Hardly any other region in Switzerland can boast such a diversity of species as the Jungfrau region. The reason: the landscape around the triumvirate of the mountain peaks Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is characterised by contrasts – extreme dryness and abundant water. Since an earthquake caused the last two springs to dry up, the water in Ausserberg has to be taken from the glacier. The Lauterbrunnen Valley, on the other hand, is the wettest area in Switzerland. The ancestors probably only experienced this grandiose landscape as a threatening, untamable wilderness. Now it is one of Switzerland's best-known holiday destinations. Huge mountains – 50 of them over 3500 metres high – line the majestic Aletsch glacier. Nowadays, people live from and with this impressive nature. They bring down the cattle from the alp, explore the glacier or run an electricity-free hotel.
