Glacier Canyon Trail

Nestled in the heart of Grindelwald, Switzerland right below glacier-capped slopes of the Eiger sits Glacier Canyon and the scenic Glacier Canyon Trail. Visitors will find waterfalls, canyon swing jumpers, tunnels, and stunning canyon walls that were once carved out by ancient, receding glaciers.

Exploring Grindelwald's Glacier Canyon

Located on the southeast side of Grindelwald sits Glacier Canyon (Gletscherschlucht Grindelwald) where visitors will find a pay-to-enter gorge with a suspended metal path that passes through tunnels, as it makes its way up the gorge's valley.

Today, the steep and deep walls of Glacier Canyon stand as a testament to the eons-long work of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier, with its melting waters still rushing through the gorge. As you make your way up the canyon, you'll be suspended approximately 8m above the stream, so consider using a tether for your phone just in case.

Just 100 meters into the trail, you'll pass through a tunnel. After rounding the bend, the gorge opens up to reveal the Lütschine Stream, a scenic stone bridge crossing it, and a backdrop of quaint Swiss hillsides dotted with homes. As you come around the canyon's bend, you may find adrenaline-seekers swinging into the canyon from high above. As they fly by, these canyon jumpers can gain speeds of about 140km/hour.

The Glacier Canyon Trail continues to dip in and out of tunnels, interchanging short, dimly-lit tunnels for more exposed suspended metal bridge paths. Watch your head on some of the tunnels.

Canyon Swing Viewpoint - 200m

After the trail rounds the bend, it passes through another tunnel before it opens up to a viewpoint where visitors can watch the canyon swing jumpers fly through the canyon from high above.

Spiderweb Net - 300m

One of the most popular attractions in the canyon, located about 300m from the trailhead is the spiderweb net that allows visitors to walk above the canyon's rushing water within an enclosed high tension net system. This is a great spot for social media moments, so plan your IG shots here if that's your thing.

Glacier Canyon Waterfall - 600m

For waterfall lovers, approximately 600m from the trailhead sits the waterfall, Glacier Canyon Falls. This waterfall stretches high up the canyon's walls where its fed by high elevation snow melt and recent rainfall.

Canyon Views, Tunnels, & Trail's End - 870m

After passing Glacier Canyon Falls, the trail continues to wind along the canyon's walls and passes through more tunnels. Along the way is a natural spring labeled "Eigerwasser" where you can take a sip of some of the Eiger's glacier melt (drink at your own risk). Along the way are more views into the canyon and information kiosks with history about the gorge, Upper and Lower Grindelwald glaciers, and more. The trail abruptly ends where visitors will find a nice view into the canyon.

Walk to the Trailhead - 870m to 1.75 km

Once you reach the end of the trail, the only option from here is to hike out. Watch your head in the tunnels, enjoy your last views of Glacier Canyon Falls, and stick around to watch a canyon swing jumper fly by if you have the time. You'll reach the trailhead and the end of the walk around 1.75km.

Fees

The Glacier Canyon Trail is not free to enter and as of September 2025, the entrance fee for adults is 21 CHF. Glacier Canyon is privately run and operated by Outdoor Switzerland AG and it takes an extensive amount of money each year to prepare the canyon for visitors. Your entrance fee fuels operations and trail repairs. Visitors can order their tickets online or pay directly at the trailhead.

Parking

If arriving by car, there's a large parking lot located near the entrance building located near this address: Gletscherschlucht, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland. The lot is relatively large.

Warning

Falling rocks / tunnels: Despite the extensive safety measures, falling rock can happen at any time so be mindful in areas where there are no overhead protections. Be mindful and keep moving in areas where they may be rockfall for your own safety.

Know Before You Go

The trail is a natural wonder carved out by the Lower Grindelwald Glacier over eons, creating steep, deep walls and waterfalls. The experience is enhanced by modern attractions like the famous Spiderweb Net (a walkable, high-tension net suspended over the rushing water) and views of the extreme Canyon Swing jumpers.
The 870m trail utilizes a suspended metal path and tunnels, keeping visitors close to the powerful Lütschine Stream. Key points of interest are marked along the way, including the Canyon Swing Viewpoint at 200m, the Spiderweb Net at 300m, and the scenic Glacier Canyon Falls at 600m.
The pay-to-enter attraction has an entrance fee of 21 CHF for adults (as of September 2025). Visitors should note the need for warm clothing, the presence of free parking, and the option to visit during the Friday Night Experience when the canyon is lit up and open later (until 10:00 PM).