Switzerland Guide
The Bernese Oberland
The Jungfrau
The Jungfrau region ( 
www.jungfrau.ch ) is the rather uninspiring title foisted on what is perhaps the most dramatic, certainly the most memorable, mountain scenery in the whole of Switzerland: the quantity and sheer scale of the awesome giants on offer here at close quarters takes your breath away.
Sightlines throughout the area are dominated by the mighty triple crest of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (Ogre, Monk and Virgin) – three giant peaks rising side by side to 4000m. The Jungfrau is the focus, partly because it's the highest (at 4158m), and partly because the network of mountain trains from Interlaken Ost culminates at the Jungfraujoch, a saddle below the peak that claims the honour of hosting the highest train station in Europe. The ride up – dubbed the "Top of Europe" – is touted endlessly in Interlaken and beyond as being the highlight of your holiday; despite the hype, it's not far wrong, although the competing journey up the Schilthorn, also accessed from Interlaken Ost, is cheaper, quicker, less crowded and uses cable cars – always more scenic and dramatic than cogwheel trains.
There's plenty of equally stunning scenery to be enjoyed at lower altitudes. The region is centred on two valleys, which divide a few kilometres south of Interlaken. To the west is the Lauterbrunnen valley, celebrated with justification as the loveliest mountain valley in Europe, with its alluring car-free resorts of Wengen and Mürren. To the east, the narrow Lütschental widens out on its way to the bustling town of Grindelwald, perfectly placed for its many visitors to take advantage of the hiking and skiing possibilities all around.
Read more ▼
- Region(s) ▼
- Sports and Outdoor ▼
- City/Town ▼