Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn?

Both are first class attractions. Schiltorn is mostly a mountain top panorama experience...Jungfrau is mostly a glacier experience. If I had to choose one, it would be Jungfrau. It's more expensive, takes more time, but IMO you get more bang for your buck. In addition to the commanding views of the glacier valley from the observation deck, you can take the elevator down and walk on the glacier a bit, and then go down even further and enjoy the ice gallery inside the glacier. Hard to put into words but at the top of Jungfrau one gets more of a Mt. Everest "experience"...that you're truly at the top of the world; almost:)

Keep in mind that both journeys will be weather dependent. We did the Jungfraujoch two years ago and had perfect weather and it is a must see. However, during our five day stay in Wengen we watched the weather screens (in train station) and there was not a single day that the Schilthorn had decent weather for the trip up. But we will be returning in June and we look forward to seeing the Schilthorn-and hearing the cowbells on our hikes.

Lots of people will say the Jungfraujoch is a "must" but I am not one of them. Joch means " pass" or "saddle" and that is where you are, at a saddle below the Jungfrau, not on top. You are surrounded by ice and snow, a world that is familiar to skiers and mountaineers, but generally not accessible to others. It is thus very popular with those who live in snow-free places. There are lots of tour groups up there, and both the train and the building where you arrive can be very crowded. In addition to the views over the peaks and glaciers, you have the ice palace, which is nice, and the snow play area (zip line, skiing, sledding), all of which cost extra. Or you can hike on the snow to a hut for free. It is a beautiful place, but to me just not worth the time and money. The train journey up is 2 hours each way, with 40 minutes of that in a dark tunnel carved in the Eiger. We would rather spend those 4 hours outside enjoying the scenery, the wildflowers, and the cowbells. The Schilthorn is a shorter and very exciting trip in a cable car. You arrive on top of the peak with a 360 degree panorama. You can get off at a midway point part way down and hike the rest of the way if you like. My teens much preferred that.

I won't get involved in the Jungfrau vs Schiltorn ongoing argument. But I can't figure out why nobody brings up the gondola from the eastern end of Grindelwald to First. It was better in the old days when it was just a chairlift without a bar, but to do it in the afternoon with the north side of the Eiger smack in your face will knock your socks off. Maybe it's too far from Walter's hostel for RS addicts to know about it.

Both are amazing experiences, and Michael above is spot-on re: the Jungfrau being more of a "glacieral" experience, while Schilthorn is more of a mountain panorama experience. With the Jungfraujoch, 1/2 the fun is the journey there, going through the mountains. But despite the fact that the Jungfrau is significantly higher than Schilthorn (and I LOVED both), to me, personally, Schilthorn just somehow seemed more....thrilling. On a clear day (as was the case when I went), you enjoy head-spinning, 360 degree views of the surrounding alps from up top on the observation deck. It's nothing short of breath-taking, as you gaze upon the snow capped alps that appear endless. I also agree w/ Ed's post above re: the First mountain range. The gondola ride up from Grindelwald is another thrilling alpine experience and once you get out, there are ENDLESS hiking and walking opportunities. My friends & I did around a 1/2 day hike that took us past fields of wild flowers, lakes, cows, goats and spectacular mountain views. One of the best European hiking experiences I've ever enjoyed!

The First gondola is indeed a nice ride with great views, more popular than ever now that there is a zipline ("First Flieger") up there. In addition to the views from the deck at the top, there is a great easy hike to the Bachalpsee, famous for reflected views of the Wetterhorn across the valley. And on to the Faulhorn, a hut situated near the tip of a peak, if one is up for a longer hike. But all of this is among green rolling pastures, not snow and ice like the Jungfraujoch. I think no one mentions First because "RS addicts" dis Grindelwald in general as "touristy". But there is lots to see and do there, especially with teens. We plan to stay at the mountain hotel at Bort, partway up the First lift, next time we go. Another great viewpoint is the Eggishorn, which is the main peak you see off to the south, across the glacial expanse of the Konkordiaplatz, from the Jungfraujoch. From the top of the Eggishorn, you can see up the glacier to the Jungfraujoch, as well as around the corner down the full expanse of the Aletschgletscher. It is an amazing view. And since there is a hiking trail to the top, the views are free.

I love the Jungfrau, but with your very limited time there I would probably choose the Schilthorn.