Switzerland in a nutshell

Transcription

1 SWITZERLAND - REGIONAL INFORMATION Switzerland in a nutshell PAGE NUMBER Country, Climate, Language... 2 A to Z of Adelboden & Bernese Oberland Abseiling, Adventure Park, Banks, Bike rental, Bowling, Cableways.. 4 Canyoning, Cheesemakers, Chemists, Choleren gorge, Cinema, Climbing 5 Currency, Distances, Flyer Bikes, Ice Disco 6 Mountain Fun Games, Mountain guides, Museum, Post, Public holidays Rafting, Scooters & Segway, Shopping 8 Sleeping in Straw, Suspension Bridge, Swimming Swiss Evening, Taxis.. 9 Telephone, Tennis, Tourist Information, Walking & Hiking, Woodcarvers.. 10 World Guide Chalet Excursions by coach Options:- 1. Bern 2. Lake Oeschinen (Nr Kandersteg) & Summer Toboggan run 3. Kandersteg via Blue Lake (Blausee) 4. Lake Brienz (Rothorn mountain railway and/or Lake steamer trips. 5. Ballenberg Open-air museum (near Lake Brienz) 6. Interlaken 7. Trummelbach Falls (Lauterbrunnen) 8. Neisenbahn (funicular) & the town of Thun or Speiz 9. Schilthorn cable car (via Murren) 10. Jungfraujoch mountain railway 11. St Beatus Caves 12. Thun Examples of day excursions (locally and with coach)

2 SWITZERLAND IN A NUTSHELL THE COUNTRY On this beautiful canvas of fresh alpine meadows, sparkling blue lakes and breathtaking mountain peaks, a wide assortment of Europeans have left their marks. Four languages - German, French, Italian and Romansch - rub shoulders here today, despite the fact that the country's population is only 6 million! THE CLIMATE The summer in Adelboden is generally warm and sunny (average temperature 27c) as it is situated on south-facing mountains, making the weather very favourable (upto 12 hours sunshine a day in summer months!). However, like all alpine regions, thunder storms are frequent and often quite heavy so please pack some light rainwear as well as summer clothing, not forgetting a warm fleece for cooler days. LANGUAGE Two-thirds of the population speak some German dialect. In Adelboden and the Bernese Oberland, German is the predominant language. However in the western parts of Switzerland, locals speak French and in the south, a small part of the population speaks Italian. English is widely spoken due to its popularity with tourists world-wide. 2

3 A TO Z OF ADELBODEN Just 30 minutes up the winding valley from Fruitigen (near Lake Thun), this beautiful alpine village of some 3,500 inhabitants lies in the Bernese Oberland at 4,800ft. Adelboden has a friendly, unspoilt charm and is home to 'Our Chalet', the first of the 4 World Guide Centres. 'Our Chalet' belonging to WAGGS was built in 1932 as a meeting place for many different cultures, languages and traditions for Guides from all over the world. Situated in a wide valley carpeted with beautiful wild flowers and gentle wood-covered slopes reaching up to the snow-capped peaks of the Wildstrubel and Lohner mountains, Adelboden consists of several small hamlets, Dorf (village), Boden, Bonderlen and Margeli each offering different facilities. There's miles of beautiful walks for all standards from gentle low-lying tracks to high alpine treks, abseiling, river rafting, mountain biking, horse-drawn carriage rides, an open-air swimming pool and a Leisure and Sports Arena which was newly opened in 2011 offering bowling,ice skating and a climbing hall. A huge choice of cable cars and gondolas can take you to over 9,000ft where you can really appreciate the spectacular scenery and views. Many interesting excursions are possible including the fascinating Choleren Gorge, which is ideal to combine with a trip to the local woodcarvers (who makes wooden guide & scout badges!), a visit to the cheese makers. Coach excursions could include Kandersteg in the neighbouring valley, home to the International Scout Centre, where you can also pay a visit to Lake Oeschinen and maybe have a few rides on the Rodelbahn (dry toboggan run). Further afield, there's the beautiful Lakes Thun and Brienz, the busy town of Interlaken and the fascinating Trummelbach Falls. Why not try one of the famous Swiss mountain ascents either by mountain railway up to the Rothornbahn in Brienz, by cablecar up to the Schilthorn, with its panoramic revolving restaurant (famously featured in the James Bond Film, 'On her Majestys Service') or the mountain railway up to the world-famous Jungfraujoch at 11,333ft, known as the 'top of Europe'. PLEASE NOTE - The activities and excursions listed in this handbook are available in the main summer season (July-August). Groups travelling at other times of year will find that only a limited number of activities and excursions will be available, over which JEKA have no control. MORE INFO : ABSEILING This exciting activity which can be arranged on request, takes place near the Choleren Gorge, local to Adelboden. Two abseiling points of 15 and 35 metres are great fun for everyone and an exciting way to see the gorge! Experienced mountain guides with internationally recognised certificates accompany each group. For groups of 15 to 30 people. Please see the booklet produced by the Adelboden Alpine School for details of more activities available. Minimum age is 10 years old. MORE INFO : 3

4 ADVENTURE PARK A short walk from the centre of Adelboden is the Adventure Park Reharti, run by the Adelboden Alpine School under the guidance of their experienced instructors. Light programme consists of zip wire descents up to 140m, rope bridges and abseiling or try the full programme which includes the pendulum swing! Adventure packages are also available combining the Adventure Park with abseiling or climbing. MORE INFO : BANKS There are several banks in Adelboden village centre. the opening hours are normally as follows : Monday - Thursday 08: :30-17:00 Friday 08:00-12:00 13:30-18:00 Closed on Saturdays & Sundays There are also two 24-hour cash machines which accept most major cards with symbols such as visa, mastercard etc. BIKE RENTAL Why not take advantage of the excellently-marked network of cycle paths around Adelboden by renting bikes for either a half or full day? Cycle maps can be bought from the tourist office. Bikes can be rented locally (book via local JEKA representative). A guide may also be booked to accompany your group, which will ensure you make the most of the well-marked routes as they will have extensive knowledge of the area. All routes will be specifically chosen with your level of ability in mind. BOWLING Ten pin bowling is available at the Leisure and Sports arena which has 6 lanes available to Jeka groups at reduced prices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Shoes will also need to be hired at an additional cost. CABLEWAYS There are several cableways (bergbahnen) around Adelboden, which can take you up to over 9,000ft. These include the Oey-Dorf, Sillerenbuhl, Hahnenmoos, Schwandfeldspitz, Engstiligenalp and the Elsigenalp which are all open daily mostly from 09:00-17:00. The most economical way to enjoy all the cableways and local buses is to buy an Adelboden 'Hiking Pass', available for 1,2,6 or 7 days and can be ordered via Jeka or bought from the tourist office or cablecar stations. MORE INFO: 4

5 CANYONING This is again offered by the Alpine School Adelboden and normally takes place at Grimsel canyon, one of the best canyons in Switzerland with 50m of jumps, abseiling and natural water slides. MORE INFO : CHEESEMAKERS (LOCAL MOUNTAIN CHEESE FARMS) There are two that can be reached from Adelboden; one is located near the Engstiligenalp cable car and can be reached via the cable car. We can offer a special package of the cable car, cheese farm visit and then lunch or cheese or chocolate fondue in the Berg Restaurant in Enstiligenalp. Advance booking is essential. The other cheese farm can only be reached by taxi or by a walk of at least 2 hours from your centre to Bunderalp. Aim to be there by the latest 09.00am to see the demonstration, which lasts about an hour. There s also a small café where you can buy drinks and snacks. BOTH ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST. CHEMISTS There are two chemists in Adelboden village, which are usually open as follows:- Monday- Friday 08:00-12:00 13:45-18:30 Saturday 08:00-12:00 13:45-17:00 CHOLEREN GORGE Known as one of the most spectacular wonders of nature in the Bernese Oberland, the Choleren Gorge is about an hour s walk out of the village. The gorge is where water from the Tschent stream flows down 100 metres through a spectacular collection of waterfalls, watermills and polished rocks. It can be accessed using a system of walkways via steps and bridges. Entrance is free. CINEMA There is a small cinema in Adelboden which features English/US films once or twice a week. Please enquire locally for up to date information. CLIMBING For evenings or during bad weather why not try the Indoor climbing hall at Adelboden s Leisure and Sports Arena? Instruction is provided by the local Alpine School in Adelboden who have internationally recognised certificates. Outdoor climbing is also available at Chalistein, at the foot of the Enstiligen waterfall or at the Stiegelfluh, near the Adventure Park. Climbing the Chaligang this is a mountain trek with guide from Unter dem Berg via the Engsligen Falls (Switzerland s third highest waterfall), to Engstiligenalp with the cable car back down. 5

6 CURRENCY The Swiss franc (chf) contains 100 centimes. Please check with your local bank for up to date exchange rates when planning your spending budget and we would advise you take enough currency to last for at least the first few days in resort, during the week it will be possible to visit the bank/s and/or use the 24 hour cash machines to withdraw further funds as necessary. Some excursions can be paid for with major credit cards which will save carrying large amounts of cash (for example, Lake cruises, Rothornbahn, Jungfraubahn and the Schilthorn). Please check our latest handbook price supplement for details of forms of payments accepted by each activity/excursion provider. MORE INFO : DISTANCES (approximate return mileage from/to Adelboden) Please check with coach driver/s throughout the week for details of actual mileage used. Frutigen 20 miles 32km Blue Lake (Blausee) 27 miles 44km Kandersteg/Oeschinensee/ Rodelbahn 40 miles 64km Basle 200 miles 321km Geneva 282 miles 454km Zurich 238 miles 383km Lucern 142 miles 230km Bern 82 miles 132km Ballenberg Open air Museum 94 miles 151km Thun 58 miles 93km Lauterbrunnen 70 miles 112km St Beautus Caves 62 miles 99km Brienz 90 miles 145km Interlaken 60 miles 96km FLYER BIKES For a quick and enjoyable way to get around, it is possible to rent an electronically assisted flyer bike from Adelboden Tourism. The battery-powered booster makes for effortless uphill cycling, with the well marked cycle routes linking most local attractions to the village. ICE DISCO From Mid-July to Mid-August an Ice Disco takes place every Wednesday from 8pm- 10pm at the Leisure and Sports Arena, Adelboden. Skates are hired by Jeka from a local sports shop. *Please note: there are not normally any stewards on duty during the ice disco, groups are advised to take their own first aid equipment. 6

7 MOUNTAIN FUN GAMES Traditional Swiss games which take place at Engstiligenalp and include the following activities: Milking the cow (a plastic cow) Race to flatten the nail in a wooden log Try to hit the cow bells with a ball Horse shoe throwing Cheese rolling race The games last a total of approx 2 hours. The group leader is given instructions at the start but is then responsible for running the games. The games can also be done in combination with a cheese farm visit, with or without a lunch and a fondue (cheese or chocolate). All prices include the return cable car to Engstiligenalp. MOUNTAIN GUIDES There are a number of excellent full day mountain treks that can be easily done by everyone. The view from the peaks is breathtaking and the mountain guide can point out the beautiful flora and fauna on the way. Local experienced and licensed mountain guides can be booked to accompany you on these mountain tours. MORE INFO : MUSEUM (LOCAL FOLKLORE) Situated in the English church where you can see various exhibits of folklore and rural life in the Engstligen Valley. Opening Hours : Wednesdays only. 2pm-5pm POST The post office in Adelboden village is open as follows:- Monday - Friday 08:00-12:00 14:00-18:00 Saturday 08:00-12:00 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS SWISS NATIONAL DAY This national holidays on 1 st August is normally celebrated in the village with a family carnival procession and a firework display. You will find that some attractions, banks and most shops will be closed. Please check locally with our 'rep. 7

8 RAFTING (WHITE WATER) The following activities are operated by Ourdoor Interlaken, a local professional organisation who provide all safety equipment and qualified instructors. For all the activities group members must be able to swim. MORE INFO : 1. Lutschine Action at the foot of the Eiger, the Lutschine offers an ideal adventurous rafting course *minimum age 14yrs * please note that children will also be assessed on height/size/weight before being allowed to participate, children considered not of a sufficient size even if aged 15 or over may only participate in junior rafting as below. 2. River Rafting Simme an easier initiation course for 10 yrs+ Ages mentioned are only a guide, as this is at the discretion of the guide as this will always depend on the height and weight of a child. SCOOTERS TROTTILAND AND SEGWAYS Harness the power of gravity by riding down the Sillerenbuhl hillside on these grownup scooters. Take the cable car to the top of the mountain and freewheel back down one of eight routes, most of which have no traffic. Rental includes safety helmets. MORE INFO : Segways these two wheeled, self balancing electric vehicles are available to rent on an enclosed circuit in Adelboden. Rented by the hour, they can then be shared by as many group members as you like. Great fun and easy to do! Both these activities may be hazardous and likely to cause accidents unless properly managed, we have some useful safety tips and advice from a group leader who has undertaken both these activities successfully! Please ask for details. SHOPPING You will find the more popular souvenir shops open as follows :- Monday - Friday 08:00-12:00 13:30-18:30 Saturday 08:00-12:00 13:30-16:00 Sundays Limited number are open 8

9 SLEEPING IN STRAW If you want to spend a night away from your chalet without having to make a long trek into the mountains then the ideal option could be to spend a night sleeping in straw in the Bonderlen Valley! You can book the overnight in straw accommodation for a night for your groups sole use, and can choose from the following packages: Overnight in straw with farmers breakfast the next morning Choice of either cheese or chocolate fondue in the evening, overnight in straw and farmers breakfast the next morning. Subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Cheese or chocolate fondue (without sleeping in straw) can also be arranged. SUSPENSION HANGING BRIDGE Halfway between Adelboden and Frutigen is the Holstalde Hangebrucke suspension bridge. The 150-metre structure was built by a local family who now run a log cabin café serving delicious platters of local cheese, cold meats and bread or leaders may just need to have a stiff drink following the fairly nerve wracking crossing! SWIMMING The 50-metre outdoor pool in Adelboden has fabulous panoramic views of the Lohner and Wildstrubel mountains and is heated (22c) at all times. Open: 09:00-18:00 (till 19:00 mid-july to mid-august). Entrance to the pool is free to all Jeka groups as the chalet owners have an agreement with the local tourist board. The nearest indoor pool is in Frutigen at the Sports Centre which also has an outdoor pool. * Please note there are lifeguards on duty who hold SLG (Swiss Lifeguard) certificates. SWISS EVENING Available every Thursday night and a perfect way to finish off your weeks summer camp. The programme involves taking the Sillerenbuhl cable car up the mountain to the Silleren mountain restaurant for Swiss-style buffet meal, all you can eat! Menu features a salad buffet, then raclette (melted Swiss cheese) with boiled potatoes, rosti (Swiss pan-fried potatoes) and a choice of meat from the grill (chicken, beef or pork) - drinks are not included. All this together with some Swiss traditional style music and yodelling guarantees a fun evening for all. There's also the opportunity for groups to put on their own performance - whether it be a highland fling or Irish Jig, it's up to you! Advance booking is essential as it's always popular! TAXIS JEKA have arranged with the local taxi company; Bergmann Taxis a range of special fares for JEKA groups. Please ask your local rep for information. MORE INFO : 9

10 TELEPHONE Many (but not all) of the accommodation centres offer the use of a landline for a small charge these will normally be a cheaper option than using your own mobile phones. To dial the UK: AREA CODE MINUS 1ST 0 + NUMBER YOU REQUIRE (EXAMPLE: TO DIAL JEKA UK OFFICE) TENNIS There are several tennis courts in Adelboden with either clay or artificial surfaces. TOURIST INFORMATION Adelboden tourist information centre is open Monday to Friday from and , Saturdays then and Sundays (June-October) from and You can contact them as follows: Adelboden Tourist Information info@adelboden.ch CH-3715 Adelboden Tel: Switzerland WALKING & HIKING Adelboden is a walker s paradise with more than 120 miles of well signposted walking and hiking routes crossing the local area. The tourist board can provided maps and hand-help GPS systems showing all the routes and their degree of difficulty or ask your local reps for advice. WOODCARVERS Don't forget to pay a visit to Robert Trummer and family and watch them carve ornaments and scenes from wood as if by magic!. They also carve guide and scout badges, woggles and 'Our Chalet' souvenirs! It's a pleasant walk (accessible by taxi but not by coach) and ideally combined with a trip to the Choleren Gorge. The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours each way from Adelboden village centre. Please note they are closed between 1200 and 1pm and on Sundays and public holidays and all visits MUST be pre-booked via JEKA. Examples of souvenirs which can be purchased:- Trefoil badge Edelweiss wooden badges Woggles Our Chalet oval plaque Keyrings Jewellery boxes MORE INFO : 10

11 WORLD GUIDE CHALET ('OUR CHALET') The first of the 4 World Guide Centres owned by WAGGS, a visit is a MUST for guide and ranger groups. Day visitors are welcomed (from early June to end of October) but we recommend you pre-book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Guided tours of the chalet are available at 10:00 or 14:00 by a member of staff or a volunteer helper for a small charge per person, or self-guided tours can be undertaken free of charge. A gift shop selling postcards, badges t-shirts and other souvenirs can be opened on request. JEKA are happy to make your reservation in advance on request or you may them on info@ourchalet.ch If you do elect to make your own booking, please ensure it is made under your groups name so that your booking can be easily indentified when we are checking reservations with the chalet staff. MORE INFO : 11

12 EXCURSIONS BY COACH 1. BERN The federal capital and oldest city in Switzerland, Bern is ideally visited on your homeward journey as you're passing by. It's a well-preserved town with an almost medieval character. You can spend a pleasant few hours exploring the cobble-stoned streets and visiting sights such as the Granary (Kornhaus) where at 4 minutes before each hour, you can see a mechanical performance by the famous puppet bears. Other important highlights include Munser and the Garden of Roses where there's a picnic area and good views of the city. There's also a open air swimming pool near the river which is open till late in the evening during summer months. Market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Please note shops close at 16:00 on Saturday. MORE INFO : 2. LAKE OESCHINEN & SUMMER TOBOGGAN RUN (RODELBAHN) Situated near Kandersteg and therefore ideally combined with a visit to Kandersteg. First there's a double chairlift to the start of the Rodelbahn/Toboggan run which is great fun for all ages, then afterwards there's a pleasant 30-minute walk down to the breath-taking Lake Oeschinen where a pleasant few hours can be easily spent. MORE INFO : 3. KANDERSTEG (VIA BLUE LAKE - BLAUSEE) A popular alpine village (3,900ft) set at the foot of the majestic Blumlisalp chain that reaches up to 12,000ft. It is well served by public transport being on the Berne- Lotschberg-Simplon railway. Famed in the Scout Movement for being the home of the International Scout Centre, which is visited by scouts from all over the world, giving this village a truly international flavour. The Blue Lake (Blausee) is a crystal clear lake in a lovely setting on the road part way up the valley to Kandersteg and is an ideal stop-off point with a covered picnic area. Opening hours: MORE INFO : 4. LAKE BRIENZ (with Rothorn Mountain Railway and/or Lake steamer trip) A visit to the beautiful village of Brienz on Lake Brienz provides a pleasant base from which to explore this beautifully tranquil area. One of the last steam rack and pinion railways 'The Brienzer Rothorn', departs from Brienz and chugs its way up the picturesque Rothorn at 7,000ft. At the top there's a restaurant and shop and of course fantastic views! Graceful white boats and paddle steamers with restaurants and sun decks ply to and fro on Lake Brienz and provide an ideal way to enjoy the sun and scenery. MORE INFO : 12

13 5. BALLENBERG OPEN-AIR MUSEUM (NR LAKE BRIENZ) Over 60 old farmhouses from the 17th & 18th century (including one of Herr Hari's chalets from the Bonderlen Valley!) have been reconstructed together with their outbuildings in a 130 acre site on the Alpine meadows above Lake Brienz. This openair museum gives a fascinating view of Swiss life in past centuries. Good footwear is recommended as lots of walking is involved. MORE INFO : 6. INTERLAKEN Situated between the two beautiful lakes of Thun and Brienz, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a busy town very popular with tourists and full of attractive little shops. Boat trips are available from Interlaken to Spiez and Interlaken East (Ost) to Brienz. Horse drawn carriage rides are available from the station. Souvenirs are more expensive to buy here than in Adelboden. MORE INFO : 7. TRUMMELBACH FALLS (LAUTERBRUNNEN) These impressive waterfalls are deep inside the mountains near Lauterbrunnen, where you can see up to 20,000 litres of water per second come down from the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau. An underground funicular takes you up to tunnels, galleries and bridges which make the falls accessible. These are the only falls of their kind which are accessible to visitors. A warm fleece and well-profiled shoes are required as it can feel quite chilly and the paths are wet, there are also a lot of steps both inside and out. MORE INFO : 8. NIESENBAHN (FUNICULAR) metres This is a spectacular funicular ride from Mulenen, not far from Frutigen (about 45 minutes from Adelboden). The ride takes 14 minutes from the valley station via a middle station at Schwandegg then further on up to the top station where there's a restaurant and souvenir shop. The Neisenbahn gives spectacular views over Lake Thun and travels through pretty wooded areas and through tunnels in parts. Once at the top, on clear days there are spectacular panoramic views. Open from: 08:00 to 17:30 and runs every 30 minutes. Ideal to combine with a visit to Thun or Spiez or en route to Trummelbach or Interlaken. MORE INFO : 9. SCHILTHORN CABLECAR (2970 METRES) This is a fabulous cable car system travelling through 3 mountain stations to the top of the Schilthorn (9,750ft) which was featured in the James Bond film "On her Majestys secret service". Reached from Stechelberg (a few kms further than Lauterbrunnen) via the charming village of Murren, the summit has a large revolving restaurant, a sun terrace and offers outstanding panoramic views over the "roof of Switzerland". Ideally combined with a visit to the Trummelbach Falls and/or Interlaken. MORE INFO : 13

14 10. JUNGFRAUJOCH MOUNTAIN RAILWAY "TOP OF EUROPE" (3454 metres) Towering majestically above the Bernese Oberland is the glistening snow-clad peak of the Jungfrau, together with its equally famous neighbours the Eiger and Monch, it forms one of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the world. One of Switzerlands most famous attractions, it's probably the most expensive mountain ascent, it requires an early start to make the most of the day. MORE INFO ST BEATUS CAVES Situated on the opposite side of Lake Thun, these caves can be explored to a depth of 1000 metres along a path with easy gradients. Guided tours are made every 30 minutes from 0930 to This is ideally combined with a boat trip on Lake Thun or a visit to Interlaken or Thun. Also a wet-weather option of course! MORE INFO : THUN A picturesque and historic market town from which Lake Thun takes its name, situated at the far end of the Lake. Attractions include the castle which houses the museum perched high above the town. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the area. There's also a market every Wednesday and Saturday (mostly food). From here you can reach all parts of Lake Thun including Interlaken via a leisurely boat trip or Lake steamer which run a certain times of the day. 14

15 EXAMPLES OF DAY EXCURSIONS (LOCALLY & WITH COACH) LOCAL * Visit OUR CHALET & walk to woodcarvers & Choleren Gorge or Adelboden village/swimming afterwards * Walk to Choleren Gorge & Woodcarvers, then back to village * Walk to cable car station at Engstiligenalp, cable car up then walk * Cableway/s to Sillerenbuhl, walk to Hahnenmoos via alpine flower trail, cablecar down to Geils, local bus back to Adelboden * Cablecar up to Schwandfeldspitz, picnic then walk onto woodcarvers. BY COACH * Lake Brienz (option by boat from Interlaken) and Ballenberg Museum * Lake Brienz (town of Brienz) and Rothorn mountain railway and/or Lake cruise. * Trummelbach Falls & Interlaken and option to take boat back to Spiez and meet your coach. * Niesenbahn (funicular) then Spiez or Thun * Jungfraujoch (by train from Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken) * Trummelbach falls & Schilthorn cablecar * City of Bern (federal capital) * Lake Cruise from Spiez to Thun then visit town of Thun 15

16 JOURNEY & ACCOMMODATION USEFUL TIPS & ARRANGEMENTS The journey & route. 17 Your local JEKA team Your accommodation and its upkeep Tourist tax Fire safety instructions Food & Provisions Delivery, arrangements Sample Menu General Information Luggage, sample form (parents consent) Mountain excursion tips Useful addresses & telephone numbers

17 THE JOURNEY & ROUTE To keep costs as low as possible, all our tours utilise overnight coach travel. Therefore a typical 10-day tour would entail departing the UK on day 1, and travel overnight arriving at your destination sometime on day 2. On the return journey you would depart your centre on day 9 for the overnight journey home arriving back in the UK on day 10. The exact itinerary regarding times and route will be forwarded to you one month before departure in your final travel pack. JEKA reserve the right to revise routes and journey times given below, the following is a guide to help you plan your trip :- 1. THE ROUTE - the journey is carried out with 2 drivers and is via the motorway network from Calais through France, Luxembourg and Belgium into Switzerland via Calais, Reims, Metz, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar, Basel to Adelboden. We estimate your arrival time at your chalet for early afternoon on day 2. There is a variation to this route on 2 weekends during the summer when there is a ban on French roads for all coaches On these occasions it will be necessary to travel through Germany. 2. DURATION - The journey time from Calais to Adelboden takes around hours depending on the weather, traffic conditions and the number and length of comfort stops en route. The time of departure from your home town will depend on your UK location but we usually book a ferry from Dover between 20:30-22: STOPS - We make regular stops to comply with EC driving regulations at motorway service areas which all have toilet facilities and somewhere we you can at least buy snacks. On the outward journey to Switzerland, a meal stop (breakfast) will be made at a service area, usually near Basel (Switzerland) and further shorter toilet stops will be made en route. We advise you to take packed lunches with you to cover evening meal on day 1 or buy a meal on the outward ferry, and breakfast on day 2. Please ensure you take some euros and swiss francs for any drinks or snacks en route, some services also make a nominal charge for their toilet facilities. 4. THE RETURN JOURNEY - On the day before departure, the local JEKA team will deliver provisions for your packed lunches for the journey home. You will have to vacate your chalet around and then you will break up the journey with a visit Colmar on the homeward journey. You would then catch an early morning ferry (around 5-7am) the day after from Calais back to Dover. 5. A FEW RULES FOR YOUR COMFORT & SAFETY - We ask that you are at your meeting point 30 minutes before the stated departure time. - Keep your luggage to a minimum, ONE suitcase or rucksack and ONE piece of hand luggage per person. - You may eat on the coach, but chewing gum is NOT allowed - No smoking on the coach, regular stops are made on the journey - Plastic bags will be placed on the armrest of most seats so please help the drivers keep the coach tidy by emptying these during stops. - Boxes and other items must not be placed in the aisle of the coach for obvious safety reasons - Please compromise with the other group on the coach regarding choice and volume of music and DVDs etc. 17

18 YOUR LOCAL JEKA TEAM JEKA guarantees you a 24-hour service at your destination, offered to you by voluntary and full-time representatives who are available 7 days a week for your information, provision of services and cases of emergency. They speak English and some of them also speak German. You can call them anytime for more information regarding coach excursions, walking tours, and for booking bikes, etc and for practical tips. YOUR ACCOMMODATION AND ITS UPKEEP THE ACCOMMODATION What can you expect? JEKA rent chalets in the different hamlets which make up Adelboden, these are in the Bonderlen Valley (not far from the World Guide Chalet), in Oey, Boden and Margeli. These typical alpine chalets are specially equipped for groups. Each chalet has a number of bedrooms, some equipped with bunk-beds, others with rows of beds which are inter-linked. The chalets also have sufficient sanitary facilities, a furnished kitchen and a dining/recreation room. The kitchen is equipped with all cooking utensils needed for preparing JEKA's carefully composed menu. Therefore you don't need to bring any kitchenware or cooking utensils. However, we do not supply electrical appliances so if you need to use a mixer or coffee machine, you will need to bring it with you. In your chalet you will find a cleaning kit to keep your house clean and tidy including washing-up liquid. JEKA also supplies toilet paper. If you need additional supplies of any of these products, just ask our local representative. Tea towels and dishcloths must be taken with you. Our accommodation is comfortable but furnished simply so the team spirit is really important. That's the reason why there is no TV or radio in the chalets, however some chalets have a metered telephone for which bills must be settled on departure with the chalet owner. JEKA can always be reached in a emergency and you'll always find a public phone box in the neighbourhood. 18

19 THE UPKEEP OF YOUR ACCOMMODATION JEKA must stress the utmost importance that departing groups leave their chalet in a thoroughly clean and tidy condition. Every incoming group has the right to arrive in a clean and tidy chalet. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR CHALET AS YOU WOULD WISH TO FIND IT! THE CHALET OWNERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A SUBSTANTIAL CHARGE ON GROUPS LEAVING THEIR CHALET DIRTY OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. What we expect BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE: - Clean the floors - Clean all furniture, especially tables & chairs - Check all beds for damage you can possibly repair yourself - Make sure all pillows and mattresses have a cover - The evening before departure switch both the fridge and freezer on "defrost", clean them after defrosting and switch them on again (before carrying out this procedure, please ask the JEKA rep what to do with any leftovers) - Clean all gas fires thoroughly not forgetting the steel frame and base structure - Do not leave leftover food in places not reserved to store them. - Wash all cooking and kitchenware thoroughly - Clean all toilets, washbasins and showers thoroughly - Tidy the area surrounding your chalet by collecting all litter in bags and leave at the agreed spot. It is strictly prohibited to take mattresses, blankets and pillows or furniture out of the bedrooms or use them outdoors. Any damage to furniture or kitchenware must be reported to our representative before departure. The bill will be settled by mutual agreement. It is the responsibility of every group leader to ensure that the above conditions are observed. Any costs resulting from repairs and/or cleaning activities will be claimed back directly or after your stay. 19

20 TOURIST TAX (not included in the price) Tourist tax is a community tax which is payable by tourists. This helps to fund services such as the tourist information centre. You MUST pay this tourist tax in Adelboden per person/per day for all group members. Upon arrival (or the next working day) you must pay this tax to the chalet owner who will make the payment to the relevant authorities. FIRE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Although the necessary safety precautions are undertaken and the chalets meet local fire regulations, the chalets still contain some combustible materials. Therefore we urge you to be very careful in the kitchen and not to smoke in the bedrooms. Please check how to use fire extinguishers and in case of an emergency, practice your own fire drill as soon as possible after arrival, noting the nearest exits. FOOD & PROVISIONS DELIVERY JEKA delivers all the food supplies you need during your stay, including for packed lunches for excursions and for the return journey. The quantities are generous, the food is of a high quality, variable and can easily be used for packed lunches. We pay a lot of attention to the food which is an important factor in making your holiday a complete success. We provide two cold meals and one main hot meal a day. ARRANGEMENTS Our staff regularly deliver new supplies. Therefore you should agree on a place where you can leave the KEY when you are out for the day on an excursion or local trip. 20

21 Model Menu Switzerland Type Bread, tea and coffee, milk, sugar, butter and jam. Saturday On arrival type + Edam cheese, lettuce, tomatoes. Dinner soup (minestrone), spaghetti bolognaise, vanilla pudding. Sunday Breakfast type + cornflakes, chocolate spread. Lunch type + eggs and bacon, fresh fruit. Dinner soup (pea & ham) mashed potatoes, baked beans, Sausages, tinned peaches Monday Breakfast type + cornflakes, eggs. Lunch type + cooked ham, Tilsiter cheese, fresh fruit. Dinner soup (chicken), loin of pork, potatoes, fresh carrots, yoghurt. Tuesday : Breakfast type + cornflakes, cheese spread. Lunch type + eggs, salami, lettuce, tomatoes, fresh fruit Dinner soup (asparagus), rice, chicken fillets, peas, curry sauce, tinned pineapple, ice cream. Wednesday Breakfast type + cornflakes, chocolate spread. Lunch type + Edam cheese, tinned tuna, fresh fruit Dinner soup (tomato), tagliatelle carbonara, caramel pudding. Thursday Breakfast type + cornflakes, eggs. Lunch type + cold plate with potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, eggs, cooked ham, mayonnaise, fresh fruit. Dinner soup (mushroom), potatoes, Schnitzel, frozen mixed veg, biscuits. Friday : Breakfast type + cornflakes, cocoa, chocolate spread.. Lunch type + tinned tuna, Tilsiter cheese, fresh fruit. Dinner soup (tomato), potatoes, hamburgers, onions, baked beans, tinned fruit / fresh fruit salad. Saturday Breakfast type + Cornflakes, bacon and eggs. Lunch packet type + cheese, cooked ham, fresh fruit, biscuits. 21

22 LUGGAGE Each individual travelling is personally responsible for his or her own luggage. Each piece of luggage should be clearly marked with the owners name and address as well as the JEKA administration number of the group he or she belongs to. Due to the limited luggage space on coaches, unfortunately we must impose a limit on luggage of one piece per person (suitcases are better than rucksacks) plus one piece of hand luggage, which you take on the coach with you containing everything you need for the journey. Ideally this piece of hand luggage will double-up as you day rucksack throughout your camp. In addition to this we allow up to two pieces of group luggage. All groups must supply their own:- Bed Linen (1 sheet, a single duvet cover and pillowcase per person should cover any eventuality you will be provided with either blankets or a duvet and a pillow at your chalet) A mattress sheet and pillowcase are compulsory, even when a sleeping bag is used! (otherwise they can be rented via the JEKA rep) Personal towels Tea towels Though not exhaustive, the following list might be useful to you, if only to reduce your chances of forgetting really indispensable items. Individual Documents : Valid passport Visa (only applies to non-british nationals who may require a visa, please check with the embassy of the country you re travelling to.) Parents written consent (for members aged under 16 ) Medical file and prescriptions if necessary EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Luggage:- Bed Linen (see above) Towels and toiletries Suitable clothing for all types of weather Light rainwear Thick socks (to wear with hiking boots) Hiking boots with deeply profiled soles Slippers or trainers (hiking boots are not allowed to be worn inside the house) Sunglasses & sun protection cream (high factor) Swimwear Spare boot laces Thermos flask (for use on hiking trips) 22

23 Optional:- Packed lunch for outward journey Camera Torch Writing material Mobile phone Group Luggage o First aid kit o games and sports equipment o small tools o binoculars o radio/cd player o sewing kit o shoe cleaning kit Kitchen material o Tea towels o tin openers o gravy granules (not usually supplied by Jeka) o herbs and spices o dilutable fruit squash (cold drinks not supplied by JEKA and squash is not available to buy locally) o kettle. (normal household size) as in some of our centres there are only large pots for boiling water, which is not ideal for making a late-night cuppa for the leaders!! Group Leaders o Administration (insurance certificate/s, booking confirmation and invoice etc) o parents written consent forms o photocopies of individual passports (in case anyone should lose theirs!) o list of all group members please have at least 3 copies of these. Please ensure member lists include the following:- name, address, date of birth, telephone number 23

24 MOUNTAIN EXCURSIONS With all our centres being situated mostly in mountainous regions, it stands to reason that a fair proportion of group activities during your stay will be devoted to hiking and climbing tours. In these pages the latter term does not necessarily denote alpinism in the accepted sense; a minimum of good quality equipment such as sturdy boots and adequate clothing will enable even the inexperienced to make one or two-day excursions amongst the most splendid scenery, and in perfect safety. Each of us has learned, in everyday life, to recognise more or less strict safety requirements. Specific conditions and dangers in mountain regions, rather unknown territory to many, impose increased vigilance, and more so because you will be more or less on your own. Therefore, the following recommendations by the International Climbing Association should be rigidly observed. 1. Be sure to ascertain, before planning a trip, whether the physical conditions of all participants, especially of children is equal to the demands that will inevitably be made on them. Check for signals of reduced endurance, height, fear etc. 2. Planning is important, use appropriate maps and/or walking guides. Not only the distance counts, the altitude differences must also be taken into account. 3. Clothing and equipment shouldn t just be adequate. They have to be just right. Make sure that all participants wear strong boots with deeply profiled soles, and take a warm pullover, light rainwear and gloves. In the mountains the weather can turn quite treacherous very quickly. 4. Get a weather forecast before setting out. 5. Never roam about in the dark. The hour of sunset should be calculated in the trip planning. 6. An early start, a timely return, and above all being sure, whatever happens, that the return remains possible; these are the vital keys to safe climbing. 7. Never set out alone. Even on group excursions the company of an experienced mountaineer is a definite asset. 8. Your rate of progress should be regulated by the level of fitness to all who accompany you, particularly of the weakest, too high a pace leads to early exhaustion. Keep an adequate margin of strength, and never push the group to their limit. 9. Do not deviate from the marked track. If you lose it you should turn back. 24

25 10. To improve accessibility some, but not all, of the tracks are equipped with safety devices such as hewn stairs, rope railings or ladders, which are, however, exposed to the elements all year round so please use them with extreme caution. 11. Avoid resting your weight on loose stones or rocks. 12. Innocent-looking soil and rock surfaces may turn out to be slippery. Grassy slopes are particularly treacherous in that respect. 13. When crossing possible danger spots, it is advisable to secure children to adults with ropes. 14. Stop at regular intervals, every half an hour or so, according to circumstances, for a short rest. Take light but frequent meals/snacks. 15. Beware of falling rocks, and be sure not to start stones rolling down slopes, there may be other people below you. 16. Remember when calculating the return time and planning the route that the descent is often more difficult and will consequently take more time than the clime. 17. Start on the return leg on time, a change in weather, sudden fog, or an unexpectedly difficult bit of terrain may render this course of action utterly imperative. 18. During a thunder storm, stay away from free-standing trees, rock peaks and ridges, as well as from iron structures. Your acting as a lightning rod will serve no useful purpose whatsoever. 19. Keep your wits together, should anything untoward happen. In case of accidents, try to attract the attention of other hikers or the people in the mountain cabins. Use every available means of signalling, shouting, whistling and so forth. Should their safety require so, take the group down into the valley, but never attempt to carry down the injured person, you re only liable to endanger his or her life, and that of the people carrying them. Try to make the injured person comfortable as close as possible to the site of the accident, and leave them there with one or two attendants, to await competent assistance from the mountain rescue service. 20. Accidents which necessitate outside help may be reported to any mountain blockhouse or hostel, or to the nearest police station. 21. Finally we appeal to you not to leave any litter. Bringing down with you any empty cans and wrappings isn t all that difficult. 25

26 USEFUL ADDRESSES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS JEKA Holidays Ltd (UK) Victoria House, Victoria St TAUNTON, Somerset Tel: TA1 3FA Fax: Local JEKA Office Chalet Baergrose Tel: Bodenstrasse 57 Mobile: CH-3715 Adelboden (if calling within Adelboden dial SWITZERLAND or mobile: ) IN CASE OF ANY EMERGENCY - PLEASE CONTACT OUR LOCAL GERMAN-SPEAKING REPRESENTATIVE WHO WILL ASSIST YOU DOCTORS - Adelboden: Dr. Walter Bleisch Tel. 033/ Dorfstr. 8. Dr. Matthias Holeiter Tel. 033/ Ob. Dorfstr. 9. Dr. Reto Konig Tel. 033/ Dorfstr. 6. DENTISTS - nearest one is in Frutigen HOSPITAL Bezirksspital Frutigen Tel. 033/ Adelbodenstr. 27, 3714 FRUTIGEN. TAXI Bergmann Taxis Tel; 033/ EMERGENCIES : 117 POLICE 144 AMBULANCE 26

27 ACTIVITIES/EXCURSIONS PRICE LIST ADELBODEN 2016 ALL TO BE PAID IN CASH UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. All prices correct at going to print, JEKA are not responsible for any subsequent price increases. ABSEILING 49 chf per person including equipment and instruction. ADVENTURE PARK (accepts credit card payments. Please Note: a 2% charge will be incurred for credit card transactions) Adventure park light programme 35 chf per person Adventure park full programme 55 chf per person ADVENTURE PACKAGES 2 Activities Adventure park light and: indoor climbing 49chf per person rock climbing 62chf per person abseiling 72chf per person via ferrata 79chf per person canyoning 129chf per person ADVENTURE PACKAGES 3 Activities Adventure park light and: abseiling & indoor climbing 89chf per person rock climbing & abseiling 109chf per person rock climbing & via ferrata 109chf per person abseiling & via ferrata 119chf per person abseiling & canyoning 169chf per person It is now possible to pay for the Adventure Park & Adventure packages in advance and a reduction of 7chf pp will be given for each. Please ask Jeka for an up to date price in sterling and note that there can be no refunds in the case of any cancellation/s! BIKE RENTAL (accepts credit cards) GROUP PRICE (10+) Including Helmet : Full day: from 35 chf ( ) (price depends on the type of bike) Guides are available prices on request Flyer bikes available from Adelboden Tourism for 35chf (1/2day); 45chf (1 day) BOWLING (accepts credit cards) Per lane / per hour : 40 chf Shoe hire 2.50chf per person CABLEWAYS HIKING PASS (Group Rate) 1 day - Adult 31chf/Child (16yrs-) 17.00chf There is a refundable 5 chf deposit on each card to help recycling. CANYONNING 115 chf per person including qualified guides and all equipment CHEESE FARM/CABLECAR (Engstiligenalp) Not including lunch: Adult 20chf/child 12chf Including lunch (spaghetti or chicken nuggets): Adult: 34chf/Child: 22chf 1

28 CLIMBING Indoor Climbing Wall : 25 chf per person (or 16chf pp if paid in advance) Climbing at Chalistein or Stiegelfluh : 45 chf per person including equipment and instruction Climbing the Challigang/ Via Ferrata (4 hours) Cost including guides and cable car chf per person HIGH TOWER (Höi-Turm) Sillerenbühl The only climbing tower in the Bernese Oberland is situated at Silleren. With 2 towers, 3 levels and 64 stops there are numerous courses with varying degrees of difficulty. If you reach the top you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views! Special price for JEKA groups 36chf per person (cable car & high tower) ICE DISCO NO LONGER AVAILABLE LOCAL FOLKLORE MUSEUM ADELBODEN Entrance fee: 4.00chf (adult); 2.00chf (child) MOUNTAIN FUN GAMES although lunch packages are available, as below, we would advise groups to take a packed lunch as a better option Option 1 Mountain fun games only 23chf adults / 15chf child Option 2 Mountain fun games / cheese farm combo 28chf adult / 20chf child With food packages Adult Child under 16yrs To add chicken nuggets and chips or Spaghetti to any of the above add Chf Chf MOUNTAIN GUIDES From chf per guide/per day (groups of up to 15 people per guide). Price does not include any cable cars. OUR CHALET Guided Tour : 5chf per person; Guided Tour with the presentation and Pinning Ceremony : 18chf per person; it is also possible to do a self-guided tour which is free of charge (Our Chalet have recently informed us that they can only accept a max. 10 people for a self-guided tour) OUTDOOR INTERLAKEN From summer 2014 Jeka will be offering various activities, at special rates for Jeka groups, including Rafting with Outdoor Interlaken. Full details available on request or visit RAFTING (White Water) Rafting Junior 10 years and over Chf pp Rafting senior 14 years and over Chf pp Aare float trip from Thun to Bern - 8 years and over Chf pp This is a 5 hour river trip, minimum 8 persons required. CANYONNING (transport from Interlaken included in price) Canyonning Interlaken (easy) 12 years and over Chf pp Canyonning Grimsel (intermediate) 14 years and over Chf pp Canyonning Chli Schleire (Advanced) 14 years and over Chf pp 2

29 HIGH ROPES PARK Interlaken 12 years and over Rope Park / Rafting / Canyonning combinations High ropes park & junior rafting 12 years and over High ropes park and senior rafting - 14 years and over High ropes park and canyonning easy Rafting senior and canyonning easy Chf pp Chf pp Chf pp Chf pp Chf pp SLEEPING IN STRAW 1. Overnight in straw with farmers breakfast the next morning Chf pp 2. Choice of either cheese or chocolate fondue in the evening, overnight in straw and farmers breakfast the next morning Chf pp Cheese or chocolate fondue (without sleeping in straw) can also be arranged: 17chf pp (for group of less than 10); 14.00chf pp (10-20); 12.00chfpp (20+) Drinks not included SWIMMING Adelboden pool free of charge for Jeka groups. JEKA pool party Every Monday from (weather permitting) at the swimming pool in Adelboden. Includes: 10 minutes per person Segway ride, entrance to illuminated pool after 18.00; Supper (hamburger or vegiburger with chips and mineral water); Music (disco); variety of games both in and out of the pool Cost: 14 chf per person Frutigen Pool :Indoor Pool : Adult CHF 12.50/Child CHF 7.00 Outdoor Pool: Adult CHF 5.50/Child CHF 3.50 For groups 1 in 10 persons is free SWISS EVENING COST PER PERSON (INCLUDING MEAL, CABLE CAR & MUSIC - no drinks!) Adult : chf per person Child (Under 15yrs) : chf per person *you should be aware that there will be access to alcohol at this event and that it will be attended by groups of all ages. SCOOTERS & SEGWAYS Scooters chf for a whole days hire, for use over 45km of scooter runs. Segways price for introduction, driving/safety training 25chf (14yrs+) or tours (60 mins) from 80.00chf TENNIS HIRE CHARGES : 18 chf per court 3