Juangfrau / mt
#3
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For the Jungfrau mountain massif you can take the train up there from Interlaken.
From Munich take a train to Interlaken via Zurich- if staying in the area head up to a neat mountain village like Grindelwald or Wengen from where Jungfraujoch (summit station, highest in Europe) leave from (change to the actual Jungfraujoch train at Kleine Scheidegg).
Or of course you can go straight away from Interlaken-Ost (east station as opposed to Interlaken-West station) up and back at about $200 or more return!
What are you overall trip plans - a Swiss Pass of some type may be a good deal or Half-Fare Card (Jungfraujoch trip 1/2 off pays for most of it).
For lots of good info on Swiss trains and the Jungfrau area transports check www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
From Munich take a train to Interlaken via Zurich- if staying in the area head up to a neat mountain village like Grindelwald or Wengen from where Jungfraujoch (summit station, highest in Europe) leave from (change to the actual Jungfraujoch train at Kleine Scheidegg).
Or of course you can go straight away from Interlaken-Ost (east station as opposed to Interlaken-West station) up and back at about $200 or more return!
What are you overall trip plans - a Swiss Pass of some type may be a good deal or Half-Fare Card (Jungfraujoch trip 1/2 off pays for most of it).
For lots of good info on Swiss trains and the Jungfrau area transports check www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
#4
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Hi all,
I will be traveling from munich to interlaken. We are 2 adults and 2 kids (4 years old and an 8 month )
I had planned 2 nights stay at interlaken for juangfrau and then we head to paris.
My friend had suggested me to visit mt titlis as well. Are mt titlis and juangfrau doable from Interlaken?
Or would you suggest below itinerary
Day 1 - munich to lucerne
Day 2 - mt titlis then to interlaken
Day 3 - juangfrau and then to paris or stay at interlaken overnight and leave for paris on day 4.
Also please suggest whether to take a train ride or a car ride from munich to lucerne / interlaken will be suitable?
I will be traveling from munich to interlaken. We are 2 adults and 2 kids (4 years old and an 8 month )
I had planned 2 nights stay at interlaken for juangfrau and then we head to paris.
My friend had suggested me to visit mt titlis as well. Are mt titlis and juangfrau doable from Interlaken?
Or would you suggest below itinerary
Day 1 - munich to lucerne
Day 2 - mt titlis then to interlaken
Day 3 - juangfrau and then to paris or stay at interlaken overnight and leave for paris on day 4.
Also please suggest whether to take a train ride or a car ride from munich to lucerne / interlaken will be suitable?
#5
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Titlis is nice but IMO the Jungfrau Region is even nicer - if you were not short on time already maybe but IMO head right to Interlaken and stay in the area two nights- there are many other things to do than Jungfraujoch for a day-
And the Swiss Transfer Ticket is made for you - research it and if doing the Jungfraujoch buy the half-off Half-Off Card in conjunction with it - at half-off that is less than half off the Jungfraujoch train!
Yes you can do Jungfraujoch from Interlaken - you have to go thru Interlaken in fact but again stay say in a family-friendly place like Wengen.
Definitely take the train - cars are useless in the Jungfrau area - being banned above Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen where you must park them on the edge of town at a high cost.
Kids go free on everything at that age - everything - even the Jungfraujoch train I believe and the Swiss Transfer tickets gives you a train from the Swiss border coming from Munich to anyplace in Switzerland - like Wengen and then a train trip out to any border - like when going to Italy-much cheaper I'd say then renting a car and paying for gas, etc.
Plus you'd have to get off the train in Switzerland and rent a car then off the train before Italy to drop if off or incur drop-off fees for picking up in one country and dropping off in another as steep as the highest Swiss Alp!
https://www.google.com/search?q=weng...w=1745&bih=868
When are you going - Wengen has an outdoor swimming pool that could be neat in summer. People here rave about Wengen - especially folks with kids - kids games about, etc.
And the Swiss Transfer Ticket is made for you - research it and if doing the Jungfraujoch buy the half-off Half-Off Card in conjunction with it - at half-off that is less than half off the Jungfraujoch train!
Yes you can do Jungfraujoch from Interlaken - you have to go thru Interlaken in fact but again stay say in a family-friendly place like Wengen.
Definitely take the train - cars are useless in the Jungfrau area - being banned above Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen where you must park them on the edge of town at a high cost.
Kids go free on everything at that age - everything - even the Jungfraujoch train I believe and the Swiss Transfer tickets gives you a train from the Swiss border coming from Munich to anyplace in Switzerland - like Wengen and then a train trip out to any border - like when going to Italy-much cheaper I'd say then renting a car and paying for gas, etc.
Plus you'd have to get off the train in Switzerland and rent a car then off the train before Italy to drop if off or incur drop-off fees for picking up in one country and dropping off in another as steep as the highest Swiss Alp!
https://www.google.com/search?q=weng...w=1745&bih=868
When are you going - Wengen has an outdoor swimming pool that could be neat in summer. People here rave about Wengen - especially folks with kids - kids games about, etc.
#6
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Have you spoken to your pediatrician about taking an 8 month old to the top of the Jungfrau? There is way less oxygen in the air at the top and this can cause problems for quite a few people - anyone with heart or lung problems and many other people who are sensitive to it.
I'm not a specialist but this is not something I would do with such a young infant without discussing with your pediatrician - since if the baby is uncomfortable (quite a few people are at that altitude) they have no way to tell you so.
When we took the train a more mature couple - 50s - went up at the same time we did. When we got to the top they were both dizzy and having trouble breathing and took the same train right back down.
I'm not a specialist but this is not something I would do with such a young infant without discussing with your pediatrician - since if the baby is uncomfortable (quite a few people are at that altitude) they have no way to tell you so.
When we took the train a more mature couple - 50s - went up at the same time we did. When we got to the top they were both dizzy and having trouble breathing and took the same train right back down.
#7
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Hi all,
thanks for the advice.
I will definitely check the swiss pass. Any idea how will be the weather like over there at the top? I will be there next tuesday. I hope the weather is clear so that we can have the clear view at the summit!
I've booked hotel at interlaken near west station.
I have time, time is not an issue. so what would you guys recommend 2 or 3 nights at interlaken?
Also which is easier? munich to interlaken first and then from lucerne to paris or munich to lucerne first and then from interlaken to paris?
please guide ...
thanks for the advice.
I will definitely check the swiss pass. Any idea how will be the weather like over there at the top? I will be there next tuesday. I hope the weather is clear so that we can have the clear view at the summit!
I've booked hotel at interlaken near west station.
I have time, time is not an issue. so what would you guys recommend 2 or 3 nights at interlaken?
Also which is easier? munich to interlaken first and then from lucerne to paris or munich to lucerne first and then from interlaken to paris?
please guide ...
#9
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The weather changes not only daily bot oftens everal times during the day. ue to the height of the mountains there is always snow there (and even a glacier) and it will be coldish (not Siberia, but temps can easily be the 30s (F - ot C) so you need layers including a warm sweater and footwear appropriate for ice and snow - sine you will be walking on both indoors and outdoors.
Due to the height of the mountains the tops are often in the clouds and if that is the case there is no point is going to the top. It tends to be clear earlier in the day - but can change in a few minutes. We were in Interlaken 3 days before we got one that was clear at the topped and rushed to the train station to ascend before it could change. We were luck and it was sunny the whole time we ere there but did get cloudy later that afternoon.
A young couple that came up in the same train car were dressed for Interlaken - tee, shorts and sandals with just a light sweater and were shivering by the time we were half way to the top. Not sure what they did after we got there - since we both felt a little light headed. We stopped to have a drink and snack and felt better and stayed for 3 hours to see all of the sights/activities and go out onto the glacier. Well worth it if you can avoid problems related to lack of oxygen.
(Caveat: we live at sea level. For people that live at a high altitude may not be much of a problem - but then we had no problem at Mt Pailatus - but that is only about 7K feet, versus 12K for the Jungfrau.
Due to the height of the mountains the tops are often in the clouds and if that is the case there is no point is going to the top. It tends to be clear earlier in the day - but can change in a few minutes. We were in Interlaken 3 days before we got one that was clear at the topped and rushed to the train station to ascend before it could change. We were luck and it was sunny the whole time we ere there but did get cloudy later that afternoon.
A young couple that came up in the same train car were dressed for Interlaken - tee, shorts and sandals with just a light sweater and were shivering by the time we were half way to the top. Not sure what they did after we got there - since we both felt a little light headed. We stopped to have a drink and snack and felt better and stayed for 3 hours to see all of the sights/activities and go out onto the glacier. Well worth it if you can avoid problems related to lack of oxygen.
(Caveat: we live at sea level. For people that live at a high altitude may not be much of a problem - but then we had no problem at Mt Pailatus - but that is only about 7K feet, versus 12K for the Jungfrau.
#10
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Nobody can guarantee you suitable weather during that one single day. What would you do if the mountains are in clouds with zero viewe and dense fog or even a snowstorm at the top? A lot of money and precious time wasted for nothing. Only to say that you have been there?
And yes, this happens often, even in summer. Your chances of a clear day are far, far below 50% - no matter what your travel agent promised you. (I once waited for three days until in the fourth morning the conditions were finally good, and I considered myself lucky.)
I wopuld skip this gigantic detour via Switzerland altogether and go to Garmisch instead, two hours from Munich, and go up Zugspitze. This means an altitude of 2000 m, hence easier to cope with, especially for the littlies, and it has gorgeous views. Trust me, you will not notice the difference. I'll never understand why people plan such unrealistic itineraries...
And yes, this happens often, even in summer. Your chances of a clear day are far, far below 50% - no matter what your travel agent promised you. (I once waited for three days until in the fourth morning the conditions were finally good, and I considered myself lucky.)
I wopuld skip this gigantic detour via Switzerland altogether and go to Garmisch instead, two hours from Munich, and go up Zugspitze. This means an altitude of 2000 m, hence easier to cope with, especially for the littlies, and it has gorgeous views. Trust me, you will not notice the difference. I'll never understand why people plan such unrealistic itineraries...
#11
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Also which is easier? munich to interlaken first and then from lucerne to paris or munich to lucerne first and then from interlaken to paris?>
makes no difference - take whatever TGV is the cheapest - from Basel or Bern or wherever -you could use a Swiss Pass to go to Basel and then hop a French TGV to Paris if that is cheapest.
makes no difference - take whatever TGV is the cheapest - from Basel or Bern or wherever -you could use a Swiss Pass to go to Basel and then hop a French TGV to Paris if that is cheapest.
#13
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Fortunately, I had the ideal weather to visit Mt. jungfraujoch
had a wonderful time there.
We skipped Mt. Titlis as we didn't want to rush things.
My advice to all is; yes keep seperate days for each outings. This way you do justice to the place
Cheers
had a wonderful time there.
We skipped Mt. Titlis as we didn't want to rush things.
My advice to all is; yes keep seperate days for each outings. This way you do justice to the place
Cheers
#14
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Jungfraujoch is awesome in nice sunny weather but a drag in overcast wet weather that can set in at times for days.
Yes good advice in keeping your schedule flexible as to mountain tops- don't want to pay all that money to get there and not have the awesome experience you should have.
Yes good advice in keeping your schedule flexible as to mountain tops- don't want to pay all that money to get there and not have the awesome experience you should have.
#15
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We just returned from Switzerland. Our two days in Lucerne were rainy and overcast, and we didn't go to Mt. Pilatus as planned.
Based on the weather forecast for our next 2 days scheduled in Wengen, I tried to change our flights to come home early. United put the kabosh on that, $300pp to change flights and no option to stay a couple of days in NYC.
So we went to Wengen. The day of arrival, mid afternoon was cloudy. Our hotel had a view of Jungrau, but the summit was in clouds. The next day dawned clear an sunny. We hurried double time to the train station and had an incredible morning at Jungfraujoch.
Timing is everything, as the next day was so socked in that NONE of the mountain was visible from our hotel.
So very glad we had the luck to see this sight. Remember that the nature gods are in charge, and your planning makes them laugh!
PS Pal and others: we are now train travelers extraordinare! We worried about our luggage and transfers. Our return trip from Wengen to the Zurich airport had 4 transfers, and there were no problems at all!!
Based on the weather forecast for our next 2 days scheduled in Wengen, I tried to change our flights to come home early. United put the kabosh on that, $300pp to change flights and no option to stay a couple of days in NYC.
So we went to Wengen. The day of arrival, mid afternoon was cloudy. Our hotel had a view of Jungrau, but the summit was in clouds. The next day dawned clear an sunny. We hurried double time to the train station and had an incredible morning at Jungfraujoch.
Timing is everything, as the next day was so socked in that NONE of the mountain was visible from our hotel.
So very glad we had the luck to see this sight. Remember that the nature gods are in charge, and your planning makes them laugh!
PS Pal and others: we are now train travelers extraordinare! We worried about our luggage and transfers. Our return trip from Wengen to the Zurich airport had 4 transfers, and there were no problems at all!!
#17
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PS Pal and others: we are now train travelers extraordinare! We worried about our luggage and transfers. Our return trip from Wengen to the Zurich airport had 4 transfers, and there were no problems at all!!>
Yes in Switzerland at least trains work so so well - everything coordinated and yes easy. True in most of Europe but especially Switzerland.
Yes in Switzerland at least trains work so so well - everything coordinated and yes easy. True in most of Europe but especially Switzerland.
#18
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I’m glad you had an awesome time in Switzerland, @msali! We also did the same route with my wife and child in April this year: Lucerne, Interlaken and then a train to Jungfrau. Our day in Interlaken was quite foggy but we were lucky to have sunshine on the day when we went to Jungfrau. So timing is vital when you travel no matter where. We loved the awesome views in Jungfrau! We can’t wait to go there again!
#19
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We visited Jungfraujoch on a cloudy day and loved the experience even without the view from the top. The trip up was an adventure and there was plenty to occupy these two Aussies who had never had the opportunity to "do" very high, cold mountain stuff before.
On advice from a conductor on the train we walked part of the way down the mountain before picking up the train at the next stop and it was like walking in a post card complete with cows and cow bells. We had a delightful experience and later managed to do Mt Blanc on a clear sunny day. When you are travelling you have to make the best of the weather you get !
On advice from a conductor on the train we walked part of the way down the mountain before picking up the train at the next stop and it was like walking in a post card complete with cows and cow bells. We had a delightful experience and later managed to do Mt Blanc on a clear sunny day. When you are travelling you have to make the best of the weather you get !