By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where to go and what to skip on your trip to the Jungfrau Region, based on what you actually care about when you travel.
We’re Jana and Brett, and after years living and traveling in this stunning slice of Switzerland, we know that not every destination is perfect for every traveler.
Want to Watch instead of Read?
9 Highlights of the Jungfrau Region
1 | Jungfraujoch
For example, let’s start with the most well-known tourist attraction: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe.
Where is Jungfraujoch?
Every year, more than 1 million tourists ride up to the highest train station in Europe, perched on a saddle between the Jungfrau and Mönch mountain peaks.
The highlights of Jungfraujoch
Once at the top, you’re at more than 11,000ft in elevation! You can see the longest glacier in the Alps, touch snow 365 days a year, walk through an ice palace, mail a letter from the highest post box in Europe, and even hike to a mountain hut.
Go to Jungfraujoch if…
Look, if you love the most popular tourist attractions, then don’t skip Jungfraujoch! But it’s also worth a visit if you’ve never touched snow, if you want to see or walk on a glacier, or if you’re up for hiking to an alpine hut perched on the side of the mountain at nearly 12,000ft. We’re pretty impressed that in 1893 some guy was hiking with his daughter and had the wild idea to build a train route through the mountain to the top — and then he actually made it happen. Absolutely incredible!
Skip Jungfraujoch if…
However, this is the most-marketed and most expensive destination in the Jungfrau Region. So if you’re on a budget, don’t love crowds, struggle with altitude sickness, or are searching for more authentic spots, then Jungfraujoch doesn’t need to be on your itinerary. In fact, if you’re expecting it to have the best mountain views since it’s the highest spot, then you might also be disappointed. We’ll share some of our favorite viewpoints later, but this isn’t one of them.
Final point here: We’ve been to Jungfraujoch at least 5 times and we’ve talked to hundreds of travelers about it. Our best advice is to trust your gut. If you think Jungfraujoch is can’t-miss, then make sure to visit! But if it doesn’t sound like somewhere worth the time or money, feel the freedom to skip it.
Where is the Jungfrau Region?
By the way, we’re starting with the 9 most popular highlights in the Jungfrau Region. In this post, that generally means the areas surrounding Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and the valleys and mountains above Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
And keep reading until the end, because we’re going beyond the top 9 highlights with bonus recommendations for views without the effort, destinations for families, and our favorite hiking trails. Let’s keep going with #2.
2 | Wengen
Where is Wengen?
Wengen is a car-free village just above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, perched at 4180ft / 1274m.
The highlights of Wengen
The main street in town is filled with tourist shops, sports stores, restaurants, and hotels. There are a few parks and playgrounds, and even a cable car station that delivers you up to our favorite viewpoint in the region. More on that later in the bonus section.
Go to Wengen if…
If you’re looking for a true mountain village with plenty of places to stay and eat, that’s Wengen. It also has luxury spas and easy strolls, especially if you want flatter walks or don’t consider yourself a hiker. And for an overnight stay in the mountains, Wengen is worth considering. But this post is about places to visit and not where to stay — for more on that topic, you can check out this deep dive into the top 7 towns and villages in the region.
Skip Wengen if…
Wengen is a village most travelers will want to see, but it’s unlikely you’ll spend much time here unless you’re staying overnight. We see it as more of a place you pass through on your way to somewhere else, or maybe a brief stop for a meal or a little tourist shopping. In our opinion, there are better villages to linger in, and we’ll get to those in a moment.
3 | Grindelwald First
Where is Grindelwald First?
Grindelwald First is just a gondola ride above the village of Grindelwald. And you have amazing views of the Eiger, Screckhorn, and Wetterhorn the entire 25-minute ride.
The highlights of Grindelwald First
Once you reach the top, you can test your fear of heights on a cliff walk, enjoy some adventure activities, or hike to Bachalpsee, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the region.
Go to Grindelwald First if…
There are two main reasons to visit Grindelwald First. The first is if you like to hike. The popular trail to Bachalpsee is fairly easy and the lake is really stunning. But there is also an abundance of lesser-known trails where you could find yourself on a path with no one else but cows or goats. In particular, hiking to Grosse Scheidegg or the Faulhorn are great alternatives, as are the variety of trails to the Bussalp or Waldspitz mountain restaurants.
And the second reason to visit is if you’re looking for thrills. There are 4 adventure activities here: the First Flyer and First Glider are zipline-like rides, while the mountain carts and trottibikes are fun ways to make your way back down the mountain.
Additionally, the First Cliff Walk is really cool because you’re walking beside the cliff walls and gazing out over the valley toward the mountains in the distance.
Skip Grindelwald First if…
So who should skip Grindelwald First? Anyone who is not interested in hiking or who is afraid of heights would rule out our main two reasons for visiting. And families with younger children as well, because there’s not a ton for small kids to do up here. In the bonus section later, we’ll mention better alternatives for families and kiddos.
And a quick word on the adventure activities: don’t waste your vacation waiting in long lines just to do these thrills. We have plenty more to say about that in this blog.
4 | Grindelwald (village)
Where is Grindelwald?
Speaking of Grindelwald, this is one of the 2 main valleys in the Jungfrau Region, and the village itself is nestled among the rolling alpine hills.
The highlights of Grindelwald
The central street has nearly all of the shops and restaurants, while a handful of side streets are full of B&Bs and hotels. In addition to the main Grindelwald train station, you can also access 4 different cable cars, two additional train stations, and lots of mountain bus rides.
Go to Grindelwald if…
If you’re dreaming about luxury spa treatments with mountain views, Grindelwald might be the best spot in the Jungfrau Region. And foodies won’t be disappointed in the local cheese shops and bakeries and cafes — or even the fine dining restaurants.
Definitely add Grindelwald to your itinerary if you want to walk in a quiet, residential area with sprawling views. All you have to do is go 5 minutes away from the main street through town, and you’ll see exactly what we mean.
We stayed in an Airbnb here for 2 weeks before we moved to Switzerland, and every single day we wandered new streets and trails. It was amazing how the village can be crowded with thousands of people yet we passed 10 times more animals than humans on these paths.
Skip Grindelwald if…
Like I just mentioned, the village of Grindelwald can get so crowded. And since it’s really just one street, you may want to skip the village if you’re trying to avoid the crowds or not interested in tourist shops.
But a quick caveat here: We actually think every traveler should visit the valley of Grindelwald, even if the village itself may not appeal to everyone.
5 | Lauterbrunnen Valley + Lauterbrunnen (village)
Where is Lauterbrunnen?
Lauterbrunnen is the other main valley in the Jungfrau Region, famous for its glacial-carved valley and towering cliffs. And Lauterbrunnen is the tiny village at the entrance to this valley.
The highlights of Lauterbrunnen
It’s also famous for its 72 waterfalls, especially Trummelbach, which is literally inside of the mountain, and Staubbach, which you can gaze at from the edge of the village.
Go to Lauterbrunnen if…
You should definitely go to Lauterbrunnen because it’s iconic and we think everyone should see this stunning glacial valley. If you like walking or biking, the route between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg is one of the easiest and most beautiful paths you’ll find in the region. And of course if you love waterfalls, then please come here and play Eye-Spy to see if you can count them all!
Skip Lauterbrunnen if…
But while we couldn’t really come up with any reasons for skipping the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the village itself is just so-so. We’ve observed way too many tourists who browse the village and go see Staubbach Falls and then call it a day, which makes us feel so disappointed for them. Because it’s what lies beyond these two that give the valley its real charm. Make this a spot you wander with a spontaneous spirit. Because the farther you go toward the back of the valley, the more beautiful it gets!
6 | Harder Kulm
Where is Harder Kulm?
Harder Kulm is called the Top of Interlaken because it’s perched on a narrow ridge just a short, steep funicular ride above town.
The highlights of Harder Kulm
You won’t be able to miss the highlights of Harder Kulm, which are all contained within a very small area: a restaurant with a huge terrace, a viewing platform with impressive views, a nature playground, and a few hiking trails.
Go to Harder Kulm if…
If you want a view of the entire Jungfrau Region, you can’t skip Harder Kulm. From here you can see the teal-blue waters of Lake Brienz, all of the mountain peaks (including the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau), and Lake Thun.
One big advantage is that Harder Kulm stays open later than most mountain destinations, and the restaurant is a surprisingly affordable spot for fondue. So you can eat with a mountain view and enjoy sunset drinks all at the same place.
This is also one of the more affordable excursions in the Jungfrau Region, so it’s great for budget travelers.
And if you’re interested in a rewarding hike (or really on a budget), then you can follow a few different trails up here directly from Interlaken. And for all of you competitive people out there, see if you can beat Brett’s personal best time of 49 minutes (We bet you can do it!).
Skip Harder Kulm if…
But once again, these highlights aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for activities or entertainment, you’ll be disappointed by Harder Kulm. You basically ride up, and everything worth seeing is right there. And if you don’t like crowds, especially on transportation, then you might want to avoid Harder Kulm during peak hours when the funicular is quite full and there’s a long line of folks waiting for the next departure.
Looking for more insider tips?
If you’re adding these highlights to your map (or itinerary), then you’ll love what we share every Saturday in our weekly newsletter! More than 20k readers learn travel tips, see behind the scenes to our life in Switzerland, and so much more!
7 | Interlaken
Where is Interlaken?
Speaking of Interlaken, this is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. The name literally translates to “between 2 lakes,” appropriate for its position sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
The highlights of Interlaken
Interlaken is the main transportation hub in the region, with 2 train stations, boat docks for cruises on both lakes, and of course the funicular to Harder Kulm.
Go to Interlaken if…
If you’re looking for lots of amenities, then you’ll like Interlaken. It has restaurants with every kind of cuisine, some of Brett’s favorite cafes (we have a whole video about those), and small family-run bakeries. And for souvenir shopping, you’ll find pretty much everything you’re interested in.
And if you’re brave enough to go paragliding or just want to watch them fly in the sky, you can see them land in Höhematte, the huge field in the middle of town.
The Aare River also runs through Interlaken, connecting both of the lakes, and the waterside paths are nice for a relaxing stroll.
Skip Interlaken if…
But the biggest negative about Interlaken is that you can see the mountains, but it’s not in the mountains. And while it’s a super practical home base, it’s not particularly charming. So skip it if you’re looking for that typical Swiss village, and make it the place you come to satisfy your taste buds but not your sightseeing wishes.
8 | Schilthorn
Where is the Schilthorn?
The Schilthorn is a mountain peak above Lauterbrunnen Valley with 360° views of more than 200 alpine peaks in Switzerland.
The highlights of the Schilthorn
It’s most popular for the world’s first revolving restaurant, and its James Bond theme, since this was a filming location for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, which was released in 1969.
Go to Schilthorn if…
Make a trip to the Schilthorn for the views, especially on a clear day when you can see as far as Mont Blanc in France and the Black Forest in Germany. You can enjoy them from the panoramic terraces or the revolving restaurant. The food is good — but the rotating views are the real highlight.
And don’t skip this if you’re a James Bond fan. You’ll find traces of the Bond influence everywhere, from the bathrooms to the cinema and the mini museum.
Lastly, the Birg Thrill Walk is just one station below the Schilthorn and features a heart-stopping rope walk, glass floor, and open-air tunnel. The Cliff Walk at Grindelwald First is really cool, but we think this one’s even better.
Skip Schilthorn if…
But our advice is to skip the Schilthorn if the weather is poor, you’re not planning to eat in the revolving restaurant, or you don’t care about the James Bond theme. And while there are hikes to and from the Schilthorn, don’t attempt them unless you’re a very experienced alpine hiker. The trails are narrow and steep, with loose rock and plenty of exposure.
9 | Mürren + Gimmelwald
Where are Mürren + Gimmelwald?
Mürren and Gimmelwald are two mountain villages on the cliff between Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Schilthorn.
The highlights of Mürren + Gimmelwald
These are the most adorable alpine villages with typical chalets, quaint restaurants, and some of the best trails in the Jungfrau Region. And you can even ride on the world’s steepest cable car to get up here!
Go to Mürren + Gimmelwald if…
Our best advice is that if you only have one day in the Jungfrau Region, come here!
Mürren is bigger but still charming, while Gimmelwald is like stepping back in time into a working farm village. And two of the best cafes and one of our favorite restaurants in the entire region are in Mürren.
The hiking trails from here are stunning, and there are a ton of options directly from either village. We come here all the time to go hiking and often think we’ve been on nearly every trail there is, only to find there are even more. And adrenaline junkies can go paragliding from Mürren, or conquer a via ferrata, which we made a whole post about.
These are the villages to linger in, especially if your idea of a great day is sipping some of the world’s best beer with even better views, after hiking in the mountains.
Skip Mürren + Gimmelwald if…
So who should skip Mürren and Gimmelwald? No one, we don’t think you should skip this at all! That would be a huge mistake!
Jungfrau Region Itineraries
We’re about to go beyond the highlights. But if you’re starting to realize that this region has a lot of options…you’re not wrong.
And that’s exactly where most travelers get stuck — not finding things to do, but deciding what to prioritize.
So instead of guessing and stressing, our best-selling 1-Week Guide to the Jungfrau Region lays it all out in a simple day-to-day plan that just makes sense.
What to group together, what to prioritize, and how to move through the region without wasting time or money.
But don’t worry — we’re not done yet. Now let’s talk about a few more places in the Jungfrau Region you definitely want to know about.
Bonus #1 | Views without the effort
What if you want to enjoy classic views without too much effort? Whether you have mobility limitations, you’re traveling with little ones, or you just wanna relax on your vacation, here are the best views that won’t add steps to your pedometer.
We think Männlichen has the best panorama in the whole region. It’s a ridgeline that straddles Lauterbunnen and Grindelwald and directly looks at the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Plus it’s an easy cable car or gondola ride from either Wengen or Grindelwald Terminal.
Schynige Platte is a scenic cogwheel train ride up to another ridgeline that has sparkling blue lakes in one direction and the iconic mountain peaks in the other. And as you rest your legs and enjoy the views, you’ll be serenaded by traditional alphorn music, too.
Ride a tiny cable car big enough for 8 people or 1 cow up to Sulwald. Dine on classic Swiss food or wander on one of the many uncrowded trails.
Ride a boat and a historic funicular, and then walk behind Giessbach Falls. These stunning cascades overlook the historic Belle Epoque Giessbach Grandhotel, where you can enjoy drinks or a meal while gazing at the falls and turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.
And for more relaxation, enjoy a steamboat ride on either Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. There are a handful of small villages on the former, and both vineyards and castles dotting the latter.
Bonus #2 | Hiking Trails in the Jungfrau Region
We’ve already made a post about our top easy hikes in the Jungfrau Region. But we’re often asked about recommendations for longer or more difficult hikes. So if you’re really into connecting your boots to the trail, here are a few of our personal favorites.
Hike all the way to the back of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and stay overnight at the Obersteinberg mountain hotel. We recommend hiking to the Oberhornsee before breakfast, and then enjoying the downhill hike past waterfalls and mountain streams back to Lauterbrunnen. By the way if this sounds fun to you, you can read more about this experience in this post!
You can also read about our hike to the Augstmatthorn, a peak on the stunning, narrow Harder Ridge above Interlaken and Lake Brienz. You probably know about this hike, but don’t know the best way to actually hike it. So do yourself and your legs a favor by checking out what we shared after our experience.
I love hiking to the Bällehöchst, a lesser-known mountain peak that sits directly across from Schynige Platte. If our first bonus section was about views without the effort, this hike would make the list for best views requiring effort. Stop for refreshments at the Löbhorn Hut, and you’ll wonder why more tourists don’t visit this stunning corner of the Jungfrau Region. Read more about this hike here.
The trail from Griesalp to Mürren over the Sefinenfurgge is a can’t-miss day hike in the alps. Start your journey with a ride on the steepest postbus in Europe, and then wind your way to the tune of cowbells up and over a mountain pass (with the help of some very strategically placed steps) at over 8500 feet.
And one of the best parts about longer or more difficult hikes is that you can often pause at a mountain hut for lunch along the way. For example, we love the Rotstock, Bäregg, Gleckstein, and Löbhorn huts.
Bonus #3 | Family Destinations in the Jungfrau Region
Beyond just the views, the Jungfrau Region is absolutely a family-friendly destination!
Our favorite recommendation is Pfingstegg. It has a mountain coaster, fly line, bouncy castle, playground, and kids trail. Basically, kids and teens of all ages will find something to like here.
Grindelwald Gorge is also nearby. It’s interesting to learn about how much the glacier has receded, and it has a massive spider web to climb on over the water. Thrill seekers can even do a canyon swing here.
And goodness, the playgrounds in this region are next level. Brett’s favorite is the flower-themed one at Allmendhubel. And Jana’s favorite playground is the giant cow at Männlichen, although the ship-themed playground at Holenstein and the one at the Bort cable car station are also fantastic.
If mom and dad want to mix in a little education with vacation, Ballenberg is a 163 acre outdoor museum in Brienz. It has more than 100 historic homes, 200 farm animals, and live demonstrations that paint a realistic snapshot of what daily life was like in the Swiss countryside.
If you’ve noticed the typical little wooden cows in all of the tourist shops, you can see how they are carved, painted, and produced at the Trauffer Wooden Cow Museum in Brienz.
And if it’s raining, head inside the St. Beatus-Höhlen Caves above Lake Thun.
Your Jungfrau Region Itinerary
Now that you’ve narrowed down your list of places to go in the Jungfrau Region — or maybe added more spots to it — let the planning begin! We have provided links in each section so you can find more information on the activities you are interested in.
Plan your Swiss vacation in less than 30 minutes our free Trip Planning Checklist. Or remove all the guessing and stressing with our customer-favorite 1-Week Guide to the Jungfrau Region. And we’ll see you in Switzerland!
