Grindelwald, situated in the Swiss Alps, has developed from an Alpine farming village to an international tourist destination.
Many people are familiar with Grindelwald or its scenic landmarks – the prominent Alpine landscape that features the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. But few are aware of the beauty, diversity, and rarity of nature in the Grindelwald Valley.
The information provided here is based on findings produced by a research project that was part of the UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" (MaB) Programme.
Seeing Beauty
There is more to see in Grindelwald than the world-famous panorama of the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau. Beauty can be perceived even in a single stone, an animal, or a flower.
Grindelwald's natural landscape has developed slowly for millions of years, shaped by nature as well as by humankind. A brief look at the past will shed light on the diversity of this landscape.
Vegetation and wildlife habitats extend from intensively used valley pastures to high rocky slopes. An understanding of this rich natural diversity makes it possible to recognise its rarity.
Centre for
Development and Environment, Institute of Geography, University of Berne
last modified: January 23. 2000, wymann@giub.unibe.ch