Interlaken and the Jungfrau region: a first-timer's guide

Why go

The Jungfrau region packs extraordinary scenery into a small area. Glaciers hang above green meadows, waterfalls pour from sheer cliffs, and trains and cable cars reach high viewpoints without any climbing. A UNESCO World Heritage area protects the great Aletsch Glacier and its surroundings. Whether you hike, paraglide, ski or simply sit with a view, it is unforgettable.

Interlaken

**Interlaken** itself is a busy resort town and the region's transport hub, with two stations, Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. Take the funicular up **Harder Kulm** for a view of the three great peaks, stroll the Höhematte meadow where paragliders land, or ride a boat on the bright turquoise **Lake Brienz** to the village of Brienz and the **Giessbach Falls**. Interlaken is also Switzerland's adventure capital, with paragliding, canyoning and rafting operators. Choose licensed companies and listen carefully to safety briefings.

Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and Mürren

The **Lauterbrunnen** valley has towering cliffs and more than seventy waterfalls. Walk to the **Staubbach Falls** at the edge of the village and visit the **Trümmelbach Falls**, glacial meltwater crashing through caves inside the mountain. On the sunny shelf above, car-free **Wengen** looks straight at the Jungfrau, while car-free **Mürren** and **Gimmelwald** sit on the opposite cliff. From Mürren, cable cars climb to the **Schilthorn**, with its revolving restaurant made famous by a James Bond film.

Grindelwald

**Grindelwald**, below the north face of the Eiger, is a lively village and a superb base. Ride the gondola to **First** for the Cliff Walk and an easy hike to the mirror-like **Bachalpsee**, then come down by mountain cart or trotti bike in summer. The **Eiger Express** tricable gondola links Grindelwald with the Eiger Glacier station.

Jungfraujoch

The railway to **Jungfraujoch**, called the Top of Europe, ends at the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres. At the top are an ice palace, the Sphinx observation deck over the Aletsch Glacier and a snow plateau. It is an expensive excursion, so go only on a clear day: check the live webcams in the morning, book a seat reservation, and move slowly at altitude.

Hiking

The region has hundreds of kilometres of marked trails. Easy favourites include **Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg**, a mostly downhill panorama walk, and the **Panoramaweg** from Grütschalp to Mürren. Paths are marked with yellow signs for easy walks, white-red-white for mountain trails and white-blue-white for alpine routes. Carry layers, water and rain gear, and start early in summer to avoid afternoon storms.

Food

Look for **Älplermagronen**, Alpine macaroni with potatoes, cheese, cream and apple sauce, plus fondue and raclette in mountain restaurants. Many huts sell local cheese and fresh milk directly from the farm.

Where to stay

Interlaken is the practical, best-connected base and has the widest range of budget hotels and hostels. **Grindelwald** suits families and hikers, **Wengen** and **Mürren** are quiet and car-free, and **Lauterbrunnen** is great value with campsites and chalets. The Berner Oberland regional pass covers many trains, boats and lifts. Use our Switzerland travel tools to compare stays.