Schilthorn & Aareschlucht: excursion destinations in the Jungfrau Region

The magnificent landscapes of the Jungfrau Region have not only recently inspired tourists from all over the world, but have also captivated artists, writers, industrialists and mountaineers in the past. So it is not surprising that stories and legends run like a red thread through the various valleys and peaks. These stories accompanied us during the three-day voyage of discovery from the imposing Schilthorn via the idyllic Rosenlaui Valley to the mystical Aare Gorge.

Excursion destination Schilthorn – I am Bond, James Bond

High above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, whose landscape inspired Tolkien to create the Hobbit home of Rivendell, lies the idyllic town of Mürren. If it hadn’t been for the sudden appearance of 007 himself in 1968 in the service of His Majesty and his mission had helped the barely completed revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn to become world famous, hardly anyone would know this mountain village today. Mürren welcomes us with thick raindrops and cloudy mountain flanks. What a pity! There is hardly a more beautiful photo spot for the triumvirate of the Bernese Alps than the platform on the Piz Gloria at just under 3,000 m above sea level. If you don’t believe me, you’ll find the proof in Inka, who not only kissed James Bond, but also captured the mountain splendour.

Even in bad weather, a trip to the Schilthorn is not for the faint-hearted. The summit is also home to the so-called Bond World 007, which offers an interactive experience centered around James Bond’s missions. In addition to background information about the James Bond film, which was shot on location, there are also many things to touch and try out. The highlight is the helicopter, where you can “fly” from Lauterbrunnen to the various filming locations with the control stick in your hand.

After the tour of the exhibition, we fortify ourselves with the 007 burger in the restaurant and then drive back to Mürren. Towards the evening, the sun suddenly dares to come out and shows at least to some extent what a beautiful view the guests are spoiled with in Mürren.

Moretips around Mürren

A single trip Mürren – Schilthorn return costs CHF 85.60 for adults, with GA/SwissPass it is CHF 42.80 (as of 2020).

The newest attraction on the Schilthorn is located at the Birg middle station. On August 16th, the Skyline Walk opened here, which cantilevers over a steep rock face and makes the heart beat faster, not only because of the great panorama.

Another highlight are the Movie Nights on the Winteregg. In the first half of July, a cinema screen will be set up here and for a little more than a week, guests will be able to enjoy the open-air cinema. Despite the rain and wintry temperatures, we watched the film “Mountains in the Head”, which is absolutely worth seeing – the perfect backdrop was provided with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in the background (costs 49 CHF).

Excursion destination Rosenlauital – In Goethe’s footsteps

When Goethe crossed the Rosenlaui Valley in 1779 on his hike from the Grosse Scheidegg to Meiringen, he was certainly fascinated by the wild and romantic landscape. Even today, despite its popularity with cyclists and hikers, the valley offers a nature experience far away from mass tourism.

We opted for the leisurely option and took the post bus from Grindelwald over the Grosse Scheidegg. If you decide to take this connection, you will have to wait 40 minutes at Schwarzwaldalp for the connecting post bus to Meiringen for timetable reasons. To bridge the waiting time, we treated ourselves to a piece of apple pie at the Chalet-Hotel Schwarzwaldalp and visited the historic sawmill next to it. Important to note: on the Postbus route, GA travelcard holders have to buy additional tickets (Upper Glacier-Schwarzwaldalp 10.40 CHF, Schwarwaldalp-Meiringen 9 CHF) When I asked why you had to buy an additional ticket for the first section, the chauffeur replied sullenly “we are not subsidized” in typical Grindelwald fashion.

Nevertheless, the valley has enchanted me through the Postbus window and I have already made a note of another detour here next summer. Then we will bring a little more time and visit the famous glacier gorge Rosenlaui.

Excursion destination Meiringen

Sherlock Holmes Museum, Sherlock Holmes Hotel, Sherlock Homes Way, Sherlock Holmes Statue… in Meiringen there is definitely no way around Sherlock Holmes. Not only were meringues invented here, but Sherlock Holmes also met his death here – at least at first glance. As is the case with heroes, it later turned out that he survived.

Thanks to Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel “The Last Problem”, the Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen became internationally known. However, Jeremias Gotthelf already reported on the mighty waterfall in “Jacobs, the journeyman craftsman, hikes through Switzerland”. If it’s pouring down, as it was during our visit, then the Sherlock Holmes Museum (admission 5 CHF adults) offers an entertaining bad weather program (but check the opening hours beforehand as a precaution, as the museum is closed indefinitely at the end of October 2020). Otherwise, definitely plan a detour to the platform above the waterfall, where the last duel between Sherlock Holmes and his nemesis Prof. Moriarty took place.

Excursion destination Aare Gorge

Just outside Meiringen (about 20 minutes on foot) is the imposing Aare Gorge. For almost 1.5 kilometres, the Aare has dug deep into the rock faces and meanders down into the valley at a rapid pace. At its narrowest point, the gorge measures just one meter. Writer J. Rudolf Wyss was incredibly impressed by the gorge and describes the moment when he enters the gorge in a multifaceted way.

“What are all the ruins of human edifices compared with these remnants of an ancient form from the hands of mighty nature!”

The Aare Gorge has been open to the public since 1888 and is a worthwhile destination in all weathers. At dusk, a sophisticated lighting concept makes the rock faces shine in different colours.

The walk through the Aare Gorge ends in Innertkirchen, where you can take the train back to Meiringen. The entrance fee is CHF 10 for adults and CHF 6 for children aged 6 and over (as of 2020). During the winter months, the Aare Gorge is closed (the season usually starts at the beginning of April).

Note: My trip was supported by the Jungfrau Region. Thank you very much for this! As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm.