Jungfrau

Sportschalet Mürren

An Alpine stage for unforgettable rallies

Reaching Mürren is part of its magic. No roads, no cars. Just the journey itself. It begins deep in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where the new Schilthorn cable car climbs at a world-record angle of 58.6°,  to reach the plateau. Those uneasy with the steep ascent can opt for an equally scenic journey on the century-old mountain railway route, which winds its way up through the Alps at a gentler pace. Then, at 1,638 metres above sea level, Mürren awaits. Here the air is thinner, the silence deeper, and the views of the iconic mountain triumvirate of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are, well, beyond words.

Tucked away behind the hotel Sportchalet Mürren, the outdoor tennis courts offer something truly special. Four well-kept clay courts, perched spectacularly on a high-mountain balcony that feels as if it’s clinging to the edge of the Alps. Play here, and you’ll quickly understand what makes this place different. The altitude changes the game. The ball flies faster, the air feels lighter and every point comes with a view so stunning it’s hard not to be distracted.

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After the game, take a short stroll to one of Mürren’s traditional mountain inns, where ahearty rösti, a glass of Chasselas, a favourite alpine white wine,  and a terrace seat overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley await. And if the view from here isn’t quite high enough, ride the cable car another 1,300 metres up to PizGloria, Blofeld’s mountaintop lair in the movie On Her Majesty’s SecretService. Today, it’s home to a Bond Museum and a revolving restaurant serving 360° views of more than 200 Alpine peaks with, of course, a martini.Shaken not stirred.

TC Grindelwald

A wall of rock. A line on clay

The historic TC Grindelwald, inaugurated in 1915, is picture-postcard perfect. Nestled among rolling meadows, its four impeccably kept red clay courts stand in striking contrast to the green pastures, the blue alpine sky and, most impressively, the mighty Eiger.

The Eiger’s infamous north face, the Nordwand, a final frontier for climbers during the golden age of alpine exploration, was first conquered in 1938 and remains one of mountaineering’s most iconic and dangerous climbs. Rising nearly 1,800 metres above the village, it tells a story of human determination set against the raw majestic power of the Alps.

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Step onto the courts facing it, and you quickly understand why the club boldly claims to be the most beautiful tennis club in the world. But this isn’t just a claim,it’s a reflection of the club’s deep roots in Grindelwald’s alpine nature and culture. For over a century, TC Grindelwald has welcomed locals, mountaineers and summer guests alike, blending sport and scenery in a tradition that feels as enduring as the mountains themselves.

With the match completed, the club’s intimate terrace offers the perfect spot to catch your breath, sip a local beer and soak it all in. After all, tennis with a view like this deserves a moment of appreciation.

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Sportanlage Eyelti

Volleys in the “Valley of Waterfalls”

Lauterbrunnen, whose name translates to “many fountains”, is a place that delivers exactly what it promises, and more. Set in one of the deepest U-shaped valleys in the Alps, it is framed by towering cliffs rising more than 400 metres on either side. From these dramatic heights, 72 named waterfalls plunge into the valley below. Lauterbrunnen has drawn poets, painters and explorers for centuries. In 1911, a young J.R.R. Tolkien visited the valley, and its soaring cliffs and cascading waters are widely believed to have inspired his vision of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings.

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At the heart of this stunning landscape lies Sportanlage Eyelti, a humble yet inviting recreational facility overseen by Lauterbrunnen’s tourist board. Here, families can enjoy minigolf, table football, bobby cars for the kids and a snack bar that has earned a local reputation for its signature potato salad.

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But the real draw is the pair of red clay courts set amid this breathtaking scenery.The valley stretches out before you as you play, and the distant echo of Staubbach Falls, one of Switzerland’s highest and most iconic free-falling waterfalls, gently reminds you that this is no ordinary play tennis. Simple, authentic and unforgettable.

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A version of this journey is also featured in the coffee-table book, "The Tennis Travels — Europe", which explores more than 50 European outdoor courts open to guest play. Further details on the book can be found here‍