History

The earliest known document featuring the village name of Grindelwald bears this date (roman = MCXLVI). "A plot of land in Grindelwald, from Schonegg up to Alpiglen and to the lower glacier".

1252

Ita from Wädiswil, baroness of Unspunnen, sells her estate in Grindelwald for 500 pounds to the Interlaken monastery. This included Challi, Bonerra, Lischina, Wergostalbach, rubeum Truncum (roter Stock), Scheidecca, ad montem Egere etc. up to the boundary of the alpine district of Wärgistal, and including all their respective Alps. With this document the Eiger is the first mountain peak in the Swiss Alps to have written proof of possessing a name.

1349

The valley's inhabitants challenge the monastic rule. In a petition dated 3rd January, 1349, the community of Grindelwald encompassing all of the Lütschinen valley, had formed an alliance with the inhabitants of Unterwalden to gain mutual support against the Interlaken monastery. The monastery, however, summoned help from the ruling body in Berne and the uprising was "nipped in the bud". The Wilderswil rebellion was stopped in a similar manner. On the 28th February, 1349 a letter ensued demanding that the inhabitants of Grindelwald renounce their alliance with Unterwalden and must once again submit to the rule of the monastery and its protecting power in the city of Berne.

1404

The prior Niklaus of the monastery in Interlaken compiled a set of regulations determining the alpine access and pasture rights. The districts specified in this agreement included Bach, Grindel, Holzmatten, Scheidegg, Wärgistal, Itramen and up to the glacier (Bussalp was included at a later stage). This agreement stayed in force for over a century, even after the Reformation and the dissolution of the monastery.

1538

It is from the 16th century that the present "Taleinungsbrief" (valley agreement) incorporating the seven mountain districts originated. After the dissolution of the monastery, the regulation pertaining to the alps were updated and consolidated by those responsible in the city of Berne. The valley agreement was then to be repeatedly reviewed and adjusted to conform with the times, for example in 1805, 1883 and 1923. The most important rules, however, have remained unchanged to this day.

1642

The overall growing interest and awareness of nature drew greater interest for Grindelwald and its mountains. Grindelwald's natural beauty, dramatic mountain scenery, cultivated landscape and good accessibility all contributed to its popularity. One of the olderst depictions of the lower Grindelwald glacier originated from the year 1642. It was drawn by Joseph Plepp and the Lithographic print work was completed by Matthäus Merian (see picture).

1751

Natural scientists and cartographers continued to make Grindelwald more and more famous. In 1751, Joh. Georg Altmann used the Grindelwald valley as the basis for his research work into the historical and physical evolution and features of the glaciers in the Swiss mountains.

1822

In the 19th century, Grindelwald evolved from being a mountain farming village into a tourist centre. In 1818, the first hotel, the "Hotel de L'Aigle" (the Black Eagle) was built by Weibel Christian Bohren. The first illustration of this guest house (see picture) originated in 1822. The Sunstar-Adler-Hotel now stands in its place. Times change, the glaciers are getting smaller and the hotels bigger....

1996

Today, at the end of the 20th century, Grindelwald is almost entirely dependent on tourism. Over ninety percent of the inhabitants gain their income directly or indirectly from tourism. Farming, however, is still actively pursued. It is the guarantor for the effective utilization and maintenance of the landscape, undisputably a valuable asset.