Going into 2025, travelers look for “carpe diem” adventures, opting for exhilarating and bold travel experiences over traditional sightseeing. According to Hilton’s trends report, 52% of millennial and Gen Z travelers prioritize adventure above all else.
When choosing novel, adventurous trips over conventional destinations, Americans are quick to look at Switzerland. Google Destination Insights shows Americans rank second-highest when it comes to inbound demand to Switzerland in 2024.
The Jungfrau region in Switzerland, located in the German-speaking part of the country, has established itself as an adventure destination in Switzerland. Thrill-seekers will be satisfied with the wide range of activities offered in the region, all set in the most jaw-dropping alpine landscape. All are accessible via Switzerland’s efficient train network.
Switzerland as an Adventure Destination
For travelers seeking adventure in their excursions, Switzerland is certainly a destination to consider. The Jungfrau region, in particular, is a destination that embraces adventure as part of its appeal.
The ski slopes stay a major draw for the region in winter, but there are endless options if visitors would rather explore the mountains in another way that’s still adventurous.
Grindelwald, one of the villages in the Jungfrau region, offers the full package. Visitors can enjoy paragliding, mountain carting, or flying down the mountain in the First Glider or First Flyer, with speeds up to 50 miles per hour.
While the activities are certainly there to satisfy the adventure thrill, it’s all done with safety in mind. The activities aren’t available when it’s foggy or the weather isn’t cooperating in another way, which can happen in the mountains.
In our case, the First Glider and Flyer weren’t open, but we could race down the mountain in a mountain cart, zooming past the Alpine cows who were all very used to it. Come up as early as possible, as lines can get long quickly.
The Highlight? Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
The biggest draw in the region is the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, at 11,333 feet above sea level. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been accessible by train since 1912, offering views of the surrounding valleys and the 13.5-mile-long Aletsch Glacier.
From the Grindelwald Terminal, take the new Eiger Express gondola to the Eiger Glacier station. The new gondola directly connects to the Jungfraujoch, which means visitors will be 45 minutes faster than before. That’s 45 minutes more to enjoy the views from the Top of Europe. From the Eiger Glacier, take the railway up to the Jungfraujoch.
Jungfraujoch is a regional highlight, so either go early in the morning or reserve your seat in advance to get around the crowds. The line can get long quickly, especially in the high season. Don’t forget to check the cameras before you go up, as the weather in the valley can differ from the top of the Jungfraujoch.
The True Star: The Surrounding Nature
Yes, the adventure within the region is hard to compete with. Don’t forget, we’re still in the Swiss Alps, which means world-class hiking.
From the First mountain, just a gondola ride away from Grindelwald, you can take a breathtaking hike to the Bachalpsee. The lake perfectly mirrors the mountains in the background, making the two-hour trip more than worth it.
A mix of adventure and hiking is Pfingstegg, reachable by gondola from Grindelwald. Pfingstegg offers hiking opportunities to two Grindelwald Glaciers, which are certainly worth exploring. If it’s time for a break, Pfingstegg offers a cozy mountain hut with two Swiss Mountains dogs that greet visitors at the door, perfect for a long lunch or quick coffee. The Fly Line just behind the mountain hut is also a fun way to enjoy the views of the valley below.
From Grindelwald Terminal, take the gondola to Männlichen for more hiking opportunities. There are plenty of hiking opportunities from there, including the Royal Walk. The short walk goes up to a platform, where a a 360° view of the Jungfrau region rewards visitors’ efforts. Even if there are clouds in the valley — as was the case for us — the views of the surrounding mountains are still clear.
Switzerland’s Unreal Train Rides
The train rides in Switzerland are hard to beat. The trains ride on schedule, go regularly, and make it easy to connect from one place to the next. The Jungfrau Travel Pass, in particular, makes travel around the region effortless, with unlimited access to local trains, gondolas, and even some boats. From Grindelwald, take the train up to Kleine Scheidegg for unforgettable views of the Jungfraujoch. Roll down the windows to really take everything in.
Continue the journey from Grindelwald to Interlaken and stop at the Wilderswil train station. That’s where the train ascends to Schynige Platte, offering panoramic views for days. The Botanical Alpine Garden is something to be treasured, with over 800 native alpine species present. It’s accessible to walk through, with the possibility to see these flowers depending on the season and weather.
As the train proceeds south to Interlaken, there is plenty to see besides the historic center of Interlaken, which is certainly worth an afternoon stroll at the very least. The Harder Kulm — Top of Interlaken is easily reachable by funicular from there. At 4,337 feet above sea level, it offers unreal views over Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. From there, see the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains in the background. The Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant is a must for those hoping to enjoy the views just a bit longer before descending.
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
The Jungfrau region is very committed to minimizing its environmental impact on the region, something that aligns with Switzerland’s focus on sustainability and ecotourism.
The most convenient way to travel around Switzerland is a prime example: its public transport. Many people opt to travel by train because of the well-developed network, with more than 1.1 million passengers taking the train daily. Expect breathtaking views as the train zooms past the stretching lakes, bringing you exactly where you need to be.
The Jungfrau region has its own sustainability initiatives, with their Lütschental hydroelectric power plant one of the most prominent examples. It powers the Jungfrau Railway operation, including its railways, gondolas, and buildings. It also powers four different municipalities and regional railways.
Where To Stay
There’s only one answer to the question of where to stay in the Jungfrau region. Hotel Fiescherblick is a 19-room property run by two brothers, Matthias and Lars Michel. They put a lot of care into the property’s Scandinavian-style renovations. Its spa facilities boast a wonderful mountain view, and the bells of cows grazing on the grass nearby contribute to that true holiday feeling.
The family feeling extends to the guests through their impeccable service. The Michel brothers and their team go above and beyond, helping guests plan their days and giving tips to make the most of their trips.
The experience of the Jungfrau region wouldn’t be complete without a meal at Restaurant Fiescherblick. The curated menu showcases locally sourced, seasonal Swiss ingredients. The young team brings creativity and resourcefulness to the table, drawing in visitors and locals alike. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect after spending the day in the mountains.
