Jungfraujoch - Breathing at the top

Kemal, Please don't take this the wrong way, but here in the states, when we go skiing in Colorado, the bottom of the mountain where we sleep is at 3000 m. Having bragged, now I will tell you that it does effect people, but primarily because they sleep at that altitude. Taking an airplane from sea level and going to 3000 m and staying there for more than 24 hours can effect some people fairly severely and they must be evacuated to lower elevation. My guess is it happens to 1 person in 50. You will only be at the Jungfraujoch at most for an afternoon, so I would say that there is nothing to worry about. I guarantee that if you decide to run up a flight of stairs, you will feel light headed. Here is to hoping you have a clear day when you go. Much of the area at the Jungfraujoch is indoors. I have never been to the top of the Jungfraujoch, but skied just below it at Kleine Scheidegg. I had to admit to the Swiss though, that there is nothing like it in the states.

I have hiked the Inca Trail which I must admit was very difficult. Altitude problems are common but having been to your Switzerland destination we had no problem what-so-ever with the altitude and I bet you won't either.

"Tom-correct me if I am wrong, but aren't HACE and HAPE ( pulmonary edema) triggered by a number of hours spent at altitude, like 6 or more?" Yes, HACE usually occurs after several hours of low pressure exposure, but there have been case reports of where it occurred in under an hour. So yes, it is extremely unlikely to happen on a casual Jungfraujoch excursion, but can be catastrophic if not recognized.

I didn't find any discomfort when I was up to Jungfraujoch, although I did notice it was easy to get out of breath walking up stairs while there. If you're in good health, don't worry about it. Yes, there is a closed in area at the top ( gift shop, washrooms, restaurant,etc ) that you can stay in. In fact, if you so choose, you don't have to go outside at all, you can enjoy the experience from heated comfort if need be...

There are two separate considerations. Just about everyone feels the effects of the lower atmospheric pressure. If you have no cardio-respiratory problems, all you will likely notice is that you need to breath a little harder walking up steps. Your pulse will likely increase as well, but you probably won't notice this unless you exert yourself. Much more rare, unpredictable and potentially severe would be acute mountain sickness, or to use the medical term, high altitude cerebral edema. Sympoms include headache, nausea, visual changes, dizziness and mental changes. Treatment includes quickly returning to a lower altitude and seeking prompt medical attention. This condition strikes seemingly at random- it could just as easily occur in a world-class athlete as in a couch potato. It happens rarely enough that preventative medication probably isn't worth the risk.

I have been, no problems except the breathing and seemed to get winded quickly. I had more issues visiting colorado for skiing like someone else mentioned! Drink lots of water, move at a slower pace would be my recommendation

Tom-correct me if I am wrong, but aren't HACE and HAPE ( pulmonary edema) triggered by a number of hours spent at altitude, like 6 or more? One going up the Jungfrau for a couple of hours should not experience this rare condition. Instead they might feel a bit short of breath for climbing stairs, but that is not dangerous.

Unlike the other respondents to your post, my spouse and I did experience some effects of the altitude when visiting the Junfraujoch. We were both slightly nauseous, had a headache and generally didn't feel very well. We were also short of breath with fairly little exertion. My spouse was 62 and I was 59 at the time of our trip to Switzerland. That said - it was absolutely worth any discomfort we experienced!! It is a glorius experience and I would definitely go again if given the opportunity. I think the only real thing you might do to decrease the effects would be to spend some time in some lower areas (but significantly higher than sea level) for a few days before your trip. The first day in the Berner Oberland, I experienced some slight symptoms in Murren, but later in week had no symptoms... Lastly, you can stay inside or go outside once at the top. There is a fairly large area where you can get snacks or full meals, a gift shop and an ice sculpture area.
Have a great time.

For a short time, you shouldn't have any big problem, but you might be short of breath and feel dizzy with mild exertion. I remember when I first came to Colorado from Nashville (136m). At the time, I was in my 40s. After six weeks at 5000 ft, I drove to the top of Mt. Evans (over 4300m). With the slightest exertion, I felt dizzy, and I didn't spend much time at the top. Every year, thousands of people take the cog rail to the top of Pikes Peak (4300m). Some find the altitude challenging, but you rarely hear of any serious problems. I think the time you stay at the Jungfraujoch is up to you. If you start having a bad headache, get down.

Having been to Jungfraujoch several times, I agree with everyrhing said previously. When you get to the top follow the instructions posted on the signs. Walk slowly take your time doing everything and if you feel unwell descwnd on the next train. I think thoiugh that the views will take your breath away not the altitude. Take advantage of the seating areas even in the refreshment areas. Above all enjoy the trip

I would like to thank everyone who shared their knowledge and experience with me. All have been very useful. I also thank for the good wishes.

Sorry to say, I had a very difficult time at the top of the Jungfraujoch. I immediately felt like I could not get a breath of air, had a very bad headache and felt very disoriented. Tried to stick it out (very expensive to get there) but it just got worse and worse. Spent about an hour there and couldn't leave fast enough. I was in tears leaving because it cost so much time and money to get there. I had been to the top of Mont Blanc in France a year before and again a few days before, it's 4000' higher, and I was okay. I did have a minor headache and shortness of breath but I could handle it. I was 49 when we went to the Jungfraujoch and in good health. We were also staying in Murren, at 5000', and I was fine there. Even hiked with no problem. So, I would say it's random and it depends on the person. No way to know if you'll have any trouble or not, but the chances are low.

My father-in-law also had problems at the top of the Jungfrau. He was 68, in perfect health and quite fit, but after an hour, he was feeling very unwell and a bit panicky. Clearly, he was experiencing effects from the altitude. It is my understanding this sort of reaction is pretty uncommon, but it can happen. The good news is that you can just head right back down if you need to (as mentioned above). The trains go often and you don't have to stay long if you don't want to. Going down is the only "cure." I wouldn't let these stories deter you. Chances are, you will be short of breath but nothing dire. There are medications you can take to mitigate the effects of high altitude. I have taken Diamox in the Andes with good results (side effect: tingly toes and fingers), but you should consult with a doctor about that sort of thing--not us random traveler folk. I wouldn't think you would need medication for a day trip.

My husband had a head cold the day we wnt up. So he was having an extra hard time breathing up there. They have medics up there that will take you into a "sick bay" and put you on an oxygen machine if needed.

Regarding Susan's comment above, the Aiguille du Midi at Mt. Blanc is at 12,600' (3,842m). The Jungfraujoch is at 11,400' (3,471m). We've been to both. Felt fine at both locations. However, at the Jungfraujoch, you can take the elevator up to the top of the Sphinx. It's 11,782' (3,571m) up there. Oddly, I could feel it a bit there but was just fine at Aiguille du Midi at Mt. Blanc that we visited last year. Muerren is at 5,200'

I got mountain sick a couple of time while skiing in Colorado. After reading up on it I found a few suggestions that really helped me. No caffine, no alcohol and plenty of water.

Larry, you're right. I googled Mont Blanc, should have googled Aiguille du Midi. But does it change the point of my story? My point is I was ok at 12,000' but not ok at 11,000' a few days later. It's random and unpredictable. The odds are very low of it happening, but on the day I went to the Jungfraujoch it, unfortunately, did happen to me and for no apparent reason. I wish I had known there were medics up there. I definitely could have used their service. Saw no signs anywhere indicating that was available.

While some people might get dizzy a bit or tired at 3.500m, it is only above 4.800-5.100m that more severe symptoms start to occur in people with predisposition.

Susan,I really cannot recall how we found out about the medics once we were up there and my husband was having such a rough time. My mom's a nurse so she's probably the one who got him help. Lying down and getting the oxygen helped him, but we did go down on one of the next departing trains.

Thanks Cathy :)

I am one of those who had no trouble at all at Jungfraujoch. Spent most of the day up there- mild exercising only, and a snacky meal at the restaurant. The trip up and back, and the view from the top are all spectacular