Switzerland, September 2016: Hands up how many people have been to Adelboden? If it is bragging rights you're after from a holiday, then Adelboden should be on your “to go” list. This pretty as a picture hidden gem, tucked away at the end of a valley in the Bernese Oberland, but less than an hour's drive from the capital of Berne, is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. And while summer may be over, there's still plenty to do in Adelboden through Autumn.

The globally renowned Golf Mountain pop-up course on Adelboden's Engstligenalp, the only one of its kind in the world, is now enjoying its sixth season and remains open till 23rd October.  During the summer, this plateau is used for grazing cattle as it has been for centuries, while during the winter, it's a winter wonderland offering downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing and a fondue igloo, hence the limited window of opportunity for the pop-up golf course.

With 18 holes ranging from par 3s to a par 5s, Golf Mountain provides even the most skilled of golfers with a unique challenge. Hazards include streams and rocky outcrops as well as swirling mountain winds and extreme weather conditions – one minute, golfers might be in bright sunshine, the next in dense cloud.

The unpredictable conditions are worth enduring, however, as the stunning setting is a sight to behold. Located at 1,964 metres, making it the highest golf course in Europe, Engstligenalp is a nature reserve of other-worldly character with breathtaking views over the village of Adelboden, where the stresses of the everyday easily slip away.

For those who do not have the patience or aptitude to battle the elements on a golf course, there are plenty of hiking trails to suit all abilities in and around Adelboden, from guided tours of the village to all-day outings. The latest, opened up thanks to a new four-seater chair lift conveying passengers from Bergläger to Höchst, leads walkers from the Chuenisbärgli (a famous World Cup skiing slope) to the climbing tower in front of the Niesen mountain chain. This three-and-a-half hour, horseshoe-shaped walk is not for the feint-hearted, with the start taking place at almost 2000 metres above sea level, but it's well worth it for the stunning panoramic views from the Hahnenmoos Pass and, of course, the fun to be had whizzing back down towards the village on a Trottinett scooter.

After any exertion, there's the chance to relax and recuperate, with three hotels – The Cambrian Adelboden, Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa and Adler Adelboden – having fantastic spas that are all open to non-residents. Warm tired muscles in saunas and steam rooms, or simply enjoy the Alpine vistas from one of the outdoor heated swimming pools. Alternatively, visit the Engstligenalp waterfall and absorb the power of the cascading water, while meditating or moving through a few yoga poses.

On those days when the weather does not clamour for an outdoor activity, there is the Tropenhaus in Frutigen to visit; it recently launched an interactive exhibition called “How the fish came to the mountain” telling the story of Russian sturgeon from their incarnation 200 million years' ago up to the moment they were introduced into the Bernese Oberland to make caviar. Yes! Switzerland makes its very own caviar! Who knew?

Other attractions include five GaultMillau restaurants flying the flag for fine dining, climbing towers, riding Segways and a chance to watch marmots… While autumn events include the Swiss Chamber Music Festival (23 September to 2 October) and the Autumn Fair (2 October). Details of all these and more can be found on the Adelboden website. But shhh! Don't tell everyone, let's just keep this little secret between you and me…

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Getting to Adelboden Swiss airline Skywork (www.flyskywork.com) operates daily flights from London City to Berne (less than an hour's drive from Adelboden). Alternatively, a number of airlines fly from various UK airports to Zurich, from where it's a 2 hour, 45 minute train journey to Adelboden.

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Notes for editors
Golf Mountain: The green fee at Golf Mountain, which also includes return cable car ride, is CHF85 (approx Euros 77 & £65). Advance bookings can be made by emailing kontakt@golfmountain.ch. Golfers can also stay up on Engstligenalp, at the basic but comfortable Berghotel. Those seeking a few more luxuries may prefer to stay in one of the many hotels in the village of Adelboden and use the cable car to access/exit Engstligenalp during the day.
Hiking: More details of all the hiking available in and around Adelboden can be found at: http://www.adelboden.ch/en/s/hiking-summer


Adelboden Facts & Figures
Adelboden, with a population of just over 3,500, lies in the west of the Bernese Oberland, at the end of the Engstlige valley.  It is a traditional, south-facing Swiss mountain resort, filled to the rafters with wooden chalets that look over to the Engstligen waterfalls (the second longest falls in Switzerland). Adelboden's main street lies at 1,350 m (4,430 ft), while the highest point in the area, the Grossstrubel, reaches 3,242 m (10,636 ft).

In 1903, Adelboden was the destination of the first packaged winter sports holiday, which was organised by Sir Henry Lunn, one of the founders of travel agency Lunn Poly.  The Adelboden-Frutigen-Lenk ski region remains a tempting destination for winter sport enthusiasts.  In summer, the village is very popular among hikers, mountain bikers and e-bikers, as well as with families.

Adelboden has 28 hotels (ranging from 4* superior to B&Bs) with 1585 beds, 3800 vacation homes with 7,600 beds, 30 group accommodations with 1835 beds, 3 camp sites and 21 restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Swiss to fast food to Asian.

For more information, please contact:
Sue Heady
Heady Communications
T: 01608 651 692
M: 078 5595 0705
E: sue@headycommunications.com