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Switzerland

Mountaintop Views

Excursions | Weather | Prices

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The Jungfrau trip from Interlaken (or Wengen, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, the journey transits each) has a reputation as the classic Alpine outing.

And indeed, it's a fine excursion, though not the best.

Current Weather

The tracks tunnel through the Eiger and Mönch just above Kleine Scheidegg and end at the highest rail station in Europe (3454 Meters/11332 Feet.) Two stops are made on the way to look through 'windows' cut in the mountains.

It's an overrated, overly expensive trip except on the clearest of days. What seem only wisps of vapor from afar may mar your visit. These mists (or clouds) often appear without warning by late morning. You'll have more likelihood of good views by taking the first train.

We think the Schilthorn (2967 Meters/9734 Feet) offers better views than the Jungfraujoch, more reliable weather and better value.  Among other things, you can see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau triad from the Schilthorn.  Which of course you cannot if you're on the Jungfrau.

View of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau from behind the observation deck and restaurant of the Schilthorn.
The Eiger is at far left, Jungfrau at center-right and above the Schilthorn deck.

Swisspanorama features live views from the Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch and Männlichen.

Take the money you save and make the additional journey to Schynige Platte (1987 Meters/6519 Feet) for a different but equally spectacular view of the mountains.

While respecting the opinions of others, we think our downrating of the Jungfrau trip merits attention. Most from whom you'll hear rave reviews about their trip to the mountains have little or no basis for comparison of merit. We've visited virtually every mountaintop in Switzerland at least once ... often in the case of our favorites. A single trip to any Swiss mountaintop on a clear day will get rave reviews from first-time visitors.

There are experiences that are top-notch:

  • Schilthorn
  • Schynige Platte
  • Klein Matterhorn
  • Jungfrau

And trips that are A-1 and good value

  • Schilthorn
  • Schynige Platte
  • Klein Matterhorn

If money is no object, consider a helicopter excursion in the Alps for a truly unforgettable experience.

kleinmatter.jpg (9640 bytes)

View from the Kleinmatterhorn.
The tallest mountain is Monte Rosa.

Money aside, we'd still pick the Schilthorn and Klein Matterhorn over the Jungfraujoch. The views from Schynige Platte and Männlichen are slightly lower in drama but outstanding. The Gornergrat trip in Zermatt may be overrated but certainly one to take if you have weather and time for a second mountaintop outing there.

If you're in Luzern, the Pilatus (2070 meters/6791 feet) journey is our clear favorite over Titlis (3033 meters /9950 feet) and the Rigi (1750 meters/6398 feet.)

Mountain Weather      warning.gif (151 bytes)

You'll find the weather at the top of the mountain somewhat different than when you began your excursion. We cover a few things you need to know in Moutain Weather.

Mountain Excursion Prices

(All prices for 2001, in Swiss Francs.)

Price are for the most direct, least expensive routing.

Schilthorn
(Cablecar to Mürren closed April 23-27 in 2001.)
From Mürren - (round-trip) - CHF 60.20
Wengen - 90.20
Grindelwald - 93.80
Interlaken - 100.00

Special prices (~25% reduc.) for early (0725-0855) and late (from 1525) departures, as well as an autumn ticket:

25% reduction from Mürren fare for
the SwissPass.

Schynige Platte
From Wilderswil - CHF50 (one way 30)
Wilderswil-Schynige Platte return First-Grindelwald or v.v. - CHF67

25% reduction for SwissPass holders

Jungfraujoch
From Interlaken CHF162 round-trip. First train from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch offers a great reduction
-- the price for this "Good Morning Ticket Jungfraujoch" from Interlaken is reduced to CHF125
-- you return on any train.

Wengen - 134 "Good Morning": 97
Mürren - 164 "Good Morning": 127

Wengen-Kleine Scheidegg
CHF 35 (One way 21)

Grindelwald - 145 "Good Morning": 108

SwissPass obtains 25% reduction from Grindelwald/Wengen fares, on both regular and Good Morning tickets. Mürren reduction is 25% off the Wengen fare. BO Regional Pass and Jungfrau Railways pass obtains 25% reduction on one of the 'free' travel days on the portion above Kleine Scheidegg. (Pass Information in Traveling In Switzerland.)

Firstbahn
Grindelwald to First
one way CHF29, R/T 46

SwissPass obtains 50% reduction

Männlichen
Grindelwald-Grund - CHF46 (29 one way)
Wengen - CHF35 (21 one way)

Follow the trip up with the 60-80 minute walk to Kleine Scheidegg. This is one of the finest in the area. An easy stroll, you'll be awed by the spectacular views all along the way. You can take the narrow-gauge down from Kleine Scheidegg to either Grindelwad or Wengen, or hike.

SwissPass obtains a discount of 25%.

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