Disclaimer: Thank you to Jungfrau Tourism for hosting us as your guests. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own.
As the train passed through the mountainous lake region of Interlaken and entered into the charming mountain town of Grindelwald, a sense of calm and wonder washed over us. We felt as though we entered a different universe– an adventurous, yet soothing world far, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Swiss chalets lined the tiny streets; flower boxes adorned cottage windows, and the Swiss Alps set a beautiful backdrop for a romantic and adventurous week in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. We were ready for a week filled with epic alpine adventures, exciting outdoor hikes, and fantastic food from Switzerland.
We’ve visited many mountain towns all over the world, but the Jungfrau region is an alpine wonder set in the monolithic Swiss Alps that possesses unique qualities that set it apart from the rest of the world. This year round adventure destination exudes allure and charisma while offering unique outdoor adventures for all ages. While Switzerland may be known best for Interlaken, the capital of adventure sports, it’s the Jungfrau region that offers the greatest escapades of all.
Hotels in Jungfrau
The Jungfrau region has plenty of charming mountain towns and beautiful Swiss chalets to call home. We recommend staying in the tiny town of Grindelwald at the Hotel Eiger Selfness. Located in front of the famed Eiger Mountain, the family-run hotel is just a 3-minute walk to the train station. From Grindelwald, it’s easy to access all of the different mountains in the region in a matter of minutes.
The Best Time to Visit Jungfrau
Jungfrau is a year-round travel destination, but we think that the best time to visit is in late September and early October when the crisp fall air and sunny days combine to create a recipe for perfect adventure weather. The trees begin to change colors, the days are still long and sunny, and the opportunities for adventure are truly endless.
For snow bunnies, head to the Jungfrau region in the winter months for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.
How to Get Around in Jungfrau
It is extremely easy to travel through the Jungfrau region because of the expert public transportation in the area. Jungfrau Railways operates trains that go to all of the surrounding mountain towns. In addition, there are buses that travel throughout the region in the late spring, summer, and early fall times.
Things to Do in Jungfrau
There are endless options for adventure in the Jungfrau region, but here are a few of our personal favorites.
Männlichen and the Royal Ride: Take the gondola ride up to the top of Männlichen where you can take in a 360-degree view of the Jungfrau region. Enjoy the beauty of the mountains on a hike around the area. Once you’re done, take the “Royal Ride” down to the town of Wengen. The Royal Ride is the world’s first and only gondola with an outdoor balcony. While riding from Männlichen to Wengen, it will feel like you’re on natures rollercoaster, as you soar from 2,342 meters above sea level to the valley floor.
Wengen: Wengen is a darling car-free town known for its spas and family resorts. After hiking and exploring the town, refuel at Pasta & More before heading out on your next adventure.
Lauterbrunnen: This beautiful town is known as a valley of 72 waterfalls. Of all of the mountain towns in the Jungfrau region, Lauterbrunnen has the most beautiful waterfalls of all. We highly recommend hiking inside of the mountain at Staubbach Falls. A steep, but quick hike through the mountain will allow you to view the massive waterfall from behind the fall.
Jungfraujoch: This was by far our favorite part of our trip to the Jungfrau Region. At 11,333 feet above sea level, a visit to Jungfraujoch is a visit to a different world. Considered the “top of Europe” because it is the highest train station in Europe, every step on this snowy mountain will stimulate your senses. From on top, you’ll be able to view the Mittelland up to the Vosges as well as the Aletsch glacier. While it’s over 200 Swiss Franc to take a train up to the top of Jungfraujoch, it is well worth the cost.
There are many restaurants on the top of Jungfraujoch, but we warned – they do come at a cost. For a truly beautiful lunch, head to the Allergene Restaurant Crystal, which offers fine dining with views of the glacier.
Kleine Scheidegg: Best seen on the way back from Jungfraujoch, Kleine Scheidegg is a jumping off point for various hikes in the region. You’ll have beautiful views of the three major mountains: The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Grosse Scheidegg: If you want a full day of hiking in nature, head to Grosse Scheidegg, an area only accessible by bicycles and busses.
Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge: The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ice blue waterfalls, grand gorges, and dramatic cliff formations.
First Mountain: First Mountain is one of our favorite places for adventure in the Jungfrau Region. After taking the gondola up from Grindelwald, head out for a four-mile round-trip hike to Lake Bachalp, a crystal clear alpine lake in the Bernese Alps. If you’re feeling very adventurous, you can dip your toes in the glacial water!
After you return to the top of First, it’s time for an afternoon of adventure. First up: the “First Flyer” to Schreckfeld. The First Flyer is an 800-meter zip-line that will fly you 84 km/hour. Once you’ve arrived at Schreckfeld, it’s time to hop on a mountain cart (think of a go-cart, but with gravity as your speed) to take you down the mountain. Strap on a helmet and drive down the dirt road from Schrekfeld to Bort on these non-motorized mountain carts. The only thing that controls your speed down the mountain is your breaks!
After you’ve had the thrill of driving down the mountain to Bort, it’s time for your last adventure of the day – the Trottibike. These scooter-like bicycles will bring you down the back roads of the mountains, through cow-filled meadows, and back into the town of Grindelwald.
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