Since I have given some in this forum some tremendously excellent advice about Switzerland to others in this forum , well, now it's time for me to ask a question about the Mountain hostel in Grindlewald.

A freind of mine is thinking of staying there. I know hostels are not fancy or upscale by any means, but the big question or questions are: Is this a clean, safe place for a young lady to stay in? I finally talked her into going to this area for hiking and mountain biking. She wants to do the hostel thing.

Anyone got any information on this particular hostel, I and she also, sure would welcome the input.

I've not been to Switzerland, but this is one of the most highly rated of all European hostels on various other budget/backpacking travel forums, such as GuideforEurope.com, Eurotrip.com, and Eurotrek.net

WillTravel, thank you. I've heard good reports on hostels and I have read some spooky stuff about some hostels. I have read about some hostels throughout Europe where guests have been robbed, guests have had encounters with bedbugs and all kinds of nasty stuff. I just want to make sure she is safe and has clean lodgings!!!

I hope some others will share their own stories also. Nothing like getting personal opinions.

I have stayed in some mountain huts when I was doing some hikes, but never in a hostel.

Anyway, thanks!

I haven't stayed in hostels in Switzerland, but I would think that it would be prefectly safe, provided the usual precaustions are taken. As a whole Switzerland is a safe country.

Many years ago I stayed in YH in France, Italy, Greece, Austria and Switzerland.The Swiss ones were tops for safety, cleanliness, ambience and situation.

I believe you are referring to the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald, not Grindelwald. I haven't stayed there, but my kids (in their twenties) have, and they loved it. I'm sure you will find it very safe and very clean---it's Switzerland, after all.

Ooops----I see there is a Mountain Hostel in Grindelwald too:
http://www.mountainhostel.ch/

My mistake. Unfortunately I don't know anything about this one.

If I'm thinking correctly, this hostel is right at the entrance to the Mannlichen lift parking lot (the huge one you walk to after getting off the train to Grindelwald Grund from Grindelwald). Less than a 5 minute walk from Grund.

Terrific location for the beginnings of many wonderful hikes in the area. Although I haven't seen the rooms, the area is certainly very nice. In fact, we have a chalet rented this summer not far from there. I would have no hesitation to stay in that area were I a single woman.

Hey enzian, if you happen to read this, I'm getting in the mood - today I had some fresh, super sweet strawberries smothered....what else? Nutella!

years ago I stayed in a youth hostel (IYH) in Gringlewald..a gorgeous view form the room..the onlu negative is that they played marching music to wake us in the am..I don't know if it still exists..memos from my back packing youth- the hostels in the large cities(even when I was a kid) were quite impersonal and a bit iffy (I would keep my valuables under my pillow.) In the small towns, they were great. All the guests interacted, stayed up late sharing stories and talking about their home towns, lives ect..

..whoops Gringlewald.

did it again- Grindlewald!!

kopp, strawberries and Nutella?? YUMMMMEEEEE!!!! Nutella is also good on bananas.

Hi Kopp---you are indeed thinking of the right place; the website says it is right at the base of the Mannlichen lift. The website photo has it painted turquoise blue; I don't remember that but maybe they change colors from time to time. It sounds like a big place---the one in Gimmelwald is much smaller.

I'm going to surprise the teen daughters later today with your strawberries and Nutella. . . they'll love it!

Have you started packing yet?

Kopp, Yeah, I have walked past this place in the past, but since I was not looking for this place, it did not catch my attention at that time.

I think you're correct on it's location.

I think most of the Swiss hostels are pretty good. I have read some bad stuff going on at other hostels in Europe. I read one negative article about a hostel in Amsterdam where people said personal items were taken.

Grindelwald-- ugly blue eyesore building in a big parking lot at base of mountains and at cable car entrance for Mannlichen. But looks clean. Convenient location for hikes, cable car, short bus or train ride to pretty town of Grindelwald which has restaurants, shops, and of course lots of tourists.


Gimmelwald--haven't been, but researched. I believe it is set up in the mountains with incredible views and looks very special. It is supposed to be much quieter and more of a purely 'nature experience' (no shops, restaurants, etc).

The hostel in Gimmelwald if I remember correctly and after many night attending Pink Floyd shows , The Roling stones shows and such, gee, why wouldn't I remember?

Seriously, if I remember correctly, the hostel in Gimmelwald is just down from the cable.

I love Gimmelwald. It is such a peaceful place to just hang out and dig the scene. I still like to grab a coffee at Walter's place. There are times when the world famous Walter comes out and busses his own tables. He came over to my table one time. I caught him in a pleasant mood this day. Some people have told me he can get grouchy at times.

Anyway, the hostel in Gimmelwald was mentioned by Rick Steves right?

Steves stayed there in his youth when he was traveling Europe on a budget. Trust me, Steves does not stay there now. LOL