Switzerland
November 20, 2015
Switzerland is one of Europe's best destinations for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you want to get out there and explore or simply admire the breathtaking views from the comfort of your five-star hotel room, the country does natural scenery like no other.
One of the most popular tourist spots in Switzerland is the Jungfrau Region. Located in the shadow of the Bernese Alps, the area includes the towns of Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen and Haslital - with Interlaken being the gateway to this beautiful part of the world. A trip to Jungfrau can be as relaxing or active as you want it to be, but here are a few exciting activities whilst you're here.
One of the best things to do in the region, and high on most visitors' lists, is a journey up to the highest train station in Europe. This can be done via either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, but many people choose to start their journey in Interlaken, taking one of the two routes through either of the aforementioned towns. Whilst much of the journey to the top takes place within a tunnel, there are still fantastic views to enjoy on the way up. When you reach 3,454m, there are various multi-media exhibitions to see, a 360-degree restaurant in which to dine, various snow sports at Snow Fun Park and even a Lindt Chocolate shop. Without a doubt, though, the best thing to do at the summit is to climb to the Sphinx observation point (a further 117m in a lift) and take in the eye-watering panoramas.
Not for the faint-hearted, a canyon swing is similar to a bungee jump except the experience isn't over when you reach the end of the rope. Brave thrill-seekers can launch themselves off a platform and into the Grindelwald Glacier Gorge. After freefalling for 85 metres (and what feels like an eternity), the rope will swing you through the narrow walls of the canyon as you scream from joy and fear all at once.
An excursion from Haslital will take you to the Alpbach Gorge, where you can make your way along the cliff wall via a series of narrow paths, metal bridges and rugged staircases. Although it's an amazing experience to forge a route over the raging river below, a fear of heights is definitely going to hold you back. Including the journey back to the starting point of Meiringen-Hasliberg cable car station (a much more casual hike than the cliff walk), the trail takes about an hour to complete.
Birdwing is the rather romantic name given to this paragliding experience that will have you soaring over valleys and lush meadows. Choose from a variety of different flights from 20 minutes in length to hiring a pilot for the whole day. Take off from the top of Planplatten and let your experienced glider show you some of the best scenery around. All you need is a sturdy pair of boots and a wind-resistant jacket.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is known for being home to some 72 beautiful waterfalls, many of which can be seen along a trail between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. About midway along this route, you will reach Trümmelbach Falls, Europe's only accessible waterfall area within a mountain. There are ten waterfalls in total, draining water from the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau glaciers and sending it cascading into the mountain. A tunnelled walkway makes it easy to venture inside and enjoy these natural torrents.
If you would like to plan a trip to the Jungfrau region, our knowledgeable team can tailor-make your stay in whatever way you like. Just call us or click here to submit your enquiry online.
