Designed like a Swiss village by Dutch immigrant Roelf Vos, Grindelwald is a small town located just to the north of Launceston, Tasmania. It features beautiful views across the Tamar Valley from its waterfront location on Lake Louise, with the Tamar Valley Resort and Grindelwald Golf Course also situated within the suburb.
All of the houses within Grindelwald have been built in the Swiss tradition, with wide eaves, flower boxes, ornate window shutters and balconies, while the Grindelwald Chapel lies on the northern banks of the lake and has been beautifully designed with Australian cedar pews. There are numerous craft and gift shops throughout the “village”, a general store, chocolatier and bakery, as well the lakeside Alpenrose Bistro and its elegant lounge bar. In addition to the 10-hole public golf course, there is also an 18-hole, par 54 mini golf course and hire canoes to explore the lake. The Tamar Valley Resort offers accommodation in self-contained family chalets or its Grand Chateau Hotel and boasts a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, as well as a pirate ship children’s play area.
Grindelwald is situated an easy 20-minute drive north-west from Launceston along the edge of the Tamar River. There are no public transport services to the town, so most visitors arrive by private vehicle or as part of a day tour.
Grindelwald was first developed in 1980 after Roelf Vos sold his supermarket chain to Woolworths, with the concept inspired by a trip he took to Switzerland with his wife. The Grindelwald Resort first opened its doors in 1989 and developed into the Aspect Tamar Valley Resort seen today.