Switzerland Jungfrau Rail Trip

Yes, you really will need to be flexible on when you go. Our first trip there we passed on it because the weather was so foul. In 2003, we had several days to pick from. In 2008, we were there 4 days and only one day was clear enough to make it worth spending the money. We have always been staying right in Lauterbrunnen so I cannot comment on coming from Zurich.

Elaine, me again. We went to the Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe in May, 2006. We were staying in Lauterbrunnen (a great home base for going up either side of the valley) and simply bought the train tickets at the station there. The Swiss Pass gave a huge discount. It was a beautiful sight and really cold at that time of year. If you're going in the Summer you could hike a part of the way and then take a cog train from Kleine Scheidegg. Visit http://www.jungfraubahn.ch/en/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-8//183_read-808/ for the full scoop. Enjoy.

Hi Elaine, we went to the Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe in September 2008, we we're also base in Lauterbrunnen. At the train station they have web cams to see how the weather is up there. It cost around 100$can each with our swiss saver pass. We we're lucky the weather was great and it was a very nice trip.

The weather in the Alps can change within the hour, so it's probably best to base a trip to the Jungfrau (or Schilthorn across the valley) from someplace more local, like Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Grindelwald. Personally, I've never been lucky enough with the timing of my visit to get acceptable weather for trip to the Jungfraujoch. If I'm going to pay THAT MUCH money, I want a clear view when I reach the top!

We always stay in Interlaken. When you get up in the morning and you see clouds on the mountain top, you will know you can't go up.

If you wait a couple of hours and the clouds leave, you will know you can go up. If they don't go away, go to your alternate plan for the day.

Hi Elaine! Similar to other posters above, we stayed in Lauterbrunnen and went up in July 2008. Train from Zurich, if I remember correctly, is about 2 hours to Lauterbrunnen before you start your trip up to the Jungfrau. The trip from Lauterbrunnen is (again if I remember correctly) close to 2 hours up and 2 hours down. Weather can change so quickly that it could be nice in Zurich when you leave and completely clouded over when you get to Lauterbrunnen, you've wasted half a day traveling to/from Zurich. If you really want to do it, I'd base in the Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken so you can make the call whether to go up or not depending on the weather. Flexibility is definitely a must. If cloudy you could visit Trummelbach Falls or one of the lower lying villages in the valley. Using your Swiss Pass will save a lot of money on the ride up too!

I would not base myself in Zurich for a trip to the Jungfrau. Stay in one of the beautiful Alpine Villages in the Alps surrounding the Jungfrau. It will make your travel much easier and the eye-popping scenery in these villages is unsurpassed. The car-free villages of Muerren, Gimmelwald, Wengen are stunning. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is also a good destination and cars are allowed there. The hotels in all of these villages will be able to give you the current weather conditions and forecast for the Jungfrau. If it's cloudy just explore the villages. They are, to me, as wonderful as the Jungfrau.

Interlaken is NOT a Swiss Alpine village and its greatest value is being a very convenient hub of train connections. Interlaken is a very touristy built up town between the lakes of Thun and Brienz. It's not a bad place, but if you're expecting an Alpine Village you will be disappointed.

Doing the Jungfrau trip will almost pay for your Swiss Pass as the the cost is very high, but the discount you receive from the Swiss Pass is also quite hefty. You most definitely do NOT need a tour company to take you to the Jungfrau.