OUR TEAM REVEALS ITS INSIDER TIPS IN AND AROUND GRINDELWALD
MARION ZIEGLER & GUNNAR BAUM
Directors
We have been welcoming guests from all over the world to the Derby for over 8 years now! Every day is different, no season is like the next, but it’s always fun to be part of such a long-standing team and to look after our guests with heart and soul!
In summer we and our family are drawn to the mountains on one of the many alpine trails. The Lieselotte trail from Männlichen to Holenstein is particularly fun with children. The gondola ride to the summit and the descent past the various adventure points around the Lieselotte cow with the end at the large forest playground is an experience for young and old.
Those looking for a more exhausting challenge can venture out on the high-altitude hike from Schynige Platte to First. The varied day tour offers unique views of Lake Brienz but also over to the Eiger side and leads over green meadows and rugged cliffs. Those who are motivated can climb the Faulhorn at the end and enjoy the all-round view of the region.
BARBARA GRUNDER
Chef de Réception
For almost 30 years our cheerful nature at the reception. She doesn’t know a bad mood and she prefers the days “when there’s a lot to do”.
Rest is boredom, which is why she always makes the area unsafe in her free time. On one of her favourite day trips, she takes the bus to Grosse Scheidegg. From there on foot or by bus on the other side of the mountain towards Schwarzwaldalp and Rosenlaui. “As if you were in a completely different world” you can enjoy pure nature. Worth seeing is the Aare gorge right by Rosenlaui.
Those who have the whole day can continue by bus and train via Meiringen to Brienz and from there treat themselves to a boat trip on Lake Brienz to Interlaken. Everything is included on this excursion: Forests, meadows, rocky gorges and, at the end, the deep turquoise of Lake Brienz.
MARTIN BAMBERG
Chef
He has been part of our well-rehearsed kitchen team for almost 6 years and creates with passion beautiful plates, a fest for the eyes.
Martin is actually a passionate motorcyclist, but it can be a little quieter with the family. For example, a round trip on Lake Brienz. We recommend a stop at the Beatus Caves with the large dragon adventure playground or a short climb to the imposing Giessbach Falls with the hotel of the same name next to it. The view from the terrace of the intense blue of the lake looks as if it was painted.
DANIELA
Gouvernante
Our housekeeper has been with us for 16 years and has ambitiously worked her way up from a temporary job to head of department. She leads our cleaning team with heart and mind and is always on the ball so that no detail is forgotten in the rooms.
She and her young family enjoy going on excursions to the large adventure playground on Bort. Slide, climb, jump and splash around with your feet in the small stream or play in the sand and for refreshment in between there is a kiosk or a restaurant with a large terrace and good food.
MICHELE MARTINELLI
Restaurant Manager
By far our longest-serving employee with 42 years of loyalty to the Derby and its guests. His passion is to pamper his guests with good food, a fine wine and, last but not least, his innate Italian charm.
In summer he likes to take the gondola to the First and from there enjoys the fantastic view over Grindelwald to the Eiger, Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn. An easy hiking trail leads to the turquoise Bachalpsee in just under an hour. If you still want to walk on, go to the Waldspitz restaurant and enjoy the view again from the beautiful terrace with a down-to-earth meal or a good glass of wine.
When the weather is bad, he is always drawn to the Ballenberg Open Air Museum. Here, old traditions and Swiss history come to life again in replica houses. The demonstration of original handicrafts and old customs is particularly interesting.
EVELYNE SCHWINGER
Assistant to the Directors & Social media
At the same time as we did, Evi joined us at the Derby 8 years ago. Although she has travelled all over the world in between, she has never let go of the Derby completely. With her unmistakable Austrian humour, she puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Evi is our social media crack and is therefore always out and about in the most remote corners to snap the best pictures. One of her favourite hikes is the path from Pfingstegg to the Bäregghütte. The narrow path leads steadily along the edge of the glacier gorge until, after the last somewhat steeper section, you are rewarded with an incomparable view of the glacier world between the Eiger and Schreckhorn. Breath-taking, quiet but only suitable for sure-footed hikers who do not suffer from vertigo.
PAULO DE CARVALHO
Deputy Restaurant Manager
For almost 30 years he has been the haven of peace in our Föhrenstube and looks after the guests with style and skill.
In his spare time, he goes for long walks on the less frequented hiking trails. His insider tip: take the bus towards Grosse Scheidegg, but get off first at the Ischbodenhütte. There you can visit the bird sanctuary and then walk on a narrow path over hill and dale to Bort.
Remote but fantastic views of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and Eiger accompany you on the way. If you don’t want to walk back to Grindelwald from Bort, simply take the gondola.
