Last-minute trips can be a nightmare to plan. Fortunately, HomeToGo’s insightful new 2026 Holiday Travel Report already has you covered for your next winter getaway.
While many travelers scope out sun-drenched shorelines to avoid shoveling their driveway, others embrace lung-burning wonderlands as an excuse to dust off the coat in the back of the closet.
There are dozens—if not hundreds—of wondrous small towns and natural, breathtaking wonders dotting Europe, but one of the trendiest by far is Switzerland’s rustic gem, piercing the valley of the staggering Swiss Alps lined with vertical forests and enchanting townscapes.
Sam Sears
The ski haven of Grindelwald is the No. 3 trending “Classic Winter Escape” for 2026, with searches for holiday stays soaring 263% year over year.
Whether that’s to visit the highest Lindt store in the world or because it’s become a hotbed for celebrity sightings, such as Lindsey Vonn and Roger Federer playing a friendly tennis match atop Jungfraujoch’s “Top of Europe,” Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin filming Crash Landing on You, there’s plenty you may already recognize; the Alpine terrain even doubled as the planet Alderaan in Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.
Arguably the best reason to visit Grindelwald over household names is ease of access, largely led by the Jungfrau Railway network, with direct connections to gorgeous hotspots like nearby Interlaken.
It’s not just scenic trains where snagging a window seat is all but obligatory. The entire town is backdropped by cable cars that never seem to stop running up the forest-cloaked mountainsides, bringing visitors to gorgeous hiking trails throughout the Jungfrau Region
Sam Sears
Standouts include Pfingstegg, Schynige Platte and Männlichen, where hikers are rewarded with postcard-worthy 360-degree views of the Mönch, Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Eiger’s famed north face—not to mention stunning cliffside villages in the distance like Mürren and a flawless photo op waiting at the Royal Walk’s crown.
And for those who love to immerse themselves like a local, there’s no shortage of restaurants and pubs to dig into rösti and an endless array of cheeses—though surprisingly little of the hole-filled Swiss cheese Americans tend to know—and various game meats and sausages akin to those of its northern neighbor, Germany.
Plus, beer—lots of beer. And not the watered-down brews you see on tap stateside.
Grindelwald is practically the anti-Zurich, however. With no Starbucks and few name brands, expect cozy chalet-style rooms at top-rated stays like Grindellodge, which boasts a 4.8-star Google rating, local coffee at such places as QRAFTwerk, and plenty of scuffs on your walking shoes with no Uber in sight.
Sam Sears
Right now, Grindelwald remains remarkably green, with fall only beginning to make its mark before winter blankets the valley in snow and transforms those hiking trails into ski runs, sledding routes and winter wonderlands.
Some outdoor activities, such as Trottibikes, are seasonal and close once winter takes over. Many zip lines and the human-eagle experience known as the First Glider remain open.
However, if you’re a Christmas-market hopper, Grindelwald could easily be a new favorite, where the town has traditionally gathered for Advent festivities, including a festive market brimming with local handicrafts and sweet treats, along with seasonal concerts and even a visit from St. Nick himself.
