What’s new in the Jungfrau – Top of Europe
200 years ago Romantic poet Lord Byron fled the UK in favour of the dramatic landscape and heady heights of the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland. While the incredible scenery and diverse array of natural attractions dominated by the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks continue to inspire each generation, this summer season promises even more delight for holidaymakers with a host of new attractions.
This summer holidaymakers can boost adrenaline with new Mountain Cart adventure rides and the First Cliff Walk at Grindelwald First; enjoy whiskey tasting with sunset views from Harder Kulm – Top of Interlaken; and benefit from more savings and accessibility with the new Jungfrau Travel Pass and Adventure Card.
NEW First Mountain Cart Adventure
The new First Mountain Carts are a thrilling cross between a go-kart and a sledge. Adventurous carters can thunder down a 3km rough track from Schreckfeld to Bort in Grindelwald First and get a real buzz from this safe adrenaline sport. The Mountain Cart is suitable for children 10 years and older; with a minimum height of 125cm. Prices from 19CHF (£13) for adults and 14CHF (£10) for children aged 10-15. Safety helmets are available free of charge.
Jungfrau: www.jungfrau.ch
NEW Adventure card – three times the adventure at Grindelwald First
Those looking for more adrenalin-fuelled fun can purchase a new ‘Adventure Card’ which includes the Gondola journey, First Mountain Cart experience, First Cliff Walk, First Flyer and Trottibike scooter ride at Grindelwald First – Top of Adventure. The First Flyer is a giant 800m zip line. Thrill-seekers sit in a secure harness and make the rapid descent from Grindelwald First to Schreckfeld, reaching speeds of up to 84km per hour. From here, they will hop on the new First Mountain Cart and hurtle along the track to Bort where the Trottibike scooters will be waiting to race from Bort to Grindelwald.
Adventure Cards cost 91CHF (£63) for adults and 60CHF (£42) for children aged 10-15 years.
Available from July to 23 October 2016. Activities subject to weather conditions.
Experience the First Cliff Walk, sponsored by Tissot this summer
Now open for the summer season, visitors can access the First Cliff Walk, a spectacular suspended walkway at the summit lift station of Grindelwald First. Created from a rock face and single-rope suspended catwalk the metal cliff walk protrudes out of the mountain side at a lofty 2000m altitude. The 260m route is easily accessible and suitable for everyone keen to experience the high altitude adrenaline thrills and magnificent views of the Eiger. The First Cliff Walk is free to access and opened for the summer season on 30th April 2016.
NEW Sundowners at Harder Kulm with whiskey or cigar testing
The Harder Kulm Panoramic Restaurant is now open in the evenings until October with the last rail descent extended to 9.40pm. Located high up at 1,322m on Interlaken’s own mountain the restaurant terrace offers 360 degree views and is a stunning location for a sunset drink of special ‘ice beer’ and a traditional Swiss bite to eat. The Art Nouveau-style Panorama Restaurant looks like a small castle and is a spectacle in itself with its turrets, restaurant and lofty halls. The beautiful terrace is a meeting point for locals and a stunning viewing point of the world-famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. The funicular railway is a 5 minute walk from Interlaken Ost station and takes just 10 minutes to the top or…if holidaymakers are feeling energetic they can join the growing number of locals and fitness enthusiasts and trail run to the top.
Whilst at Harder Kulm (and perhaps after a whiskey…or two) those who like heights can venture out on to the Two Lakes Bridge (1322m) at Harder Kulm that overlooks Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the Bödeli. The large platform is supported by a steel structure and has a glass centre where the courageous can look down to the valley floor below.
NEW sunset Whiskey tasting
Holidaymakers that travel to Harder Kulm on Friday 20th May and 7th October can taste exclusive Swiss Highland malt whiskies and enjoy a delicious 3-course menu with whiskey pairings and live music in the Harder Kulm restaurant. Whiskies include the award winning Swiss Highland single malt “Ice Label” which is famously matured in the glacial ice at the top of the Jungfraujoch at 3454m and a new Highland Park Whiskey.
Join the event for 48CHF (£34) per person (price includes 3-course tasting menu, whiskey tasting and train journey).
When: Friday 20th May 2016 and Friday 7th October 2016.
Tickets can be booked in advance at: http://shop.jungfrau.ch
NEW: Villiger cigar experience at Harder Kulm
Cigar connoisseurs and cuban music fans will enjoy this special evening event at Harder Kulm. On Friday 16th September Villiger will take guests into a world of smoking pleasure. The experienced torcedor, Maria Caridad Sanches Illas will roll an exquisite 1888 Villiger cigar for each guest on site. Afterwards they can enjoy a delicious 3-course meal and the live Cuban band “Trio Azucar.”
Join the event for 65CHF (£46) per person (price includes 3-course menu, cigar rolling and band).
When: Friday 16 September 2016.
Tickets can be booked in advance by emailing: harder@jungfrau.ch or calling +41 (0)33 828 73 11
NEW Guided tours to Harder Kulm and Jungfraujoch Top of Europe with Outdoor Interlaken
Join expert tours up to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe or up to Harder Kulm – top of Interlaken and learn more about the history of the railways, the locals’ mountain myths and legends and fascinating geology of the area. The Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is the highest railway station in Europe, located 3,454 metres above sea level. On this excursion guests will travel on a round trip through Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg and Grindelwald learning as they go. With optional stops at famous mountain villages, the added value of having a local guide makes this trip a great day out.
The new tours cost from 230CHF (£163) to visit Harder Kulm, top of interlaken and 390CHF (£277) for the Junfraujoch private tour – both guide prices are for a group of up to 5 people.
Outdoor Interlaken also run a Swiss food and culture tour of the town that will show guests the traditional aspects of Swiss culture in a local authentic setting. Using Switzerland’s world famous public transport system the tour visits a local farm where guests can taste milk and cheese fresh from production. They will also be able to watch over the shoulder of a traditional wood carver and learn about old Swiss handicrafts. The tour ends at the Funky Chocolate Club where chocolate lovers can sample some of the best chocolate in the world and find out about the history of its production. The tour costs 39CHF (£27) for adults and 19CHF (£13) for children. Chocolate making workshops are also available.
See: www.outdoor-interlaken.ch/en for more information
New Rugenbräu Brewery and Distillery tours
The Rugenbräu Brewery in Interlaken is now open to the public for small organised group tours. The experience starts with a train ride on the blue arrow train followed by a tour of this unique brewery. A professional sommelier will bring the process of beer-making to life and talk through how the local famous whiskey is distilled. Those touring the brewery will also have the opportunity to test and buy the brewery’s famous labels. Whiskies include the award winning Swiss Highland single malt “Ice Label” which can also be tested at the top of the Jungfraujoch or at Harder Kulm on selected nights during the season. Prost!
For more information and to book a brewery tour visit: www.rugenbraeu.ch
Other new ways to get active in the Jungfrau Region:
NEW Royal Walk on the Männlichen The new Royal Walk summit trail provides the crowning glory to a day out in the Männlichen region. Visitors can learn fascinating facts about the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch and learn the knots used in Alpine climbing along with other facts in the area. The new 20-minute trail is accessible throughout the summer and leads to a viewing platform shaped like a crown.
Get on your bike and tour with a backdrop of sensational views
Cyclists can now transport their bikes on the First Aerial Cableway and enjoy the comfortable ride in the six-seater gondola from Grindelwald past Bort and Schreckfeld to First before hitting the downhills. From First, a trail alternating between asphalt and gravel leads to Grosse Scheidegg (two short climbs) and from there a paved road leads back down past Grindelwald. The route is1100 metres downhill and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Make sure you check your brakes beforehand!
Bicycle transport prices: CHF 10 (£7) per bicycle. The gondola staff will help secure the bike while guests get on board.
More information and maps for the bike tour can be found at bikearena.ch
Jungfrau Top of Europe Events for summer 2016
NEW sunset Whiskey tasting at Harder Kulm – Friday 20th May 2016 and Friday 7th October 2016.
The Jungfrau Marathon – Saturday 10th September 2016
The Jungfrau Marathon is the largest Swiss Marathon and one of the biggest mountain races in the world. It was first held in 1993 and has quickly climbed to marathon cult fame among runners. Often referred to as the ‘New York of the Alps’ (in reference to the famous New York City Marathon) the limited number of starting places (4,000) have quickly sold out every year. The route starts in Interlaken and stretches for 42.2 kilometres with an increase in altitude of 1,839 metres to Kleine Scheidegg, at the foot of the world-famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and is considered one of the most beautiful marathons in the world. Places have already sold out for the 2016 race but charity places are still available and the event is a spectacle in itself and one to watch for aspiring runners.
Find out more at: www.jungfrau-marathon.ch/en
NEW: Villiger cigar experience at Harder Kulm – Friday 16 September 2016.
Jungfrau Railways
The Jungfrau Railways network connects the most breathtaking scenery in the region, and allows visitors to easily navigate the alpine meadows, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls that dominate the landscape. The new Jungfrau Travel pass is an access all areas ticket to this UNESCO World Heritage adventure destination.
NEW Jungfrau Travel pass
The Jungfrau Travel Pass allows visitors to travel as often as they like for the the duration that suits them – 3, 4, 5 or 6 consecutive days – on a variety of popular routes in the Jungfrau Region. Why not check out the spectacular Eiger Glacier, or explore the beautiful heights of Schynige Platte, a well-known starting point for walking tours and the nostalgic cog railway? The pass for 5 and 6 days includes a boat trip on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. All Jungfrau Travel pass holders also benefit from a 50% discount to visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
The Jungfrau Travel pass costs from 180CHF (£127) per adult for a 3-day 2nd class pass
The Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is even more accessible now with additional train departures starting from May 2016. This popular excursion to the highest train station in Europe (at 3454m) often sells out in peak summer months and it’s recommended holidaymakers book in advance to enjoy the unique experience. The tour to the top of the Jungfraujoch is a whole sensory experience. The stunning train journey carves up through the Eiger and awards guests with breathtaking views. Once at the top an ‘Alpine Sensation’ tour illuminates the fascinating history of the railway and walks guests down through to the heart of the glacier and an ‘ice palace.’ Other attractions include ‘the Sphinx’ viewing platform, ‘Snow fun’ outdoor sledging adventures and Europe’s highest chocolate shop – ‘Lindt Chocolate Heaven.’ Additional trains will now run in the evening from 18.00-18.30pm from 14 May 2014 until 4 September 2016. It’s now also possible to reserve seats in advance.
For more information and to book tickets in advance visit: www.jungfrau.ch
