Allure of the Glaciers: - Jungfrau Region | Grindelwald

PRESS RELEASE
Allure of the Glaciers:
The Haslital & Jungfrau Region’s crystal clear world of ice
Haslital/Jungfrau Region, 2013: Glaciers have always had a special appeal to
mankind. Their crystal clear beauty is enthralling, the silence that they emanate
imposing. Skiing and snowboarding in front of this ice-capped scene, ski-touring
or snow-shoeing alongside crevasses or taking a scenic flight or heli-skiing trip
leave lasting impressions on winter tourists.
In the Haslital and Jungfrau Region the glaciers are omnipresent. From the valley,
breathtaking glimpses of the icy giants reveal themselves above. Crisp, clear winter air
fills every pore with vitality and there’s a promising choice of excursions leading way up
high into the world of glaciers.
Above the Sea of Ice to the Top of Europe
Mount Jungfrau rises majestically to 4158m and, together with the Eiger and Mönch,
forms an impressive trio. In 2001, Mount Jungfrau and the areas bordering it to the
south were classified as “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” and granted UNESCO World Heritage
status. Anyone wanting an out-and-out glacier experience is well-advised to visit
the Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe. Even the journey to get there is fascinating -
9.34km by electric cog-wheel train, which celebrated it’s centenary last year. It leads
from the Kleine Scheidegg through the Eiger and Mönch to Jungfraujoch, negotiating
1400 vertical metres along the way. The entire route provides fantastic impressions. In
addition, short stops in the middle of the Eiger Nordwand (North Face) and the
Eismeer (Sea of Ice) offer unique views. On arrival at Europe’s highest railway station
at 3454m altitude a breathtaking panorama, which on a clear day stretches from
the Vosges mountains to the Black Forest, presents itself, as do multiple possibilities for
finding out more about the magical high alpine world of snow and ice. From the viewing
platform of the Sphinx at 3571 metres, which, thanks to the fastest elevator in Switzerland,
is reached in just 25 seconds from the glazed Sphinx Hall, there’s a 360 degree
panoramic view stretching as far as the neighbouring countries of France, Germany and
Italy.
Jungfraujoch isn’t just the tourist attraction Top of Europe. The Sphinx Observatory is
the highest-located scientific centre in Europe and one of the best-equipped research
stations worldwide. Simultaneously with the centenary of the Jungfrau Railways, the
Sphinx Observatory celebrated its 75 th anniversary. A permanent exhibition informs visitors
about the high alpine and scientific research that is carried out there. A further attraction
of the Jungfraujoch is the Ice Palace, where you can immerse yourself in a
genuine world of ice. 20 metres under the viewing platform, an enormous hall with a surface
area of over 1000 m² was created by hand using ice axes and saws. Delicate ice
sculptures depicting ice eagles, penguins, polar bears and the like, can be admired there.
Each year the figurines are re-sculpted from the eternal ice by a local ice artist. Thus, in
2012, John Doubleday launched the Sherlock Holmes Society of London’s 2012 “Sherlock
Holmes Pilgrimage” by creating a statue of the famous master detective, Sherlock
Holmes. To mark the centenary of the Jungfrau Railways, the Alpine Sensation, a 250
metre long visitor attraction, was installed. This round-tour consists of interactive niches
depicting the development of tourism in the Alps, the history of the Jungfrau Railways,
© Haslital Tourismus/Jungfrau Region Marketing AG
© SARTORI UND THALER MARKETING SERVICES GMBH 1/3

the excruciating efforts during construction and the brilliant idea of founder Adolf Guyer-
Zeller. It also connects the Sphinx-Hall with the Ice Palace.
Discover the allure of the ice from lofty heights
The most exciting way to experience the world of glaciers must be from the air. There’s
no better way to really appreciate the size of the ice giants than by viewing them during
a scenic flight over imposing glaciers. It’s easy to leave everyday life behind and
experience unforgettable moments while heli-skiing. Just the ticket for injecting an
adrenaline rush into a winter holiday. Passionate skiers appreciate the chance to reach
untracked powder snow that awaits them on the highest glacier peaks. Experiencing absolute
freedom, not meeting another soul in this white world and softly gliding back down
to the valley is, literally, the height of pure icy pleasure. The descent is, of course,
guided. The heli-skiing experience only starts after a thorough safety briefing by an experienced
guide.
Both in the Haslital and the Jungfrau Region there are several specialist operators for
scenic helicopter flights and heli-skiing. Therefore, there are several aerodromes and
winter airfields in the Bernese Oberland. In the Haslital there is a base at Geissholz
above Meiringen. From here, tourists who want to discover the glaciers from above can
fly to the high-altitude landing sites at Rosenegg and Sustenlimmi accompanied by local
mountain guides. These high-altitude sites are starting points for descents through the
fantastic glacial world of the Steingletscher and the famous Rosenlaui Glacier. Lofty
heights can also be reached from the Jungfrau Region. The winter airfield at Männlichen
enables various flights in winter too. On scenic flights, well-trained mountain pilots will
give adventurous passengers a bird’s eye view of the Jungfrau Region. A glacier landing
with a round trip taking in Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is very popular, as are
heli-skiing tours. For a real buzz, try a helicopter skydive. Those hungry for adventure
can hurtle towards the earth, free-falling at up to 200 km per hour with an experienced
skydive guide. After the parachute opens, the flight takes three to five minutes. Before
the gentle landing, those courageous skydivers can enjoy views of the glistening ice and
wintry landscape.
Take a mountain guide into the world of glaciers
There are countless high alpine ski tours in the Haslital. Accompanied by mountain
guides, you can, for example, go to the glacial bowl of the Gauli. Here impressive sights,
such as the Hangendgletscherhorn and the Ewigschneehorn await you. The
freeride descent over the craggy Rosenlaui Glacier must be one of the most unique
glacier descents of the Alps. Those who want to undertake tours independently in future
can get training from the Haslital Mountain Guides. Holidaymakers will spend their
training days mainly in the field, rather than the classroom. Winter offers include avalanche
courses, avalanche transceiver and companion rescue training, and also off-piste
skiing techniques and crampon use – all of which are important skills to master before
heading off to conquer the glaciers. In the Jungfrau Region, the local mountain
guides know their homeland like the back of their hand and will safely guide you through
the UNESCO World Heritage region. Holidaymakers can experience unforgettable
mountain moments on guided ski tours, ice-climbing or heli-skiing expeditions. As in
the Haslital, there are a large variety of training courses here too. What’s more, some ski
schools in the Jungfrau Region are specialists in freeriding tours. In any case, mountain
guides can assess the avalanche situation and guide winter-sports enthusiasts through
the world of glaciers on unforgettable tours and descents suited to their ability.
© Haslital Tourismus/Jungfrau Region Marketing AG
© SARTORI UND THALER MARKETING SERVICES GMBH 2/3

Images can be downloaded from the websites/press areas below:
http://www.haslital.ch/de/page.cfm/Medien/pressebilder and
http://jungfrauregion.ch/de/Info/Services/Medien/Pressebilder
HASLITAL Bernese Oberland: Family-friendly holiday destination in a variegated mountain landscape
The Haslital in the Bernese Oberland lies in the heart of Switzerland, nestled between the four famous alpine
passes, Brünig, Grimsel, Susten and Grosse Scheidegg. In the three main tourist towns Meiringen, Hasliberg
and Innertkirchen, as well as the villages of Brienzwiler, Gadmen, Guttannen and Schattenhalb one can sense a
distinct appreciation of rural culture and tradition. Excellent family-oriented services, adorned with the “Families
welcome” label and a variety of leisure and sporting activities make the Haslital an impressive year-round holiday
destination. Lovely alpine pastures and sunny meadows, high mountains and rugged cliffs, gurgling
streams and waterfalls shape the landscape. The Haslital can be accessed by seven cableways. Therefore, in
summer, a versatile network with all sorts of excursions and sporting activities is available. There are 300 km
of hiking trails and 300 km of mountain-bike and road-bike routes to discover in the Haslital. There’s a large
variety of activities in winter too – particularly in the snowsports area Meiringen-Hasliberg. The “Skihäsliland”,
for the very smallest of guests, is considered to be one of the finest kids’ ski slopes in the Alps. 60 km of ski
pistes, 15 km sledging tracks, 38 km cross-country ski trails, 40 km winter hiking trails and 20 km snow-shoe
routes in the Hasiltal gladden the hearts of winter-sports enthusiasts. In the Haslital, holidaymakers will find
not only cosy self-catering apartments, but also a varied selection of accommodations ranging from 4 star hotels
to campsite, from mountain refuge to simple B&B.
JUNGFRAU Region: An epic haven for outdoor sports fanatics at the foot of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The Jungfrau Region is situated in the middle of one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world.
Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren and Lauterbrunnen are the four best-known resorts in the Jungfrau Region, but
Isenfluh, Stechelberg and Gimmelwald are three places popular with those who enjoy the peace and tranquillity
of a traditional farming village. The main attractions in the region, mountains Eiger (3970 m), Mönch (4099 m)
and Jungfrau (4158 m) arise majestically and are world-famous. The myths and mountaineering stories surrounding
them are legendary. Six mountain cableways, including the well-known Jungfrau Railway and Schilthorn
cable-car, invite you to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau Region. Year-round attractions
appeal, above all, to active holidaymakers. 500 km hiking trails, 160 km bike routes, 12 natural climbing walls,
nordic walking trails and adventure sports such as river rafting, canyoning, bungee-jumping and paragliding
provide thrills in summer. In winter 213 km ski pistes, 110 km winter hiking trails, 20 km snow shoe trails, 90
km sledging tracks, 30 km cross-country skiing trails and a selection of heli-skiing, powder snow and highaltitude
descents and glacier ski tours entice visitors. With a 5 star hotel, countless 4 and 3 star properties,
campsites, self-catering apartments, mountain refuges and B&B’s the Jungfrau Region offers suitable accommodation
for every taste and budget.
Further information at www.haslital.ch and www.jungfrauregion.ch.
Contact Media/PR
Contact Sales
Jungfrau Region Marketing AG & Jungfrau Region Marketing AG &
Haslital Tourism
Haslital Tourism
Christine Flück
Sandra Hubert
Media/PR
Head of Sales
Bahnhofplatz 12 Untere Bönigstrasse 8
CH-3860 Meiringen
CH-3800 Interlaken
Tel. +41 33 972 51 62 Tel. +41 33 854 12 50
christine.flueck@jungfrauregion.ch sandra.hubert@jungfrauregion.ch
christine.flueck@haslital.ch
sandra.hubert@haslital.ch
© Haslital Tourismus/Jungfrau Region Marketing AG
© SARTORI UND THALER MARKETING SERVICES GMBH 3/3