Villages

Witnesses of the time

Like three mighty watchmen, the Eiger, Mettenberg and Wetterhorn are enthroned above the village. The Eiger, which stands symbolically for Grindelwald, has already seen a lot. Many mountain dramas within its own walls, the rapid decline of the two Grindelwald glaciers and the beginnings and now the present of tourism in the village. 

Tradition and diversity. The historical village with its flexible excursion possibilities combines these two elements. In winter you can see the people of Grindelwald pedalling around in the snow on strange bicycles. These cult companions are called «Velogemel» – this single-track, steerable sports sledge has served the villagers as a means of transport since 1911. In the past, it was even used to deliver letters or food. Every February there is even a world championship. Only in Grindelwald.

What a route

This may be said of the beautiful train journey which leads from Grindelwald via Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen. Or the notorious Lauberhorn downhill run, which has made the little village famous. You can also go fast here only on the piste. And there is only traffic at the ski lift or on the many hiking trails – Wengen is one of the two car-free villages in the Jungfrau Region. So a plus point in terms of idyll.

By the way, if the classic Lauberhorn run is not enough for you, you can also run up the route. Yes, there are actually people who do it voluntarily. Namely at the Lauberhorn Run, which takes place every year at the end of March.

British charm

From Wengen you can wave to your neighbours on the opposite side of the valley in Mürren. And with this we have arrived at the second car-free village in the region. 

The small mountain village at 1650 meters shares its charm with a secret agent. The Bond film «In Her Majesty's Secret Service» from 1969 was shot here. And the success of the film still characterises the village at the foot of the Schilthorn to this day. The railway construction up to the summit as well as the revolving restaurant would not have been realized at all without the elaborate film project. 

It was definitely worth it. In the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria you can enjoy a delicious brunch at almost 3000 meters. Optionally with Martina, shot not stirred. The view is to die for, Bond would probably say. George Lazenby, the agent in Mürren, only played Bond once. Mürren, on the other hand, seems to be in many parts, all year round.

Gulf of the deep valley

From Wengen and Mürren, you look down on the Lauterbrunnen valley. By no means a chasm, but a uniquely long, green valley with gushing waterfalls and metres high rock faces.

Kluft des tiefes Tal is another name for Bruchtal or Rivendell. Fans of the Lord of the Rings series have pointed ears, like the elves. In his imagination, someone has given these noble creatures a home in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This someone was the young Englishman J.R.R. Tolkien, who was inspired by a journey through Switzerland here.

Lauterbrunnen is also known as the valley of 72 waterfalls. Whether there are really so many, we do not know either. Maybe it was written by Tolkien and was simply adopted. We recommend an adventure à la Bilbo Baggins to find out for yourself.

One last case

Now we come to a famous master detective who literally had his last case here.

Like his fellow countryman Tolkien, Arthur Conan Doyle – the creator of Sherlock Holmes – found inspiration in the Jungfrau Region. More precisely in Meiringen, in the beautiful Haslital.

Rough rocky landscapes, wild streams, quiet forests and wide meadows. Actually, the Haslital would be a suitable film location for Lord of the Rings. But here was Detective Holmes at work, armed with his mind and not a sword.

But in the end, even the brains were useless. In the final showdown, arch-enemies Holmes and Moriarty together plunge down the thundering Reichenbach Falls. The supposedly last thing heard of the two. But one thing is certain: you don't have to be a detective to realise that the Haslital is worth a trip.