Canyon Swing Freefall in Grindelwald

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Canyon Swing Freefall in Grindelwald
Canyon Swing Freefall in Grindelwald
Canyon Swing Freefall in Grindelwald
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Overview

The Canyon Swing is one of the most thrilling adventures in the Swiss Alps. From a platform high above the Glacier Canyon in Grindelwald you step off into a free fall of about fifty metres, then the rope catches you and swings you in a wide arc through the gorge, with the roar of the glacier river below and the peaks of the Eiger region above. Professional English-speaking instructors fit your harness, give a full safety briefing and guide you to the platform. The activity lasts about two hours, including preparation, and ends with a soft drink. It suits adventurous travellers aged 14 and over who want an unforgettable rush during a stay in Grindelwald or Interlaken.

Highlights

  • Free fall of about fifty metres into the Glacier Canyon of Grindelwald
  • Huge pendulum swing between the rock walls at high speed
  • Platform about ninety metres above the glacier river
  • Views of the Alps around the Eiger from the top of the gorge
  • Full safety briefing, harness and equipment by professional instructors
  • Soft drink after the jump to celebrate
  • Two morning start times to fit your mountain plans
  • Easy to combine with a visit to Grindelwald First or the Jungfrau region

Full Description

Grindelwald Glacier Canyon: a Gorge Carved by Ice

The Glacier Canyon, called Gletscherschlucht in German, lies just below the village of Grindelwald, where the Lower Grindelwald Glacier once pushed down the valley. Over thousands of years the ice and its meltwater cut a narrow gorge into the limestone, with walls up to about ninety metres high, and the glacier river still rushes through it today with a roar you hear long before you see it.

Visitors normally explore the canyon on walkways and tunnels fixed to the rock face. For the Canyon Swing you go higher, to a platform built across the top of the gorge, from which you look straight down to the turquoise water. It is one of the most dramatic natural settings for an adventure activity anywhere in Switzerland.

The Canyon Swing: Free Fall and Pendulum

After meeting the instructors at the Glacier Canyon entrance, you put on your harness and receive a full safety briefing in English. The team checks every piece of equipment, explains how to step off and what you will feel, then leads you to the jump platform high above the river.

When you are ready you step off, sitting or facing forwards, and drop in free fall for about fifty metres before the rope takes your weight and launches you into a wide swing through the gorge, at speeds that can reach about 120 km/h. The swing slows gradually, and the team lowers you safely to the recovery point. A soft drink waits for you afterwards to celebrate. The whole experience lasts about two hours, though the jump itself is over in seconds.

Grindelwald: Village beneath the Eiger

Grindelwald is a lively mountain village at about 1,000 metres, spread across green slopes beneath the north face of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn. It is a base for Grindelwald First, with its cliff walk and mountain cart, and for the Eiger Express gondola, the fastest way up towards Jungfraujoch.

Many visitors ask how to get to Grindelwald from Interlaken: regional trains from Interlaken Ost take about thirty-five minutes. From the village centre, the Glacier Canyon is reached by local bus or by a downhill walk of about half an hour. Restaurants in Grindelwald serve hearty Swiss dishes, but halal choices are limited in the village, so many travellers bring food or eat in Interlaken.

Safety, Weather and Who Can Jump

The Canyon Swing is run by professional instructors with strict safety procedures. Participants must be at least 14 years old and weigh no more than 120 kg. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users or anyone who is afraid of heights.

Like every mountain activity, the swing depends on the weather: in storms or very strong rain the team may change the time or cancel, and our team will help you rebook. The best time for the Canyon Swing is from late spring to autumn, when the gorge is fully open and the valley is green. Wear closed shoes and warm, weather-appropriate clothing, since the gorge stays cool even in summer.

Itinerary

  1. Meeting at the Glacier Canyon entranceCheck in with the instructors at your chosen time, 10:30 or 12:00, and store your belongings.
  2. Harness and safety briefingPut on your harness and safety gear and listen to a full briefing in English, about 30 minutes.
  3. Walk to the platformFollow the team to the jump platform above the gorge, enjoying the views of the canyon and the mountains.
  4. The Canyon SwingStep off into the free fall and swing through the gorge, then return to the recovery point with the team.
  5. CelebrationEnjoy a soft drink after the jump and share the moment with your friends, finishing about two hours after check-in.

What's included

  • Canyon Swing jump
  • Full safety briefing
  • Harness and safety equipment
  • Professional English-speaking instructors
  • One soft drink after the jump

Not included

  • Transport to Grindelwald
  • Food and other drinks
  • Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

  • Nature and wildlife lovers
  • A short visit — about 2 hours
  • Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

  • You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
  • You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
  • Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts

Not suitable for

  • Children under 14 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • People afraid of heights
  • People over 120 kg

Meeting point

Meet the instructors at the Glacier Canyon entrance, Gletscherschlucht 1, 3818 Grindelwald, about 15 minutes before your chosen time (10:30 or 12:00). The canyon is just below the village of Grindelwald and can be reached by local bus or on foot in about half an hour from the centre. Transport to Grindelwald is not included; trains from Interlaken Ost take about thirty-five minutes.

Important information

  • Minimum age 14 and maximum weight 120 kg; your weight may be checked on site.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, warm clothing.
  • Leave luggage and large bags at your hotel; pets are not allowed.
  • Bring some food and drinks: only one soft drink is included, and halal food is limited in Grindelwald.
  • The activity depends on the weather and may be moved or cancelled for safety.
  • Bring a card or some cash for optional extras on site.
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your start time so the briefing can begin on schedule.
  • Tips for the instructors are not included.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

Is this a shared or a private activity?

It is a shared activity: you join other participants for the briefing and take turns on the platform. Each jump is individual, with the instructors' full attention while you are on the platform.

Is the ticket dated and timed?

Yes. You choose a date and a start time, 10:30 or 12:00, when you book.

How many people can jump together?

Participants jump one at a time. Groups of friends usually book together and cheer each other on from the platform.

Is the price per person?

Yes, the price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You meet the team at the Glacier Canyon entrance in Grindelwald. Our team can arrange a private transfer from Interlaken or Grindelwald on request.

What is included?

The Canyon Swing jump, a full safety briefing, harness and safety equipment, professional English-speaking instructors and one soft drink after the jump. Transport, food and other drinks are not included.

How long does it take?

About two hours from check-in to the end, including the briefing and the walk to the platform. The jump itself lasts only seconds.

Is it suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?

No. The minimum age is 14, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back, heart or mobility problems.

What should I bring?

Closed-toe shoes, warm and weather-appropriate clothes, some cash or a card, and a snack. Leave large bags at your hotel.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The team decides on the day for safety. If the activity cannot run, our team helps you choose another time or date.

What is the best time of year?

Late spring to autumn, when the canyon is open and the valley is green. Morning slots are often calmer before afternoon showers in summer.

How do I book and confirm?

Choose your date and time in the booking panel and send the request. Our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes with the meeting details.

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