Winter Vacation Packing Guide
Where to Rent Sleds in Grindelwald
You can rent sleds at the shop, Intersport. There are four locations in Grindelwald that you can go to. We rented one at the Grindelwald Terminal. It costs about CHF10 for one day’s use.
Here is a list of the Intersport locations in Grindelwald.
Tips for Sledding in Grindelwald
Getting to the Starting Point
Depending on the sledge run you choose, you may need to take cable cars or other forms of transportation to reach the starting point. It can be kind of confusing knowing where to go so make sure to confirm the route and transportation options at the tourist information center.
Sledding Techniques
Before you start your descent on the slopes, get comfortable with your sled. Use your feet for steering and braking and lean back in the direction you want to turn. To control your speed, use your heels as brakes to slow down.
Enjoy the Scenery
One of the highlights of sledding in Grindelwald is the stunning mountain scenery. Take breaks to enjoy the views and capture memorable moments!
