Schilthorn or Jungfrau

Both locations are worth a visit, and here are some of the factors to consider.....

• The Schilthorn is closer to your location, so will be easier and quicker to visit. The Jungfraujoch is on the other side of the valley from Gimmelwald, so you'll have to include the time and expense to go back through Lauterbrunnen and then up to Kleine Scheidegg, where you'll connect with the Jungfraubahn.
• The Schilthorn is somewhat less expensive than the Jungfraujoch, so budget may be an issue.
• Both locations will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps, but weather is especially a factor at the Jungfraujoch. Be sure to check the weather in advance, as you won't be seeing much of the alps if the top is shrouded in fog. In my experience that's less of a problem at the Schilthorn and even if it's cloudy, some of the scenery should still be visible.
• The temperatures can be quite chilly at the Jungfraujoch if there's inclement weather and some wind, as there was on "THIS occasion" the last time I was there (this was at the top level, the Sphinx Observatory). Even with a coat, it was darn cold! I can normally tolerate short times on the outside deck of the Schilthorn without a coat.
• One other important point to note about the Jungfraujoch is that it's at an elevation of about 12,000 feet, so if you have any issues with higher altitudes, that's something to keep in mind. The Schilthorn is at about 10,000 feet so not quite as extreme.

Good luck with your decision!

I totally agree with everything Ken said in his post. But, I would go to the Jungfrau again despite the time involved, expense and feeling the altitude at the top. It's amazing and the train ride itself is a total delight. If I only had time and money for one, it would be the Jungfrau hands down..

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 exihibts about the region. Hard to put into words but Jungfrau seems more "Mount Everest" to me.

Ken, nice photos, beautiful!

Idoreen, I've only been to the Schilthorn but it was a very nice experience. I'm looking forward to seeing the new James Bond exhibit on my next trip. I recall that it was cold at the top (30 degrees, mid-May) but we weren't outside very long.

I would do the Jungfrau if I had the opportunity. As others mentioned, it is more expensive and takes longer. I don't think either visit requires a guide.

Jungfrau: $$$$$ + lots of time
Schilthorn: $$ + much quicker

I would not choose to stay in Gimmelwald - it's too small and too isolated and really nothing to do as well as no supermarket. We always stay in Murren (just above Gimmelwald). Murren is a bit larger (but still NOT large at all). Murren has a supermarket, more hotels/chalets/B&Bs and a sports center if you enjoy some indoor swimming or soaking in the hot tub. Also the leisurely walk from Murren DOWN to Gimmelwald is a highlight. You can zip back up (Gimmelwald -> Murren) easily on the gondola.

If can really visit only one, then pay close attention to Ken's remarks. They are spot on.

We visited the Schilthorn (my preference) on a sunny September day, and it was a balmy 60 at the top. But you don't have to decide until you get there, and see what the weather is like. A cloudy day on Jungfrau makes it a long trip for little payback. The train ride through the dark mountain tunnel is about one and a half hours each way).

If you're staying in Gimmelwald, its so easy to keep on going up the mountain for the Schilthorn, that you can always squeeze in a trip if you have a few hours.

"you can also walk on the glacier where their are activities like a zip-line and mini-luge."

Again, that will depend on weather. Walking on the glacier was not possible on my last visit, as there was a severe blizzard at the time with high winds. The only way I could stay on my feet was to hold onto the rope (railing). The following day, rail service was suspended between Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg due to high winds. This is why it's important to check the weather before making that trip.

If you should find bad weather at the time you get to the Jungfraujoch, there are some inside attractions you can tour, along with some pricey restaurants.

weather is definitely going to be a factor....I think the Jungfrau is only worth it if you can see something besides clouds/fog.

if you have a beautiful day then I would definitely recommend Jungfrau - takes time to get there, costs more, but definitely an engineering marvel and I think there is much more to do in terms of displays, walking on the glacier, ice caves, etc. we really enjoyed it as a family and spent about four hours (not including trains).
hoping for sunshine!

Again, that will depend on weather.

This fear mongering regarding Jungfrau and the weather is a bit over the top. The way you described it one would come off with the impression that it is constantly fogged in with blizzards every other day:)

I my experience is the opposite. Been there five times, and on each occasion the weather was clear and the visibility perfect. Of course it's gonna be cold up there...you're at 12000 feet!

Michael,

I'm not "fear mongering" about the weather, but just suggesting that it's prudent to check the weather before making an expensive trip to the Jungfraujoch, as it does get fogged in at times.

Of course you've got to consider the weather at the top. Nobody wants to spend THAT many $$$ to travel to the top and be met with pea-soup thick fog. What's the enjoyment of that?

We stayed in Murren for 3 nights at the end of June. Each day we checked the weather forecast knowing that the forecast was the best for our last day. That morning we had an early breakfast then walked to the Murren train station where we purchased our Jungfrau tickets. We gave ourselves a 1/2 hour cushion in case we missed a train connection but we were fine. The weather was picture perfect but it was cold on top especially with the wind factored in. We had hiking boots and poles so walked to the Mönchsjoch hütte which is about 45 minutes away. There we bought some tea then headed back to look at some of the exhibits. Definitely give yourself time to spend there. When we bought the tickets we were asked to pick a return time. This time is not cast in stone so if you feel unwell at the elevation you can line up and go down early. Staying in Mürren was fantastic even though we had to take the train and gondola to access other areas. Besides having a half fare card we also bought the Jungfrau pass which was discounted with the half fare card. The main advantage to having the Jungfrau pass was not having to purchase tickets each time we went on the trains or gondolas. Hope you have a great time in Switzerland, we are already planning a return trip for next year!

Thank you for all the incredibly valuable and practical advice from everyone. Every bit of advice was important and helpful for our first visit to the Swiss Alps. I feel great about knowing our options and making the best decisions. It's our first trip but I'm sure it won't be our last. We will definitely consider visiting both Jungfrau and Schilthorn if not both on this visit ....it will be on our list for the next time! We're committed to staying at Gimmelwald this time since we paid. 50% deposit at Esther's (looking forward to it.). Maybe Murren next time!
I feel so blessed to be part of the RS community.
Many thanks again to each and everyone who responded!
Doreen