Grindelwald

Grindelwald village is the main entry to the Jungfraujoch region. But as you drive from Interlaken to Grindelwald the scenery around is  beautiful. The lush green surroundings with a touch of rustic brown houses. My parents always described it to me as the paradise on earth. It was a fantastic experience driving through those roads.

Grindelwald and the Jungfraujoch, even though it appears to be an accessibility challenge, is perhaps one of the most accessible places. And the staff and crew are always there to address any sort of ♿️accessibility concern. 

Accessibility ♿️

– To catch the cogwheel train from Jungfraujoch you can drive either to Grindelwald or Grund station. Grund is better as it has some ♿️accessible parking. You can just park your car and take the train.
– Enjoy the beautiful river stream next to the Grund station parking lot.
– There is an accessible restroom in the parking area. Make sure you use it before boarding the train as the ride to the top of Europe is long and the restrooms are available only at certain stations.
– the restroom keys are available with the information booth under the red umbrella
– In the information booth you will get all the details about the stations, cable car and trekking.
– At the ticket counter, while purchasing the ticket, inform the officials that you will be needing help with Accessibility at every transfer points.
– You and your companion may be eligible for a discount if you have a physical challenge. The tickets are expensive and a discount is always welcome
– It is better to buy the tickets on site
– The officials inform their colleagues with red and green jackets at every transfer points if the train is carrying a passenger who needs help.
– They put a makeshift ramp on the rails and at the train door to wheel up.
– You have to look for people with red and green jackets to assist you in every transfers.
– The train stops at KlieneScheidegg where you transfer to another train which takes you straight to the peak of Jungfraujoch. This place has breathtaking views of Eiger.
– On reaching Jungfraujoch you have to look for the crew wearing red and green coats who will be able to assist you, if needed.
– If you sought assistance, the crew will already be informed
– There is an observation deck, restaurants and souvenir shops
– the orientation at the top of Europe can be confusing but always look for the accessibility signs for the right elevator. You can approach crew wearing Yellow and Orange jacket.
– The main deck to reach the top of Europe is not accessible.You can however, watch from the observation deck.

Tips

– Make sure you start early in the morning otherwise the clouds cover the peak very fast
– Don’t plan too much beforehand as you never know the weather.
– You can drive to Lauterbrunnen, another beautiful place close to Grindelwald, after you return from top of Europe.
– Remember to carry outerwear and warm jackets weather as it can get extremely cold at the top.
-The cog wheel ride is little strenuous. Make sure you keep chewing something to keep you fresh and away from nausea
-An interesting exercise will be to try to stand straight in that cog wheel train.  You will be amazed at your degree of slant.