If we only have time to take one of these (Jungfraugoch or Kleine Scheidegg), which do you recommend? My husband and I would like to hike around for at least a few hours once up to the top. We'll be traveling in the area around June 12-15. Also do we need reservations for either or both of these ahead of time? If so, how far in advance should be book or tickets? Thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You don't need reservations. Check the weather and buy your tickets early in the morning. Most of us here prefer the freedom of hiking around Kleine Scheidegg versus the more expensive option of continuing to the glacier at Jungfraujoch.
Posted by
Green Bay
21142 posts
Since you change trains at Kleine Scheidegg, and you do not need a reservation, you do not need to make up your mind until you are at K-S, checked the weather, hiked around a bit, and decide whether or not to go for it. You can just buy the RT ticket at K-S.
Posted by
Lincoln City, OR
90 posts
If the weather is good I highly recommend the hike/walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg and then down to Wengen rather than going all the way up to Jungfraujoch. It is an easy 1.5 hour walk (Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg) and you can also add going up to the Gipfel when you get off the cable car from Wengen to Mannlichen before you continue to Kleine Scheidegg. The views of the Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau are spectacular on that hike and a whole lot less expensive than going all the way up to Jungfraujoch. If the weather is not good I would not recommend any high hikes/walks.
No reservations are needed.
Posted by
Boulder, Colorado, USA
437 posts
Take the first train to the top.
There is a great hike to a refugia not too far across the snow.
Around past the Monch route which is a much harder endeavor.
Awesome views and a chance for pricy food at the hut.
There is also a huge tourist facility on top, amazing really - The Top of Europe.
We spent the day and took the last train down to Lauterbrunen.
Posted by
6 posts
I just returned from the region 2 days ago and was disappointed that the Kleine Sheidegg to Mannlichen trail was still closed due to snow, as were many of the higher trails (e.g. Eiger North Face) from Kleine Scheidegg.
I stayed in Murren and got the early bird train (7:07) from Lauterbrennen to Junfraujoch at a discount, and with no advance reservation. It was only half full and we were the first ones to the top. After spending a little more than an hour at Jungfraujoch, I took the train back to Kleine Sheidegg and hiked for the rest of the day ending up in Mannlichen via Grindenwald. It was an incredibly beautiful, if exhausting hike!
I agree with the others - you'll be there during shoulder season, so advance train reservations are not really needed. They have fantastic connections and the train/cable car to where you want to go next is never more than a few minutes wait. Look for the big trail conditions board just across the tracks and to the right at Kleine Scheidegg to see which trails are open. There are also helpful staff with a big "I" (information) on there uniforms that can give you up to date trail info as well.
Have a great trip! There is no more beautiful place on earth!