Camping Gletscherdorf is set deep in the high mountains of Switzerland at an altitude of 1034mt. ( 3410 ft.) on the edge of the village of Grindlewald.
There can not be many campsites where you can wake up to the fabulous sight of the awesome North Face of the Eiger complete with neighbouring glacier, almost within touching distance. This site is nestled at the eastern end of the high valley just a ten minute steep walk below Grindlewald village itself.
A small flat site which probably takes less than a hundred vans and tents. If the reception is closed, due to the long siesta, you just find a favourable pitch, all with electric (some reverse polarity ) and check in later. English is spoken and they are very helpful and knowledgeable about local events and attractions. They also give you the free visitors card enabling discounts and in some places free entry, like the local heated indoor swimming pool, (whilst swimming you can see the mighty Eiger through the wall size end window, breathtaking)
Toilets and showers are of the highest standard, even the chemi-loo building is fully tiled. There is the usual motor-home service area for drainage and filling up.
A short but steep walk from the site through an alpine flower meadow up to the picturesque village of Grindlewald. Although the path is not wheelchair friendly it is possible to reach the village by the road you drove into the site on.
All the usual shops and facility are there, including a fair collection of gift shops. Near the train station there is a well stocked supermarket. The Tourist Office is nearby next to the modern sports and swimming centre. Eating places are in abundance and range from take-aways to restaurants and hotel dining. There is a good outdoor and general store very near where the path emerges in the village.
The foothills of the nearby mountains make for some wonderful days walking, all within reach from the site. The well marked trails are for all grades of endurance and experience. You can use any of the numerous cable-cars from around the Grindlewald area to gain height for more higher levels of mountain walking, (a word of caution though, as you will tire a lot quicker due to the thinner air ).
With all this beauty and splendour readily available quite a few days or weeks can slip by without having to turn your motor-homes wheels.
Unless you and your van are fairly hardy be prepared for some unexpected late snows. Last year (2007)we were there at the beginning of June and a foot of snow had just cleared.
3 Responses to A favourite campsite.