Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular attraction in Switzerland. Even if you know nothing about Switzerland, you must have heard about the Jungfraujoch, famously called the Top of Europe. We stayed in Switzerland for 7 days and we decided to skip Jungfraujoch completely.
However, it was our personal choice. Therefore, I am not trying to discourage anybody. In fact, I just want to put forward a few facts that you must consider before making the trip. Here are my top 10 reasons to skip Jungfraujoch.
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10 Reasons to skip Jungfraujoch
1. Top means great
Have you heard about wordplay? I am sure you have. This is a classic example of wordplay. To clarify, in German top means great. So, if someone asks you how you are doing, you can appropriately answer by saying “Top!”. Therefore, they are actually not lying when they are using the word “Top”.
To elaborate, it is actually not the highest point in Europe. Jungfraujoch is the highest mountain railway station in Europe. In addition, it has the highest Post Office in Europe. But there are taller peaks in Switzerland as well as the rest of Europe. To sum up, if your goal is to stand on the top of Europe, this is not it.
2. A tad bit Expensive
The pricing to Jungfraujoch is simply not justified. It costs a whopping 235 CHF for a return trip. For instance, I could do 5 more enriching activities or even buy a return flight to Spain with that amount of cash.
3. Doesn’t add value and not unique
Jungfraujoch is not unique in any way. Of course, it has ice caves and restaurants but they are obviously very expensive. In fact, you can find the same attractions at half the price at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883 m) in Zermatt, which, by the way, is even taller than Jungfraujoch (3,463 m) with some magical views. Alternately, you can also visit Zugspitze (2,962 m) in Germany for an unforgettable experience at a much cheaper price.
Therefore, if I spend 250 CHF on something, I expect it to be enriching. However, I do not think this experience adds any value because I can get similar or better experiences than this at other places.
4. Short journey mostly through tunnels
The journey is not very exciting or scenic because most of it is through a tunnel. In addition, it is only 35 minutes long. However, for some amazing views, I would strongly recommend the train ride to and from Lauterbrunnen and Klein Scheidegg. As a matter of fact, I would also recommend the Golden Pass Line because it has unforgettable views of the Alps and lasts 5.5 hours at half the price.
5. Too crowded is an understatement
Yes. This is the biggest turn-off for me. For instance, I traveled only till Eigergletsher with the red train to Jungfraujoch and immediately felt bothered. To clarify, it was too crowded and loud. In addition, there was no space to stand on the train during the offseason. I can’t even imagine what the peak season would be like. As a result, the staff at Klein Scheidegg station (base of the Jungfrau train) have to meticulously sort and board passengers to make it smooth.
Once you reach the top, it gets worse. For instance, you have a confined space with too many people trying to enjoy the views.
6. No Insta opportunity
Would a perfect Instagram photo make your trip worth it? But there is no space. For example, people are posing in groups and hunting for that perfect shot. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to take a clear shot of the view or yourself.
In fact, forget about photos, there is not a moment of peace where you can enjoy a bit of calm with the snow-clad mountains.
7. Lack of transparency
This is from personal experience. For instance, we were actually planning to visit Jungfraujoch when we reached Switzerland. As soon as we arrived, we went to buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass at the ticket office. Surprisingly, they offered us the Jungfraujoch ticket at 81 CHF for a spot after two days. However, we thought it was an okay deal but did not decide on the spot. Therefore, we came back after a couple of hours and this time, some other person said there are no tickets at that price. I can only get a 50% discount with the Jungfrau pass.
8. Over-Advertisement
Wherever you go in Switzerland, you will find this picture of a viewing platform with the tagline ‘Top of Europe’. Honestly speaking, I find it a bit misleading. To clarify, it will draw an image in your mind that if you came to Switzerland, and did not visit this, your trip is not worth it. Truthfully, Switzerland has a lot to offer in every nook and corner. Therefore, you can definitely skip Jungfraujoch to save some money or do something more valuable.
9. Jungfraujoch is not equal to Jungfrau peak
Not many people know this, but Jungfraujoch is not Jungfrau peak. To clarify, “Joch” literally means cradle or ridge. It is actually located in a valley region between Jungfrau and Mönch. In addition, the peak is not accessible. Whereas in Zugspitze, you can reach the peak and in Glacier Paradise, you reach the peak of Klein Matterhorn.
10. Something of a gamble
Lastly, after spending a fortune, I would expect some kind of flexibility or security that I will get what I paid for. For instance, the Jungfraujoch ticket is non-refundable. During peak season, it is almost impossible to get a ticket on spot, so you don’t have any other option but to book it in advance. Unfortunately, if the weather is bad, you will not be able to see anything at the top.
What did I do instead?
Since I had already included the price for Jungfraujoch in my itinerary, I decided to use that money to do something I had never done in my life. Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen is a valley town cradled amongst tall walls of mountains with 72 waterfalls. In conclusion, it was a perfect adventure and to me, the best spot to enjoy the Alpine landscape.
You may also like: Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen: The best view of the Alps
