FAQ – Hotel Kirchbühl
Questions and answers about your holiday in Grindelwald
Before a holiday, many questions often arise – here you will find the most important answers at a glance. This allows you to plan your stay at Hotel Kirchbühl with ease and look forward to relaxing days in Grindelwald even before you arrive. If you still have any questions, we are always happy to assist you personally.
Where is the Hotel Kirchbühl located?
Our Hotel Kirchbühl is situated at an altitude of 1,100 metres in a unique, tranquil location above the church of Grindelwald – offering panoramic views of the majestic mountains and glaciers of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfrau-Aletsch.
How far is the hotel from the centre of Grindelwald?
The centre of Grindelwald is approximately 600 metres from the hotel (about a 10–15 minute walk).
How far are the train station, airport, and the nearest bus stop from the hotel?
Grindelwald railway station is located approximately 1 km from the hotel and can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot. Bern Airport is around 68 km away. Other airports include Zurich (approx. 152 km), Basel (approx. 175 km), and Geneva (approx. 207 km). The Alpenblick bus stop for main line 121 is about a 5-minute walk away and is served year-round by the Grindelwald local bus.
What are the contact details and address of the hotel?
Hotel Kirchbühl
Kirchbühlstrasse 23
CH-3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
From what time is check-in possible?
Check-in is available from 3:00 pm.
What happens if I arrive in the evening?
If you are arriving after 6:00 pm, we kindly ask you to contact us.
What time is check-out?
Check-out is possible until 11:00 am.
What is the best way to reach the Hotel Kirchbühl?
You can reach the hotel by car, bus, train, or plane.
Are there parking facilities at the hotel?
Yes, there are plenty of free outdoor parking spaces available at the hotel. Additionally, underground parking spaces can be rented—CHF 10.00 per day in summer and CHF 12.00 per day in winter.
Are there electric charging stations at the hotel?
Yes, a complimentary charging station is available for electric cars (Type 2 cable provided).
Are motorways in Switzerland subject to tolls?
Yes, motorways in Switzerland require a toll sticker (vignette). The fee is CHF 40.00 per year. Vignettes can be purchased at the national border, petrol stations, and post offices.
Do I need special winter equipment when arriving by car?
Yes, winter equipment, winter tyres and snow chains are required from October to April. At times, the use of snow chains is mandatory.
Is there parking available for a coach?
Yes, it is possible to reserve a parking space for a coach. Please let us know in advance.
Is there a transfer service from the airports to the hotel?
Yes, we can arrange airport transfers for you at an additional cost. Please feel free to contact us.
Is there a transfer from the railway station to the hotel?
Yes, we are pleased to offer you a complimentary transfer to and from Grindelwald railway station in the village centre exclusively on your arrival and departure days.
What types of rooms are available at the Hotel Kirchbühl?
The Hotel Kirchbühl offers a range of rooms and suites: single rooms, Economy double rooms, Eiger Superieur, Eiger Deluxe Junior Suite, Eiger Deluxe Plus Junior Suite and Eiger Panorama Suite in the Chalet Kirchbühl.
How large are the rooms & suites?
The rooms are 17 m² (single rooms), 21–33 m² (double rooms and junior suites), and 60 m² (Eiger Panorama Suite in Chalet Kirchbühl).
What facilities do the rooms have?
All rooms and suites feature a bathroom with shower/WC, balcony with mountain view, TV, radio, Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, and telephone. Some also include a Nespresso machine and a kettle with tea and coffee. The Eiger Panorama Suite in Chalet Kirchbühl is equipped with a bathroom with WC, shower and bathtub, cloakroom, dining room, separate small kitchen, spacious living room with fireplace, two TVs, radio, Wi-Fi, Nespresso machine, as well as a kettle with tea and coffee.
Do the rooms & suites at the hotel have a balcony or terrace?
Yes, all rooms and suites feature a balcony with mountain views.
Does the hotel also have its own chalets with apartments?
Yes, Hotel Kirchbühl also offers chalets located a short distance from the hotel, featuring apartments for up to 6 people.
Are there rooms with connecting doors?
Yes, some of the Eiger Superieur rooms can be booked as family rooms with a connecting door.
Are the rooms & suites air-conditioned?
No, the rooms and suites at Hotel Kirchbühl are not air-conditioned due to our alpine location.
Is there Wi-Fi in the rooms and throughout the hotel?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire hotel.
Are there accessible rooms?
No, Hotel Kirchbühl does not offer accessible rooms. Please contact us so we can work together to find a suitable solution for your needs.
Is there a way to make coffee or tea in the room?
Yes, all rooms and suites (except for single rooms and Economy double rooms) are equipped with a kettle for tea and coffee, and some also feature a Nespresso machine.
Which meals are included in the price?
At Hotel Kirchbühl, you can book offers with either breakfast or half board.
What are the breakfast hours?
The breakfast buffet is open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 10:00 am, and on Sundays until 11:00 am.
Can I have breakfast on the day of arrival?
Yes, if you arrive early, you are welcome to add the breakfast buffet to your booking for an additional charge of CHF 25.00. Please contact us in advance.
What does half board include?
Half board at Hotel Kirchbühl includes a generous breakfast buffet, a varied 3- or 5-course evening menu, Grindelwald alpine spring water, an afternoon cake buffet, a traditional Kirchbühl buffet or gala dinner on Fridays, and the minibar in your room is also included.
Is there a restaurant in the hotel?
Yes, our hotel features three different restaurants: La Marmite Gourmet with exquisite French cuisine, the Panorama Restaurant with garden terrace for our half board guests, and the traditional Hilty Stübli.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, our kitchen team is happy to prepare vegetarian or vegan dishes upon request. Please contact us in advance.
Are there special menus for guests with allergies?
Yes, our kitchen team is happy to accommodate allergies and intolerances. Please contact us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
Can non-residents dine at the restaurant?
Yes, we are happy to accept table reservations for non-residents in the La Marmite Gourmet Restaurant or in our traditional Hilty Stübli.
Is there a bar in the hotel?
Yes, our hotel has a bar, a garden terrace, and a cosy lounge with fireplace.
Does the hotel offer packed lunches for hikes or excursions?
Yes, we are happy to prepare a packed lunch for hikes or excursions upon request and for an additional fee.
Is there a wellness area?
Yes, Hotel Kirchbühl offers a wellness area with a sauna complex. The sauna area is an exclusive nude zone.
What facilities does the spa area offer?
In the wellness area, you can enjoy a Finnish sauna made of split wood (90 °C), a sanarium made of reclaimed wood (65 °C), a steam bath with 100% humidity (50 °C), a stylish relaxation room, and a refreshment fountain with fresh spring water from the Klecki spring at the Wetterhorn.
What are the sauna opening hours?
The saunas are open daily from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm upon request.
From what age is access to the sauna permitted?
Access to the sauna is permitted for guests aged 16 and over.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no pool at Hotel Kirchbühl.
Is there a relaxation area?
Yes, there is a stylish relaxation room with loungers.
Are massage and beauty treatments available?
No, Hotel Kirchbühl does not offer massage or beauty treatments.
Are bathrobes, slippers and sauna towels provided in the room?
Yes, bathrobes are provided in the rooms and suites. Sauna towels are available in the sauna, and slippers can be purchased for CHF 7.00.
Is there a private spa area?
Yes, outside of regular opening hours, our wellness area can be booked as a private spa. Please enquire at reception for further information.
Is day spa access available for non-residents?
No, the wellness area at Hotel Kirchbühl is exclusively available to our hotel guests and guests of the chalet apartments.
Is the hotel suitable for families with children?
Yes, at Hotel Kirchbühl we create a family-friendly atmosphere with many amenities to make your family holiday special: an ideal location surrounded by nature, spacious rooms and chalet apartments, proximity to the Bodmi Arena with ski lift and kids’ club, as well as our own playroom and playground.
Is there a baby cot available at the hotel?
Yes, we are happy to provide baby cots free of charge.
Is bed guard rental available?
Yes, we are happy to provide a bed guard for you.
Are there high chairs for children in the restaurants?
Yes, all our restaurants are equipped with high chairs for children.
Is there a baby monitor service at the hotel?
No, Hotel Kirchbühl does not offer a baby monitor service.
From what age do children pay?
At Hotel Kirchbühl, children up to 4 years old stay free of charge; different conditions apply depending on the booking for older children.
What leisure facilities are available for children at the hotel?
The hotel offers a playroom and a playground for children.
What leisure activities are available for children in Grindelwald?
Are there family packages at Hotel Kirchbühl?
Yes, you are welcome to send us a non-binding enquiry and we will create a personalised offer for you.
Are there child-friendly dishes in the restaurants?
Yes, we offer children’s menus in both the Panorama Restaurant and the Hilty Stübli.
Is childcare available at Hotel Kirchbühl?
No, Hotel Kirchbühl does not offer childcare. The hotel has a playroom and playground, and in winter there is a kids’ club with supervision at the nearby Bodmi Arena.
Can prams be hired?
No, prams cannot be hired at Hotel Kirchbühl.
Is a free guest card available on site?
Yes, for the duration of your stay you will receive a complimentary guest card, which includes free use of local buses and discounts on mountain railways and activities in Grindelwald. We are also happy to assist you with organising mountain railway and ski tickets.
Does the hotel offer an activity programme?
Yes, depending on the weather, we arrange an attractive activity programme for you: Schilthorn ski safari (for advanced skiers), in-house ski instructor & bike guide, mountain hut evening with cheese fondue, mountain guide & biker get-together, guided hikes in summer, guided bike tours with a bike guide, and Eigerness weekly activities.
Is there a bike storage room?
Yes, there is a lockable bike room with storage racks. We also offer for our cycling guests: bike stands with washing area, BOSCH e-bike charging stations, a service corner with tools, assembly stand, lubricants, pump, laundry service, information and maps.
Are there facilities for charging e-bikes?
Yes, we have BOSCH e-bike charging stations.
What summer activities are available near the hotel?
The beautiful surroundings of Grindelwald are ideal in summer for hiking, biking, trail running, paragliding, golf, tennis, the summer toboggan run, or a scenic helicopter flight.
Is there a bike rental at the hotel?
No, there is no bike rental directly at Hotel Kirchbühl, but our reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable sports shop.
How far is the nearest mountain railway?
The Firstbahn and Pfingsteggbahn cable cars are both about 800 metres from the hotel.
What attractions are there near the hotel?
Cultural highlights in the area include the Grindelwald Museum, classical concerts (Grindelwald Church, Interlaken Classics, Meiringen Music Festival Week), the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfrau Aletsch, castles, palaces and churches on Lake Thun, museums (Bernese Oberland and the city of Bern), the old towns of Unterseen, Thun and Bern, the Country Night Grindelwald, the "Just smile" comedy nights in Grindelwald, the Greenfield Festival and Country & Trucker Festival in Interlaken, the Unspunnen Festival in Interlaken, and the Grand Tour of Switzerland.
What winter activities are available near the hotel?
In winter, Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland offers ideal conditions for all winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, winter hiking, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing.
How far is the nearest ski area?
The Firstbahn to the Grindelwald-First ski area is about 800 metres from the hotel. With good snow conditions, experienced skiers can ski directly to the Firstbahn on prepared routes from late December to early March and return in the evening from this ski area via the valley run to near the hotel (300 metres).
Is there a ski storage room with boot dryer?
Yes, there is a lockable ski and snowboard room with boot dryer.
Is there a ski bus directly at the hotel?
Yes, in winter Hotel Kirchbühl is directly connected to the Grindelwald ski bus network via line 124 (Stutz - railway station - Bodmi).
What services are included in the price?
Depending on your booking, the price includes a generous breakfast buffet or half board with a 3- or 5-course evening menu, minibar in the room, Wi-Fi, afternoon cake buffet, Grindelwald alpine spring water, use of the sauna area, parking, ski and local bus, as well as hotel shuttle from the station and our own activities programme. Our guests also receive discounted entry to the Grindelwald Sports Centre (indoor pool, ice rink).
What are the hotel's cancellation conditions?
The following cancellation conditions apply at Hotel Kirchbühl:
- Up to 8 days before arrival: No cancellation fees
- 7 to 0 days before arrival, early departure or no-show: 100% of the total price for a maximum of 3 days
What is the local tourist tax?
The local tourist tax is CHF 5.20 per person per night and is charged on site for guests aged 12 and over.
Which payment methods are accepted?
Payments in cash in Swiss francs or by credit card (Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express) are accepted.
Does the hotel offer travel cancellation insurance?
No, the hotel does not offer travel cancellation insurance. However, we strongly recommend that you take out insurance.
Is a deposit required?
No, a deposit is not required for room bookings at Hotel Kirchbühl.
What are the reception opening hours?
The reception is open daily from 07:30 am to 11:00 pm. During the hotel's closing period, the reception is available Monday to Friday from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.
Are dogs or pets allowed in the hotel?
Yes, dogs are very welcome – for small dogs (up to 10 kg) we charge CHF 10.00 per night (without food), and for large dogs (from 10 kg) and long-haired dogs CHF 20.00 per night. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the restaurants or the wellness area.
Can arrangements, cakes or flowers be organised for special occasions?
Yes, we are happy to help you organise special arrangements and surprises. Please contact us in advance.
What type of mattresses are in the rooms?
The rooms and suites are equipped with high-quality mattresses. Single rooms have mattresses measuring 100/120x200cm, while double rooms and suites have mattresses measuring 90x200cm.
Are hypoallergenic pillows or non-down bedding available?
Yes, we are happy to provide hypoallergenic pillows and non-down bedding. Please contact us in advance.
Is there a laundry and ironing service at the hotel?
Yes, we offer a laundry and ironing service directly at the hotel. For further information and prices, our reception team will be happy to assist you at any time.