Grindelwald, Bern
Through the Grindelwald project, volunteers gain firsthand experience of how important protective forests are for the safety of people and infrastructure. They actively contribute to the maintenance of species-rich forests and alpine meadows, promote biodiversity, and thus help preserve the unique cultural landscape of the Bernese Oberland for future generations.
Forest and cultural landscape
Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland is nestled between imposing mountain ranges such as the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and the Fiescherhörner, as well as the world-famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau group. This stunning landscape attracts visitors from all over the world. The valley basin is characterized by steep valley slopes and is accessible by road and rail. Here, the protective forest plays a crucial role: it holds back rocks and water, prevents avalanches, and thus ensures year-round access and safety in the region. Higher-elevation, flatter areas are characterized by species-rich alpine meadows that have been part of the cultural landscape for centuries.
Idea and goals
The goal of the Grindelwald project is to strengthen the stability and resilience of the forests and to promote species diversity. In addition, access to the forests will be improved through the construction of walking trails to enable sustainable use and maintenance. Special attention is given to areas with high biodiversity, which are to be protected from overgrowth. Removing old barbed-wire fences is also a priority to ensure safety for wildlife and people.
Project partnerships: The Mountain Forest Project supports the local forestry operation and the municipality of Grindelwald in the sustainable management of protective forests and alpine meadows.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. Work on the Grindelwald project includes, among other things, maintenance work in the protective forest, thinning, building wildlife fences, constructing trails, and maintaining open alpine meadows and biotopes worthy of protection. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
We kick off on Sunday with an introduction to the Mountain Forest Project and the week’s schedule. Days start early: breakfast is at 6:30 a.m., followed by work. A highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks at the accommodation, such as tidying up or doing the dishes.
Check out more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Chalet Teufi Clubhouse at 1,198 m above sea level
Dormitory
Shower/toilet
Running hot water
Electricity throughout the building
Camping available
Breakfast and dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Whole-food
- regional
- seasonal
- organic
- Low meat content (vegetarian alternative available)
- Sturdy, high-top hiking boots (above the ankle) with a treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothing (we’ll be in the mountains)
- Slippers
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Daypack, pocket knife, water bottle (thermos recommended)
- Hand towel/shower towel
- Personal items
- Sleeping bag
- Luggage: Travel with a suitcase or bag is possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Late arrival or early departure is not permitted.
- Participants must follow the instructions of the project staff.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photos will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project leadership if you do not consent to this.
For environmental reasons, please use public transportation or carpool to get here—parking is not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 4:19 p.m., PostBus stop “Grindelwald, Gaggi Säge” (May 10–16, 2026)
Sunday, 4:21 p.m., PostBus stop “Grindelwald, Oberäll” (May 17–23, 2026, and May 24–30, 2026)
The accommodation is located in the immediate vicinity of the meeting point.
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. from the meeting point.
Registration is binding. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration immediately by calling +41 (0)81 650 40 40 or emailing info@bergwaldprojekt.ch. We will be available on
the day of arrival in case of emergencies. The relevant phone number will be posted in the project information section of your profile shortly before the project begins.