IS Jungfraujoch top of Europe worth the cost?

Just curious about how much time you've spent walking around on a living glacier?

We stayed in Wengen for 5 nights in June. Jungfraujoch was high on our list of things to see, but due to the expense we planned our trip carefully. We went on a perfectly clear morning (the only one out of the 6 days we were there). We left Wengen on the first train around 7:40 and arrived at Jungfraujoch at about 9:20. We did the full tour of the various attractions: ice cave, snow play area, we had hot chocolate on lounge chairs watching the ziplines, etc. We did some shopping, took some pictures. We were done by 11:45. By that time it was getting very crowded.

We live in a place where we get snow, and have some pretty gorgeous mountains. I imagine that Jungfraujoch is more impressive to folks without those things easily accessible. It was still impressive to us, but we didn’t feel like we had to spend all day there to make it “worth it”.

After Jungfraujoch, we took the Eiger Express from Eigergleischer down to Grindelwald, then the First cable car up to do the thrill walk. That whole trip is covered by the BO Pass and pretty darn impressive. That might be a good alternative. Although you might not experience snow, depending on the time of year.

For me, I had more of that feeling I wasted my money on the Birg Thrill Walk compared to Jungfraujoch (did both the same day). There are a lot of people, but manageable. It was an memorable experience. You can think of it as seeing a massive glacier, an Ice cave and impressive views all at one time. Time has value too.

If decide to skip Jungfraujoch, still consider Kleine Scheidegg.

I used to live in Montréal and Syracuse NY and I am plenty used to snow and ice. I very much enjoyed the trip up on the train to the top. Fun for me was being inside in the dry and warm, pulling up my jacket, zipping up and putting gloves and hat and sunglasses and stepping through the door where there were actually fewer people, and walking a few yards away from the building. It was properly cold and very bright and I loved it. Views over the glaciers, fun watching people unused to snow and ice, watching the birds, and a bit of frolicking on inner tubes and sleds. For me it was a very pleasant experience.

Others may see it differently, or be more money conscious, or some don't like being in tunnels... so ymmv

After three trips to Switzerland where I decided it was too expensive, I finally went to the Jungfraujoch in December. I had the Hiking/sledging pass, so it was 62CHF, I believe. I am glad I went.

I had surprise clear day and headed up to the Eigergletscher on the Eiger Express. I loved it there with all the skiers and snow to walk around in. From there the trip to the top was easy so I went and spent 90 minutes or so. It was charming, not crowded as it was early in the day and winter, and I am glad I did it.

It got a bit stormy so I wasn’t able to stay outside for long, but the views of the glacier were worth every penny.

So if you have a clear day—and check the webcams as it might be overcast lower down, but beautiful up high—I say go for it, but go as early as you can.

As with everything else, it really depends on what ‘your’ interests are as to whether the price is “worth it.” I thought everything about it was incredible including the train ride up thru the mountain but that’s my opinion and geology is my passion. And the Alps, even on a clear morning, tend to cloud up as the day progresses so it’s always wise to do whatever early.

I'll just add that I've been up the Schilthorn twice on my 2 trips to the area and looking back wished I had done Jungfraujoch. Don't make it a coulda/woulda/shoulda due to 100CHF. That is a minor sum compared to the total cost of your trip. If money is an issue, perhaps you can cut back with meals or something else to get an unmatched experience.

Jungfraujoch was fabulous! We went mid morning and had mostly clear skies in Sept several years ago. It was otherworldly…different from anything we’d seen or experienced. The trip up on train, the tunnels, the ice caves and the building itself with views and to the walk out on glacier…wow! Stayed in Wengen and loved it! To us worth it!

It appears most are with "worth it" crowd..
Always had this phobia about "regret" - whether regret of doing and wasting time/money... or regret of not doing..

Thank you all for convincing us to go for it !!!
Sounds exciting..

It's worth it, but a one-time adventure, IMHO. Other peaks I revisit, but don't feel the need here, due to the time and expense involved. But I don't regret going, on a clear day the scenery is fantastic, and you are at the Top of Europe.
Safe travels!

If you're pinching pennies (or francs), CH is the wrong place for you

Yes, it was worth it! In the total price of your trip, the amount to see one of the top sites in Switzerland is worth it. We layered sweaters and jackets but there there was a group of Indian women up there only their saris and sandals. Be prepared. We had lunch at the top too which was good. We were in Grindelwald for a week and watched the weather reports to choose a date to go up Jungfraujoch.

Gene,

I suppose the question of whether the Jungfraujoch is "worth it" is a matter of opinion. I thought the cost was worth it, as it's a remarkable site and I wanted to go there and see it at least once. A few points to note....

• Be sure to check the webcams before you make that trip, as if it's foggy at the top you won't be able to see much.
• At times that site can be VERY crowded, but on the trains as well as at the site.
• If you've ever experienced any problems with altitude, the top level of the Jungfraujoch is at almost 12,000 feet so you'll need to keep that in mind. I found that climbing stairs required more effort and I was moving slower than usual.
• The prices at the top for both food and souvenirs seemed to be quite "pricey".

I found it to be a miserable experience from start to finish. And I hate to say that because I pretty much love everything about Switzerland. 😊

I was there June 2022 and took the first train up. It was just way too crowded to enjoy. I much preferred my experience at Schilthorn (in Sept. 2021).

I wrote about my Jungfraujoch experience here:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/switzerland/back-in-switzerland-solo-this-time

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-my-trip-report

If you think it’s something you’d like to experience for yourself, then do it and don’t worry about the cost. But, if you’re having doubts, there are many other great options for the area.

I’ll be there myself in June, staying in Montreux, Zermatt, Murren, Wengen, and Lucerne. Yes, I said both Murren and Wengen. 😊

Have a great trip!!!

Hi Carrie...
Loved your trip report.. Can't believe how long the thread was..
too bad you didn't like Jungfraujoch - It's on our bucket list, so maybe our experience will be different..

I noticed you went on June 2022 - As we'll be planning June 2024 - no problem w/weather or rain???
And you also did a day trip from Montreaux to Zermatt... We are planning Montreaux and Zermatt as well - Was day trip sufficient for Zermatt Matterhorn experience??? just curious..

BTW, spent 8 years in Chicago during my college and post grad school days.. Loved it there.. still miss my UofC days...

I had near perfect weather. A little rain in Montreux one day. A little cool in the mornings in Wengen and a little warm on the boats and in Lucerne. So, be prepared for everything.

I loved Zermatt. It was a fabulous day trip. Loved it so much, I’ll be spending 3 nights there this June.

I don’t have a separate album for that trip, but if scroll down a bit you can see my pictures. That trip starts with the Chillon castle. And you’ll see blue skies with the Matterhorn. I really lucked out!!!

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMZ6ImebC4zeDMLa6knOVX4wygfuDM-uXzTbONwmWEdonR391b3woBO9vff31ZpBQ?key=TzU3SnN1d2JzakpRSmxMVi1kTlhnSktjUUtTQ3JR

Since Jungfraujoch is on your bucket list, you should definitely go for it.

I think the “worth it” is based more on time than money. We’ve spent years going to the Berner Oberland and not doing Jungfraujoch. We finally did it a couple years ago and felt like it was nice to see, but not something to prioritize on a short trip. Seeing the glacier is neat, but it is extremely EXTREMELY crowded and the long train ride in the dark (no views) was a slog with it being so crowded. If you have over a week in the area and lots of good weather days, sure, go for it. If you’re only there for a few days or have limited good weather, prioritize activities with less crowds and better alpine views (Schynigge Platte, Männlichen/Royal Walk/Panorama Hike to Kleine Scheidegg, Murren/Allmendhubel, Schilthorn, etc.)

I totally thought the trip to Jungfraujoch was worth the money. The views are awesome. I spent about 2 hours up there total. But, admittedly, it's a very personal perspective that needs to factor in your interest in such views and surroundings, money, time, etc. I have zero regrets on my decision. I also went up to the top of the Schilthorn and loved it just as much. I don't know that I need to go back up either of them a second time (I'd spend my time elsewhere), but I probably would if I go back in 10 years or with someone else who has not been up there.