Is Jungfraujoch worth the trip for a CLAUSTROPHOBIC person?
 

Are there any travelers out there who suffer from claustrophobia and have taken the train journey up to the <b>Jungfraujoch</b>? Through the looong scary 45-minute tunnel?! (:| Is this expensive train journey worth the trip? Is it really the memorable journey of a lifetime? Is it really a must-see? Or are the other mountain views in the Berner Oberland area just as wonderful (without the tunnel!)

My claustrophobia is mainly a problem when I can't escape. So yes I can take an elevator...because I can always get off if I need a break or if the elevator gets too crowded. But I get very nervous in those tunnels which traffic occasionally has to drive through...especially if it's a traffic jam and I'm "stuck" in the tunnel.

I don't like flying due to claustrophobia...but getting an aisle seat on a big plane, and looking out the windows, does help to make it bearable. I also have xanax but only for flying. I don't like to depend on meds so only use it for flying. Besides the dose of xanax I have to take for flying makes me disoriented, which isn't a problem while flying because I am just sitting there and can snooze. But I wouldn't want to be walking around the top of a mountain while disoriented with xanax anyway.

So...are you claustrophobic? Or perhaps your traveling partner is claustrophobic? And did they enjoy the Jungfraujoch, or did they regret going? Or maybe they were unable to go at all?

One problem with claustrophobia is that if you can't escape right away...it can cause lingering anxiety all day which would spoil the whole day. But if I can escape right away, the trapped feeling subsides quickly.

If my husband wants to take the train up to Jungfraujoch without me, I can find something else to do. But he says he doesn't know anything about it so he isn't sure if its worth the price.

Thanks in advance for your helpful experiences.

There are other mountains that you can ascend - but almost all require either a cable car (small) or a train/tram (also small) but both have windows. IMHO a cable car is a lot more scary than a tunnel. From Lucerne you can easily ascent Mt Pilatus or Mt Titlus.

You should know that the Jungfrau is a good idea only on those days when the top is not socked in the clouds. We had to wait until our 3rd day in Interlaken before it was clear at the top. (And I didn;t find the tunnel at all scary - but I don;t have claustrophobia - and the train cars are not that small).

I'm not claustrophobic but I found it very difficult to breathe at that altitude and took the first train down. For me, it was very much not worth the cost.

nytraveler, thanks for your viewpoint. I agree that cable cars are scary too...I get scared on the gondola ride at the zoo! But it's an exciting kind of scary...I still enjoy the experience. But phobias, like claustrophobia, are a different level of fear...it's NOT enjoyable.

However, one traveler told me the trains are lit up and you can't actually see the tunnel...and you say that the train cars aren't too small which also helps...so perhaps it doesn't feel claustrophobic...it's hard to say until I'm there. But it does help to hear from other people who have been there.

However if it does feel claustrophobic, 45 minutes would be very long! Sometimes I can go for weeks without feeling claustrophobic. But then if I feel trapped somewhere, it sets off strong anxiety which can then cause me to feel claustrophobic even in places that don't normally bother me.

Anyway I welcome everyone's experience...please share. It helps me to picture myself there so that I can make the decision that will be best for me. Plus I will have more info for my husband.

Fra_Diavolo: That sounds like one of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Sure enough the cure is to go back down... I'm sorry the experience was unpleasant for you. Hopefully other experiences on your trip were a lot more fun! I've never been up that high yet. (Well not counting flying but since the cabin is pressurized I don't think that counts.)

Congratulations Melissa5.

This is your 17th thread on visiting Switzerland.

You're not a little paranoid, are you?

schuler: Not a little...a lot! :-D Am I only up to 17 threads? Thanks for keeping track for me.

Melissa,

My take on this:

- 10 days in the Berner Oberland is a lot but there are many things you can do there. In fact, it may be just what the doctor ordered to calm your nerves and smell the roses (or enzian in this case).

- You'll get lots of info from the tourist office there. And tons of people speak English.

- Jungfraujoch: if you suffer from claustrophobia or altitude sickness, don't go. It's as simple as that. Your husband will have plenty of time to decide if he wants to go during your visit.

I went to the Jungfraujoch last year and we had a perfect day. However, I was sluggish from the altitude and didn't feel 100%. I also didn't like the overpowering smell of curry that you can smell in some parts of the building.

You've planned, booked and now the itinerary is settled. Do bring the right clothes (layers for wind/rain/cold/hot)and a backpack that you can use for hiking. Bring a guidebook on Switzerland so you can plan your days which will be dictated by the weather.

I get nervous for you just reading some of your posts.

schuler, thanks for reminding me that I've planned, booked, and now the itinerary is settled. Yes! Time to open the suitcase and start piling a lot of clothes next to it, plus my guidebooks and hotel info. Then after about a week when the pile is huge, my wonderful husband fits it all in the suitcase for me. (The trick is, he secretly leaves out what doesn't fit...this plan works great!) schuler don't make me get nervous about you getting nervous for me just reading some of my posts. :-P

I remember now why my husband and I are going on this trip...to enjoy the Swiss Alps and each other! I also remember my goal in choosing the itinerary...to plan a trip with a very relaxing pace, with a maximum of 4 hotel changes. Woo-hoo! Murren here we come...to meditate upon the wildflowers and the musical tinkling of cowbells...Wengen and Lauterbrunnen and Lucerne...here we come, scenic lakes and awesome Alps! >:D< And cheese...and chocolate...

We really need a vacation, having just married off 2 daughters and welcomed our first grandbaby into the world...all in less than 2 years... Now it's OUR turn to have fun!

The bells are so soothing. I'm hearing sheep, goat and cow bells right now while at my computer. I live in the country and still can't get over the beauty of it all. That's the magic of Switzerland!

Schuler--You have brought back such a precious memory.

When we stayed at Kleine Scheidegg eons ago, the hotel there was in pretty bad condition, but I'll never forget the magic of our night there. The curtains blew in and out in the soft breeze, and one could view a ceiling of stars, a carpet of lights from Grindelwald far below, and pinpricks of lights from the tunnels of the Jungfrauroch railroad on the Eiger. And all night, we could hear the sound of bells, bells, bells, bells, bells.

Amazing. Worth the entire trip.

schuler: Lucky you! Enjoy the magic. Sometimes I see a hummingbird while sitting at my computer.

AlessandraZoe: That's a lovely description of your memory of the night at Kleine Scheidegg. Isn't it interesting how precious memories are often NOT of ritzy hotels...they are of spontaneous experiences in extraordinary places which could easily be humble places... Maybe magic hides in humble places.

absolutely.

I experienced neither claustrophobia nor breathing problems, and thought Jungfraujoch was a highlight of the trip. Definitely recommend it if the weather is clear.

I would do Jungfraujoch trains beside others (Schilthorn, First cables, etc) as long as the weather cooporates. You will be staying 6 nights in Wengen. You will have plenty of time and being in Wengen, you are already on the way to the top.

Claustrophobic? I am not one but I hate to be in a elevator full of people so you cannot even move. On the Jungfrau train (I have done a few times), it's not like that at all. You have enough space, you can chat with your husband and other travellers and time will fly. It is the dullest part of the travel, being in the tunnel with no view but think about you will be being transported in the tunnel dug in the alps (what a work!) and the reward you get once you reach the top. You will be in the area for the first time and when next time? All considered, I think it's worth. You hate even flying because of claustophobia? Hmmm, then only you can decide. Other possibility is you can stay in Wengen or take the train down and visit the valley of Lauterbrunnen with its waterfall "Staubach". Or perhaps you can accompany your husband only to Kleine Scheidegg (no tunnels until there) and you wait there, doing short hiking, lunch.

Beathing problem? How many visitors go up there a year, perhaps hundreds of thousands? A few do have but most don't. But eveybody feels a bit light (or heavy?) headed. If you are that worried, perhaps you might want to get an oxygen canister called O-Pur that's sold at Swiss pharmacies. It comes with a mouth piece. Never used one myself though. It might cost about CHF15.-, the small one.

Seamus and kappa1, Thanks for your reflections and advice.

kappa1...Maybe I will consider that oxygen canister sold in Swiss Pharmacies. Don't know much about that. But since my husband is undecided as well, we do have plenty of time to decide. Maybe we will just go with a spontaneous decision...yes or no... as the mood strikes us...and depending on the weather!

The advantage of staying 10 days in Berner Oberland is that you are flexible. Mountain weather changes quickly. One day it can be miserable and the next absolutely breathtaking. On the poor weather days, you can explore Bern, Thun and even Lucerne using the train as transportation.

Then, on the sunny days, you can plan some hikes or just go up to a favorite restaurant and enjoy the views while drinking some cafe zwetchgen or a nice glass of wine. Simply divine.

O-Pur
http://www.opuruk.co.uk/
It's not you would need it. Just for piece of your mind. And even for a laugh, or may help some other traveller with that... You never know. ;-)

> we will just go with a spontaneous decision...yes or no... as the mood strikes us...and depending on the weather

Agreed!

> piece of your mind.
PEACE !

On the way down from the Jungfraujoch, a young boy vomited. The smell was awful and you couldn't escape it. Needless to say, it was a long ride down.

well I am claustrophobic and reading this thread's description of that tunnel nearly gave me an anxiety attack (only partly kidding). Switzerland is an amazing place. Personally I'd skip this one and find a different mountain, tram, cable car, whatever to do instead. Why spoil your day and put yourself thru the anxiety?

Not being able to breath at the top is a function of less oxygen in the air - not anxiety. Almost everyone from sea level will experience this at 12,000+ feet. (I felt a little light headed when I stood up in the train when it arrived at the top - but we had a light meal and walked around a little bit and felt better - although any type of exercise is much more difficult at that altitude.)

But for someone with lung problems - either asthma or emphysema (and anyone who has ever smoked has the latter to some degree) - the problem can be more severe, and they may actually have to go right back down to be able to breathe easily. Of the people we came up with on the train the only ones who left immediately were a young couple dressed only in shorts, tees and sandals - they were frozen even inside - and of course couldn;t go out of the complex into the snow.

<<So...are you claustrophobic?>>

Yes, I'm claustrophobic. I loved the Jungfraujoch and am glad I went. It was a few years ago so I don't remember many of the details but I remember being anxious at Kleine Schedeig (sp?) and looking up and wondering if I should go. But I did and became so interested in the sights and the train ride and the people that I calmed down. The tunnel didn't bother me after the first few minutes.

I do remember that the train stopped somewhere in the tunnel and we got out and walked around and there were places with displays in the walls. I also remember being afraid of falling in the ice palace and how great it felt to be outside at the top. It was a win for me; I overcame my anxiety and enjoyed the experience.

I was more fearful on a cable car but that worked out all right too. However, if for some reason I had to do one of those again, I would choose the Jungfraujoch -- it felt less confining to me.

I'm like you about flying. I always request an aisle seat. I can manage a window seat if I'm traveling with someone and I know I have the option of switching seats. But I think I'd have to skip the flight if I ever got a middle seat. I can't imagine anything worse than being in the third seat in a row of five.

schuler: Yes it smells (I mean sounds) like a long ride down! Yes my husband and I are looking forward to having the relaxing flexibility of knowing we have plenty of time in the Berner Oberland...so that If the weather isn't too good one day there is always the next day... And as you say we can train into Bern or Thun for activities if the weather doesn't cooperate for the mountains.

suze: We feel satisfied that we are "informed" about the Jungfraujoch...and we just aren't going to worry about it. We will either go...or not...up to Jungfraujoch on the train...according to what whim strikes us...and according to the weather! As for me, I think many of the other opportunities to see lovely mountain views in the Berner Oberland area would thrill me...I don't necessarily need to do the Jungfraujoch...

nytraveler: You gave me a chuckle at the thought of a young couple in shorts and t-shirts and sandals going up to Jungfraujoch...

Luisah: Thanks for sharing your experiences. I feel more relaxed now that everyone has shared what it was like for them, because if we do decide to go up, we know what we are choosing and we know what to expect.

By the way here is my weather forecast: You can all expect unseasonably warm weather in Switzerland in late June/early July...because unseasonably warm weather has followed us on our vacations for the past 2 years. There will be a record heat wave on at least 2 days. If we remember to pack our rain gear, it won't rain very much. If we forget our rain gear, it will rain a lot. :-P

Hi, Melissa! I was looking for info about jungfrau and found this old thread.... I have the exact same problem about claustrophobia and suddenly the journey seemed soooo difficult. Did you decide to go after all? If so, how was your impression? Please enlighten me! ��

Some years ago my niece who is claustrophobic went to Jungfraujoch, and thoroughly enjoyed herself. I had said to her that if necessary we would not go all the way, the trains now from Kleine Scheidegg up have a running commentary and film of the journey which she found distracted her and made her forget her claustophobia.

Melissa, I'm pretty badly claustrophobic. I can't do caves, can't get an MRI, and find crowded elevators almost unbearable. I've never been able to convince myself to take the train from Paris to London because I'm afraid I'll go nuts in the chunnel.

I had little trouble with the Jungfrau. I think I had a few moments of anxiety when I felt it was going on for a long time, but it didn't feel too terribly closed in.

At the spot where you get out and walk around, I got out so I could look out the windows which helped. I do remember walking quickly back to the train, and then I felt a bit out of breath and dizzy. My husband and I were both slightly affected by the altitude, but found the key was to take it slow. And we sat down at the restaurant and had some coke and a light bite of food before walking around too much. That seemed to settle us both down a bit.

All in all, I found it very much worth it.

Of course, the day we went to the Schilthorn, the clouds rolled in, so no wonder i though Jungfrau was better. But views like this:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

Totally worth it!!

Tipsygus and china_cat, thanks a lot! Nothing like real stories from real claustrophobics..... Im starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel ������

China_cat, by the way, i took the tgv from london to paris and didnt suffer at all. We went on the first train in the morning, so i slept half the way, but even so, didnt find it claustropobic at all! You shoud try it ��

It's funny to see my old post about this pop up here. No, I didn't go to the Jungfraujoch! However, funnily enough, I'll be in the Berner Oberland again this summer...so will be facing the same decision again! Probably will skip it again... The Schilthorn was high enough for me last time!

You know, in general tunnels haven't bothered me too much, so maybe I can do the Chunnel. The one that was really difficult is the tunnel leaving Whittier Alaska. It' say one lane tunnel (opens for 30 minutes at a time in each direction), and it's really narrow an very long. I hated that tunnel, and couldn't wait to get out if it,

Melissa, you should consider going up the Jungfrau....it really is worth it :)

I'm SO happy to see this post! have claustrophobia too! We planned on going to Jungfraujoch too, We watched a travel show about it, and when I saw that 45 minute tunnel, I also felt anxious! II also wasn't sure about the ice caves. I'm able to fly ,as long as I sit on the aisle, and I can ride a tram or cable car. EVEN helicopter...but that tunnel got me wondering how I might feel. I might do mt Titlis instead. Did you go on this after all?

There are tons of phantastic viewpoints an the glacier area in and around Switzerland. Jungfraujoch is just one of them. The best of the others are:
Kleinmatterhorn and Testa Grigia (gondolas Zermatt - Furi - Furggg - Kleinmatterhorn - Testa Grigia - Cimes Blanches - Plan Maison - Cervinia/Breuil);
Aiguille du Midi and Pointe Hellbronner (gondolas Chamonix - Aiguille du Midi - Pointe Hellbronner - Courmayeur);
Mitelallalin (gondola Saas Fee - Felskinn and rope railway in a tunnel (!!) Felskinn - Mittelallalin
Glacier 3000 (gondola Col-du-Pillon near Gstaad - Cabane des Diablerets - Glacier 3000);
Hohsaas (gondola Saas Grund - Kreuzboden - Hohsaas);
Diavolezza (gondola Bernina Diavolezza - Diavolezza);
Grawand (gondola Kurzras Val Senales - Grawand);
Karlesjoch (gondola Ochsenalp/Kaunertal - Weissseeferner - Karlesjoch);
Titlis (gondola Engelberg - Truebsee - Kleintitilis).

I do not remember a tunnel that took 45 minutes. I have a fear of heights and some claustrophobia, but did fine going to and being at the Jungfrau. It was very cold at the top so wear layers and shoes, not sandals.

loristarr0954: "Did you go on this after all?"

Welcome to Fodors. You may not have noticed but this thread is more than 10 years old, and the OP hasn't been on Fodors since 2015. If you want info about a future trip, it would be better to start a new thread of your own . . .

The tunnel journey takes just 25 minutes. But it lasted 45 minutes some 50 years ago..
Jungfraujoch railway station is in a tunnel too.