Hotel Hirschen

Features

Terrace/Balcony
Half board

A charming family-run hotel, the Hirschen is a popular choice and is situated in the village centre, just 5 minutes’ walk from the ‘First’ gondola. The hotel offers excellent cuisine and comfortable accommodation.

Bedrooms: 31. Twin and single rooms have been recently renovated, and have bath or shower, hairdryer, TV, safe, radio and telephone. Bedrooms can be in either the main building, or the adjoining Chalet Hirschen.

Meals: Good buffet breakfast and 4 course dinner.

Facilities: Attractive dining room and à la carte restaurant; lounge area; bowling alley in basement; wireless internet access available on ground and 1st floors; lift.

Special Attractions: • Special Christmas and New Year Gala dinners included. •FREE entrance to resort pool and ice rink. • FREE tea and cake daily 4-5pm.

Official Rating: 3 stars

Grindelwald Resort Info

Accessible from Berne (75km) and Zurich (2/3 hours), Grindelwald is the oldest yet least- known of the 3 Jungfrau resorts (which combine to offer 188km of piste). Most will have heard of Wengen and Murren. All 3 sit around the magnificent Eiger, with Grindelwald at the base. This does lead to a lack of sun in the winter. A mountaineering Mecca, the setting and scenery are fantastic and the resort is picturesque in the extreme, although Murren possesses the best views. Grindelwald has its own domain, linked with Wengen, while a slight trek can get you to Murren. In particular, the cog railway and the gondola to most of the skiing can get clogged, especially at weekends. The lift system is rather antiquated, but should be receiving attention soon.

Grindelwald has Europe's longest sledge run - it is 15 km long!

The skiing favours intermediates, while advanced skiers may miss out if they aren't prepared to travel. The resort is hugely popular with families. The ski school also has a reasonable reputation, with many English-speaking instructors. Grindelwald's biggest problem is a lack of guaranteed snow, with most of the skiing between 1000m and 2000m.

There is plenty to do off the snow, with the train helping you to get around. Après-ski is pretty laid-back, while hotel restaurants are the focus for good grub. There are a few reasonable bars and 2 clubs, so it's slightly livelier than the other Jungfrau resorts. Access is provided by train from Interlaken.

Overall, a beautiful family ski resort, with a great selection of skiing and non-skiing options available. Grindelwald, funnily enough, only really comes into its own when there is ample snow.

The World Snow Festival takes place in Grindelwald each year. Thousands of sculpturers present their creations on this event. It is worth watching them how they make their creations.