Checking out the Swiss Village Grindelwald Tasmania

Last updated on 18 October 2025

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I didn’t know that Grindelwald Tasmania existed. Not until I was researching things to do in Tasmania, especially things to do near Launceston.

My friend and I had headed over from Auckland New Zealand to Hobart Tasmania (via Melbourne because during the winter months you can’t fly direct Auckland – Hobart), for about 10 days, and while we spent a good deal of time in Hobart and the surrounded areas, we did pick up a rental car when we first landed and drove up to Launceston.

The main idea here was to check out another city in Tasmania, but also head over to Cradle Mountain and do one of the walks.

We had allowed an afternoon to wander around the town, but when we arrived, we checked out Grindelwald, the Swiss Village just to the north of Launceston. And it was so so cute.

The year prior, I had been doing a huge Europe trip with Contiki, and in the first week we had driven on the coach from England > France > Switzerland, and while we were staying in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, in the next valley over was the town of Grindelwald.

So when I saw there was a ‘Grindelwald’ on the Tasmanian map … we had to go and check it out.

Grindelwald Tasmania was so cute

We arrived late morning, and parked in the car park (ample spots available – there weren’t that many people there when we visited), and wandered into the little courtyard.

We soon learnt that you could come and stay in Grindelwald – it’s actually called the Aspect Tamar Valley Resort, Grindelwald – and there are a bunch of different accommodation options, including family-friendly chalets, hotel suites, and villas.

On the site, various activities around the site make it pretty perfect for holidaying with your family. There was minigolf near the entrance, a full golf course nearby, water sports on the River Tamar, a swimming and paddling pool, a gym, a cafe, a restaurant, a fun playground, an ice creamery, a sweet shop, and a gift store.

Wandering around, we also spotted a waterwheel, a beautiful fountain, and BBQs for the guests (potentially for the public if you’re just visiting the area for a picnic). There is also a retirement home across the road which is in the same style – adorable!

Why is there a Grindelwald in Tasmania Australia?

We asked the same question, but thankfully, the Visitor’s Information sign gave us a bit of a rundown.

A Mr Roelf Vos, who was born in Holland in 1921, was the second of seven children, and when he left school at 14, he went to work at a drapery shop. Though the hours were long, he took classes after work and achieved some certificates, which allowed him to become a draper himself.

In 1951, he arrived in Tasmania, and one of the things he did was set up small gift shops, which later expanded into what would become a supermarket empire. While his business was booming and expanding to 10 supermarkets, Vos took a holiday back to Europe with his wife.

While they were in Switzerland, they stayed in Grindelwald, and it was this experience and stay that was the inspiration for Grindelwald, Tasmania.

In 1981, after multiple trips to Grindelwald in Switzerland, plans turned into breaking ground in Tasmania for the little complex you see today. Over the years, various buildings and elements were added to Grindelwald, and in May 1989 the resort was officially opened.

It wasn’t until 2003 that the golf course was added, though, as well as various other shops, though Mr Vos didn’t get to see those, as he battled with cancer and passed away in 1992, leaving behind a beautiful spot in the Tamar Valley.

Where is Grindelwald, Tasmania?

You don’t need to stay at the resort of visit Grindelwald, and while you don’t need long to check it out, it does make for a nice outing if you’re in the area.

It’s located just 20mins from Launceston, and you can take the A7 W Tamar Highway from Launceston north, and then take a left on Atkinson Road or Waldhorn Drive (they connect) and follow until you reach Grindelwald.

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While we weren’t there for very long, and there wasn’t too much to do once we’d looked through the shops and got a bite to eat at the restaurant, it was still a fun morning out, and I’m glad we checked it out. Definitely made me want to go back to Switzerland!

Have you been to Grindelwald Tasmania? What did you think?