North America x Jungfrau Region

The well-known American travel writer and TV host Rick Steves is famous for his love of Europe, especially for its hidden gems. He has brought attention to the small Swiss mountain village of Gimmelwald in the Jungfrau Region, showcasing it as a jewel of authentic, untouched European culture. Gimmelwald sits on a high plateau in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, renowned for its towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls. The village is defined by traditional farms, old wooden houses, and breathtaking natural surroundings. The locals are primarily farmers, and it’s not uncommon to encounter cows, goats, and chickens while strolling through the village. For Steves, Gimmelwald embodies the “real” Europe - a place where travellers can immerse themselves in local culture and experience an unfiltered Switzerland. He appreciates that the villagers uphold their traditional way of life, making Gimmelwald a symbol of gentle, sustainable tourism and inspiring travellers to value original travel experiences.

Gimmelwald is not far from the famous skiing and hiking areas surrounding Mürren, Wengen, and Grindelwald. The Jungfrau Region is known for its dramatic alpine panoramas, highlighted by famous mountain excursions such as the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe and the Schilthorn - Piz Gloria. Unlike the neighboring, busier tourist towns, Gimmelwald has preserved its original character. Numerous hiking trails from here lead to spectacular viewpoints with unique views of the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, making Gimmelwald a unique base for travellers who want to experience the Jungfrau Region in its peaceful, unspoiled form.

Learn more from Rick Steves experiences in Gimmelwald and its surroundings:

The Eiger, one of Switzerland's most famous mountains, holds a special allure for travelers from North America with its dramatic North Face. The legendary "Eiger North Face" is recognized worldwide as one of the most challenging and dangerous climbing routes, often called the "Mount Everest of rock climbing." For decades, it has ignited the adventurous spirit of North American mountaineers and captivated visitors drawn to the wild history and beauty of the Alps.

The Clint Eastwood classic The Eiger Sanction (1975) significantly boosted the Eiger’s fame in North America, portraying the mountain as the setting for dramatic adventures and sparking interest in this unique alpine region. For many North American alpinists, the Eiger North Face is the ultimate goal - a place where skills and endurance are put to the test. Renowned American and Canadian climbers, such as John Harlin III, who completed his father’s tragic route on the Eiger, and Jeff Lowe, whose legendary solo ascent of the "Metanoia" route gained worldwide acclaim, have left their mark here.

However, the Jungfrau Region also offers plenty of ways for less climbing-focused travelers to experience the breathtaking landscape and the Eiger up close. The Eiger Trail, a hiking path along the base of the North Face, allows visitors to admire the towering wall from close range and appreciate the mountain's full majesty. The Jungfrau Railway, which reaches the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe through the Eiger, provides spectacular views of the North Face. Along the route, specially designed windows in the rock face offer a unique view of the alpine glacier landscape, while at the top of the Jungfraujoch, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the neighboring peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

With this extraordinary blend of adventure, alpine history and unparalleled scenic experiences, the Eiger in the Jungfrau Region is an essential highlight for North Americans seeking to experience the Swiss Alps in their purest form.

The Jungfrau Region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, has become a popular setting for films and a source of inspiration for numerous scripts. For example, the movie “James Bond: On Her Majesty's Secret Service” (1969) features the stunning mountains around the Schilthorn near Mürren as the backdrop for spectacular action scenes. Another highlight is “The Eiger Sanction” (1975), in which Clint Eastwood climbs the dramatic Eiger North Face near Grindelwald. The film “Downhill Racer” (1969), starring Robert Redford and Gene Hackman, was shot across multiple European ski destinations including Wengen, Grindelwald and Meiringen (Haslital) in the Jungfrau Region.

In “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005), which chronicles Anakin Skywalker’s fall and transformation into Darth Vader, parts of the scenic shots for the fictional planet Alderaan were inspired by the Swiss Alps, including the Jungfrau Region. Similarly, “The Golden Compass” (2007), based on Philip Pullman’s novel, draws on the Alpine atmosphere of the Jungfrau Region to depict the snowy, rugged landscapes and elevated settings of the film, creating a mystical, wintry world perfect for this fantasy tale. Finally, “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” (2018) from J.K. Rowling's wizarding world showcases Newt Scamander working with allies to stop the dark wizard Grindelwald — all within an iconic Swiss landscape inspired by the Jungfrau Region.

The Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Jungfrau Region, one of the most striking landscapes in the Alps, is also often cited as an inspiration for the fictional realm of Rivendell in J.R.R. Tolkien's “The Lord of the Rings”. Tolkien visited the valley in 1911 during a trip through Switzerland and many aspects of this experience later found their way into his writings.

The Jungfrau Region combines traditional Swiss Alpine cuisine with fine dining, making it an outstanding culinary destination for lovers of Swiss cuisine and international gourmets alike. This blend of authentic, hearty classics and modern haute cuisine offers a unique gastronomic experience.

Traditional dishes are at the heart of this region's offerings and are closely tied to Swiss Alpine culture. Staple foods like cheese fondue and raclette hold a special place here. Both dishes are based on locally produced cheese, often sourced from small dairies in the region, and are traditionally enjoyed in a social setting. Cheese fondue consists of a mix of melted cheese, white wine, and garlic, served with bread pieces that are dipped into the creamy mixture. Raclette involves melting cheese over potatoes, typically served with pickles and onions.

For those seeking a more adventurous and active experience, a fondue backpack can be booked in towns like Wengen and Grindelwald, allowing guests to enjoy Swiss fondue amidst the breathtaking mountain landscape. The fondue backpack is a specially assembled kit containing everything needed for a delicious fondue experience in the great outdoors. It includes a complete fondue set with a caquelon (fondue pot), rechaud (small burner), fondue forks, and essential ingredients - such as high-quality Swiss cheese, bread, and often spices. Enjoying fondue in nature is a unique experience: the tangy cheese, fresh Alpine air, and impressive scenery make this culinary adventure an unforgettable highlight for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In addition to these traditional delights, the Jungfrau Region boasts numerous exclusive restaurants and hotels that offer haute cuisine at the highest level. Here, Alpine authenticity meets creative preparations and innovative techniques. Many of these top restaurants, awarded Gault Millau points or Michelin stars, use regional ingredients that are reimagined in a modern and artful way. Some of Switzerland's best chefs work in the area, delighting guests with seasonally inspired menus and perfectly paired wines.