We are leaving tomorrow for Interlaken (for the day), and had intended to go from there via train to Jungfrau. But after researching the prices to go on the mountaintrain, we decided to ask around for cheaper alternatives. We have rented a car and have that at our disposal, and also two of us have the "demi-tarif" card. The third person is a visitor and has a regional-pass (3 days demi-tarif and two days free transport). We really want to see some beautiful scenery and can also afford to spend some money on it. Also we don't mind walking a little bit, but don't intend to do a big hike.
So if anybody knows of an alternative to Jungfrau in the Interlaken area, we would greatly appreciate the info As mentioned we are after the beautiful scenery and we are staying the day (driving home in the evening).
Thank you so much everyone, hope to hear from you - and soon, as we are leaving first thing tomorrow morning! (Yes we know, this is cutting it a bit late )
I've done some cheaper alternatives such as going up to First, mannlichen and Mürren (this would be the bargain basement one), but when I finally made it up to the Jungfraujoch (with the coop supercard discount), I was really asking myself what I was saving my money for... it was completely worth the extra money....
We loved the Muerren/Schilthorn side. Muerren is normally beautiful in the summer with all the chalets decorated with flowers and there are some nice 2-3hr hikes in the area most of which give you stunning views of the Eiger, Jungfrau etc. The James Bond breakfast at the Schilthorn was well worth the money (if you are there earlier enough).
The Jungfrau is expensive, but which young lady is not ?
It is really worth it once, everything else in comparison is good, but it's not the Jungfrau. If you really must find a cheaper alternative, go to the Schynige Platte (leaves from Wilderswil which is on the rail system, one stop from Interlaken). You get a good view of the Eiger, Monch & Jungfrau and you can contemplate and regret not paying for the Jungfrau.
Another alternative would be go only to Kl. Scheidegg which is below the Jungfrau, good views for comtemplation....
I do completely agree with you guys - it will probably be worth it! BUT, our guest is on a budget, and we can always go back another time and then do it right
The Schilthorn idea sounds really good. I've also been thinking of going to the Eigergletscher Station, and then do a bit of hiking from there. But we'll see.
Thank you for the suggestions. If there are anyone with who have been at both Schilthorn and the Eigergletscher Station, I would be very interested in a comparison
As far as I know, i.e. what I have done, is hike "up to" Eigergletscher station, not "from" i.e. to go till there is a fine bergweg (mountainous hike) but beyond that it should be an alpine route that is a serious undertaking. Yes, I would recommend the Klein Scheidegg- Eigergletscher hike, maybe 2 hours each way and not a beginner route.
View from Schilthorn? Well, it is nice like any high elevation view, but nothing unique, not as thrilling as going so close to a famous serious mountain, within shouting distance, as you do in Eigergletscher. Basically a matter of individual preference. Schilthorn also costs decent money, somewhat less than Jungraujoch.
As for Jungfraujoch, for me it was a total disappointment, I felt it was too crowded and smelly place but i know this is a very minority view
The weather tomorrow should be super for your visit.
The Jungfraubahn is a private railway and I don't think they accept the SBB half price ticket. A substantial part of the Jungfrau journey is through a tunnel, so you cannot see anything! Another disadvantage is the station is not at the top of the mountain! It is at 3454 m a lot higher than Schilthorn at 2970 m but you do not get a panoramic view, there is however a plateau and an ice cave. http://www.jungfrau.ch/de/desktopdef...245_read-1022/
The Schilthorn ascent is more dramatic, with a seemingly vertical cable car, and then another 3 cable cars. If you are feeling woozy, you can rest at the intermediate stations. At the very top is the famous revolving restaurant where one James Bond film sequence was shot, and where customers while away a coffee for 30 minutes of views.
If you have a car you can make the Jungfrau cheaper by driving to Grindelwald.
If you're up for a hike do First then walk to the Faulhorn then down to Busalp then down to Grindi, that would be a pretty cheap day I think.
But for me the Jungfrau is awesome and a once in a life time thing. If you can walk from there to the Munch hutte - extends the day and they do great soup!
They take the steam train from Gletsch to Oberwald (CHF 29.– per person) https://www.dfb.ch .
Pick them up in Oberwald and drive to Fiesch where they will take the cable car to the Eggishorn (CHF 45.- per person, discount with GA, 1/2 tax and Junior card, up to 6 years it is free) https://www.aletscharena.ch/cableway.../single-trips/
Visit Lötschental, and after that by tunnel to Kandersteg.
Maybe visit Blausee or go up to Oeschinensee.
O.k. maybe a bit too much for one day with a toddler. A possible place for an overnight stay would be Fiescheralp.
Are you set on the Lautebrunnen/Grindelwald valley or can go anywhere else? What's your top budget you are willing to spend once you set down from the car?
If set for Grindelwald or Lautebrunnen don't feel you have to climb all the way up to Jungfraujoch. You can take the train from Grindelwald Grund or Lautebrunnen and stop at 1-2 stations before Kleine Scheiddeg and walk the rest to KS - these are very gentle climbs doable for anyone and very nice views - and then take the train back. Otherwise climb from Lautebrunnen to Grutschalp and walk to Murren...
Can do elsewhere. We do intend to go to St. Moritz and all the way up to Heidiland as well. An issue is that we cannot climb almost at all due to health issues of a person.
I agree with this. I don't feel very comfortable to start with at the top of the Jungfrau and similarly I think I nearly did for an elderly relative taking the fast cable car at Saas Fe. He went extremely white and wobbly. Returning to a lower altitude brought about immediate relief (stop sniggering at the back).