Switzerland is spectacular and the Jungfrau Region certainly contributes a huge lot in making it so. To elaborate, the Jungfrau region constitutes one of the most awe-inspiring sceneries of the Alpine mountains. In addition, it hosts innumerable activities including amazing mountain excursions, crazy hiking opportunities, and countless adventures.
The Jungfrau Travel Pass or Jungfrau Pass is the ultimate way to explore the entire Jungfrau region without punching a hole in your pocket. Therefore, in this blog, I will discuss my entire itinerary for visiting the Jungfrau Region with the Jungfrau Pass.
The Jungfrau region is one of the most sought-after destinations in Switzerland because of its dramatic scenery, tall peaks, and innumerable mountain activities. It is named after its most famous peak, the Jungfraujoch, and is located in the canton of Bernese Oberland.
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Getting there
Some of the most important points of the Jungfrau region are Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald. Also, Interlaken is the starting point to most of the journeys of the Jungfrau area. In addition, it could be reached from anywhere in Switzerland by train. For instance, Interlaken is only 45 minutes away from Bern, the capital and closest airport. Also, it could also be reached easily from Zurich Airport by train.
Getting around in the Jungfrau Region
The best way to get around in the Jungfrau region is with the Jungfrau Pass which is available for a duration of 3-9 days. However, you can also buy tickets for individual journeys or day passes. But they can be expensive. As a matter of fact, all the journeys I am covering in my itinerary are included with the Jungfrau pass.
You may also like: Jungfrau Travel Pass – Ultimate Guide with Highlights
Our Jungfrau Itinerary
We visited the Jungfrau region from Germany in July. The weather was perfect. As a matter of fact, we dedicated 4 of the 7 days solely to the Jungfrau Region, and truthfully, I am so glad we did. I think 4 days is the optimum amount of time you need to explore the highlights of the Jungfrau region. However, if you stay longer, you can revisit the sights that you liked the most. But I assure you, you will never get bored.
Interlaken is economical, easy to commute to and from, and as a result, the perfect base to explore the entire region. Therefore, we had decided to stay in an Airbnb in Interlaken. Most importantly, we bought the Jungfrau Travel Pass which made it a breeze to explore the entire area.
Day 1: First, Grindelwald, Männlichen, Wengen
We had a filling breakfast at our Airbnb before heading out to Interlaken Ost train station. Incidentally, we used our guest passes to reach Interlaken Ost by a short bus journey.
Tip: Any hotel or Airbnb is obliged to give you a guest pass with which you can take local buses inside the city. As a result, the guest card includes the journey from Interlaken West to Interlaken Ost. Most importantly, please note this short journey is not included in the Jungfrau Pass in case you need it.
Plan for the day in 9 steps:
Step 1: Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald Station by train.
Step 2: Grindelwald Station to Firstbahn gondola base station by bus.
Step 3: Firstbahn gondola to First peak.
Step 4: First peak to Firstbahn base station.
Step 5: Firstbahn base station to Grindelwald by bus.
Step 6: Walk until Männlichen cable car base station.
Step 7: Männlichen cable car base station to Männlichen.
Step 8: Männlichen to Wengen by cable car.
Step 9: Wengen to Lauterbrunnen by train.
Step 10: Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken
We took the train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald. Of course, the entire journey was extremely beautiful. After getting down, we walked to the bus station and then took a bus to the base station of the Firstbahn.
First
At the base station at Grindelwald-First, we waited a little to get a gondola to the peak.
The gondola ride offers some stunning views of the Alps, the whole way. Moreover, there are 2 stops on the way where you can get down and enjoy several activities. For instance, there are activities like First Flieger, First Glider, First Mountain Cart and the First Trottibike.
But if you are not the thrill-seeker type, there is more than enough to do at First at no additional fee. We decided to take the gondola up to the top.
The top of First is an awe-inspiring place. We walked across the meadows, met some friendly cows, and walked up until the edge of the mountain to encounter some majestic views of snow-clad mountains. After that, we did a thrilling cliff walk, which is a path made of glass along the sides of the mountain. Finally, we sat down at the restaurant to enjoy some stunning views of the mountains with some coffee.
After spending around 2 hours at the peak we headed down to Grindelwald.
Tips for visiting First
Tip: The gondolas at Firstbahn are automated and always moving. As a result, if you wait, you can get an entire gondola to yourself or with your family and therefore, enjoy it in a more personalized way.
Tip: It can be a bit tricky to get inside the gondola at Firstbahn because it is always moving. So, do take assistance from the staff at the station if you need it.
Tip: If it is cloudy, you may not be able to enjoy the views from First. Therefore, please check the weather before visiting First.
Tip: The extra mountain activities at First are not included in the Jungfrau Pass and can be bought at a charge. You can find all the information here. However, you can use the gondolas as many times as you like with the pass.
Tip: The Firstbahn closes around 5pm every evening, so make plans earlier in the day to avoid rush.
Tip: If you have time, you could also hike up to the Bachalpsee which is around 2 hours away and enjoy some majestic reflections of the mountains in the crystal-clear lake water.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a village in the valley of the alpine mountains offering some of the most precious mountain sceneries in the world. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Naturally, we decided to take a long walk in the winding streets of Grindelwald instead of taking the train back.
So, we pointed Google Maps towards the base of the Grindelwald – Männlichen cable car. However, we had no idea if there was anything to see at all. But the walk turned out to be one of the most beautiful we have ever taken. For instance, it takes you through residential areas, empty meadows, apple farms and glimpses of some of the most stunning mountain sceneries. In addition, there are rest stops on the way to stop and admire the views.
After a pleasant 40-minute walk, we finally reached the Männlichenbahn.
Männlichen
The cable car at Männlichen is newly renovated and extremely modern. Luckily, we got an entire car to ourselves. The entire way of the cable car is through a wonderful hiking trail. In addition, there are small lakes, children’s parks, sculptures all on the meadows of the mountains. Consequently, this hike went into my things to do on my next trip.
After reaching the top, we were pleasantly surprised. For instance, there was a huge children’s park with a cow as the slide and of course, there were majestic views of mountains all around it. We played like children in the park and had some fries at the restaurant on top.
After that, we hiked on a trail called the Männlichen Royal Walk and enjoyed some pristine nature. After spending an hour and a half at the top we headed towards Wengen.
Wengen
We took a different cable car from Männlichen to Wengen. However, this cable car was steep and therefore quite thrilling. Also, we could see a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Wengen. After getting down, we were welcomed with one of the most charming little villages cradled in the valley of some pretty Alpine mountains.
Soon after, we walked on the streets lined with several hotels and souvenir shops. It was charming all the way. Finally, we made our way to the train station which is spectacular in itself. Finally, we decided to sit at one of the cafes near the station to enjoy the views and have some coffee.
After the most amazing day, we took the train back to Interlaken Ost.
Day 2- Lauterbrunnen, Schynige Platte
Plan for the day:
Step 1: Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen train station by train.
Step 2: Lauterbrunnen train station to Trümmelbachfälle by bus number 141.
Step 3: Trümmelbachfälle to Lauterbrunnen, Ey by bus number 141.
Step 4: Lauterbrunnen, Ey to Lauterbrunnen train station by bus number 141.
Step 5: Lauterbrunnen train station to Wilderswil by train.
Step 6: Wilderswil to Schynige Platte by vintage mountain train.
Step 7: Schynige Platte to Wilderswil by vintage mountain train.
Step 8: Wilderswil to Interlaken Ost by train.
On the second day, we wanted to explore the much talked about Lauterbrunnen. So, we took a train from Interlaken Ost but this time to Lauterbrunnen.
Tip: Please note that the same train leaves for Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald and gets parted in a middle station. Therefore, follow the instructions at the station and inside the train to board the correct car.
Lauterbrunnen
The train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen presents some of the most amazing sceneries across the valley. Most importantly, sit on the left side of the train to follow the pretty river stream. After getting down at Lauterbrunnen we took bus number 141 until Trümmelbachfälle stop.
Trümmelbachfälle in Lauterbrunnen
Trümmelbachfälle is one of the most popular waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen and can only be accessed with a lift inside mountain caves. However, there could be a long queue for the visit so I would recommend you to visit earlier in the day. The ticket costs 11 Euros for adults and 4 Euros for children.
Moreover, it is also an adventure in itself to hear the loud sound of the waterfall from outside and not be able to see anything. When you go inside, you are escorted into a lift that takes you to a wonderful waterfall.
Staubbachfälle in Lauterbrunnen
After a short visit, we were off to another waterfall. After all, Lauterbrunnen is famous as a valley of 72 wonderous waterfalls. For instance, you will see this particular one in every picture of Lauterbrunnen on the internet and on calendars. It is called the Staubbachfälle.
Similarly as before, Staubbachfälle could be reached with the same bus number 141. You have to get down at Lauterbrunnen, Ey stop and walk for about 6 minutes to reach this waterfall. However, unlike Trümmelbachfälle, Staubbachfälle is not hidden in the mountains. As a matter of fact, it is wonderfully visible in clear view. Moreover, there is no ticket for this. You can even hike to see it up close.
However, we were satisfied, with the views from below. We just sat there for a long time and enjoyed the view along with a cup of coffee.
If you want the perfect picture, I suggest you walk up to Kirche Lauterbrunnen, which is a church nearby. There is also a bridge with a gushing river stream below. Truthfully, together with the church and the Staubbachfälle in the background, it is the most magical place you can be at.
After a satisfying morning at Lauterbrunnen, we were off to our second destination for the day.
Schynige Platte
We took the same train returning to Interlaken Ost and then got down at Wilderswil to visit Schynige Platte. There is a vintage wooden cogwheel train that leaves right from Wilderswil station.
This is an especially fun ride because it is an open railway. As a result, adults and children alike, enjoyed themselves as this jolly train ascended across the mountains through a winding path. The views from this train are spectacular and you can feel the fresh mountain air on your face. In addition, you can get a clear view of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and some surrounding peaks.
After you reach the top, you can either go for one of the several hiking trails or you could stroll around and absorb the views. Moreover, if you are lucky, you could also meet a band of Alphorn players playing some rather beautiful tones in front of the mountain hotel. However, we were too late to see them. Instead we took the spectacular short hike to the Alpine Garden. The ticket price is included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
After spending around 2 hours exploring the place, we made our way back to the train.
Day 3- Paragliding, Winteregg to Mürren hike
Plan for the day:
Step 1: Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen by train.
Step 2: Paragliding pick-up and drop from Lauterbrunnen train station.
Step 3: Lauterbrunnen train station to Grütschalp by cable car.
Step 4: Grütschalp to Mürren by mountain train.
Step 5: Mürren to Winteregg hike.
Step 6: Winteregg to Grütschalp by train.
Step 7: Grütschalp to Lauterbrunnen by cable car.
Step 8: Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost by train.
Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen
I wanted to try something new on this day. So, how about some paragliding across the Alps? I spent the morning paragliding in Lauterbrunnen. Truthfully, this was certainly one of the highlights of our trip as I glided through waterfalls and alpine forests taking in the bird’s eye view while having an adrenaline rush.
You can read all about my paragliding adventure here. After returning from the trip, I met my husband and went ahead to our next stop for the day.
You may also like: Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen: The best view of the Alps
Hike from Winteregg to Mürren
First, we took the cable car right outside Lauterbrunnen train station until Grütschalp. After that, we changed into a mountain train which goes up to Mürren, a scenic village complete with alpine views, some great hotels and restaurants.
We had heard many good things about the views. Therefore, we had planned to do a hike on this route. We got down at a station called Winteregg. Winteregg has a cute restaurant and a childrens park. After having some lunch at the restaurant with some great views, we finally started our hike.
The hike is around 3 kms long and takes around 1 hour or more, if you stop in between to admire the views. For instance, it took us about 1.5 hours to complete this. It is an easy hike but the views are totally stop-worthy. Naturally, we took many many pictures. Moreover, even the train passing through the valley with the backdrop of the majestic Jungfrau was worth a stop and click.
After a really satisfying trip we made our way back to Lauterbrunnen by taking the train back from Mürren.
Day 4- Kleine Scheidegg hike, Harder Kulm
You may wonder why the famous Jungfraujoch is not included in our itinerary. I personally do not prefer visiting viewing platforms and in this case, I believed the price is not worth the value. Consequently, I opted to splurge on paragliding. You are free to switch the time I spent paragliding with a visit to Jungfraujoch instead.
Plan for the day:
Step 1: Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen by train.
Step 2: Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg by mountain train.
Step 3: Kleine Schneidegg to Eigergletscher by Jungfraubahn.
Step 4: Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg hike.
Step 5: Kleine Scheidegg to Wengernalp hike.
Step 6: Wengernalp to Lauterbrunnen by train.
Step 7: Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost by train.
Step 8: Interlaken Ost to Harder Kulm by funicular.
Step 9: Harder Kulm to Interlaken Ost by funicular.
You may also like: 10 Reasons to skip Jungfraujoch to do this instead
Kleine Scheidegg
There are 2 ways of reaching Kleine Scheidegg. There is one train from Grindelwald and another from Lauterbrunnen. I would suggest you go in one direction and return in another to get views of both the routes. Both of them are extraordinary.
We started the day at the same place at the same time and took a train first from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. After that, we took another mountain train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg. This journey was extremely scenic and the train made quite a steep ascend making it quite thrilling.
After getting down at Kleine Scheidegg we were presented with the most close-up and majestic views of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch along with their sisters. Many people don’t know this that although the Jungfrau Travel Pass does not cover the journey up to Jungfraujoch but does cover a trip in the famous red trains until its next station Eigergletscher. We had planned to take this short ride up.
Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg hike
After getting down at Eigergletscher, we were presented with the most spectacular views of the mountains. This was certainly the highlight of our entire trip. We hiked the famous Eiger Walk down to Kleine Scheidegg and it was nothing short of extraordinary.
You can see glaciers, a view of all the important mountains of the region, many waterfalls and a crystal clear water reservoir. Moreover, the red trains passing through the valley were an added attraction. We started from Eigergletscher and made our way to the reservoir. The path is marked well so hikers have no problem accessing it. However, it could be a difficult hike for beginners so wearing sturdy shoes are a must.
After reaching the reservoir, we took many pictures of the crystal clear emerald water against the backdrop of the alps. We also had a small picnic that we had brought from our Airbnb. After soaking in the views we made our way back to Kleine Scheidegg.
Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg hike
We were so thrilled with this walk that we decided to continue it a bit further. Earlier we wanted to take the other train back from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald but we spontaneously decided to hike the route of the train to Lauterbrunnen. It was too tempting of a hike. As a result, we hiked from Kleine Scheidegg until Wengernalp, which is the first station of the train to Lauterbrunnen.
We don’t regret this decision at all because this side of the hike was even more scenic due to the greenery, several mountain flowers and of course the views. Further, there were also a few small mountain lakes presenting mirror images of the Jungfrau. There were seats made on the pathway just to pause and admire the scenery. After a satisfying hike, we made our way to Wengernalp station and took the trains back to Interlaken Ost.
Harder Kulm
Our last stop for the day and the trip was actually very near to where we stayed. So, we decided to make a quick sunset trip before calling it a day.
We first walked a short way from Interlaken Ost station to reach the base station of the Harder Kulm. After a short wait we ascended a steep path in the Harder Kulm funicular. Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s very own peak with a cute restaurant and a super view of the city.
Harder Kulm was quite different from the rest of our mountain excursions. It was very organized and well decorated. Moreover, there was also a viewing platform offering some amazing views of Interlaken nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. We enjoyed the sunset with some snacks and wine at the peak.
In short, it was the perfect way to end our vacation in Switzerland. To know about more beautiful destinations in Switzerland, visit here.
What to eat
Food is impossibly expensive in Switzerland. Therefore, we made sure to buy all sorts of items from Supermarkets like COOP and made small picnics during our entire stay In addition, we prepared some hot dinner at our Airbnb at night.
In general, we went to restaurants to have some snacks, coffee or ice cream which tasted only okay. We had only one fancy Fondue dinner in Interlaken which was certainly an absolute delight.
Where to stay
Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen and Interlaken are all great bases for the Jungfrau region. However, we chose Interlaken because it is somewhat more economical and also had regular connections to the entire Jungfrau region.
Activities and Budget
Must Do
- Visit the waterfalls at Lauterbrunnen.
- Do the cliffwalk at First.
- Take a picture with a Swiss cow.
- Enjoy the scenery at Kleine Scheidegg.
Unique Experience
- Hike from Winteregg to Mürren.
- Hike from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengernalp.
- Try paragliding.
- Try some Swiss Fondue.
Budget
Hotel or Airbnb – 120 Euros and more per night
Food – 120 Euros and more for 2 people with drinks
Jungfrau Travel Pass – 205 Euros
If you have the Jungfrau pass, all transportations are free. So, the only extra expenses will be for food and souvenir.
