The Jungfrau region in Switzerland is one of the most exciting and interesting places to visit in Switzerland. It is a big region with many beautiful Swiss villages, huge valleys, many peaks, a vast skiing region, huge mountain stations, and many other activities.
You will not only find one of the highest mountain stations and the highest railroad station in Europe there at 3454 meters but as well many beautiful hiking routes and fields full of Swiss cows.
You can easily spend a week in the Jungfrau region and you will find each day something new to do. I always include Jungfrau Region in my Switzerland itineraries.
Jungfrau Region is a very famous skiing area with long and wide skiing slopes with the most modern skiing lifts in the world, but as well a very popular hiking destination with very well prepared hiking routes.
Let us have a look at the most interesting destinations and activities in Jungfrau Region.
Table of Contents
1. Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular destinations in whole Switzerland. It is one of the highest mountain stations and the highest railroad station in Europe: the whole structure is at 3454 meters where winter is all year round.
You can reach Jungfraujoch only with a train connection which starts in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunenn – you can choose your starting point, these villages are on different sides of the mountain. This train connection was built back in 1912 and goes right into the mountain and the last part of the train ride you are going to spend in the mountain. In the middle of it. It is one of the most exceptional train rides in the world.
In this Unesco World Heritage location, you will not only find the most fascinating mountain views to the longest glacier in Switzerland called Aletsch, but as well the highest Lindt chocolate store in the world, restaurants, and many other activities. Jungfraujoch is still one of the most exceptional places where I had fondue.
Do not forget as well to visit the glacier tunnels (where you literally walk inside the ice) with sculptures and 360 degrees panoramic cinema.
Jungfraujoch is as well a very beloved place of mountaineers as it is the starting point to reach the peak of Jungfrau at 4158 meters. You only need to reach Mönchsjoch Hut at 3658 meters and continue your ascend the next morning.
Jungfraujoch is a really fascinating destination with many activities to offer, you can find the tickets to Jungraujoch right here: Jungfraujoch tickets.
2. Grindelwald
Grindelwald is the biggest village in the Jungfrau region with countless activities for mountain lovers and adventure seekers.
I have been in Grindelwald multiple times and as well have prepared a list of top activities there: Best things to do in Grindelwald.
Grindelwald is as well a very popular tourist destination with multiple mountain cable connections and with the most modern mountain station (it literally looks like a fancy airport inside that station).
Grindelwald has a perfect view of the highest Alps north face which is even 1800 meters high: Eiger mountain.
If you want to get higher and enjoy more of the mountain views, I really suggest visiting First, Männlichen or Kleine Scheidegg. All of these places have restaurants with mountain terraces and many other additional activities. If you are feeling adventurous, you can as well hike to all of these places and then get back with a gondola or train.
Grindelwald has many restaurants, but maybe the most interesting one is a fondue restaurant where they have dozens of different fondue options: Föhrenstube, the restaurant is right behind the Grindelwald train station.
3. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is yet another fascinating Swiss village on the other side of Grindelwald.
If you have ever seen famous mountain village videos where right above the roofs of houses you can see a huge waterfall – it is probably Lauterbrunnen.
It is a very cozy little village with one main street and countless mountain activities.
You can not only hike to all the sides of the valley, but you can visit multiple waterfalls: Staubbachfall, Trummelbachfälle, Hasenbachfall, and Buchenbachfall. It is a valley of waterfalls.
I have a list as well of the most beautiful hikes in Lauterbrunnen: Hiking in Lauterbrunnen. Each of them is more beautiful than the other.
4. Wengen
Wengen is one of my most beloved villages in Switzerland. It is a car-free village at 1274 meters which you can reach only by train or by foot from Lauterbrunnen.
I really recommend taking a train to Wengen as the ride has one of the most beautiful views to the valley of Lauterbrunnen just for 6 CHF.
Once in Wengen you will find an old village with many hotels, chalets, and restaurants. It is a very popular skiing destination as you get there a direct connection to Männlichen and the whole Jungfrau Skiing Region.
In Summertime Wengen is a perfect hiking destination with multiple hikes up to more than 2000 meters altitude: Hiking in Wengen.
If you have limited time in Wengen, I really recommend walking through the whole village as it has a unique Swiss Alps architecture which you are going to love.
5. Mürren
Jungfrau Region is full of beautiful Swiss villages and Mürren is yet another perfect example of it.
Mürren is situated on the other side of Lauterbrunnen, right in front of Wengen.
Mürren is as well a car-free village and I highly recommend getting the by funicular/train connection.
First, you will have to get on a funicular which takes you to Grütschalp train station and afterward jump onto a very old train which takes you to Mürren. The train ride from Grütschalp to Mürren gives perfect views of the mountains and takes you through the lush Swiss Alps nature.
Mürren is a very calm hiking destination in summer, but a very active skiing resort in winter.
One of the most famous activities is a Via Ferrata adventure in Mürren where you will get to a challenging route on the rocks of the mountain. The whole time you will be attached to the steel cable and harness on your body which ensures your safety.
6. Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is one of the smallest villages in the Jungfrau Region and as well one of the oldest and most secluded.
Gimmelwald population is only 130 people and it is much more rustic than Lauterbrunnen or Mürren. Gimmelwald was not an easy place to live a hundred years or more ago, as the winter conditions are rough, the road to the village was very hard to walk or ride with horses and to this day most of Gimmelwald houses are heated with wood.
It has only one street and is reachable only by foot or a cable car.
I really recommend taking a hike from Mürren to Gimmelwald – it is a very easy hike downhill with astonishing views to the mountains.
In Gimmelwald you will find a couple of hotels, restaurants and do not forget to try the famous local beer Schwarz Mönsch (black monk).
Once in Gimmelwald, you can do a village tour where you are going to learn more about the village. The audio tour is available here: Gimmelwald village tour.
Important to note: in some of Gimmelwald houses or small farms you can buy local foods: cheese, meat, milk, jams, and other goods. Look out for the signs on the houses and you will be able to get Swiss Alps local foods.
7. Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass with a train station, hotels and restaurants, and as well a midway point to Jungfraujoch.
It is a fascinating location with perfect views of Eigergletscher (a glacier right in front of the train station) and a perfect hiking destination.
I have hiked myself multiple times to Kleine Scheidegg from Grindelwald – it is a 2-3 hour hike with 1000m altitude change, but the rewards are in the end are worth it.
Kleine Scheidegg is one of these places which looks like that it shouldn’t exist at all. Right in the rough nature at 2061 meters, in the middle of huge peaks, a glacier, and windy weather you will find hotels, a nice restaurant, a shop, and a train station. It is like a small village up there.
You can reach Kleine Scheidegg not only by foot but as well by train from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. The train ride is a treat itself as you will get unique views to the mountains and will be able to snatch a photo of a long red train going up the mountains. It is as Swiss as it can get.
In the wintertime, Kleine Scheidegg is pretty much the biggest stop for skiers and as well a destination for snowshoe hikers.
In the summertime, you can hike to Männlichen or closer to Eigergletscher.
8. Schilthorn
Schilthorn is another fascinating mountain station in the Jungfrau Region and is very famous because the movie James Bond “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed there. You will notice a lot of 007 agent-themed things over there.
Schilthorn station is at 2970 meters altitude and has a restaurant, shops, and a 360 degrees panorama terrace.
Schilthorn is reachable only by a gondola (although in the summertime it is possible to reach it on foot).
Once you are on Schilthorn do not forget to do the James Bond Walk of Fame where you will find information about the movie, personal messages and other details about the James Bond movie. A tip: inside the station, you will as well find a Bond cinema where even 35 people can sit.
On the way to the top, or on the way back, you can visit Birg which has a Thrill Walk – a walk right on the side of the rocks on steel construction.
9. First cliff walk
First is a mountain station right above Grindelwald village.
You can reach it by gondola and by foot in summer (it is about 2 hours steep hike from Grindelwald).
First is at 2166 meters altitude and has a huge restaurant area (inside and outside), a cozy mountain hut next to it with a very good coffee option, shop and other facilities.
From First you can as well hike to multiple destinations like Bachalpsee or Grosse Scheidegg, but the most popular thing in First is hands down – First Cliff Walk.
It is a breathtaking experience to walk right next to the rocks on a narrow bridge and not only enjoy the views, but take probably on of the most beautiful pictures of your life. The walk itself takes around 10-20 minutes and you finish it on the terrace of First. The walk is completely free.
10. Isenfluh
Isenfluh is a hidden gem of the Jungfrau Region. It is very easy to miss, but really worth visiting.
You will find the turn to Isenfluh on the way to Lauterbrunnen – you will go straight up, cross one long tunnel and voila – you are in a very small village of Isenfluh.
Once you come to Isenfluh, you can park in two locations: right before the village, or you have to cross the whole village and the narrow street of it, and you will find a bigger parking area at the end of the village. The parking is not free, you will have to pay around 5 CHF for 24 hours.
Isenfluh has one restaurant with a hotel, a local cheese shop (really recommend it, I have bought very good parmesan cheese in the shop) and a gondola station.
If you come to Isenfluh, I really recommend taking the gondola and going up to Sulwald village (even a smaller one). In Sulwald you will find some nice hiking trails and a small coffee shop in the gondola station. In Sulwald you can as well take a trotti and go down the mountain to Isenfluh.
Isenfluh is probably the most popular in the wintertime as then you can embark on very beautiful snowshoe trails with astonishing winter mountain views. I have done it once and really enjoyed it: Snowshoeing in Isenfluh.
11. Skiing in the Jungfrau Region
As mentioned before, Jungfrau Region is one of the biggest skiing resorts in Switzerland and pretty much one of the most modern in the world.
Jungfrau skiing resort is massive and has more than 200 kilometers of slopes.
Jungfrau skiing resort consists of three areas: Grindelwald – First, Grindelwald – Wengen, Mürren – Schilthorn.
Grindelwald – Wengen is the biggest one with the longest slopes and many attractions. I have spent two winters there and highly recommend it: Jungfrau Skiing Experience. It has more than 100 kilometers of slopes.
If you choose to ski in Grindelwald – Wengen area, it is best to start in Wengen or Grindelwald. Wengen has a direct connection to Männlichen, where you can start your skiing adventure. Grindelwald at the moment has probably the most modern skiing station in the world (it looks like a modern airport) and the gondolas from Grindelwald up to Eiger Gletscher are huge, with radio, and heated. The best you can get.
The other two areas are two times smaller than Grindelwald – Wengen and offer fewer attractions, but at the same time can be much less crowded.
The season mostly starts at the end of December and finishes at the beginning of April.
12. Pfingstegg and Bäregg
Pfingstegg is another cable station connected to Grindelwald and Bäregg is a mountain hut close to the Grindelwald glacier.
I would connect these both destinations as it offers a perfect day tour experience.
You can get to Pfingstegg with a gondola straight from Grindelwald in about 5 minutes. In Pfingstegg you will find a restaurant with a big terrace (great views to Grindelwald), children playing ground, a fly line and many hiking routes.
The best hiking route for me is to Bäregg hut. It is a surprisingly astonishing 2 hours hike to the mountain hut and for the most part on your right, you will have exclusive views of the canyon and the glacier. It is really amazing. For me personally, it was a big surprise how beautiful it is up there – lush nature, peaks, narrow hiking trails, stones, glacier, canyon – all in one. Bäregg route is not that advertised, so not that many hikers are there each day.
Once you reach the hut, you can have some local food and a coffee. To relax and recover after a hike. If you still have time and enough power, you can continue your hike even further and get much closer to the glacier. Just be aware – you will have to walk it all back to Pfingstegg.
13. Grosse Scheidegg
Grosse Scheidegg is yet another hidden gem of the Jungfrau Region.
Grosse Scheidegg is on another side of Kleine Scheidegg. Funny thing: Grosse mean BIG, kleine mean SMALL. But Kleine Scheidegg is higher than Grosse Scheidegg.
To reach Grosse Scheidegg you will have to take a great alpine bus drive from Grindelwald or hike up to it.
I personally hiked up to Grosse Scheidegg in about two hours and really loved the views. You will get very close to huge mountain walls and the hiking trails are very well maintained. The hike from Grindelwald includes almost 1000 meters ascend, so be prepared with good hiking equipment and enough water.
On the top of Grosse Scheidegg, you will find a hotel with a restaurant and in the summertime, a small coffee takeaway kiosk.
Tip: if you have more time, you can hike from Grosse Scheidegg to First mountain station (it is an easy 1-hour hike). That is an ultimate loop hike: Grindelwald – Grosse Scheidegg – First – Grindelwald. You would need around 5 hours to finish it.
14. Schynige Platte hike
Schynige Platte hike is a pretty long hike, but really rewarding. I have the full review of it right here: Schynige Platte hike.
To begin this hike you will need to get to Wilderswil village (it is on the way to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen) – just a few minutes away from Interlaken by train.
Once in Wilderswil you will need to take a train up to Schynige Platte – it is a beautiful 40-50 minutes train ride up to the mountains.
The hike is 16 kilometers long and ends in First mountain station. From there you can take a gondola down to Grindelwald.
The hike itself is not very physical as you will have to ascend only around 600 meters and after 6 kilometers of the hike, you will have to hike down till the end.
On the way to First you will be able to visit Faulhorn (a mountain peak), Männdlenen Hut (perfect coffee break spot) and an astonishing Bachalpsee lake.
The hike is perfect for adventure seekers and people who want to get some of that fresh Swiss Alps air.
15. The Eiger trail
Eiger is one of the most popular mountains in Switzerland as it has a jaw-dropping 1800 meters high north face (the biggest wall in the Alps). To climb this wall is an adventure just for the most experienced mountaineers, but as an average Joe, you can hike the fascinating Eiger trail, which is a much easier challenge, but the rewards are huge.
I have done Eiger trail a couple of years ago, and here you can find the whole review: Eiger trail.
Eiger trail itself begins a bit higher in the mountains, but you should start in Grindelwald or Gründ (Gründ is a village a bit below Grindelwald).
After one hour hike from Grindelwald, you will reach Berghaus Alpiglen (a mountain restaurant) there will be a direction to the left to Eiger trail.
The Eiger trail is quite rocky, so take your best hiking shoes and be careful.
Eiger trail finishes at Eiger Gletscher and from there you can hike a bit down to Kleine Scheidegg, where you can take a train back to Grindelwald.
The hike is quite physical as you will have to ascend about 1400 meters and it is 12 kilometers long. The hike will take about 3-4 hours.
16. Paragliding in Interlaken
Paragliding is very popular in Switzerland and Interlaken is probably the most popular destination to do that.
The best way to experience paragliding in Interlaken is simply to do it with a professional.
The van will take you up to the starting point, you will get a short instructing, get to know your guide, connect yourself to the paraglide and jump off the mountain.
The whole experience is very smooth and in sunny weather, you won’t even really experience cold wind or something else.
But the views – oh, the views. You will see much of the Jungfrau Region during your flight, from beautiful white peaks to huge Interlaken lake.
The whole flight will take 15-30 minutes and you will safely land in Interlaken.
Here you can find some paragliding tours for your best experience: Interlaken paragliding tours.
17. Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm is a very famous mountain attraction right next to Interlaken.
Harder Kulm is a very beautiful mountain station with exceptional architecture and exquisite views of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
Harder Kulm is a perfect destination for families with kids as your children will find a huge playground and parents will be able to relax in the restaurant.
You can reach Harder Kulm easily with a funicular from Interlaken: Tickets to Harder Kulm.
18. Panorama Trail
Panorama trail is one of the most pleasurable ways to experience the beauty of the Jungfrau region and burn some calories at the same time.
Panorama trail starts at Männlichen mountain at 2343 meters altitude and leads to Kleine Scheidegg.
You can reach Männlichen by gondola from Wengen or Grindelwald.
The hike is possible from Mid-June to October. At other times it is covered by snow and is part of the skiing region.
Once you get outside from the gondola, you can start your hike down to Kleine Scheidegg or hike a bit more to the peak of Männlichen (the gondola station is 100 meters below Männlichen).
The hike is 4.5 kilometers long and will take you about 1h 20 minutes to finish.
19. Bachalpsee
Switzerland does not have a sea, but it is lucky enough to have many beautiful lakes. And there’s nothing more beautiful than a lake in the Swiss Alps.
Most of the Swiss lakes are completely frozen in the wintertime, so I suggest visiting Bachalpsee in the summertime.
Bachalpsee is a beautiful little lake above Grindelwald. You can reach it by taking a gondola to First mountain station and then taking a 40-50 minute hike up to Bachalpsee. The hike is very easy, you will have to ascend only a bit more than 100 meters.
Needless to say: all hike long you will get breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and mountain meadows.
20. Trümmelbach Falls
In Lauterbrunnen valley, you are going to find even multiple waterfalls, but probably the biggest attraction of them is Trümmelbach falls.
You will have to drive a bit further from Lauterbrunnen where you are going to find huge parking lots and entrance to the falls.
The falls are from the last Ice Age about 15’000 years ago until they were first made accessible only in 1877. They were hidden in the mountains.
On the tour inside the mountain, you will find 10 viewing points (to take pictures) and the whole tour will take you around 45 minutes.
FAQ about the Jungfrau region
How to get to the Jungfrau Region?
The Jungfrau Region is very easily accessible by car or by train.
Depending on where you want to start your Jungfray experience, you can get around very easily with public transport.
One of the most famous starting points is Interlaken and the train from Zürich to Interlaken takes only 2 hours.
From Interlaken, you can easily get to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen by train as well.
How many days in the Jungfrau Region?
Depending on how much time you have, you can easily spend the whole week in the Jungfrau region and still have something new to do each day.
Perfect stay: 2-3 days.
Which villages to visit in the Jungfrau Region?
The most beautiful villages in the Jungfrau region are: Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Wengen and Gimmelwald.
Where to eat in the Jungfrau region?
In most of the destinations mentioned above, you will find good restaurants with good quality local food. The best eating destinations with the best views would be: Jungfraujoch, Wengen, Bäregg, First, Mürren, Grindelwald.
What is the weather in the Jungfrau region?
In the Jungfrau region, you will find destinations in very different altitudes, so in some places, even in summertime, it is freezing cold (like Jungfraujoch). But if we would take Grindelwald as our main location: temperatures get even over 30 degrees in summer, are very pleasant and mild in autumn and spring: around 15 degrees, and around -5 in the wintertime (perfect for skiing).