Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof of Grindelwald

The only five-star hotel in Grindelwald, this traditional Swiss-style lodge feels like a natural extension of the charming mountain village, complete with homey alpine cuisine and stunning views.

• The location, just a few minutes from the train station
• The views, obviously
• The breakfast buffet—an unparalleled spread of local fruit, meats, cheese, breads, pastries, Swiss muesli (oats) and more.

Strolling up the flower-lined drive, the sun shining over dramatic snow-capped mountains at your back and a charming patio and oversized Swiss chalet awaiting in front of you—this is what it is to arrive at the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhoff in the mountain town of Grindelwald. Whether you’re arriving in the growing season of purple and yellow blooms, the fall when the front trees are dyed gold and red or the winter with a fresh layer of snow blanketing the roof and lawn, the rose-red shutters and rich chocolate wood of the hotel make for a uniquely welcoming sight.

It sounds romantic—and it is—but the accommodating staff, sprawling lounge and diverse seating options at the restaurant ensure that groups, friends and families will feel just as at home, without interrupting the couples. The interior is classic, old-fashioned Swiss, but rather than feeling overdone or Disney-ish, it is well suited to the setting: polished wood, patterned carpeting, leather and embroidered seating and of course, traditional mountains scenes depicted in paintings—herding cows with cowbells, skiers and ice skaters, a man playing the alphorn and so on.

Upon entering the lobby, a spacious lounge sits to the left with nightly live music while the dining options are to the right. The 86 guest rooms are simple but comfortable with raw wood and carpeting, somewhat dated furniture and a generous amount of closet space. For the most comfortable room experience, we recommend the Superior Rooms or the Junior Suites, which come with a terrace or balcony and views of the Eiger, one of Europe’s most striking mountains. That being said, most guests are not visiting Grindelwald to spend time in the room, and the first-floor lounge is tastefully done and has ample comfortable seating and nooks to relax in. The hotel also has an indoor pool and sauna, a private spa perfect for couples and a treatment menu, which makes use of the natural regional products like St. John’s Wort and Marmot oil.

There are four dining options on property, all centered in the same space to the right of the entry. The primary is Restaurant Alpterassen, where the breakfast buffets is spread out in the morning a highlight of a stay here). The sprawling space is tiered, allowing guests to enjoy a more private experience despite the size, and there is a spacious patio for nice weather. This is the most casual dining experience, with a daily menu and an impressive salad buffet. For those looking to diversify their on-property dining experience, three small but atmospheric rooms diverge off the main restaurant, each serving its own menu. The first is the fine-dining Restaurant Schmitte which serves a three-plus course tasting menu amidst light pink and green decor. The cozy and intimate Gaststübli,  with painted plates on the walls and matte windows painted with mountain scenes, specializes in the regional specialties of the Bernese Oberland. And lastly, Fondue-Stübli allows guests to enjoy fondue or raclette on wooden chairs with white fur throws beside floor to ceiling windows with twinkle-lit trees just beyond the glass.

The convenience of the property cannot be overstated—travelers exit the train platform, walk beside the track and arrive at the hotel, and the staff is happy to meet you at the platform to carry your bags. The main village lies at the other end of the train platform and all restaurants, shops and the main hiking center, Grindelwald First, ranges from a five to fifteen-minute walk from the property.

Anyone seeking a traditional Swiss-style lodge in a great location surrounded by outdoor adventure