46.60° N · 7.91° E
The Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys, in the Bernese Oberland, beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. A cogwheel train climbs to the Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 m the highest railway station in Europe.
Part of AlpsFilm locations
What to do
Each plan says how long it takes, who it's for and whether you can book.
A train through the inside of the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch, 3,454 m, the highest station in Europe, facing the Aletsch Glacier. From CHF 100.60.
Cable car from Grindelwald to First, 2,166 m, with the Cliff Walk and descents by zip line, kart and scooter. Cable car from CHF 38.
A 6.1 km path at the foot of the Eiger north face, from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen: 2 h downhill, July to October.
Itineraries
Days and weekends already planned out, with how to get between each stop and who to book with.
Plan the trip
Each choice narrows the next: the season shapes how best to travel, and how you travel decides where you stay and where you eat.
When to go
June to September, with the paths free of snow and all the attractions open. October is quieter, but several cable cars close for maintenance. In winter it is a ski area.
How you travel
The ways of travelling that suit Jungfrau Region. We are writing a guide to each one: where to stay, how to get around and which services you will need.
Car-freeOn footCampingLuxuryBackpackingBy car
Who you're with
A trip with a toddler is not the same as one with a teenager. Pick yours to see what works and what to bear in mind.
Almost everything is done by train and gondola, so children reach the top rested. The trick is to combine a summit day with another of water and short walks, and not to string expensive ascents together.
Here teenagers find things to do that they do not have at home: hanging from a cable at 84 km/h, flying in a paraglider or walking down beneath the Eiger north face.
Where to stay
Why we like it: Interlaken's historic grand hotel, on the Höheweg facing the Höhematte meadow and the Jungfrau, with a 5,500 m² spa, a children's club and four restaurants.
Why we like it: A family hotel run by the Hausers since 1904 on Grindelwald's main street, with Eiger views from every room, a pool, a spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Why we like it: A modern hostel from the Swiss network right next to Interlaken Ost station, with 220 beds, a restaurant open to the public and views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Why we like it: A small, quiet campsite in Grindelwald Grund, at the foot of the Eiger North Face, ten minutes' walk from Grindelwald Terminal. Open in summer and winter.
Why we like it: A campsite in the Lauterbrunnen valley, between rock walls and waterfalls, with pitches, a tent area, cabins to rent and a restaurant. Open in summer and winter.
Where to eat
From set lunch menus to Michelin stars. We mark the price level and what to order at each place.
What to order: the brunch if you go up early; at midday, rösti or the entrecôte with herb butter
Nearby
The closest places, whichever country they are in.
46.44° N · 8.08° E
Car-freeBy plane
47.05° N · 8.30° E
Car-freeBy plane
46.02° N · 7.75° E
Car-freeLuxuryOn footBy plane
46.49° N · 6.75° E
Car-freeLuxuryOn footBy bikeBy car
Tips
Interlaken for cheap getting around and more choice; Grindelwald for First and the Eiger; Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Mürren for the valley of waterfalls and the Schilthorn.
The first trains and gondolas are half empty and some have an early-bird fare.
Jungfraubahnen and Schilthornbahn have cameras on their summits. If it is foggy up there, change your plan.
It is the most expensive excursion in the region. If the forecast is unclear, do the Lauterbrunnen valley and Trümmelbach, and go up another day.
Fly to Zurich, Basel or Geneva and continue by train to Interlaken Ost: from Zurich airport it is a little over two hours, changing at Bern. You do not need a car. From Interlaken Ost trains run to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and from there the cogwheel trains, gondolas and cable cars go up to everywhere. If you have a car, leave it in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen: Wengen and Mürren cannot be reached by road.
With the Swiss Travel Pass the train to Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren is free, with discounts on top: 25% off the Jungfraujoch and half price, or a little more, to the Schilthorn. If you are going to spend several days heading up mountains, look at the Jungfrau Travel Pass, for 3 to 8 days, which includes First, the Harder, Schynige Platte, Mürren, Kleine Scheidegg and the boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz; the Jungfraujoch is only reached with a connecting ticket.
In July and August the trains to the Jungfraujoch are full and seat reservation is compulsory from May to October. The rest is bought on the day: decide according to the forecast, because in cloud you see nothing from the top. In late October and November several cable cars close for maintenance (First, the Eiger Express, the Mürren line); check the dates before going at that time of year.
Questions
No. Everything is done by train, gondola and bus, and cars do not even reach Wengen and Mürren.
It covers the valley trains and reduces the cost of the ascents, especially the Schilthorn, which drops from CHF 115 to CHF 45.70 from Stechelberg. If you will only be getting around the region for several days, compare it with the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
Three at the very least: one for the Jungfraujoch, one for First and one for Lauterbrunnen and the Schilthorn. With five you can walk at an unhurried pace.
Yes, with flat walks such as the one from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg and the First attractions for older ones. Children under 4 are not admitted to the Trümmelbach Falls.
The Männlichen Panorama Trail is open from mid-June to October. The higher paths, such as the Eiger Trail, depend on when the snow melts: ask before heading up in early summer.
Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/switzerland/canton-of-bern/jungfrau-region
