The Jungfrau Massive boasts three famous peaks, the Eiger 3,970m/13,026ft, Monch 4,099m/13,449ft and Jungfrau 4,158m/13,642ft (Ogre, Nun and Virgin). The awesome North Face of the Eiger rises above Kleine Scheidegg, site of many a fatal climbing attempt.
This range of mountains is at the heart of the Bernese Oberland and attracts large numbers of visitors each year. Providing an immense skiing area and challenging climbing.
These mountains are accessible via a funicular train, starting from the floor of the
The Schilthorn mountain is also accessible via a bus service from Lauterbrunnen and an excellent Gondola, which transports one to the revolving restaurant at its summit.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is reputed to be the best valley in Switzerland and in terms of picturesque it must come at the top of the scale. The u shaped valley is entered at it's north end and terminates at the foot of the Schilthorn. The scale of the valley is awesome, with 1000 ft sheer cliffs rising on each side. Numerous waterfalls cascade down the valley walls, a misty spray hangs above them, producing an eerie Lord of the Rings effect. As the sun sets the waterfalls are caught against the red sky, with the lengthening shadows the natural beauty is breathtaking.
Lauterbrunnen.
This quaint village situated at the heart of the valley is as traditional as it gets, the traditional Swiss chalets are everywhere. The working farms are strewn about the valley, each one having a perfect Tobulerone shaped manure heap. Tidiness and punctuality is ingrained into the Swiss culture, the home of the chocolate box picture.
Right at the heart of the village is a church, its perfect spire with red faced clock is an absolute work of art.
Railway station, buses and lifts
The railway station is also situated towards the centre of the village, along with a small industrial area but the design and layout ensures it does not detract from the aesthetics of the rest of the village.
One for the enthusiasts, a funicular train departs from here and climbs up the valley, terminating at Jungfraujoc which is situated on a ridge between the Monch and Jungfrau mountains. The highest railway station in Europe if not the world, it could only happen in Switzerland.