My husband and I are going to be in Oberland area for 4 nights and plan on seeing Schilthorn for sure. Im wondering though how similar these two are for people who have been to both. It would defiantly be cheaper to skip Jungfraujoch and just do Schilthorn if we aren't missing out on that much of an experience. If you do think we need to do both then It would be best to buy a type of pass. If my husband and I buy the Swiss half fare card that will be 240 for both of us and we will pay 176 total for the Jungfraujoch so it will be 416 total plus the 50%m price of other train tickets and lifts we will need. Or with the other pass it would be $500 for Berner oberland pass that would pay for practically everything except 200 total for Jungfraujoch and 80 total for schilthorn totaling 780. I still think that one of these passes may be worth it whether we do Jungfraujoch or not. Thoughts?
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
The Jungfrau is higher, longer train ride, and more expensive. It's an engineering feat, but with the vast amount of advertising to Asia it has become unbelievably crowded. The BO is a vast amount of stunning beauty - missing the Jungfrau will not impair your visit. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the Schilthorn at 100%.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6462 posts
It depends. On your wallet and the weather. I sure wouldn't pay to do Junfraujoch if visibility is poor. And the weather can vary from one part of the region to another. Schilthorn can be clear and Jungfrau completely socked in. I thought Schilthorn was nice and a whole lot easier and cheaper. Further, if you have the Swiss Travel Pass and maybe even if you don't, it may still be worth it to do Schilthorn because there are a bunch of James Bond exhibits.
Posted by
OP
134 posts
We will be there sept 21st through 24th? Is Jungfrau that crowded in that season?
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1043 posts
We stayed in Murren and went to the Schilthorn early in the morning. Having breakfast and coffee at the revolving restaurant was quiet and peaceful surrounded by stunning scenery. It was not crowded at all and this was a day in mid-July with clear weather. It was beautiful. We booked our trip to the Jungfrajoch the day before at the TI in Lauterbrunnen. The train was crowded and the journey long. Once at the top, I was disappointed. I felt like I was at a Disney attraction - that's the only way to describe it! Overcrowded and long lines. I have done it - and I will not go again. It is outrageously expensive, will take you all day and, while the scenery is beautiful, It was certainly not the highlight of our trip. The ice-cave (dangerous - you can slip and fall easily). The Indian restaurant is also crowded. So pack a lunch so you can eat on the train if you go.
Margaret
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33821 posts
We will be there sept 21st through 24th? Is Jungfrau that crowded in that season?
yup
Posted by
OP
134 posts
Thanks Margaret, we plan to do the same for Schilthorn except we are staying in lauterbrunen and will wake up early to get to Mürren and be up at Schilthorn by 10am for the James Bond brunch. I’m hoping it won’t be crowded at this time either
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6462 posts
In addition to less crowded right away in the morning, in general, mountains tend to have better visibility in the am. I'm not sure I'd prepurchase tickets to either because you don't really know what the weather will be almost minute to minute.
Posted by
North Carolina
318 posts
Try to visit Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg even if you don't do the Jungfraujoch. Beautiful views and lots of walks/hikes in the area.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1043 posts
"Try to visit Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg even if you don't do the Jungfraujoch. Beautiful views and lots of walks/hikes in the area."
I agree with Melissa, do take advantage of the beautiful hikes around Wengen and up to Kleine Scheidegg station. If you take the Mannlichen Cable car from Wengen and hike towards the Eiger, Monach and Jungfrau you can see the train going up. It is beautiful and an easy walk.
Margaret