42.195
The Jungfrau-Marathon has been held in early September since 1993 and long ago earned the unofficial title of the world's most beautiful marathon; 2027 marks its 34th edition. The first half is almost flat, a loop through Interlaken and Bönigen by Lake Brienz and up the Lütschine valley, then the real mountain begins: switchbacks up to Wengen, above the tree line and a final climb along a moraine to the finish at Kleine Scheidegg beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, about 1,800 m of ascent in all. A bagpiper plays near the top and cowbells ring along the course. Interlaken lies between Lakes Thun and Brienz, a base for the train to the Jungfraujoch, walks among the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen and boat trips to Oberhofen Castle.