Only time for one - Matterhorn or Jungfraujoch?
 

We are going to Switzerland in late April 2013 and have a few days in Bern and thought we'd take a day trip to either the Matterhorn or Jungfraujoch. Any advice on which one to go to would be appreciated.

I think that along the way you'll see far more of interest if you go to the Jungfrau area as opposed to going to Zermatt for the Matterhorn.

Yes, the ride up toward Zermatt (from Visp) is fantastic but Zermatt itself isn't anything to rave about IMO. Kind of a typical "ski village."

The other potential problem is being able to actually see the peak. Whereas it can be clear in the village the peak itself can easily be obscured by clouds. The views from the Gornergrat viewing area are spectacular to include the view over the Monte Rose Massif but all in all, I would try for the Jungfrau instead.

Which do do see more pictures of on travel posters?

Hi,

I've been to both and would go with the Jungfraujoch trip. Actually, just arriving in the Berner Oberland is filled with amazing scenery. Take the cog train up to Wengen and then Kleine Scheidegg and from here to the Jungfraujoch. Even without going to the "top", the views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau are spectacular from Kleine Scheidegg.

Those are certainly gorgeous photos. Where exactly does one go to get the reflection shots? Are most of those photos from the Italian side or the Swiss side?

I too am interested in replies to this. Any advice on what might be expected in mid April in either region?

Matterhorn. Matterhorn.
In April you could probably still ski the glacier. Our kids did in June.

Check the weather forecast when you arrive in country. Pick the one more likely to have good viewing. If the weather looks good for both, go the J since there's more stuff to do in that area.

If you have plans to hike moutain trails think again, both areas can have snow even in lower areas at that time. We went to Wengen in July and locals told us the hiking paths didn't clear till mid June that year.