Jungfraujoch - Why should we go or why should we not?
 

We have been to Switzerland 3 times. We will be going again in September to the Berner Oberland region, which we've been to before. However, amazing as it may seem, we've never done the Jungfraujoch trip. Since it's expensive and very time consuming, I'm wondering what are the pluses and minuses in your opinion?

What is there to do once you are up there?

Is it really up to all the hype?

I'm going to piggyback on this question, as we too are going to the BO. Never been before.

tuscan - OOOH. You're going to love it!

OK, let's see what others say about Jungfraujoch.

Well it is the steepest train in the world in terms of both steepness and fares - mostly in tunnel so not that scenic but there is a brief stop at some ledge you can go out on midway for a photo shoot or see down below.

Up top is the ubiquitous restaurant with sun terrace - some large ice grottos and the chance to walk to a nearby glacier and take some kind of rides - either on dog sleds (not sure they still do this) or one wires not high above the snow.

But to me the most amazing thing up there is the view of the Aletsch Glacier from its upper tip - here - for miles as it tumbles down to the Rhone Valley (? Rhone?) - awesome and the views down over Interlaken wedged between its two lakes is awesome as well.

That said is it worth $140 or so (but there is an early-bird special that is cheaper and you can walk down the last segment and actually easily walk down from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen - cutting costs and having a brilliant walk - or walk from Kl Scheidegg on gthe famous Ridge Walk from there to The Mannlichen - a most raved about viewpoint - an easy fairly flat but descending path - very easy walk and you see both the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys from the walk.

I have done it 3 times but at that time had a 50% discount with a Swiss Pass - discount is now I believe 25% only - check out the Jungfraubahn Pass that if taking say the excursion to The Schilthorn/Piz Gloria (which to me is a more thrilling ride to get there - an icy outpost miles from anywhere - the pass would pay off I calculated once with just those two trips and then you could use it on a plethora of other gondolas and trains lines throughout the area.

www.swisstravelsystem should have the details.

If you go on a clear day - you must check this before setting out - there are wonderful views on the way up - charming towns, gorgeous flower-starred meadows - and as you get up further dramatic mountain views. When we were there at the top there were activities both indoors and outdoors - a dog sled ride, ice sculpture gallery, outdoor weather station and we saw people learning at a ski school (in June).

IMHO well worth it - but only you can judge.

If you go to the web site there are a lot more details.

When i said the train was mainly in tunnel I was talking only about the Jungfraubahn that trundles up from Grosse Sheidegg to the summit, the highest train station in Europe I believe.

But yes if starting from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken then yes you get wonderous views the whole way to Grosse Scheidegg - but that part is much cheaper than also doing the Gr Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch part. And again you can even walk down from Gr Scheidegg to various places, cutting the cost a bit but more for stupendous vistas that are much nicer even from a footpath than from a train IME.

Heliocoptors may also fly up there - not sure.

If you want awe inspiring views which ever way you go up and back and accept it is expensive then yes go. It is expensive to eat at the top, but then everything and everybody has to be shuttled up there by train. I have done it several times the last was several years ago with family who had never been, they still talk about it and want to do back.

There are 17 mountain railway and gondola stations in snow and ice (above 10000ft) in and around Switzerland (and many others at lower altitudes, but still close to a glacier, like Glacier3000, Plaine Morte, Diavolezza, Titlis, Montenvers,etc):

Kleinmatterhorn (Zermatt): gondola station 12525 ft, foot path up to 12740 ft
Aiguille du Midi (Chamonix): gondola station 12605 ft
Testa Grigia (Breuil-Cervinia): gondola station 11415 ft
Mitelalallin (Saas Fee): cablecar station 11345 ft
Jungfrau (Interlaken): railway station 11333 ft
Hinterer Brunnenkogel (Pitztal): gondola station 11285 ft
Rifugio Torino (Courmayeur): gondola station 11060 ft
Schwarze Schneide (Soelden): gondola station 11000 ft
Mont Fort (Verbier): gondola station 10925 ft
Corvatsch (St. Moritz): gondola station 10820 ft
Les Grands Montets (Argentiere): gondola station 10810 ft
Punta Indren (Alagna Valsesia): gondola station 10750 ft
Hintereis (Schnals/Senales): chairlift station 10700 ft
Wildspitz (Stubaital): gondola station 10540 ft
Unterrothorn (Zermatt): gondola station 10200 ft, footpath up to 11200 ft
Hohsaas (Saas Grund): 10175 ft, footpath up to 10500 ft
Gornergrat (Zermatt): railway station 10140 ft, footpath up to 10750 ft
All are different, all have their pros and contras.
It's up to you to make a choice.

Some famous mountain railways are at much lower altitudes:
steepest cablecar (funiculars) lines of the world:
Gelmerbahn, Ritom, Barberine
steepest cog railway line of the world: Pilatus
doble deck gondola with 1 open air deck: Stanserhorn
double deck gondola with 2 closed decks: Samnaun
cableways with rotating gondolas: Titlis, Monte Baldo, Hochstuckli
Steam cog wheel railways: Brienzer Rothorn, Furka, Schafberg, Achensee

Follow your own Best Travel Tip- "Just go!"

I can't think of any reason not to go. It is an amazing sight up there.

dugi_otok - Hey, you read my profile!

The first time we were in Switzerland we went up to Schnyge Platte and the Alpengarten. The ride up in a cog wheel train I believe, was incredible. Magic. Surrounded by mountains. And walking in the Alpengarten was also wondrous. I think we will do that again as we loved it so much,

neckervd - We've been to the Aguille du Midi in Chamonix on a glorious day.

Also went to Mt. Titlis last time we were in Switzerland, It was April and we were staying in Lucerne and in the AM saw that the only mountain area that wasn't in fog was Mt. Titlis/Engleberg area. So off we went. Fantastic! Snow, snow all around and a very long cable ride before you even get to the "rotating" cable cars.

ANYWAY, We are thinking of getting a Berner Oberland pass which I think will get us up as far as Kleine Scheidegg and then we have to pay for the rest of the trip up to the Jungfrau.

Pal - Can't imagine what a helicopter would cost!

It is awesome ! I would definitely recommend it. So my vote is for you to go. Spectacular view and fascinating experience . We were there in September and it was one of the highlights of our trip .

Wow. I just looked at prices. R/T is $204!! Early or late trip is $145. I don't know if $400+ for hubby and me is in the cards.

BTW - How much time did you spend at the top once you got there?

Although I have been up the Jungfraujoch once, it IS terribly expensive, and not "mandatory". As neckard notes above, there are other dare I say spectacular mountain trips like Gornergrat or Stanserhorn.

Oh yes, and Diavolezza, quite spectacular!

Why oh why is the Jungfraujoch Bahn so expensive - well everytime I've been on it the trains have been chock full with lots of tour groups who obviously do not pay full price - but the fare is shockingly steep - I know track maintenance and all is part of it but it seems like gauging to me!

Mokka, would love to go to Diavolezza but it's too far away from where we will be. Will look up the others you mentioned.

Pal, You're probably right about groups paying less than what individuals pay. However, i realize that if we do get the Berner Oberland pass that will reduce the fee. Frankly, 204CH per person is insane.

I think the Jungfraubahn Pass would be better if just in the Jungfrau Region - it may cover it in full but you'd have to be taking some other trains to make it pay and then it could well be a good deal in light of obscenely high full fare.

Mt Titlis - near Lucerne may offer a smudgeon of the Top of the World of ice and glaciers feelings at a cheaper price? Take a train to Engleberg then the famous revolving gondolas to near the summit. but nothing I've seen compares with the Jungfrau - the Matterhorn area comes close IME - YOLO!

Pal - I think I mentioned above that we've been to Titlis and loved it. So now looking for a different experience.

I'll check out the Jungfrau Pass vs. the Berner Oberland Pass.

We chose the Schilthorn because it was cheaper but the video of Jungfrau looks fantastic. The Berner Oberland region is just magical, ENJOY!!!!!

It is absolutely essential to check the weather before going. The only time I went, it was totally fogged in at the top. Couldn't see a thing. if I had know I would have skipped it.

I skipped it -- which probably means I'm not qualified to answer. ;-) But I can say that I have no regrets about skipping it, as I personally couldn't justify either the time or the money. Instead, I went to the top of Schilthorn and, while in the Upper Engadine, Diavolezza.

We skipped it years ago, because of the price, and have always wished we had done it. Of course, since we haven't been, I don't know if I would think it was worth the $ or not. Still, it is on my bucket list and I hope to go someday. I would definitely try to do the early bird departure or see if there was some way of obtaining a discount.

Please let us know what you decide. Happy planning!

Many, many Swiss have never been there because:
1. the price
2. there are enough other beautiful mountains to keep them happy
3. elevation sickness

I've been there once and was struck by the whiteness of it all. Snow everywhere due to the glacier and the elevation. However, I did not enjoy how I felt due to the elevation so I'm quite happy never to go again.

It's an adventure and a trip of a lifetime. I understand why it's on people's bucket list but, unless I were to hike up to the hut or join a trekking tour that starts or ends at the Jungfraujoch, I don't plan to ever go again.

Some people are no doubt attracted by the mountaineering lore that surrounds the Monch, the Jungfrau, and the Eiger, particularly the last.

The ascent of the North Face of the Eiger was one of the great problems in mountaineering, and numbers of people died trying to achieve it. Now you can take the train.

If you can find a copy, the film "The Eiger Sanction" with Clint Eastwood features both the mountain and the railway.

Agree that this trip is NOT for people with altitude problems - or potential ones - anyone with lung problems or who has ever smoked.

When we went up there was an older couple (70s?) in the cabin with us and when they got to the top both were having trouble breathing - and took the next train right back down. I felt slightly lightheaded when we arrived - but a drink and small snack in the restaurant cured that and we were there about 3 hours overall. And yes, there were a number of large tour groups - but you could have your own space - except for the elevator up to the outdoor weather station.

Granted it is not cheap - but I honestly don;t know how much cheaper the other mountain trips are. (We also visited Piatus from Lucerne on another trip to Swtiz and while the views were great from the top - the overall experience was no comparison.)

Comparing Pilatus and the Jungfraujoch is like comparing apples and oranges.

Pilatus is the most convenient mountain to get to from Lucerne. There's not much to do on top but look at the scenery or hike down.

The Jungfraujoch journey, on the other hand, takes you into beautiful Berner Oberland and to the Kleine Scheidegg, which I found truly amazing as well.

I have been to the most Swiss mounatin summits that are mentioned above including Aiguille-du-Midi in Chamonix France. Have been to Jungraujoch also both on sunny time and some time with not much to see. Summer 2014, I went there when sky was nothing but blue and spent a lot of time there, both at the plateau and the other one, rather new, called "fun park" or something lime that? With this weather you would be happy even at the cost. If not ... only you can decide. I think Jungfrautrain Interlaken-Ost/Jungfraujoch return cost more than 50% (possibly loser to 80%)than the other the other famouns summits ( Kleinemattwerhorn, Gornergrat, Titls, Schilthorn etc).

Pal, that's Klein Scheidegg and not Gross --, in case nobody mentioned after your post. I have not read all the posts.

> 50% (possibly loser to 80%)
Meant to say closer ...

kappa -Yes, the fee is about 50% great than that to Gornegrat.

However, we are considering getting the Berner Oberland pass which would not cover going to Zermatt. So we would have to pay for that train trip (not sure of the cost). We've never been to Zermatt, so that might be nice. it's 2 hours from Interlaken, where we will be staying. But that's not a bother.

nytraveler and others - I hadn't thought about the elevation. When we were on the Aguille du Midi I did feel it was more difficult to climb stairs. But I wasn't nauseous or anything like that. On top of some volcano in Hawaii at 14,000 feet, I actually had altitude sickness. Luckily it passed in 15 minutes. We have never smoked.

We've gone to the Schilthorn. Funny, but I wasn't bowled over. Not after Schnigge Platte where we could walk around on hillsides and hear and see cows (and sidestep cow pies). Murren was gorgeous to walk through, though.

Does the Berner Oberland Pass cover the Jungfraujoch train in full?

curious - not sure the Jungfraubahn Pass does either.

> When we were on the Aguille du Midi I did feel it was more difficult to climb stairs.

Jungfraujoch is easier because it is 4000metres lower and also you get there much more slowly sitting on the train vs the hanging Gondola to the Auguille-du-Midi get you so quickly your body has much less time to get use to the altitude.

If you have been to the A-d-Midi in France, you will be amazed by the construction that the jungfrau company has built at such an altitude, much much larger space, clean and modern. Compared to Jungfraujoch, the wc at A-d-Midi was so basic ( should a bit better today though ) Only comparing between Jungfraujoch and A-d-Midi, the high price of the ticket of JFJ can be justified a bit there ( not only about the wc ;) but all the constructions. That's my impression even though yes JFJ IS expensive.

but since the Jungfraubahn is always fully loaded it seems the three times I've been on it it seems like a sellers market!

kappa - 4000meters lower? I'm sure you don't mean that. But it's funny. May be below sea level?

Truly I don't remember the toilets at A-d-Midi. Do remember seeing skiers going on their own trail somewhere on the mountain side. Brave! There's also a gondola that goes into Italy from there. But the winds were too high so it wasn't working at the time. That's probably fantastic to take.

Pal - Would seem to be a seller's market as you say. That's a good reason for them to keep prices high for us individual travelers.

Oops, I added somehow an extra 0 ! Maybe I was thinking about the hight of Mont Blanc that's 4807m ( they used to say - now adays I see 4810m ).

Ok so 3842m A-d-Midi versus 3466m JFJ so the difference is 376m ( or so ).

"the video of Jungfrau looks fantastic. The Berner Oberland region is just magical, ENJOY!!!!!"

I agree, but all the glaciers you see from Jungfraujoch are in the Canton of Valais and NOT in the Bernese Oberland.

neckervd - Well, wherever the spots are that one is viewing doesn't really seem to matter. In the Aiguille du Midi we could see into Italy. However, your point is interesting!

Hi Diane. Your post is Deja vu for me. In 1965 my wife and I, two grad students, spent our summer in Europe,mostly staying with family in Germany, Switzerland, and Croatia(then Yugoslavia). When not with family we adhered to Frommers Europe on $5 per day. We bought a new VW bug for $1300 and tooled around spending $1 to $5 per night for lodging. When it came to going to Jungfraujoch we agonized the $20 and did not go. When we got home (Los Angeles) we called ourselves fools for going 6000 miles and not spending the money to go up the mountain. We hoped we would get another chance.

Two years later we found ourselves there in Grindelwald. We were looking forward to Jungfraujoch. This time it was $30 and we decided it was too expensive. Again after getting home we could not believe we did not go up the mountain.

Then in 1987 we were there with our two teenage kids. This time we went up the mountain. I did not care what it cost. I think it was $500 for the four of us.I am not sure what I learned from this experience.

dugi - So was the Jungfraujoch worth it?

Your story reminds me of only 2 years ago when we were in the Galapagos -not cheap in any way. But this didn't have to do with cost. We were to jump off a small boat into the cold water wearing wet suits. We did it once and it was freezing. The next day we were able to do this again. I thought, Am I crazy? But then I thought "When will I ever be here again"? And so we went. It was still very cold but your body warms up in about a minute. Very glad we did it.

So the motto for both us us seems to be - Do it when you can!

Diane:
I agree with you: from every really high peak between Mont Blanc area and Zillertaler Alpen you sea a lot of peaks in other countries.
The particularity of Jungfraujoch is that it is considered as a bit of Canton Berne despite the fact that neither the railway station nor the restaurant or the Sphinx observatory are in the Canton of Berne.
Aiguille du Midi on the other hand is well in France and the most impressive glaciers in the neighbourhood are in France too (although you see tons of Swiss and Italian peaks farther away).