Experience New Summer highs in the Jungfrau, Top of Europe
This summer the Jungfrau Railways will take hikers to the next level with The First Cliff Walk – a brand new suspended cliff top bridge – and a host of other new high-altitude attractions.
NEW First Cliff Walk
This August visitors will find a new 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 planned to open on 1st August 2015.
First Fun Packages
Those looking for more adrenalin-fuelled fun can purchase a First Fun Package to include the Gondola journey, First Cliff Walk, First Flyer, Scooter Bikes and other activities 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. Known as a zip ride in the US, the year-round attraction is unique in Europe. First Fun Packages are ideal for a family fun day out.
NEW Sundowners at Harder Kulm with Top Folk Music and Two Lakes Bridge
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.
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 brave can look down to the valley floor below.
Also new at Harder Kulm this season is Top Folk Music. Folk bands from all over Switzerland will play live at Harder Kulm on selected dates from 4 p.m. See the Jungfrau website (www.jungfrau.ch) for dates details.
New ways to take a hike
Explore the native flowers and medicinal herbs on a guided walk
The Many wildflowers, alpine plants and medicinal herbs that link the walking trails in this area are not only beautiful to look at but also have hidden properties. There are at least 100 different species on the route from First past Waldspitz and down towards Bort. Those keen to know more about the alpine flora can join the guided hike on the Kräuterheilweg. Experienced guides will help walkers explore the natural surroundings and betray the secrets of the plants – explaining which brew up to make a powerful alpine tea and which act as a natural medicine. Hikers can meet the guide at the top of the cable car at 1pm to join the tours that run every Friday from 26th June to 25th September 2015.
NEW for families – Explore The Marmot Trail
Kids and adults can learn all about the wildlife of the Alps on the new Marmot Educational Trail. The trail is marked with wooden marmots and has numerous information stations along the way. With a little luck, quiet and patience it’s likely walkers will also spot a real marmot in the wild. The path leads from First to Schislt and reaches a barbecue picnic area in Oberläger where hungry hikers can enjoy a well-earned cervelat sausage or a bratwurst before continuing on to Schreckfeld or Grosse Scheidegg and snapping a picture at the marmot photo-wall.
Test out these boots – they’re made for walking
Walkers can test out the latest hiking shoes and boots free of charge at the LOWA hiking shoe test centre at Schynige Platte. The shoes can be borrowed free of charge from the centre and used for a day’s hiking from 23rd May-25th October 2015.
Alpine Breakfast Buffet every Sunday in Restaurant Winteregg.
Experience a day in the morning of an alpine dairyman with an early start and hearty farmer’s breakfast buffet in the Restaurant Winteregg. The breakfast spread includes coffee, fresh milk, local cheeses, fresh bread, crispy hash browns with fried eggs and many other local specialities. The authentic farming experience and wonderful views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are certain to start the day off in the best possible way. Available every Sunday from 28 June to 13 September 2015, 8.00 am to 11.00 am. Live local Swiss music from 9 am to 12 noon.
Jungfrau Top of Europe Events for summer 2015
The Jungfrau Marathon – 12th September 2015
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 2015 race but the event is a spectacle in itself and one to watch for aspiring runners.
Movie Nights at Winteregg – 6th – 15th August 2015
This summer will see another reel of Movie Nights at Winteregg. Popular films will be shown on seven evenings in August at an open-air evening of cinema 1,600 metres above sea level and surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. The list of films will be announced in June 2015.
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 Jungfrau Railway pass or VIP pass is an access all areas ticket to this UNESCO World Heritage adventure destination.
The Jungfrau Railway Pass
The Jungfrau Railway Pass allows visitors to travel as often as they like during six consecutive days, on a variety of popular routes in the Jungfrau Region. Why not check out the spectacular Eiger Glacier, or explore the hidden depths of Lake Brienz? With services already up and running through till 26th October, it would be rude not to!
Jungfrau VIP Pass
Valid for three consecutive days on every available route in the Jungfrau Region, the VIP pass is the ideal way for those with limited time to explore. Not only is the pass valid for a ride between Jungfraujoch and the Eiger Glacier, but it entitles the holder to unlimited travel – as well as a few select discounts on routes!
Family Savings:
The ideal offer for families: Throughout the entire summer season, two children up to age 15 travel free per adult holding a valid travel ID to Schynige Platte. This rate is also good for grandparents’ trips with their grandchildren or godmothers or godfathers who would like to take a ride on the historic train with their godchildren. Information and booking details are available at all Jungfrau Railways stations. Offer available 23rd May to 25th October 2015
For more information visit: www.jungfrau.ch