IS Jungfraujoch top of Europe worth the cost?

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.

This was a mediocre experience for us.....the worst of all the Oberland and Matterhorn areas. Tourist trap, appears designed to funnel hundreds of tourists in tour groups from Grindelwald. Much preferred the Schilltorn experience.

Some comments -
Herded up the various lifts with no crowd control and long waits. Cheapo theme-park style "tour" at the top - many photo stops but these are mostly fake (e.g. pictures of the view, not the real thing).

Restaurants were overcrowded or closed. Large sections were reserved for groups who were arriving later. We were sold food but were then told there was nowhere we could sit because all seats were reserved!! .... We just ignored the staff in the end, there was no other choice, and after our 30-40 mins eating they were still free.

In our opinion, poor experience in what should be the most beatiful of locations.

We were up there a few hours. I thought the experience was worth the price we paid.

My advise to tourists is to go up early. Then time it so that you are coming down around lunch time and go to the Eigergletscher restaurant (in the old station at Eigergletscher, not the new one). Good food, good views, and less of the theme park atmosphere.

Myself I go up there a couple of times a year (but then I have a pass that gives me unlimited trips). I often spend hours just sitting in the sun in a reclining chair at the snow bar, having a beer, and watching the tourists :-)

I did it ONCE 40 years ago.
That was enough for me.
Tourist trap, mostly.
Better peaks IMHO.

I had thought about visiting Jungfraujoch this upcoming August during our Switzerland trip but after watching the Jana and Brett “Aplins in the Alps” video on Youtube about Jungfraujoch, my wife and I decided it was over-the-top too touristy! Yuck. If that’s your thing, go for it. It’s certainly beautiful but to have to wade through a carnival show for several hours to get up there and back, no thanks! We plan on hiking and enjoying the outdoors while we are there, away from all the typical tourists.

since this thread is now 6 months old (just woken back up) and my reply was 6 months ago, I will just reiterate that when my wife and I went up we enjoyed ourselves quite a lot, and found reasonably controlled queues on the cable cars and trains.

there are dozens of Youtube videos about this trip, watch a few and see what you think

I finally went to Jungfraujoch today!!!!

Okay.. here is my take..
I am with minority here w/"Not worth it" group..

To me the view looking up the mountain was so much more majestic than "looking down" to the valley from the top..
I was at Mannlichen yesterday, and the looking up the mountain was so impressive..
Jungfraujoch has a view of the valley, and the Monch and Jungfrau up close... not as majestic as I had hoped..

We went early, but as day went on, cloud came on and hid the Jungfrau mountain.. at least we saw it early.. The glacier were too far away for us to enjoy... and the height sickness is a real thing..
The crowds were manageable early morning, but as Tour group started coming, the crowds were crazy as well..

Overall, kinda disappointed... we were planning Schilthorn also, but after Jungfraujoch.. we are rethinking that plan...

We were there two weeks ago and I thought the Schilthorn was better for views and less crowded.

Gene, thanks for reporting back. I was just reading the RS Switzerland book last night and Rick described a daytrip to Jungfraujoch as "long, slow, expensive, crowded, and cold."

Gene is Schynige Platte on your list? I was up there today and I think you’ll enjoy those views. I thought the panorama trail was a good substitute for the manlichen one that is still closed. Plus there’s alphorn players up there from 11-2 playing as each train comes in and at the self service restaurant. Tomorrow weather is looking perfect. Can’t go wrong no matter what you decide to do.

Okay.. here is my take.. I am with minority here w/"Not worth it" group..

I second that; I'd go up to Mt Titlis and maybe the Schilthorn again but never Jungfraujoch again. The hype makes tourists lose their manners. The Gornergratbahn ride up to see the Matterhorn is kind the same as far as tourists running rushing jumping in front of you (the agent at the ticket turnstile was yelling at a tour group "you're too close, you're too close" when I was there last month

Did it once, took my kids up about 20 years ago - gagged on the cost at the time - and I was pretty "meh" about the experience and cloudy view. Too crowded, too many people, and catching the train down the mountain was a crowded cluster, unorganized, more people wanting to board the trains than spaces available, very stressful. In hindsight, our views "of" the mountains and valley from our hotel room in Wengen were spectacular and more enjoyable than the views from atop the mountain.

Today, the cost is less of an object for me, but I really have no interest in repeating the experience at any cost, and in general, Switzerland, at least the BO, was a "once and done" destination for me. On the other hand, I have returned to Norway, another really expensive country with spectacular natural scenery, several times over the last 40 years, and I hope to do it again soon.

Hi Carrie,

Thank you for the recommendation..
I didn't know about alphorn players.. that sounds exciting.. we may try that tomorrow.... we were originally leaning toward First to Baccalpsee lake hike, but Schige Platte sounds better for my wife's back..

We were at Mannlichen yesterday, but was disappointed that Mannlichen-Klein Scheidegg panorama trail was closed...
So we tried the next best thing, which was a trail with same destination, that shared the road with Alpiglen trail.. View was still fantastic, but it took us twice as long.. and my wife never let me forget how hard the trail was..

And Jazz travelers -
the crowd leaving Jungfrauvoch was just incredible..
The tour groups were huge, and they get priority boarding for some reason.. Rest of us were wondering if there will be any seats left after tour groups gets seated.. once we were allowed to board, we just lined up near the train door...and once door opens, it was a free for all.. pushing and people being very aggressive.. This guy just pushes me off to get ahead of me.. and he says something in German being very hostile, once I said "excuse me!!".. wow....

I think schilthorn is worth it if you’re a bond fan and if you’ll eat a big brunch of average quality food and unlimited mimosas. Also, did you hear any rumors as to when the mannlichen to KS trail would be open?

Gene if you go up to Schynige Platte there are great views right from the start when you get off the train. There are multiple trails that seem to merge and split off. The one I was on a few people said it was steep up ahead so I just turned around and walked back. So your wife can do as little or as much as she likes and still have great views. She can get a snack or lunch and have great views on the outside patio. There are several different options for food.

I took almost 400 pictures yesterday!!!! I enjoyed it more than i thought I would from videos I had watched.

David I asked at the Wengen TI and the mannlichen ticket counter and no one seems to know when it will open. I’m hoping today or tomorrow so I can walk it before I head to luzern. But if not I will head up again and try one of the other trails that are open. I can always just walk part and turn back.

Oh and gene i believe the walk to lake Bachalpsee is not yet open. I heard someone on the train mention it was still closed. So check before you go.

There’s a status map of what trails are open and closed but I found it a little confusing because it looked like most of the trails from Schynige Platte were closed but when I got up there a lot was open. You could double check at the TI.

Carrie: thanks for checking! We arrive to Murren on Thursday — I was really hoping to meet one of the Rick Steves forum regulars this summer!

I am new to Switzerland and wondering if you can take the train up to Jungfraujoch and come back a different way to stop in Grindelwald? How do I set that up as I can only find the Jungfraujoch round trip for 7.5 hours through Best of Switzerland Tours? Much appreciated for your assistance. Gail

listwithgail welcome. Here is a link to a map that might help you visualize things: jungfrau map

If you buy a return ticket to the Jungfraujoch from Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen you can go up and down via each of the three routes. I usually suggest people go up via Grindelwald and the Eiger Express cable car, and return via Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. Gives the best scenery, and an opportunity to have a stroll around Wengen as well.

And the ticket, well that you just buy at the station. No need to go via a third party website. You can also book on www.jungfrau.ch, which is the site of the company that operates the trains here.

@listwithgail: Where will you be based? And do you have any other plans in Switzerland? If you tell a bit more we may be able to advise you on the best pass to get.