Adrenalin hits, spa bliss & stunning mountain views above make Switzerland a great escape
On a misty day like today, we're even higher than the clouds as I look down over the edge on the First Cliff Walk.
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
AS I'm gripping on to the handrail of a walkway suspended 45 metres above the Swiss town of Grindelwald, I ask our guide: 'Is now a good time to tell you I'm scared of heights?'
We're just south of Thun, one of this year's UEFA Women's Euros host cities and a dizzying 2,000 metres above sea level.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
5
Summit for the weekend in Grindelwald
5
Spread your wings with First Glider
Credit: David Birri
On a misty day like today, we're even higher than the clouds as I look down over the edge on the First Cliff Walk.
And this is actually the tamest activity I've signed up for. . .
FLYING START
I stop for a hearty potato rosti topped with bacon, cheese and a fried egg, £21, at Berggasthaus First, before plucking up the courage for the First Flyer, an 800-metre-long zipwire that reaches speeds of 50mph (Berggasthausfirst.ch).
Once down, I realise it would have been a better idea to eat lunch after, not before.
But I'm soon back up the mountain to try First Glider, where I'm harnessed face down, then pulled back and launched through the air like an eagle (though I don't feel quite so graceful).
Mountain carting – a cross between a go-kart and a sledge – proves my fave, as I speed down a twisty, 3km-long track back towards town.
Tickets for two activities cost £91 per adult (Jungfrau.ch).
The Fire & Ice Spa at my chic hotel, Bergwelt Grindelwald, just minutes from the gondola, is a welcome change of pace.
I warm up in the outdoor sauna with views of the imposing, ragged face of Eiger mountain, before soaking in the heated outdoor pool – the sound of cowbells nearby is the only playlist.
Derrick Rose and girlfriend Alaina Anderson enjoy family vacation in Switzerland
TOP OF THE ROCKS
A 30-minute train ride away is the town of Interlaken, home to the Harder Kulm mountain, where it's a short trip by the 100-year-old funicular to the summit (Interlaken.ch).
At the top, I find Panorama Restaurant, serving 'the coldest beer in Interlaken', £6, in an ice-bottomed glass, as well as daily Alphorn concerts to soundtrack dinner.
5
The Fire & Ice Spa at my chic hotel, Bergwelt Grindelwald, just minutes from the gondola, is a welcome change of pace
Credit: Anja Zurbrügg
5
Double rooms at Bergwelt cost from £155
Credit: Anja Zurbrügg
I arrive early and take the hour-long circular hike around the mountain top to work up an appetite, then order the Monch Spezial, £21 – a charcuterie board of Swiss air-dried beef, home-made sausage, smoked ham and alpine cheese – followed by Alpine-style macaroni, £23, with potatoes, onions, cheese and apple sauce (Restaurantharderkulm.ch).
Higher still is Jungfraujoch – Europe's highest railway station and the only place in the region where you're guaranteed year-round snow.
From the Grindelwald terminal, I take a gondola up to the Eiger railway station, before hopping on a train through the mountain to the top of the glacier.
All in all, it takes about 45 minutes, and is well worth it. I send a letter from the highest post office in Europe and take in the panoramic mountain views from the Sphinx Observatory.
Sadly, I can't sledge at the Snow Fun Park, due to blizzard-like conditions, so seek shelter in the Ice Palace, a maze carved into the glacier, with incredible frozen sculptures lining the walls.
At Crystal Restaurant, views rival the observatory and I tuck into a starter of creamy home-made lobster soup, £12.75, and moreish cheese fondue, £26.
As I make my descent, rather than checking tickets, the train conductor hands out chocolates. It definitely beats my usual commute.
FYI
Double rooms at Bergwelt cost from £155 (Bergwelt-grindelwald.com).
A Jungfrau Travel Pass, from £38, covers unlimited train, cable car, bus and cruises (Jungfrau.ch).
Plan a trip at My switzerland.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Adrenalin hits, spa bliss & stunning mountain views above make Switzerland a great escape
On a misty day like today, we're even higher than the clouds as I look down over the edge on the First Cliff Walk. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS I'm gripping on to the handrail of a walkway suspended 45 metres above the Swiss town of Grindelwald, I ask our guide: 'Is now a good time to tell you I'm scared of heights?' We're just south of Thun, one of this year's UEFA Women's Euros host cities and a dizzying 2,000 metres above sea level. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Summit for the weekend in Grindelwald 5 Spread your wings with First Glider Credit: David Birri On a misty day like today, we're even higher than the clouds as I look down over the edge on the First Cliff Walk. And this is actually the tamest activity I've signed up for. . . FLYING START I stop for a hearty potato rosti topped with bacon, cheese and a fried egg, £21, at Berggasthaus First, before plucking up the courage for the First Flyer, an 800-metre-long zipwire that reaches speeds of 50mph ( Once down, I realise it would have been a better idea to eat lunch after, not before. But I'm soon back up the mountain to try First Glider, where I'm harnessed face down, then pulled back and launched through the air like an eagle (though I don't feel quite so graceful). Mountain carting – a cross between a go-kart and a sledge – proves my fave, as I speed down a twisty, 3km-long track back towards town. Tickets for two activities cost £91 per adult ( The Fire & Ice Spa at my chic hotel, Bergwelt Grindelwald, just minutes from the gondola, is a welcome change of pace. I warm up in the outdoor sauna with views of the imposing, ragged face of Eiger mountain, before soaking in the heated outdoor pool – the sound of cowbells nearby is the only playlist. Derrick Rose and girlfriend Alaina Anderson enjoy family vacation in Switzerland TOP OF THE ROCKS A 30-minute train ride away is the town of Interlaken, home to the Harder Kulm mountain, where it's a short trip by the 100-year-old funicular to the summit ( At the top, I find Panorama Restaurant, serving 'the coldest beer in Interlaken', £6, in an ice-bottomed glass, as well as daily Alphorn concerts to soundtrack dinner. 5 The Fire & Ice Spa at my chic hotel, Bergwelt Grindelwald, just minutes from the gondola, is a welcome change of pace Credit: Anja Zurbrügg 5 Double rooms at Bergwelt cost from £155 Credit: Anja Zurbrügg I arrive early and take the hour-long circular hike around the mountain top to work up an appetite, then order the Monch Spezial, £21 – a charcuterie board of Swiss air-dried beef, home-made sausage, smoked ham and alpine cheese – followed by Alpine-style macaroni, £23, with potatoes, onions, cheese and apple sauce ( Higher still is Jungfraujoch – Europe's highest railway station and the only place in the region where you're guaranteed year-round snow. From the Grindelwald terminal, I take a gondola up to the Eiger railway station, before hopping on a train through the mountain to the top of the glacier. All in all, it takes about 45 minutes, and is well worth it. I send a letter from the highest post office in Europe and take in the panoramic mountain views from the Sphinx Observatory. Sadly, I can't sledge at the Snow Fun Park, due to blizzard-like conditions, so seek shelter in the Ice Palace, a maze carved into the glacier, with incredible frozen sculptures lining the walls. At Crystal Restaurant, views rival the observatory and I tuck into a starter of creamy home-made lobster soup, £12.75, and moreish cheese fondue, £26. As I make my descent, rather than checking tickets, the train conductor hands out chocolates. It definitely beats my usual commute. FYI Double rooms at Bergwelt cost from £155 ( A Jungfrau Travel Pass, from £38, covers unlimited train, cable car, bus and cruises ( Plan a trip at My
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘She won with plenty left in the tank last time' – Templegate's Sunday NAP
Read on for our man's selections TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'She won with plenty left in the tank last time' – Templegate's Sunday NAP Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE tackles Sunday's racing confident of winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up NIVELLE'S MAGIC (3.00 Ffos Las, nap) There was a lot to like about the way she won with plenty left in the tank at Southwell last time. She was doing her best work at the end of that race's 1m4f trip and this stiffer test of stamina should be ideal. She has had a break and returns to turf at a track where she's tasted success before. New trainer Dan Horsford hasn't had this mare for long and he could even spark a bit more from her. TWILIGHT GUEST (2.40 Pontefract, nb) Trainer George Margarson has been getting a good tune out of this five-year-old who has won his past two at Brighton without any trouble. This 1m2f trip is ideal and, despite a hike in the weights, he can land the hat-trick with Harry Burns taking off a handy 3lb. SANTORINI STAR (3.40 Pontefract, treble) She has done very little wrong so far for William Haggas and made it four wins from five races at Goodwood last time. She now steps out of handicap company but looks well up to this Listed standard with more to come over 1m4f. MAN OF ACTION (3.18 Hexham, Lucky 15) Has every chance of landing a hat-trick of wins. He scored here last month and more than matched that effort at Perth 14 days ago. This trip on decent ground is ideal and he can strike again in a very winnable contest. Templegate's tips PONTEFRACT 2.10 Bleep Test Two seconds and a win so far with more to come. 2.40 Twilight Guest (nb) Likes this trip and comes here with a big hat-trick chance. 3.10 Lieber Power Been knocking on the door and this distance suits fine. 3.40 Santorini Star (treble) Has won past two with lots left and can keep scoring. 4.15 Surrey Fire Been going well on the sand and will appreciate turf return. 4.50 Partisan Hero Has gone well here before and is on an excellent run. 5.25 Adorla Of Achill Bit left in the tank last time and this trip suits. HEXHAM 2.18 Dickens Goes well here and solid effort last time out. 2.48 Beny Nahar Road Has won two of past three and every chance again. 3.18 Man Of Action Can bring up the hat-trick over an ideal trip and track. 3.50 Ryebridge Showed his best form with a solid third last time out. 4.25 Fortunate Fella Back to best when winning last time and can strike for new yard. 5.00 Feach Amach Has won three of past four and sets a high standard. FFOS LAS 2.30 Shaby Shabu Knocking on the door and well backed last time out. 3.00 Nivelles Magic (nap) Has been in fine form and has gone well here before. 3.30 Outlandish Improved from debut with a good third last time out. 4.05 Maybe Not Good form in maidens and more to come handicapping. 4.40 Scenario Went close last time and first-time cheekpieces can help. 5.15 Cornish Storm Consistent and this looks another good chance. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Adrenalin hits, spa bliss & stunning mountain views above make Switzerland a great escape
AS I'm gripping on to the handrail of a walkway suspended 45 metres above the Swiss town of Grindelwald, I ask our guide: 'Is now a good time to tell you I'm scared of heights?' We're just south of Thun, one of this year's UEFA Women's Euros host cities and a dizzying 2,000 metres above sea level. 5 5 On a misty day like today, we're even higher than the clouds as I look down over the edge on the First Cliff Walk. And this is actually the tamest activity I've signed up for. . . FLYING START I stop for a hearty potato rosti topped with bacon, cheese and a fried egg, £21, at Berggasthaus First, before plucking up the courage for the First Flyer, an 800-metre-long zipwire that reaches speeds of 50mph ( Once down, I realise it would have been a better idea to eat lunch after, not before. But I'm soon back up the mountain to try First Glider, where I'm harnessed face down, then pulled back and launched through the air like an eagle (though I don't feel quite so graceful). Mountain carting – a cross between a go-kart and a sledge – proves my fave, as I speed down a twisty, 3km-long track back towards town. Tickets for two activities cost £91 per adult ( The Fire & Ice Spa at my chic hotel, Bergwelt Grindelwald, just minutes from the gondola, is a welcome change of pace. I warm up in the outdoor sauna with views of the imposing, ragged face of Eiger mountain, before soaking in the heated outdoor pool – the sound of cowbells nearby is the only playlist. TOP OF THE ROCKS A 30-minute train ride away is the town of Interlaken, home to the Harder Kulm mountain, where it's a short trip by the 100-year-old funicular to the summit ( At the top, I find Panorama Restaurant, serving 'the coldest beer in Interlaken', £6, in an ice-bottomed glass, as well as daily Alphorn concerts to soundtrack dinner. 5 5 I arrive early and take the hour-long circular hike around the mountain top to work up an appetite, then order the Monch Spezial, £21 – a charcuterie board of Swiss air-dried beef, home-made sausage, smoked ham and alpine cheese – followed by Alpine-style macaroni, £23, with potatoes, onions, cheese and apple sauce ( Higher still is Jungfraujoch – Europe's highest railway station and the only place in the region where you're guaranteed year-round snow. From the Grindelwald terminal, I take a gondola up to the Eiger railway station, before hopping on a train through the mountain to the top of the glacier. All in all, it takes about 45 minutes, and is well worth it. I send a letter from the highest post office in Europe and take in the panoramic mountain views from the Sphinx Observatory. Sadly, I can't sledge at the Snow Fun Park, due to blizzard-like conditions, so seek shelter in the Ice Palace, a maze carved into the glacier, with incredible frozen sculptures lining the walls. At Crystal Restaurant, views rival the observatory and I tuck into a starter of creamy home-made lobster soup, £12.75, and moreish cheese fondue, £26. As I make my descent, rather than checking tickets, the train conductor hands out chocolates. It definitely beats my usual commute. 5
