Jungfraujochbahn or Schilthorn?

The Schilthorn will be slightly cheaper, and even if you're not a James Bond fan you can still enjoy the spectacular cable car ride, the views and a fine meal in the revolving restaurant.

The Jungfraujoch is more expensive, and it's a good idea to check the weather before you head up there. If the area is fogged in, you won't see much (there are indoor displays as well). One other aspect to consider is that the Jungfraujoch is at an elevation of about 12,000 feet, so if you have any altitude-related issues, you'll need to keep that in mind.

They're both first class attractions and if you have the time and money you should do both. The Schiltorn is mostly a mountain-top panorama attraction, Jungfrau is mostly an engineering marvel/glacier experience. If had to choose just one it would be Jungfrau. While it takes longer to get to the top and is more expensive, it also has more to do. In addition to the commanding views of the glacier valley at the very top, you can also walk on the glacier where their are activities like a zip-line and mini-luge. Then you can take the elevator down and walk inside that glacier and explore the ice-gallery, the network of tunnels in the complex also have lots of exhibits about the region. Hard to put into words but Jungfrau seems more "Mount Everest" to me.

Because the Schilthornbahn is a cable car, high winds can shut it down at anytime of year, although it usually undergoes routine maintenance in the spring. I might be mistaken, but I believe that the Jungfraubahn runs all year.

Schilthorn. Just disregard the James Bond connection.

I would skip the Jungfraujoch unless you have lots of time in the region. It's expensive and time-consuming. It takes about 6 hours (two of which will be in a tunnel) out of your day to make the round trip and spend time at the summit.

A trip to the J is only worthwhile on a beautiful day. But on a beautiful day I can think of no better way to spend those 6 hours than on an alpine hiking trail. Vacation paradox!

The Schilthorn is a different story. It's not as spectacular as the J, but it's a lot cheaper in both time and money. And it makes a stop at Birg, which is a good starting spot for hiking.

"it also has more to do. In addition to the commanding views of the glacier valley at the very top, you can also walk on the glacier where their are activities like a zip-line and mini-luge."

That's not always true, hence my earlier suggestion to check the weather before venturing up to the Jungfraujoch. On my last September visit, there was a fierce blizzard happening with gale force winds and it was not possible to venture outside for any "glacier activities".

Will,
Yet another activity up Jungfrau to keep you busy is the new Lindt Chocolate Museum/Shop. Gotta be the worlds highest chocolate museum, you'll never get bored!

http://tinyurl.com/lcvf37m

I would do the Jungfrau but only on a clear day,it is one of the best landscape experiences that I have ever had,it is six hours well spent.
Mike

Hi Will,

I've been to the Schilthorn twice and it was amazing. Beautiful views. On the way down be sure to stop at Birg to do the Thrill Walk, very cool!

We are planning to do the Jungfrau this year so I'll have to get back to you!

They are both fantastic. I would choose Schilthorn as it will most likely be less crowded with tourists.

I agree with Fast Eddie. I kind of like J better, but it's time consuming) especially if you are coming from Murren like we were) and super expensive. Especially if your time is limited, do the Schilthorn. And if your time is really limited, just take a hike. I liked hiking/walking the best of all.

Thank you all for your replies and opinions! Lots of great information there that I had a hard time finding online or in books. I'm still not 100% decided...sounds like no matter what, the weather's going to need to cooperate to make one or both work, so it may be a last minute decision. What a good problem to have!

We stayed in Murren and thought Jungfraujoch was much more amazing than Schilthorn, so like the others said, it comes down to what's a greater priority for you -- cost/less time vs. more expensive/more time but the pay off is much better? We even talked afterward and said if we were going to recommend one to someone else, what would it be and both agreed it would be Jungfraujoch. We did Schilthorn (from Murren) later in the afternoon and just took a couple of hours round-trip (we don't really chill out at the top -- just look at everything, maybe get a snack and come down).