Wanderparadies
«Car j'aime les activités en nature, particulièrement en montagne et j'aime les faire découvrir autour de moi grâce à de belles photos.» (In English: Because I love outdoor activities, especially in the mountains, and like to capture them in beautiful photos). With this sentence, Fanny Lathion applied to be an explorer. Successful application. The 23-year-old from Valais won our main prize, a week's holiday in the Jungfrau Region. She spent this holiday with her sister Manon Lathion (25) and their friend Caroline Fournier (41). Hikes - for example from Stechelberg via Obersteinberg to Gimmelwald, or the two-day hike to the Lobhornhütte - were at the centre of their time in the Jungfrau Region. A speedy descent on the Monster-Trotti or a trip on an e-bike provided variety. The latter was a first for the three of them. They also didn't miss out on a trip to the Jungfraujoch and First. They were accompanied by our film crew for several days: "It was very unusual and a little irritating at the beginning". But Fanny, Caroline and Manon didn't let this put them off and enjoyed their holiday to the full.
"Spectacular views everywhere"
A beautiful place close to the planned activities. That's what Fanny, Caroline and Manon were looking for. The trio found what they were looking for in Wengen. "The view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley with its vertical cliffs is wonderful," say Fanny and Caroline, citing another advantage of their base. And Manon is impressed by the beautiful gardens during the walks through the alpine village on the first day. The next morning, they visit the impressive Trümmelbach Waterfalls, the largest underground waterfalls in Europe. Afterwards, the hike from Stechelberg to Obersteinberg and back to Stechelberg is on the programme. "The hike was very beautiful, the views spectacular, the weather was great - we had plenty of sunshine - and lunch was delicious," enthuses Manon. The next hike is already scheduled for the following day. A two-day tour to the Lobhornhütte. After the first stage, the aerial cableway ride from Isenfluh to Sulwald and the hike to the Lobhornhütte, Manon treats herself to a refreshing dip in the nearby Sulssee lake. "Yes, it rained a bit, but the water wasn't too cold. It was a cool experience."
"The sunrise, the silence, just the splashing of the waterfalls, simply fantastic"
- Caroline Fournier
The three of them are compensated for the less-than-intoxicating weather on the first day of the hike the next morning. For Caroline, who gets up before everyone else, it's the highlight of the week. "The sunrise, the silence, just the splashing of the waterfalls, simply marvellous," she enthuses. On the way back, freshly fortified after a delicious breakfast, the three of them are enamoured by the beautiful view. "We travelled the last section on the monster scooters. That was very funny, we had a great time on the descent." Fanny and Caroline laughingly agree. And yes, they loved the monster scooters, because they travelled up to First on the same day - and then back down to Grindelwald on the mountain carts. Up and down they go the next day too - by e-mountainbike. Even the mountain bike-experienced Manon and Caroline have never travelled on battery power before. "The bikes had real power," enthuses Manon. The steep climb is therefore no challenge for all three of them. "Once we reached the top, a barbecue area with a wonderful view was waiting for us," says Caroline. What Manon particularly liked about the tour was the view - and the fact that they were travelling without any other tourists. "We had a bit more trouble making the fire," Fanny interrupts her with a laugh, "but we managed this challenge too and were able to enjoy our cervelats in the end." Then it was down the Leiterhorn Trail back to the hotel. On their last day, the three got up early for the trip to the Jungfraujoch - including a ride on the new Eiger Express. An experience they didn't want to miss out on.
"I will definitely come back to the Jungfrau Region. Especially because of the mountain scenery with all the waterfalls and small lakes, I want to discover more of them," Caroline enthuses. Fanny nods in agreement. She already has her sights set on more hikes and activities. "I want to come in winter too, for skiing." And Manon? "I want to show my friends the Jungfrau Region and experience the monster Trotti descent with them again." She recommends that new guests visit lesser-known places away from the tourist hotspots to experience true authenticity. All three were surprised to learn that such places do exist in the Jungfrau Region. "We thought it was super touristy. But we were often travelling alone, which we liked."
