In Grindelwald, at the foot of legendary summits , stands a hotel that has elegantly stood the test of time: the Hôtel Glacier. Born in the shadow of the glacier from which it takes its name, this mythical place has welcomed explorers, elegant travelers of the Belle Époque and lovers of the Alps. Today, after a bold rebirth, it combines memory and modernity, offering visitors a unique experience where every detail tells a story.
The origins of a mythical place
At the end of a street with an evocative name, the Endweg, literally "the street to the end", stands a place steeped in history and emotion: the Hotel Glacier. It owes its name to the majestic Grindelwald glacier, which once ended its slow, icy descent just a few steps from the establishment, welcoming travellers in horse-drawn carriages to admire this natural phenomenon.
Officially founded in 1864, the Hôtel Glacier tells an even older story, that of a modest sheepfold transformed into a refuge for the first explorers of the glacier. But it was not until 1890, with the arrival of the Bally brothers, that the hotel entered its golden age. As construction of the legendary Jungfrau Railway neared completion, Grindelwald became a must for elegant European travelers.
The golden age and upheavals of the XXᵉ century
At the turn of the century, the Hôtel Glacier was transformed into a luxurious English-style grand hotel, offering guests modern amenities for the time: central heating, electricity, private bathrooms and even an outdoor ice rink in winter. Not far away, in 1908, Switzerland inaugurated its first public ski lift, the Wetterhorn cable car, further enhancing the attraction of the area.
But the First World War brought an abrupt halt to this beautiful era. The glacier, too, slowly retreats, leaving behind a palpable nostalgia. The hotel then crosses the XXᵉ century living several lives, changing owners, experiencing ups and downs, and gradually seeing its past splendor fade.
Contemporary Renaissance
It was in 2016 that this story took a decisive turn. The hotel was taken over by new owners, determined to restore its former grandeur while infusing it with a contemporary soul. After a complete and daring renovation, the hotel reopened its doors in 2018, inviting visitors to rediscover a place steeped in history in a whole new light.
The hotel's design is subtly inspired by the icy aesthetics of the original glacier, playing on the geometric shapes of low-poly, the deep colors of black and glacier blue, softened by delicate touches of gold. The atmosphere is now warm and elegant, far from cold, inviting relaxation and intimacy.
A sincere commitment
Committed to sustainable development, the hotel boasts the largest private solar panel surface in the region, ensuring total energy autonomy in summer. A feat rewarded by the most demanding ecological labels, such as Platinum from Ibex Fairstay and level 3 from the Swisstainable program.
But beyond the distinctions and awards, it's the soul of this place that makes a deep impression on its visitors. The moving anecdote of one guest, returning after decades and shedding a tear at the sight of the place transformed but true to his childhood memory, perfectly illustrates the magic of the Hôtel Glacier: that of a place where every stone tells a story, every detail breathes the attention paid to visitors.
New projects are already underway at Grindelwald : following on from Grindelhomes, Grindellodge and Cork Club, the owners are preparing for the forthcoming opening of Grindelhuus, proving that the history of this emblematic place continues to be written, always with passion and elegance.
