The Jungfrau region in the Swiss Alps is welcoming travelers in search of adventure activities, endurance sports and cultural events. Named for the trio of mountains that dominate the landscape, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the UNESCO World Heritage Site offers something for every summer traveler.
The historic Jungfrau Railway is an iconic cogwheel train network known to be the most scenic way to travel the region. Running from Kleine Scheidegg, at the base of the range, to the Jungfraujoch peak, the highest point in Europe, Jungfrau Railways carries visitors along picturesque slopes en-route to the summit, with stops in various towns along the way. The ride passes through tunnels carved into the mountains and offering views of glaciers, snow-covered peaks and alpine landscapes. At the Jungfraujoch peak, covered in 365 days of snow per year, lies the Sphinx Observatory, a viewing station. Replete with restaurants and exhibition spaces, Jungfraujoch is popular with tourists.
Grindelwald, a village located between the Schwartzhorn and Eiger mountains, is the adventure capital of the Jungfrau region, and a popular starting point for tourists because of its easy access to the Jungfrau Railway. From the centralized Grindelwald terminal, visitors can take a brief, but stunning, ride on the newly installed Eiger Express gondola. Grindelwald-First is a hotspot for adventure. The First Cliff Walk is a suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, while the First Mountain Cart is an off-road capable tricycle built to navigate the scenic descent into Grindelwald. The First Flyer is a 2,600-foot-long zipline over the valley below, while the First Glider is the same, though in a lying position to encourage uninhibited sightseeing.
Throughout the region, extreme sports draw thousands of competitors and spectators every year. Grindelwald holds multiple ultra-running events every year, including the “Jungfrau Marathon.” Runners will embark September 9 on the challenging race known for its uphill climbs. From July 12–16, the “Eiger Ultra Trail Run” returns to Grindelwald for its 11th edition. The event features 600 elite runners from 70 nations as they embark on races ranging from 10 to 155 miles. During this time, visitors are treated to a unique look at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the outlines of runners laced throughout the glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows and Swiss villages.
The region also offers picturesque hiking for all fitness levels of visitors throughout the summer months. These trails offer a more relaxed atmosphere but are still a great way to experience the beauty of the region.
Beyond athletic endeavors, the Jungfrau area is a bastion of old Swiss culture. The Männlichen peak in Grindelwald hosts a number of cultural events every summer. On June 25, the “Mountain Spring Festival” convenes the region’s folklore performers and country bands for a day full of traditional Swiss music and culture. The “Traditional Costume Festival” every July includes costume dances, alphorn blowers and the Geisslenchlepfer, or “goat jumper.”
On August 6, the region’s annual “Big Alphorn Meeting” will take place at the Männlichen peak. Spectators are treated to the sounds of over 1,00 traditional alphorn blowers, and a local yodeling club and band. Be advised, if visitors want to enjoy an aperitif at the mountain station, they must wear only traditional costume.
There are direct flights to Zurich from Los Angeles, Denver, San Francisco, Houston, New York, Chicago and more.
For more information, visit www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb.
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