The Jungfrau region in one day
The Jungfrau region is relatively small. Still, it deserves much more time than a day. You need at least a week to explore the region properly. But if you don't have much time, or if you're interested in a quick introduction, this one-day trip might be just what you need. We're sure you will enjoy the scenic rides and beautiful spots along the way!
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The route
The route we suggest includes regular trains, cogwheel trains, cableways, a bus and two optional walks. We recommend to include at least one of these walks to get a feel for the region up close, rather than just from a train window. The Jungfrau region is mostly car-free. You can't do this trip, or even a similar one, by car.
The best time for this day trip is summer (July to mid October). In other seasons, timetable restrictions apply to some parts of this route. Alternatives are mentioned in the description below.
The trip starts in Interlaken, but of course you can start in any town along the route.
Section 1: Interlaken Ost to Schynige Platte
You'll take the train to Wilderswil and change to Schynige Platte: a wonderful viewing point to see the Bernese Alps from a distance before getting closer to them later in the day. If it's not summer, you would travel straight from Interlaken Ost to Grütschalp and proceed with section 3.
Approximate travel time: 1h00
Section 2: Schynige Platte to Grütschalp
Take the train down to Wilderswil and another train to Lauterbrunnen. Switch to the cableway up Grütschalp (a stop for travelers on their way to Mürren).
Approximate travel time: 1h30 - 2h00
Section 3: Grütschalp to Mürren
Option 1: take the train to Mürren (sit on the left for the best view).
Option 2: walk to Mürren.
Approximate travel time: 0h15 (train) - 1h30 (walk)
Section 4: Mürren to Wengen
Walk to the other end of town to take the cable car down to Stechelberg. Take the bus back to Lauterbrunnen from there. Then take the train up to Wengen.
Approximate travel time: 1h20
Section 5: Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg
Option 1: stay seated and continue on the train to Kleine Scheidegg.
Option 2: take the cableway up to Männlichen (not available all year round, but it will be in summer and parts of winter). Do the panoramic walk over to Kleine Scheidegg.
Approximate travel time: 0h30 (train) - 1h45 (cableway and walk)
Section 6: Kleine Scheidegg to Interlaken Ost
Take a train down to Grindelwald. Sit on the right for an up close view of the Eiger or on the left for a wider view. Change for Interlaken in Grindelwald.
Approximate travel time: 1h20
Take a break from traveling!
There are good views all day long. But it's worth it to take breaks. Good places to do so are Schynige Platte, Mürren, Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg. These are perfect places to enjoy the views, or to have lunch or a coffee. Shopping can be done in Interlaken, Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald.
Preparation
- Look into rail passes to save money.
- Create a detailed itinerary. The suggested trip can be done in a day if you depart early (we suggest around 8:00 AM). If you don't include the walks you can depart later. Plan extra time to have lunch and to take pictures. Have a look at the timetable so you'll know about exact departure and arrival times.
- Check the weather forecast. You won't be able to enjoy the views in case of rain or low clouds.
- Check whether hiking trails are accessible. This won't be a problem in summer, but otherwise you need to check with the local tourist agency or at the train station.
- Dress for the mountains: take sun glasses and layers of clothing, as temperatures can be very different throughout the day.
- Even though the optional walks are easy, you may want to learn what's it's like to hike in the Swiss Alps.