Jungfrau roundtrip which route better?

Old May 26th, 2006, 08:56 AM
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Jungfrau roundtrip which route better?

The plan is to start early on a sunny September day and do a roundtrip of:

a) Grindelwald-Mannlichen-Wengen-KS-Jungfraujoch-KS-Grindelwald

OR

b)Grindelwald-KS-Jungfraujoch-KS-Wengen-Mannlichen-Grindelwald

Any advice on:

1)Which route is better
2)Which side of train/gondola to sit
3)Expected duration of the round-trip

is appreciated.
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Old May 26th, 2006, 08:59 AM
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If the sun is out i'd hop to the Jungfraujoch first as Alpine weather is very fickle and clouds could materialize quickly.
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Old May 26th, 2006, 09:20 AM
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As PalQ suggests, option B will take you up the Jungfraujoch much more quickly, so that is best if the weather is nice in the morning.

As for which side to sit on, most of the train ride from Kleine Scheidegg up is in a tunnel through the Eiger, so it really doesn't matter. When you come to the windows cut in the rock, the train stops so you can get out and look.

The ride from Mannlichen back to Grindelwald is in a very small, 4-person gondola. I would choose to sit facing forward (rather than backwards), but which side doesn't matter. As I recall, that ride is about 30 minutes---long and slow!
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Old May 26th, 2006, 09:41 AM
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Thanks guys. B it is then.

Enzian,
For the Grindelwald to KS ride is there a side preferred?
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Old May 26th, 2006, 09:41 AM
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...Also KS-Wengen is there a side prefference?
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Old May 26th, 2006, 09:46 AM
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I would say you want to be on the right side of the train up to Kleine Scheidegg, though the left does provide some interesting views straight up the North Wall. Left side from there down to Wengen.
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Old May 26th, 2006, 09:46 AM
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If you want to look UP at the Eiger as you pass beneath it, you would sit on the left---but you might get a crick in your neck! The view on the right side is out to pastures, cows, and a little hotel as you pass Alpiglen.

I think both sides are fine. Hopefully the train car won't be so crowded that you can't switch back and forth.
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Old May 26th, 2006, 09:48 AM
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I walked down from KlScheidegg to Wengen - it's a wide good trail that not too steeply descends - takes two hours tops - an easy and exhilarating walk!
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Old May 26th, 2006, 09:53 AM
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Thanks a lot guys.

How about the Stechelberg-Gimmelwald-Murren-Birg-Schilthorn & back trip. any side preferrence there?
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Old May 26th, 2006, 10:02 AM
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That one is a hugh cablecar where you stand. You want to be near the window, rather than in the middle, if possible. If you have trouble with heights, you're probably best in the front as it goes up, so you are looking up rather than down.

But if you are boarding with lots of other people you may not have a choice.
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Old May 26th, 2006, 12:20 PM
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Regarding the Schilthorn trip. On the way back we took the cable car down to Murren then walked along to take the funicular down into Lauterbrunnen. This was a very easy flat/downhill walk (about an hour ?) which really added to the day.

We were staying in Wengen, and for the complete round trip I would recommend train down to Lauterbrunnen, walk along the valley floor to the Trummelbach Falls, then walk along to cable car at Stechelberg - do the Schilthorn thing, before walking back to funicular at Luaterbrunnen. We spend a wonderful day doing this - although the weather is kind of important.

Enjoy - Wish I was there.

Steve
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Old May 26th, 2006, 12:56 PM
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I believe the funicular from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp has been taken out of service, to be replaced by a new cable car. At one time it was scheduled to stop running in late April 06, with the new cable car to start up in December - so the OP would not be able to take that route in September. Perhaps someone with more recent information can comment.
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Old May 26th, 2006, 05:40 PM
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We just did Schilthorn less than 2 weeks ago and the cable car from Stechelberg was crowded. At each stop, you get off and then proceed to the next car so you can be in a good position on one car but maybe not on the other. The views are magnificent though no matter which side you are on!
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Old May 26th, 2006, 06:28 PM
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the Lauterbrunnen - Grutschalp elevator on wheels is indeed a thing of the past.

As for the side to ride on, going up from Lauterbrunnen, the right side is better.

Going up from Grindelwald, take the left side going up.

On the gondola, if there are 4 or fewer people I don't think it matters.
You can look out the side, front, and backs of the little cars.

If 4 in the group,two get in one car; two in the next. Those things come in an endless procession and I never was forced into one particular car with other people.

If you want a good look at the Eiger north face, get off at the Eigergletscher station and walk out on the Eiger Trail.

Length of time? You can stay a long time at the Jungfraujoch walking around. If I go out to the Mönchsjochhütte, the trip can last several hours.

I am usually reluctant to leave on a clear day because the views are stupendous.

Would I go back a 3rd time? Sure. Its only money.
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