This is the last post in the series on this delightful one-day tour of the Jungfrau area. Our trip started at Lauterbrunnen (click to see the first post of the series).
From Interlaken Ost station to Jungfraujoch, one way, it took about 2.5 hours and two changes of train. But we came down the mountain by train using a different route.
The descent from Jungfraujoch to Kleine Scheidegg is the same except it took a few minutes less than the ascent. From Kleine Scheidegg (elevation 2,061 m, 6,762 ft), we went downhill via Grindelwald (1,034 m, 3,392 ft) instead of Lauterbrunnen where we started. See the second post of the series on Kleine Scheidegg here.
For the whole circuit, in total, that is 5 hours of train journeys divided into 6 segments in one day. As the trains were frequent at the time we went, time management was less critical. But imagine during the off season, there are fewer trains and one might miss a train and get left behind – not dangerous but likely an expensive experience.
A one way, second class fare was around CHF50, first class fare is doubled that. Except for hang-gliders or some extreme skiers or hikers, there are no other way down. Considering the comfort, convenience and vertical distance traveled, and not to mention the scenaries, it was worth it.
There were two stations before reaching Grindelwald: Alpiglen and Brandegg – serving mainly hikers and farmers.
Grindelwald
Click on the 3D map to access the interactive version on the Swiss government web site. Grindelwald is at the bottom of the map.
Grindelwald is a village/ski resort. The site has been inhabited since Roman times and was first mentioned in print in the 1100’s.
The tourism industry began in Grindelwald in the late 18th century. Many English came to the village to climb the alpine peaks around the valley. It is the only sizable resort in the area that can be reached by car.
We walked around Grindelwald a bit to stretch our legs. The village is full of hotels, shops and restaurants, and many tour buses too. It is very commercialized.
From the village, looking back, one can see the way the train comes down the mountain.
Zooming in on the photo above. Can you see the narrow railway cutting through the alpine pastures in the middle ?
We caught another train and continued our way down from the plateau to Interlaken.
The enjoyment of this trip depended critically on the weather which apparently changes constantly and abruptly. It was wise for us to follow the advice of the tourist information center to wait until it is clear before ascending. We were in Interlaken for three days and we made this trip on our last day. Those tour groups from abroad may not have the flexibility and if the weather is not cooperating, they will have to miss Jungfrau altogether.
Now that we have an idea of what the area looks like, trip planning becomes easier. It would be great if we can spend a week in any one of these villages – Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg or the nearby Murren and explore the mountain, the alpine meadows and woods on foot.
This is the last post in this 5-part Jungfrau Circuit series. An FAQ page by the official website is here.
Originally posted on April 20, 2014. Last updated in November 2022.
*