Grindelwald, Switzerland
Think Milka chocolate scenes and Grindelwald will tick all your boxes. Snow-covered peaks, trains trundling through villages with slopes dotted with wooden houses, this charming area is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region, home to Europe’s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch.
Summer sees mountain climbers testing their mettle on the north face of the Eiger and walkers following in the Von Trapp family’s footsteps over alpine pastures.
Come winter, the region becomes a snowy wonderland of frozen lakes and snow-covered hills. Surprisingly, walking during these months is still hugely popular with trails leading you across magical landscapes, past glaciers, and if you’re game, there’s the odd toboggan run too. Skiing is divided into three pistes, accessible by train.
grindelwald.swiss
Dinner was in The Churchill Bar & Terrace where my cocktail, The Writer, would have met with the great man’s approval, as would the cigar menu.
With bulldog spirit I took on Cornish whitebait and a creamy Burrata cheese with parmesan and peas. My ribeye steak with herb sauce and fries was nicely cooked, and brown sugar custard with plums was a pleasing finale.
Staff were attentive, friendly and efficient. The atmosphere, understandably on the quiet side, was relaxed. The bill was £65 without drinks.
Breakfast in The Montagu Kitchen next door was poached eggs, though a full English and wide array of cereals and pastries were available.