Must-do challenge on the Jungfrau: 84 km/h zip line, 60 seconds across two valleys

▲Full video of the one-minute zip line ride.

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Switzerland
 
Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Jungfrau region is a town at an elevation of 1,050 meters and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. About 20 minutes by cable car from Grindelwald lies the First viewpoint, where you can experience the First Flieger zip line. Zooming across the valley in just one minute at speeds of 84 km/h, you’ll get a breathtaking aerial view of the majestic north face – a must-do activity when visiting the Jungfrau area.


▲Soaring above the zip line, the mountain views are truly spectacular.

The Swiss are experts at utilizing natural resources to create tourism experiences that combine sightseeing with nature and adventure challenges. Grindelwald, located at the foot of the Jungfrau, offers a route from Grindelwald to First via Grindelwald–Bort–Schreckfeld–First. Many travelers choose the cable car up and then opt for the zip line down from First to Schreckfeld. After Schreckfeld, options include scooters, hiking, or taking the cable car back. Among these, the zip line stands out as particularly thrilling due to its high speed.


▲The zip line may look intimidating, but the actual drop zone is surprisingly short. It’s only a split second of freefall.








The First viewpoint, at an elevation of 2,168 meters, offers sweeping views of the stunning peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The high-altitude zip line is set up here, stretching 800 meters in length. It accelerates to 84 km/h within a minute and descends to Schreckfeld at 1,955 meters. Riders go in pairs, with instructors securing safety harnesses. You’ll sit in specially designed zip line chairs and race downhill.

What’s most frightening about this seemingly thrilling ride is the moment the gate opens and you take the plunge. The adrenaline rush of freefall lasts just a second, after which you’re treated to completely unobstructed, panoramic mountain views. On clear days, when the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks appear in succession, you might even forget about the speed and just focus on taking photos.


▲On a clear day, the scenery is so stunning you'll forget the speed and just want to snap photos.

A word of caution: upon reaching the end of the zip line, the impact is quite strong. Instructors advise riders carrying cameras to be especially careful to avoid sprains or damage to their equipment to prevent injury.