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Home , Aare Gorge, Birg (Bernese Alps), Brienzwiler, Eiger, Gadmen, Gimmelwald

Grindelwald Mürren Haslital Summer 2015 Table of Contents

1 Position of the destination ...... 1

2 The Region...... 2

2.1 Legendary ...... 2

2.2 How the triumvirate got its name – , Mönch and Jungfrau ...... 3

2.3 Eiger Myth ...... 4

2.4 ...... 4

3 The villages of the Jungfrau Region...... 5

3.1 – The lively Eiger village ...... 5

3.2 Wengen – The classical, car-free holiday resort at the foot of the Jungfrau ...... 5

3.3 Mürren – The car-free mountain village at the foot of the ...... 5

3.4 Lauterbrunnen – In the valley of 72 waterfalls ...... 6

3.5 Haslital – Where family friendliness and mountain experiences were lived ...... 6

4 Top Destinations ...... 7

4.1 – Top of 3,454 m. above sea level ...... 7

4.2 Schilthorn – 2,970 m. above sea level ...... 7

4.3 2,061 m. above sea level ...... 7

4.4 Männlichen 2,227 m. above sea level ...... 8

4.5 Allmendhubel 1,907 m. above sea level ...... 8

4.6 Trümmelbach falls ...... 8

4.7 Alpen tower ...... 9

4.8 Gorge ...... 9

4.9 Grimselwelt ...... 9

5 Activities ...... 10

5.1 Activities in the Jungfrau Region on one sight ...... 10

5.2 Hiking ...... 11

5.3 Mountain biking ...... 11

5.4 Climbing ...... 11 5.5 Adventure and Fun ...... 12

5.6 On the way with a mountain guide ...... 12

5.7 Wellness ...... 12

6 Top Events ...... 13

7 Agenda ...... 16

8 Facts and Figures ...... 17

8.1 Climate ...... 17

8.2 Altitude of the Villages ...... 17

8.3 Number of Inhabitants in the Jungfrau Region ...... 18

8.4 Overnight stays ...... 18

8.5 Accommodation ...... 19

9 Contact ...... 20

Jungfrau Region PR/Media, Untere Bönigstrasse 8, CH-3800 , Tel +41 33 854 12 50, Fax +41 33 854 12 41 [email protected], www.jungfrauregion.ch, www.haslital.ch 1 Position of the destination

The Jungfrau Region is situated in the heart of , in the , at the foot of the three famous mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. By car the journey from Zurich takes 195 kilometers, from Basel 175 kilometers, from Geneva 205 kilometers and from Berne 70 kilometers. By train the Jungfrau Region is reachable within 3 ¼ hours from Geneva, within 2 ½ hours from Basel and Zurich and within 1½ hours from Berne. Interlaken is the door to the Jungfrau Region.

Position of the destination. JRT

1 2 The Jungfrau Region

The Jungfrau Region is situated in the eastern Bernese Oberland, south of Interlaken. The region is nestled in the most beautiful alpine scenery in the world, dominated by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, whose beauty attracts tourists from all over the world.

The tourism destination Interlaken (with Lake of and Lake of ) lies on the northern border. The southern border is defined by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. In the east, the Jungfrau Region borders on the tourism destinations and Sörenberg. The destination covers an area of roughly 350 km2 and contains the villages of Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen and Haslital.

The map of Jungfrau Region Jungfrau Region. JRT

2.1 Legendary Jungfrau Region

Thomas Cook discovered the Jungfrau Region as a tourist destination way back in 1863 when he travelled with 62 English tourists from Geneva through the canton of Wallis and the Jungfrau Region on his way to Luzern.

Many of the destinations in the Jungfrau Region have become legendary. Starting with the UNESCO World Heritage area of Jungfrau-Aletsch, to the most famous alpine triumvirate: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau; the villages: Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren and Haslital; and the scenic destinations: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, Schilthorn Piz Gloria, , Männlichen, Grosse and Kleine Scheidegg, Alpen tower and Rosenlaui.

2 2.2 How the triumvirate got its name – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau

An interesting point is how the three imposing mountains got their names. It must be said, that the 3,970 m. high Eiger is the lowest of the three and is surmounted by the Mönch (4,107 m.) and Jungfrau (4,158 m.). Nonetheless, many more tales are told about the Eiger, which is probably due to the imposing north face high

Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the above the village of Grindelwald. legendary triumvirate in the Bernese . JRT

The name «Eiger» comes from the Germanic words «Hej-Gêr», which means «high peak» or «hoher Ger» which can be found in the local dialect word «Hoger» which means hill.

For many years, the Mönch didn’t have a name of its own and was known as the little Eiger or Eiger’s snowy mountain, and it was much later that the Mönch (monk in English) took its name and role of protecting the Jungfrau (virgin in English). The name «Mönch», however, does not have anything to do with the monks at the abbey Interlaken. The name comes from the alpine pastures below the mountain on which horses called Münche (Wallach geldings) used to graze. So it came, that the mountain above the Münchenalps got the name Münchenberg. Today, only the part Münch or Mönch remains.

The trail of the Jungfrau does, however, most probably have something to do with the abbey in Interlaken. In earlier times, the Augustiner nuns had their own land on the north-western slopes of the Jungfrau in Wengen and . These were known as the Jungfrau mountains which led to the name being used not only on the alpine meadows where the nuns grazed their cattle, but all the way up to the highest peaks. (Source: „Mein Thunersee“, Markus Krebser, Krebser Verlag Thun). Other sources follow the premise that the Jungfrau got its name because it was unconquered. Another opinion is based purely on the mountain’s appearance: white, proud, with a wide posterior but generally friendly. And yet another theory is based on the Celtic language where «Jun- frau» means «a place from which the water flows».

3 2.3 Eiger Myth

The Eiger has its own special legend. This imposing mountain, which thrones high above the village of Grindelwald, has become a landmark of the Jungfrau Region.

«If that rockface can be climbed, then we are going to do it – or die doing it!» were the words of Edi Rainer and in 1936 about the The Eiger Northface. JRT north face of the Eiger. Those words unfortunately came true and both climbers lost their lives in their attempt to scale the north face and the ill-fated attempt was hence known as the „Drama on the north face of the Eiger“. Both Austrians and and from died in the infamous north face which was feared by climbers because of rockslides and unpredictable weather. Photos of Toni Kurz, hanging dead in the climbing ropes, were published worldwide.

Two years later, , Ludwig Vörg, und Fritz Kasparek succeeded in climbing the 1,800 m. high north face. 70 years later, the local professional climber set a speed-climbing record of 2 hrs 47 mins. Daniel Arnold undercut Steck’s time and conquered the north face of the Eiger in 2 hrs and 28 mins. in 2011.

2.4 Sherlock Holmes

Sir , the spiritual father of Sherlock Holmes, was a frequent visitor to the Bernese Oberland and ; from the “Hotel zum Wilden Mann” he then rose to today’s “Parkhotel du Sauvage”. His passion for the countryside and especially for the roaring Reichenbach waterfalls made him perpetuate Meiringen‘s hotel and the in the novel “” .

The year is 1891: Sherlock Holmes and the villain Professor Moriarty face each other at the Reichenbach Falls. The The final problem. JRT master detective had written his last letter to his faithful assistant Dr. John Watson, then a life- or- death struggle ensues. At the abyss next to roaring waters, the two opponents wrestle, there is a desperate cry before both disappear into the roaring torrent of the 100 meter high waterfall. They are never found.

4 3 The villages of the Jungfrau Region

Every village has its own distinct character and attracts its own target audience.

3.1 Grindelwald – The lively Eiger village

The famous resort in the Jungfrau Region lies embedded in untouched and unique alpine scenery at the foot of the Eiger north face. It is the diversity of the village in the middle of the intact mountain world that makes it so captivating: the various outdoor activities offer an active recreation. Grindelwald. JRT

3.2 Wengen – The classical, car-free holiday resort at the foot of the Jungfrau

Steeped in tradition and spoilt by the sunshine, the cure resort at the foot of the Jungfrau invites you to come and stay. An excursion to the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, lies on your doorstep and the Trail allows you to experience the World Cup Ski Race on foot

Wengen. JRT

3.3 Mürren – The car-free mountain village at the foot of the Schilthorn

Mürren is a car-free and intact mountain village with a great history. The former settlement, offers both the active nature-lover and those seeking peace and quiet much originality. The idyllic farming village is situated half-way between Stechelberg and Mürren and satisfy with authentic alpine culture in front of a grad backdrop. Mürren. JRT

5 3.4 Lauterbrunnen – In the valley of 72 waterfalls

Here the highest and most spectacular waterfalls of Switzerland plummet to the valley. Lauterbrunnen is the ideal starting point for outings in the entire Jungfrau Region. The neighbor villages Stechelberg and offer intensive nature experiences away from hustle and bustle – perfect for silence lovers, who are looking for a simple and real holiday. Lauterbrunnen with Staubbach waterfall. JRT

3.5 Haslital – Where family friendliness and mountain experiences were lived

The Haslital includes the towns of , , Meiringen, , , and and promises pure mountain adventures . Attractions such as the open-air museum , the Rosenlauital, the Alpen tower, the and the Grimselwelt delight Pure nature at Gadmen. JRT young and old.

6 4 Top Destinations

Experience unforgettable summer vacations in the Jungfrau Region, next to the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains and in the middle of a wonderful, natural scenery.

4.1 Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe 3,454 m. above sea level

The pinnacle of any trip to Switzerland must be the ride up to the highest train station in Europe at 3,454 metres, the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. Ride up from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen to the alpine train station at the Kleine Scheidegg and change to the fascinating cog railway to the Jungfraujoch.

Jungfraujoch. JRT

4.2 Schilthorn – Piz Gloria 2,970 m. above sea level

This destination, with the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, offers spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The interactive exhibition BOND WORLD 007 plays tribute to the filming of the film „In her Majesty‘s Secret

Schilthorn PIZ GLORIA. JRT Service”. A unique panoramic view opens up at the new SKYLINE WALK at .

4.3 Kleine Scheidegg 2,061 m. above sea level

Directly below the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is the Kleine Scheidegg. It offers visitors a spectacular view of the notorious Eiger North Face. Earlier from here, in 1936, spectators watched as four climbers lost their lives in the mountain wall in a dramatic way. On the Kleine Scheidegg there is the train station, restaurants

Kleine Scheidegg – Jungfrau Eiger and hotels. Walk. JRT

7 4.4 Männlichen 2,227 m. above sea level

The Männlichen area offers a wonderful view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and is the starting point for many hikes. At the height of hiking trails, the excursionists reach Alpiglen, or Kleine Scheidegg. For families the Felix theme delights with some surprises.

Swiss Costume Festival at Männlichen.

Männlichenbahnen

4.5 Allmendhubel 1,907 m. above sea level

In a few minutes you reach the Allmendhubel by funicular from the car-free village Mürren. On the large and sunny terrace you can perfectly relax while enjoying nature and the fantastic views. The Allmendhubel is also ideal for families with kids: The new big outdoor playground

Playground on Allmendhubel. Jost von FLOWER PARK brings excitement and fun. Allmen

4.6 Trümmelbach falls

On hot summer days or after thunderstorms up to 20,000 liters of water per second thunder through this narrow gorge with 10 waterfalls inside the mountain. The water comes from the glaciers of the Trümmelbach walls of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. In summer, when the glaciers start to melt on hot days, the water is named "glacier milk" because of its colour. The Trümmelbach falls. JRT

8 4.7 Alpen tower

The Alpen tower offers a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Haslital. In summer it is an ideal starting point for hiking and paragliding.

Alpen tower. BMH

4.8 Aare Gorge

For thousands of years, the Aare river, between Meiringen and Innertkirchen, has eroded a path creating a gorge 1.4 kilometers long and up to 200 meters deep. Walking through the Aare gorge you feel the power of nature as strong as no other.

Aare Gorge. JRT

4.9 Grimselwelt

Between and Finstaarhorn lies the Grimselwelt which holds the centuries’ old, well- worn passes of Grimsel and Susten. It is a world of mountains, glaciers, rocks and canyons. Water comes from the falls, the mountains and reservoirs. This impressive mountain landscape today offers some of the greatest experiences of

Trift bridge above the Lake of Trift. nature in the Alps. Grimselwelt

9 5 Activities

The Jungfrau Region offers a multiplicity of interesting and recreative adventures.

5.1 Activities in the Jungfrau Region on one sight

 800 km of hiking trails  460 km of mountainbike trails  5 tennis courts  Climbing and high alpine climbing tours  8 Via Ferratas  Waterfalls and alpine lakes  Wellness / outdoor and indoor swimming pools  Nordic walking trails  Driving range and 6 hole golf course  River rafting, canyoning, bungy jumping, canyon jump  Paragliding, tandem paragliding  Helicopter and light plane scenic flights  Scooter bikes  Summer luge  Indoor rope park  Indoor climbing walls Haslital  Indoor Bouldering walls Grindelwald  Skatepark Haslital  Theme trails: Jungfrau climate guide, UNESCO trails, Lauberhorn trail, powerful places and many more  Summer ice-rink  Boulder room  4 minigolf courses  Flyer  Events

10 5.2 Hiking

A total 800 km of footpaths extend over the Jungfrau Region. An afternoon snack in one of the Jungfrau Region's mountain restaurants tastes particularly good, and those who are tired can easily climb into one of the trains or cable cars and be transported back down to the valley.

Hiking in the Jungfrau Region. David Birri

5.3 Mountain biking

The 460 km of mountain bike trails in the Jungfrau Region do require a certain level of fitness - but thankfully there are always trains and cable cars which can take the strain out of many climbs. The view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is spectacular.

More information: www.bikearena.ch Mountain biking in front of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. JRT

5.4 Climbing

Whilst climbing, scaling the Via Ferrata and walking in the high Alps you will discover the fascinating world of mountains in the Jungfrau Region. The most popular summits are those of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Those wishing to take it a bit easier can book a guided tour of the with an over-night stay in one of Climbing at the Eiger. JRT the SAC huts.

11 5.5 Adventure and Fun

Anyone seeking an adrenalin kick will find it in the Jungfrau Region: Paragliding, River Rafting, Canyon- and Bungy Jumping, Canyoning, First- Flyer Zip Line, Trottibiking or Indoor Ropepark.

Paragliding in the Jungfrau Region. JRT

5.6 On the way with a mountain guide

Local Mountain Guides do know the Jungfrau Region very well. It will be a pleasure for them to guide you through the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch

On the way with a mountain guide. JRT

5.7 Wellness

Relaxing in one of the wellness complexes is a wonderful way to round off a perfect day's holiday in the fresh mountain air of the Jungfrau Region.

Wellness with an amazing view – Hotel Bellevue Wengen. JRT

12 6 Top Events

Tatort Jungfrau

Date: 23-25 May 2015 (3rd Edition)

A dead body in the dunghill and a handful of suspects – that’s how a thriller usually starts on TV or in a book. On the weekend of Pentecost, you can experience this thriller live, at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. Participants will follow the murderer’s footsteps over three days, by mountain lift and on foot. Tatort Jungfrau – On murderer’s way. Also the magnificent scenery of the Jungfrau JRT Region can be discovered.

Music Festival Meiringen

Date: 3.-11. July 2015

On the subject of “Out of NOTHING” you will find concerts, meetings with internationally renowned artists and exciting occasions in the craft of violin making in the Violin Making School of Brienz. The organizers always look forward to the annual award, “The Golden Bow” by the Foundation of the Violin Making School of

Classical concerts during the Music Brienz. Festival Meiringen. JRT

Eiger Ultra Trail – tougher than the North face solo

Date: 18-19 July 2015 (3rd Edition)

The Eiger Ultra Trail offers spectacular challenges and magnificent alpine scenery. The 101 km long E101 course, with a difference in altitude of 6,700 m. is a tough challenge for participants. The E51 course offers an unbelievable panorama. The E16 is an excellent route for newcomers to the sport of trail Eiger Ultra Trail. JRT running.

13 Männlichen Swiss Costume Festival

Date: 26 July 2015

Genuine, traditional and unforgettable. The Swiss costume festival at Männlichen is an event not to be missed - a unique festival in a fascinating setting. The folklore performances range from Swiss folk-dancing, yodeling, flag- throwing and whip-cracking.

Männlichen Swiss Costume Festival. JRT

Eiger Bike Challenge

Date: 16 August 2015 (18th Edition)

Three challenging courses are waiting to be mastered by skilled bikers:

1) 88 km / 3,900 m. altitude difference 1) 55 km / 2,500 m. altitude difference 3) 25 km / 1,050 m. altitude difference Special short courses and an obstacle course will be set up for kids. Eiger Bike Challenge. JRT

Mendelssohn Music Week Wengen

Date: 16-22 August 2015 (11th Edition)

The 11th Mendelssohn Music Week invites to listen to classical sound at the foot of the Jungfrau.

Music week Wengen. JRT

14 Inferno Triathlon

Date: 21-22 August 2015

This is a demanding sport event that takes participants from Thun to Interlaken, then Meiringen and finally into the heart of the Jungfrau region. Participants must swim 3.1 km and bike 97 km on the road. This is followed by 30 km on a mountain bike and finally a 25 km mountain run. Get to the top. JRT

Alpenbrevet

Date: 29. August 2015

Hairpin turns, stunning views and great runs characterize the three memorable lines of the Alpenbrevet. Each challenging, cycling tour has its highlights whether the Furka pass road, the cobbled Tremola on the world famous Gotthard Pass or the already southern ambience past palm trees in Ticino.

Cycling tour in direction . David Birri JRT

Jungfrau Marathon

Date: 11-12 September 2015 (23rd Edition)

The Jungfrau-Marathon represents the most beautiful marathon course in the world! The setting is fantastic with magnificent changes of scenery from start to finish. A true challenge, the difference in altitude of 1,839 metres between Interlaken and the Kleine Scheidegg.

Jungfrau Marathon. JRT

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7 Agenda

 Tatort Jungfrau, Jungfrau Region 23-25 May 2015

 Landart-Festival, Grindelwald to be defined

 Mountain Spring Festival, Männlichen 28 June 2015

 Movie Nights Winteregg, Mürren to be defined

 Music Festival Meiringen 3-11 July 2015

 Landschaftstheater Ballenberg, Brienzwiler 7 July-22 August 2015

 Swiss wrestling and farmer festivity Engstlenalp 18 July 2015

 Eiger Ultra Trail, Grindelwald 18-19 July 2015

 Swiss Costume Festival Männlichen, Grindelwald 26 July 2015

 Eiger Bike Challenge, Grindelwald 16 August 2015

 Inferno Triathlon, Mürren 21-22 August 2015

 Mendelssohn Music Week, Wengen 15-22 August 2015

 Alpenbrevet, Meiringen 29 August 2015

 Jungfrau Marathon, Wengen 11-12 September 2015

 Chästeilet Wengen (cheese sharing), Wengen 20 September 2015

 Mountain Cheese Festival Gr. Scheidegg, Grindelwald 19 September 2015

 Chästeilet Winteregg (cheese sharing), Mürren 3 October 2015

Find more information about upcoming events here: www.jungfrauregion.ch

16 8 Facts and Figures

The fourteen villages Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Stechelberg, , Isenfluh, Brienzwiler, Meiringen, Schattenhalb, Hasliberg, Innertkirchen, Guttannen and Gadmen build the the touristic destination Jungfrau Region.

8.1 Climate

The four seasons determine the weather in the Jungfrau region and thus the tourist seasons. The coldest months are December to February and the warmest temperatures occur in the months of June to August.

8.2 Altitude of the Villages

The villages in the Jungfrau Region are situated between 600 (Meiringen) and 1650 m. above sea level (Mürren).

Village m a.s.l. Mürren 1650 Gimmelwald 1394 Wengen 1275 Gadmen 1205 Hasliberg 1100 Isenfluh 1081 Guttannen 1060 Grindelwald 1034 Stechelberg 950 Lauterbrunnen 795 Brienzwiler 680 Innertkirchen 626 Schattenhalb 600 Meiringen 567

Summary of altitude. JRT

17 8.3 Number of Inhabitants in the Jungfrau Region

As at 30.06.2014.

Villages Inhabitants Meiringen (per 31.12.2014) 4803 Grindelwald (per 1.1.2014) 4183 Hasliberg (per 31.12. 2013) 1214 Innertkirchen incl. Gadmen (per 1.1.2014) 1109 Wengen 1094 Lauterbrunnen 856 Schattenhalb (per 31.12.2012) 593 Brienzwiler (per 1.1.2014) 481 Mürren 410 Guttannen (per 1.4.2014) 350 Stechelberg 263 Gimmelwald 106 Isenfluh 64 Total Jungfrau Region 14452

Number of Inhabitants. JRM

8.4 Overnight stays

Over 2.3 million guests stayed overnight in the Jungfrau Region in 2013. 1.2 million overnights in our hotels and 1.1 million overnights in holiday apartments, on campgrounds and in mountain huts.

Overnight stays 2012 and 2013. JRT

Top 6 of home countries in our hotels. JRT 18 8.5 Accommodation

A total of 123 hotels with 7,570 beds, 3,326 holiday apartments, 15 camping grounds, 60 hotels/group accommodation and 38 alpine huts can be found in the Jungfrau Region. All ready to accommodate your sweet dreams and fulfil you every wish.

Category Number 5-star hotels 1 4-star superior hotels 2 4-star hotels 13 3-star superior hotels 5 3-star hotels 38 2-star hotels 14 1-star hotels 1 Swiss Lodge 7 Non-classified hotels 42 Total 123

19 9 Contact

We would be pleased to help you with your research: ideas for your projects, useful contact addresses or assisting you personally here in our region. We look forward to hearing from you:

Jungfrau Region Marketing AG Jungfrau Region Marketing AG

Christine Flück Sandra I.F. Hubert PR/Media Manager Head of Sales Phone +41 33 972 51 62 Phone +41 33 854 12 50 [email protected] [email protected]

Are you planning a media trip to the Jungfrau Region? Please contact us at least 7 days in advance so we can give you our best professional support, and supply the following information:

 Your research themes

 Approximate when the article will be published

 Your address / firm address

 Media identification

Current media information and further documentation is available on our website www.jungfrauregion.ch under Service/Media.

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Since 1.1.2008 Jungfrau Region Marketing AG (JRM) has been responsible for marketing the Jungfrau Region with the villages of Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Stechelberg, Gimmelwald and Isenfluh. The main aim is to market the offers of the tourist destinations to clearly defined target markets. Furthermore, JRM is responsible for key tasks such as IT, personnel and coordination for the entire tourist destination. JRM is financed by proceeds from the Tourist Tax (TFA), cantonal housing fees, revenues from service agreements and profit from the tourist offices themselves. Shareholders are the local tourists associations, the cable cars and Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen councils.