Jungfrau — Local services in Lauterbrunnen

Jungfrau is a must see while visiting Interlaken in Switzerland. To recap, Harder Kulm is the top of Interlaken but Jungfrau is the top of Europe!

The best way there is by train. It leaves Interlaken Est or West in direction to Jungfrau and takes around 2h10min. For those with EuRail passes, you will have to dish out extra money but it's worth it. The train ride might seem long but it's simply breathtaking. You might wonder which side of the train offers better views, well it's a toss us. However, if you want to see the Staubbach Falls as you ride through Lauterbrunnen, chose the right side of the train. The falls are at a 300 metre drop from a hanging valley (you can even stop by if you have time). Lauterbrunnen also have beautiful Swiss style cottages, mountains that looks like a mirage or a perfect painting. We considered staying in Lauterbrunnen instead of Interlaken but refrained due to accessibility and lack of sightseeing discoveries.

Although the Eurail pass does not include the trip to Jungfrau, you should be eligible for a discount with the pass. Instead of 200CHF ($263cad) we paid 150CHF ($197cad), which was a little break on the budget. Swiss franks are not cheap, but the trip is totally worth it.

According to Wikipedia, the Jungfrau peaks at 4,158 metres (13,642ft) at the main summit of the Bernese Alps. To give you perspective, humans experience altitude sickness starting at approximately 3,000 meters. Alas, the summit was first reached on August 3, 1811 by the Meyer brothers of Aarau and two chamois hunters from Valais.

Bring your lunch (ideally since it's cheaper) or purchase it there. The structure is impressive, with explanations on the construction, the history and much more information about conception of this dream in the Swiss Alps at the top of Europe.

Beware of the weather, we visited in the spring and although well dressed for Canada, we were not match for Jungfrau. It may be warm in Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken or anywhere else you are in Switzerland but Jungfrau is cold until summertime. On a positive note, the final train will stop inside of this amazing and warm structure. If you plan to take pictures outside and last more than 5 minutes without frostbite, bring warm clothes ! As we said, the structure is tourist friendly, there are many options of restaurants, cafes, all with amazing views of the Alps. There's a kind of ice museum, although indoors we felt it was cold. Alternatively, there are trails/museums that displays the steps of the constructions. As you might imagine, there's a dedicated section as a tribute for the many people that lost their lives during the construction.

There are many indoors and out to take pictures of the mountains. You will also find some souvenir stores and most important a Lindt Chocolate Shop, delicious!

Grade: Eli = 5 Serge = 5

Recommend: Just Wow. Like we said, if you are in Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken, do not miss the chance to see Jungfrau !

Tips:

We were there in April of 2017, the beginning of Spring, and we got -17C temperatures. So bring warm clothes. All souvenirs stores, chocolate shop etc accept Credit cards, so no need to get CHF cash with you. You will find places just to sit inside around the coffee shops. Many people brought their own lunches, so feel free to bring snacks, fruits and sandwiches for your trip to save some money. The CHF (Swiss frank for us was more expensive...

Where shall I begin? Ok I know a ton of people will say how expensive the tickets are, however it is so worth it. We are a family of 5 and could NOT pass up this opportunity. (So glad we didn’t.)

We originally had wanted to go for sledding, but changed our minds in the end. This is due to how tired we were alone with the trip to the top of the mountain. This was our first trip as a family on a mountain this high, and wanted to get the most from it. So we parked in Grimelwald Terminal and there were so many open spots. ( I downloaded the Jungfrau app and purchased our parking ticket there. If you type in your plate number, the guard will automatically let you in/out of the parking lot.)

We were pretty unsure about how to make it to the top (since instructions aren’t very clear on the site) however the customer service desk helped us out tremendously and spoke good English. We decided on the Eiger Express (gondola) and the train to make our way up. From there we planned out what we were going to do first and knew it needed to begin with the very top! I mean that’s what everyone comes for right?… So we went straight to the top, and then headed back down and did the different attractions. Our favorite was the ice palace, hands down.

There is a ton of walking so be prepared for that, and I made sure to have myself and my kids bundled up. Taking photos outside on the top of that mountain was definitely a priceless moment. We ate at the self serve restaurant and it was very basic food, but the views were magnificent and we enjoyed it. My best advice, buy your parking in advance and really map out what attractions you want to see. (Not every train, or gondola goes to the same spot, so we didn’t get to see some attractions for this reason. Many are on different routes.) I would also bring my own snacks and drinks. (A bottle of water was 6 dollars alone) Other than this, make sure your warm and simply have...

Here's an overview of some of the most popular trails around Jungfrau region:

Eiger Trail Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 6 km Duration: 2-3 hours This trail runs from the Eigergletscher Station down to Alpiglen. It follows the foot of the north face of the Eiger, offering breathtaking views of the famous mountain face and surrounding peaks. The path is well-marked and provides a fantastic experience for moderately experienced hikers.

Mönchsjoch Hut Trail Difficulty: Easy Distance: 4 km round trip Duration: 1.5-2 hours Starting at the Jungfraujoch, this trail leads to the Mönchsjoch Hut, located at 3,650 meters. The well-maintained trail passes through a high alpine environment, offering spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. The hut provides food and drinks, making it a great rest stop before heading back.

Panoramaweg (Panorama Trail) Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1.5 km Duration: 30-45 minutes This short, easy trail starts at Jungfraujoch and offers stunning panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding mountains. It's perfect for families and those looking for a leisurely walk while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen Trail Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 7.5 km Duration: 2.5-3 hours This scenic trail descends from Kleine Scheidegg to the village of Wengen. It offers beautiful views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The trail is well-marked and traverses alpine meadows, forests, and charming Swiss chalets.

Glacier Hike (Jungfraufirn) Difficulty: Challenging Distance: Varies based on route Duration: Varies For experienced hikers and mountaineers, glacier hikes on the Jungfraufirn provide an adventurous way to explore the icy terrain. Guided tours are highly recommended due to the challenging conditions and need for...