Hi all: You have been fabulous in helping me plan our 13 days in Switzerland this spring. I am vacillating on whether to visit the Jungraujoch (and the Ice Palace) during our 3 full days in Wengen (May 9-13). The cons - it will be very cold (more than Wengen) and also slippery in the Ice Palace. This means we will need to buy and take Yak Trax with us (no room to pack boots. Maybe Yak Trax are a good idea anyway for Wengen?). Also, we are taking lots of layers, but no room for puffy coats. (5 week trip - 3 different climates - lots of trains with our luggage).
The cost is exorbitant. But, as hubby says, we don't go to Europe to save money!
Pros - once in a lifetime.
We will go only if we have a (hopefully) clear day.
We would be going for the views. Probably staying inside as much as possible. Not sure if the views are much more spectacular than those in the Wengen area?. We are 79 and 80 yrs old, pretty fit for our age, but don't have great knees and want to avoid falls!!! I have found quite a few paved and potentially snow/ice free paths around Wengen and there seems to be a fair amount to do nearby without actual hiking. I guess it boils down to, are the higher alps views worth it. So what do you think? Thank you, Susan
Posted by
Wengen
3854 posts
You're not allowed to wear Yak Trax in the ice palace. You shouldn't have anything on your feet that might damage the ice. But don't worry. The ice is less slippery then you may expect. Normal shoes will be fine.
You also don't need to dress for the arctic. It will be colder up there, but if it is sunny it can be quite pleasant outside. And if it is not sunny you should not go up. I would just invest in a couple of good base layers. When I go up there I usually wear the same stuff as I wear in Wengen. I just add thermal underwear.
Now, if you are going to spend some time here you should get some pass or reduction card, to make the trip cheaper. Have you considered that already?
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1355 posts
Yes, as already mentioned you can’t use Yak Trax or it would ruin the ice for everyone. It’s not very slippery ice. I’ve walked on it many times with running shoes but if you are unsteady on your feet perhaps it would make you feel uncomfortable.
Whether you should go really depends on what else you’re doing while in Wengen. The views up at Jungfraujoch are not of the expansive alps, they are of the Aletsch Glacier. If you want expansive alpine views, they are much better from Schilthorn. The Aletsch Glacier is unique looking, as it looks like a huge runway of ice in between mountains, but I prefer the more expansive alpine views elsewhere personally.
In regards to cost, are you getting a Half Fare card or some sort of pass for your trip? That could affect the cost. You’re going at a bit of a tricky time when much of the area is closed down in preparation for the summer season, so your options are limited - in terms of going UP - you can do Schilthorn (I would), Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald First & Harder Kulm. If the ice is a concern for you, concentrate on the other 3 + Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
193 posts
I am planning on the Half Fare Card. For our trip it seems more economical than the Swiss Travel Pass.
But I wasn't counting on the Jungfraujoch trip. Thank you for your help!
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
193 posts
Thank you both for info and recommendations! Both of you have answered several of my previous questions and have helped tremendously with planning this trip!! Susan
Posted by
Los Angeles
5562 posts
Youtube is full of videos about the Jungfraujoch visit, spoiler alert - not everyone thinks it's worth it.
I did the Schilthorn instead and really enjoyed it. Plus Murren!
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
193 posts
Thank you. I will look at. some of those Youtube videos to help me make my decisions about Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn