The Jungfrau region is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is a landscape of mountain glaciers collide bright, lush alpine meadows, moist forest trails, and hundreds of breathtaking waterfalls. Located in Bern, Switzerland, canton and most easily accessible from the city of Interlaken, the Jungfrau region a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known worldwide for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Most travelers to the area to visit the village of Grindelwald and look at the north face of Eiger. Over half a million passengers a year take the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station Europe, where you can overlook the Aletschgletscher, the longest glacier in the Alps, and even walk through tunnels within the glacier. You also want to visit Staubbach Falls, the tallest waterfall in Switzerland. And across the Lauterbrunnen valley, within walking distance of Falls Trümmelbach Staubbach Falls is one of the breaks groundwater in the world, more spectacular, where the torrents of water have created a series of caves accessible by a funicular railway cutting on the mountain, and a series of steps and tunnels to discover the majesty of 10 levels of the waterfall. The village of Lauterbrunnen is set in the world's largest valley glacier, surrounded by more than 70 waterfalls.

But with all these known natural wonders and attractions, not to overlook the spectacular scenery of the lesser known areas such as Obersteinberg, the Grindelwaldgletschers and Bachalpsee. Without doubt, the best scenery of the Jungfrau region is on foot, and most of these rides are on trails well marked and easily accessible. In many of these trips can get quick access to great heights and panoramic views of gondola cableway, mountain or transport systems perfected by the Swiss mountain.

In addition to accommodations in the villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, can also be found wonder hotels and inns in the village car-free as Wengen, Murren, and Gimmelwald. And beyond these villages on the heights of the Alps trails can remain in mountain refuges or shelters where they have great food in a dormitory style accommodation and be right in the heart of scenic splendor.

Some of the best excursions in the area are dayhikes less than 5 miles as the road Eiger, a spectacular, but mountain road safety at the foot of the imposing Eiger North Face. Across the valley, the popular hike from the first to offer an amazing Bachalpsee panorama of Alpine peaks and glaciers. Another easy and relatively level is a tree-lined promenade to walk Mürren Grutschalp above the valley of Lauterbrunnen.

Jungfrau walking tours and guided excursions in other parts of the Swiss Alps are a great way to experience the mountain scenery and the undeniable charm of the Alps. These trips can be adapted to hikers of all responsibilities, activity and age levels.

Greg Witt is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. He is an alpine guide with Alpenwild and author of Ultimate Adventures: A Rough Guide to Adventure Travel.

Wilderness Canoe Association THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES