Five Swiss Mountain Adventures in the Jungfrau Region

Posted by Peter Burnside on 02/12/2021
Hiking in Grimselwelt, Switzerland. Photo: Switzerland Tourism

Unique. Varied. The Jungfrau region in Switzerland is a small slice of the infamous Bernese Oberland, the highlight of any trip filled with towering mountains, quaint hamlets and historic trains, and many other quintessential Swiss attractions. Staying here means being out in the pure nature of Switzerland while still being able to reach all the famous cities within a short time.

Via Ferrata Tälli

The first official via ferrata in Switzerland – and also one of the longest and most spectacular.

In 1993, the Haslital mountain guide association built this via ferrata. One that is quite something. With a length of around 600 metres, it is also one of the longest and most spectacular via ferratas in Switzerland. It runs right through the Gadmerfluh, a gallery of rock faces. The starting point for the via ferrata is the Tälli Restaurant and Berghaus, which is easy to reach with the Tälli cable car. The valley station is directly on the Sustenpass road. 78 metres of ladders, 550 concreted-in pins and lots of fixed ropes guarantee us a safe ascent of the route, which leads over rock steps, grassy ledges and narrow bands. The descent is via the back of the Gadmerfluh and leads back to Berghaus Tälli via Sätteli – or down to Engstlenalp. The via ferrata is accessible from mid-June to mid-October.

Via Ferrata Tierbergli

The spectacular view of the Swiss glacier world alone makes this high-alpine via ferrata an experience.

The high alpine ambience and fantastic panoramic view of the glaciated Sustenhorn and Gwächtenhorn when you reach the Tierliberghütte make this via ferrata incredibly tempting even for those wary of the lofty cable roads. With a moderate difficulty, duration of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, and accessible from the end of June to the beginning of October, the via ferrata can be done either as a day tour or with an overnight stay in the Tierberglihütte.

READ MORE: Getting into Via Ferrata

The Sidelhorn tour

The hike to the Sidelhorn is a mountain tour with wonderful views of the Bernese and Valais Alps. When timed right, one can enjoy a magnificent sunset on the Sidelhorn.

The path (T3) to the Sidelhorn is an easy mountain tour with magnificent views of the barren and magnificent natural landscape of the Grimsel region. Those who stand on the summit therefore not only enjoy an impressive view of the Goms and the Bernese High Alps. The ice masses of the Rhone and Oberaar glaciers, the numerous torrents in the area and a dozen or so mountain lakes – from the elongated Grimselsee and the deep blue Totensee at the top of the pass to various unnamed little lakes on the southern slope of the summit – also offer a magnificent view. The descent leads past the idyllic Trübtensee. From the Bäregg, the view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site opens up. For the way back we recommend the route via Kessiturm, Chalte Chehr or along the Oberaarstrasse back to the Grimselpass.

Hike to Gelmerhut and take the Gelmer funicular

Only for those with a head for heights!

A trip on the Gelmerbahn is an experience like no other, with a turquoise mountain lake awaiting you after the rattling 12-minute trip backwards up all the while staring back down the monstrously steep mountain!

With a gradient of 106 per cent, it is undoubtedly the steepest passenger funicular railway in Europe. Originally built to transport building material weighing several tonnes, this technological masterpiece now offers an unforgettable rail experience. Once you have reached the top, we recommend a tour around the wild, romantic Lake Gelmer, a hike up to the Gelmerhütte, or just enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.

For your rest days - don't miss!

No trip to the Jungfrau region will be complete without ticking off these three must-visit locations:

The Aare Gorge

A mystical experience

Over thousands of years the Aare river has carved its way between the villages of Meiringen and Innertkirchen, forming a 1.4km long and 200m deep gorge. Take a walk through the Aare Gorge and feel the force of nature like nowhere else! Below, the ice-cold glacier water of the Aare river powers its way relentlessly through the narrow gorge while, above, the sheer cliff faces rise up into the sky.

 

The Alpen Tower

360° panoramic view of 401 mountain peaks

The Sustenhorn, Grimsel region and Finsteraarhorn on one side, and Lake Brienz, the Rothorn and Jura in the far distance on the other; how does it feel to be surrounded by 400 alpine peaks? Find the answer at the top of the Alpen tower where spectacular 360° panoramic views of the Haslital and the surrounding mountains await. Try their famous breakfast – it's delicious!

 

Grimselwelt

Where the energies flow

We’ve got the power! In Grimselwelt you can experience the power of water up close. The unique works railways take you up into nature and the historic Grimsel hotels offer enjoyment, wellness and security. And in the hydroelectric Grimsel Underground see its greatest treasure – the Gerstenegg crystal gap.

Getting there via train

Seeing the breathtaking Swiss landscapes by rail is all part of the holiday and is really easy to do. Just three changes on the train from London can get you to Interlaken, via Paris and Geneva. Booking in advance will get you the cheapest deals on fares. 

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