Travelers in search of once-in-a-lifetime adventure activities, endurance sports with mountain views, and the world-famous hospitality of the Swiss people need not look any further than the Jungfrau region, in the picturesque Swiss Alps. Named for the famous trio of mountains that dominate the landscape, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, the UNESCO World Heritage site offers something for every summer traveler looking for an elevated outdoors experience, from its stunning mountain scenery to its glacier-fed lakes, and adrenaline activities.
The historic Jungfrau Railways 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 is an extraordinary experience, passing through tunnels carved into the mountains and offering breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and alpine landscapes. At the Jungfraujoch peak, bathed in 365 days of snow per year, lies the Sphinx Observatory, a viewing station. Replete with several restaurants and exhibition spaces, Jungfraujoch is a very popular option for guests adventuring to the top of Europe.
Grindelwald, a village nestled 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 reaching the Jungfrau Railway. From the centralized Grindelwald terminal, visitors can take a brief, but stunning, ride on the newly installed Eiger Express, a gondola built for comfort and efficiency. Grindelwald-First is home to a number of adrenaline-inducing activities. The First Cliff Walk is a thrilling 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 an 2600-feet-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, widely recognized as the most scenic marathon in the world. Runners will embark September 9th on the challenging race known for its uphill climbs. From July 12th to 16th, the renowned Eiger Ultra Trail Run returns to Grindelwald for its eleventh year. A true spectacle, the run features 600 elite runners from 70 nations as they embark on races ranging anywhere from 16km to 250km. Jungfrau visitors in this time period 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 charming Swiss villages for as far as the eye can see.
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 stunning natural 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. This June 25th, the Mountain Spring Festival gathers some of the region’s prominent 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.”
Perhaps the most iconic Swiss tradition is the blowing of the Alphorns. This August 6th, the region’s annual Big Alphorn Meeting takes place at the Männlichen peak. Spectators are treated to the sounds of over 100 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!
Travelers looking to fly to the Jungfrau region this summer can also take advantage of direct flights to Zurich from Los Angeles (LAX), Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH), New York (EWR), Chicago (ORD) and more – making the journey easier than ever for travelers from the United States.
