Jungfrau Region for Beginners: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen & Lauterbrunnen

Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau form Switzerland's most famous mountain backdrop – and at their feet lie four villages that differ markedly. Anyone travelling to the Jungfrau region for the first time faces the question: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen or Lauterbrunnen? This guide helps with the choice and explains the journey from Zurich Airport.

Interlaken: the hub between two lakes

Interlaken lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is the region's transport hub: hotels of all categories, excursion boats, paragliding over the Höhematte and the starting point of the railways into the valley. Ideal for travellers who want to stay flexible and head for a different destination every day. The Zurich Airport–Interlaken transfer takes around 2 hours 30 minutes via Bern and Lake Thun; fixed price per vehicle.

Grindelwald: the Eiger village

Grindelwald lies directly beneath the Eiger north face and, with the Eiger Express, the First gondola and access to the Jungfraujoch, is the most active place in the region – a ski resort in winter, a hiking base in summer. First choice for families and sports enthusiasts. The transfer to Grindelwald takes around 2 hours 50 minutes; fixed price per vehicle. The village is accessible by car; the driver takes you to the hotel.

Wengen: car-free on the sun terrace

Wengen sits on a terrace above the Lauterbrunnen valley and is car-free – the transfer ends at the valley station in Lauterbrunnen, from where the cog railway climbs in a few minutes. Quiet, traditional, with a view of the Jungfrau; perfect for anyone seeking rest. Transfer to Wengen to Lauterbrunnen: around 2 hours 40 minutes. The principle is the same as in Zermatt, see Why the transfer ends in Täsch.

Lauterbrunnen: the valley of 72 waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen is the valley itself: the Staubbach Falls right in the village, the Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain, access to Wengen and Mürren. If you want a room with a waterfall view and the railways in all directions, this is the place. The journey corresponds to that to Wengen – the driver drops you in the village.

Planning the journey: train, car or transfer?

The train is scenic but requires two to three changes with luggage. The transfer takes you without changes to the village or the valley station; for families with ski equipment the Business & Family Class (V-Class) is the right choice, see Ski transfer from Zurich. In winter, allow a buffer for the return. All prices: Business Class, per vehicle, on the prices page. Book a transfer to the Jungfrau region.