IMAGES: GETTY; BERGWELT GRINDELWALD
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PAID CONTENT FOR SWI SS DE S IGN COLLECTION
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EXPLORE THE ICE PALACE Got a head for heights? Take the
traditional, cogwheel mountain train from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe, which, at 11,362ft, is the highest railway station in Europe. Built in 1912, this historic little red train has been a quintessential element of a trip to the Swiss Alps, off ering splendid views of the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks and beyond. At the summit, a plethora of activities await, but none is as exquisite as the intricately carved Ice Palace. Be sure to walk through this frosted landscape deep inside the glacier to discover an array of sculptures depicting animals, birds and other works of art. Warm up in the Crystal restaurant afterwards in what is one of Europe’s highest restaurants with unrivalled, panoramic views.
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VISIT THE SPHINX High above the vast Aletsch Glacier,
the Alps’ largest and longest glacier, is the Sphinx — an astronomical observatory named after a rocky outcrop on which its located. Accessible via a high-speed elevator from the Jungfraujoch railway station below, this viewing platform is one of the highest observatories in the world and also the second highest observation deck in Switzerland. On one side of the mountain, the water trickles all the way down to the Mediterranean coast, and on the other, it fl ows into the North Sea. On a clear day, keep your eyes peeled for views of Italy, Germany and France.
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SKI THE SLOPES Opened during the 2020-21 winter
season, the new Eiger Express tricable gondola whisks skiers and snowboarders up from the Eiger Terminal onto the wide, open slopes of the Grindelwald-Wengen — a vast ski area famed for its incredible views of the Eiger and the world’s longest, downhill ski race, the Lauberhorn. This new lift, in addition to the Männlichen gondola which departs from the same place, has dramatically reduced the time it takes to reach the slopes, signifi cantly transforming the area. One of the highlights for intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as profi cient snowboarders, is the chance to experience the Lauberhorn track itself, as it winds down towards Wengen passing iconic landmarks such as the Hundschopf (a signature, 130ft jump), the Kernen-S bridge and Wasserstation tunnel.
long zip-line that can carry up to four people at speeds of more than 50mph — is an exhilarating ride that guarantees boundless freedom and adrenaline as you soar through the skies. Open year-round, the zip-line starts at the top of First Mountain before plummeting to Schreckfeld in Grindelwald below. The area is also home to the world’s longest toboggan run, the Big Pintenfritz, named after the former host of the Faulhorn Restaurant close to the start of the run. Big Pintenfritz apparently liked a drink following the breathtaking descent into the valley and fortunately there’s a chance to do this at the Bergrestaurant Bussalp bar en route down.
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slopes, Jungfrau is increasingly popular as a wellness destination, thanks to its unrivalled natural beauty and world-class spa facilities. The newly built Fire & Ice Spa at the Bergwelt Alpine Design Resort in Grindelwald, for example, has a vast area dedicated to health and wellness, with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a fi tness section and several treatment rooms to restore harmony to mind, body and soul. The region also has one of the highest annual sunshine rates in the country, with a monthly average of around 150 hours. It’s this climate, alongside the arresting mountain views and fresh Alpine air, that draws in visitors from around the world to relax and unwind year-round.
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The Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has 90 rooms and suites, plus an extensive menu at BG’s Grill Restaurant, headed up by executive chef Marcus G Lindner. Located in Grindelwald with easy access to the First mountain lift and Eiger Terminal, it’s the ideal base for exploring the Jungfrau Region, relaxing in its Fire & Ice spa or enjoying the views from its rooms.
bergwelt-grindelwald.com
jungfrau.ch
RELAX & UNWIND Although best known for its ski
TAKE A HIGH FLYING ADVENTURE The First Flyer — a thrilling, 2,480ft-
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