Jungfrau

The Jungfrau, rising to 4,158 meters, is a majestic peak in the Swiss Alps, renowned as one of the principal summits of the Bernese Alps. It sits astride the cantons of Bern and Valais and forms a part of the stunning trio along with the Eiger and Mönch. The Jungfrau is celebrated not only for its breathtaking elevation but also for its historical and cultural significance.

First scaled in 1811, the ascent of the Jungfrau marked a milestone in Alpine exploration. The mountain, whose name translates to “maiden” or “virgin” in German, holds a prominent position in the Swiss skyline and is particularly notable when viewed from Lake Thun and Interlaken. The Jungfrau’s north face presents a sheer, dramatic drop, accentuating its grandeur and adding to its reputation as a formidable climb.

The construction of the Jungfrau Railway, connecting Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, has made the mountain more accessible, transforming it into one of the most visited places in the Alps. The Jungfrau, along with the Aletsch Glacier, forms part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifying the region’s outstanding natural beauty.

Geographically, the Jungfrau is the third highest mountain in the Bernese Alps, following the Finsteraarhorn and Aletschhorn. It forms a colossal 10 km wall overlooking the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys. This wall, composed of some of the Alps’ largest north faces, is extended east by the Fiescherwand and west by the Lauterbrunnen Wall.

The contrast in the Jungfrau’s landscape is stark, with its northwestern side featuring near-vertical drops, while its southeastern side gently slopes into the Jungfraufirn, a key feeder of the Aletsch Glacier. This glacier forms part of the largest glaciated area in Europe, underscoring the Jungfrau’s environmental significance.