Hiking around Interlaken
Interlaken is the gateway to the legendary Jungfrau region with its 3 immortal peaks of Switzerland’s “big three” – the Eiger (Ogre), Monch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Virgin). It is quite simply one of the most stunning mountain view areas found anywhere in the world . . . difficult to split it against the likes of the mountains next to Machu Picchu (see Hiking the 4 day / 3 night Inca Trail) and the the Dolomites in summer. True wow.
Top tips:
#1 There are many viewing spots and cable cars to chose from to get the views, but my top tip is to take the Mannlichen Cable Car from Grindelwald. It’s Europe’s longest cable car, so you have extended views on your 6.3km / 4mile, 19min journey to the top, and when up there, even in busy season, you’ll have loads of room because of the wide plateau at the top to make the short 10min walk to the crown of the hill for the amazing views of the “big three”. From here you also have a range of world-class hiking options.
#2 For the extra wow, consider the train up to the Jungfraujoch – at 3454m / 11,332ft its the tallest railway station in Europe, you get the best views of the best spots as you ascend the Eiger and the Jungfrau, get to go on a bit of an adventure (its railway + cable car as you adjust which route you take), the glacier you get to see at the top is cool, and the station complex itself is actually surprisingly engaging (ice caves, history, view points etc). Pricey (USD275 per person), but wow. For more details see the entry for Train up to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s tallest railway station.
#3 As an extra slightly more unusual recommendation, if you’re driving through this stunning part of the world and heading south or east, see if you can work your route through the Murmeltierpark Grimselpass. You’ll be rewarded with daunting views over the Grimselsee reservoir and dam which dominate the surrounding area.
