How long do you need for the perfect Jungfrau Region itinerary?
- 3 or 4 nights is better than nothing.
- 7 nights will leave you wanting more.
- 10 nights is an excellent choice.
- 14 nights is even better.
My answer is: you can’t stay too long in the Jungfrau Region. After approximately 56 weeks as a holiday rep and 8 weeks as a holidaymaker, I’m still going back for more.
So the bigger question is: how long can you stay? Once you’ve decided, I can help you plan your Jungfrau Region itinerary.
Pros & cons of a short stay
If you’re considering a short 3 or 4-night itinerary in the Jungfrau Region, be aware that a rainy weather window could hide the full glory of the mountains away for your entire stay. It’s a big risk, but while I don’t recommend it, a short visit is better than nothing.
A quick break is certainly logistically doable. You can reach Interlaken within a 2 – 3 hour train journey from both Zurich and Geneva airports. The majority of both journeys are incredibly scenic, so they become a key part of your holiday. If it’s your first time in Switzerland, you’ll depart with a taste of what you can expect from a summer holiday in the mountains.
Itinerary inspiration: 1 – 14 nights in the Jungfrau Region
My suggested Jungfrau Region itinerary is designed to showcase my favourite place in the whole world. It’s ideal for everyone, particularly first-time visitors who want to experience the variety of Switzerland: mountains, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, traditional alpine villages, historic towns & cities. Keep your camera/phone poised as you travel around via spectacular train journeys, mountain cable cars, gondolas and lake steamers. Short, easy walks are included that can be enjoyed by all, with longer, more challenging options suggested for more experienced hikers.
This is not an itinerary that crams in all the highlights (particularly for the shorter durations). Instead, I’ve prioritised quality of time to savour each experience rather than ticking off attractions for the sake of it.
The order of the days can and should be tweaked according to the weather forecast.
3-night itinerary in the Jungfrau Region
Day 1 – Arrival and explore your home for the next 3 nights
Interlaken is the tourist hub of the region and the fastest to reach from the airport. It works perfectly as a convenient sightseeing base for a short stay, giving easy access to both lakes and mountains.
If you’re a hiker, you may prefer to stay closer to the mountains for the quickest access to the key hiking regions. Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren are all in the heart of the mountains, each with more than enough trails to keep you busy. But Lauterbrunnen is my top tip for a short stay. At the head of the incredible U-shaped valley of 72 waterfalls, and just one short train away from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen is the most centrally located of the mountain villages. From here, you can easily reach Wengen (11 mins), Mürren (21 mins) and Grindelwald (39 mins), to hike a different region each day.
Day 2 – Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Is it your first time in the Jungfrau Region? If so, you’ll probably want to visit the Jungfraujoch. At Switzerland’s most popular (and most expensive) tourist attraction, you’ll be greeted by astounding views over the UNESCO Aletsch Glacier. Not to mention husky dogs, sledging and multiple other attractions.
The fastest way to reach the Jungfraujoch is via the Eiger Express cable car from Grindelwald. However, to make the most of your time, I highly recommend the Jungfraujoch round-trip ascending via Wengen (with views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley) and descending via Grindelwald (with views of the North Face of the Eiger). Set off as early as you can to beat the worst of the crowds and allow time to stop off in Grindelwald for coffee and cake.
If you’ve visited Chamonix’s Aiguille du Midi, Courmayeur’s Skyway Monte Bianco or Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacial Paradise, these offer very similar high-altitude glacial experiences. In this case, you may want to consider skipping the Jungfraujoch. Then, you can add something that appeals from the longer itineraries below.
Day 3 – A day on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
To contrast the glaciers and mountains of yesterday, take a leisurely lake cruise. Whether you pick Thun or Brienz, both lakes are beautiful, you really can’t go wrong.
On the Interlaken Ost side of town, Lake Brienz is the smaller of the two lakes, a little more rugged and mountainous. I recommend stopping off at:
Giessbach Falls: The hike up to the Grandhotel Giessbach takes you behind the majestic waterfalls. Alternatively, you can hop on the historic funicular railway from the boat pier.
Brienz: Famous for its woodcarvings, the lakeside village of Brienz is well worth a wander. Browse the local craft shops and explore the cobbled backstreets lined with picturesque floral-decked chalets.
On the Interlaken West side of town, Lake Thun is the larger lake. It’s more open but equally picturesque. You can cruise the length of the lake and back again, but I highly recommend stopping off at:
Thun: The picturesque medieval town has a lively pedestrianised centre full of al fresco dining spots, beautiful old wooden bridges and town squares. Not to mention a striking castle and riverside walks.
Day 4 – The mountain village of Mürren & the Schilthorn
Hopefully, you have a late flight. Otherwise, consider staying a 4th night!
Back up in the mountains, Mürren is one of the most beautiful traffic-free alpine villages. A simple stroll will present you with the best of Swiss tradition. From immaculate wooden chalets and window boxes overflowing with colourful flowers to welcoming cafés and breathtaking views over the Lauterbrunnen valley. If you have the whole day, you can easily add one of the following walks to your journey to reach Mürren. And/or you can take the cable car from Mürren to the Schilthorn mountain summit for more views and a revolving restaurant.
Walkers: To reach Mürren, I highly recommend taking the cable car to Grütschalp (7 mins from Lauterbrunnen). From Grütschalp, the 4.4km easy footpath to Mürren via Winteregg will take your breath away with the views. Read more here.
Hikers: In a small but significant tweak to the above advice for walkers, one of my favourite trails takes you from Grütschalp to Allmendhubel on the Mountain View Trail. Then, continue on to Mürren via the Northface Trail. It’s about 11.5 km in total, and you should allow around 4 hours to complete this red-white hiking route (read more about red-white hiking trails here).
Non-walkers: I recommend taking the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and then the mountain train to Mürren. Make it a round trip by returning via the cable car from Mürren to Stechelberg and the Postbus back down the valley to Lauterbrunnen.
7-night itinerary in the Jungfrau Region
Day 1 – 4 – As above
Day 5 – Over the Brünig Pass to Luzern
Luzern is one of my favourite must-do day trips from Interlaken. The two-hour direct panoramic train over the Brünig Pass shows off both the rural beauty of Switzerland and the contrasts between two very different but equally beautiful regions. Luzern train station is so well placed that you only have to step outside for your first glimpse of the famous Chapel Bridge. You’re steps from the heart of the historic centre, where you can stroll the pedestrianised cobbled streets and embrace this exquisitely beautiful Swiss city. Read more about what to see in Luzern here.
Day 6 – Grindelwald & Bachalpsee
Set off early to beat the crowds; it’s time to visit one of the region’s must-see beauty spots, the Bachalpsee. To reach the lake, it’s a 1-hour hike from the top of the First gondola. Take a picnic, pick a spot on the lake shore and soak up the view. You can read more about this hike and how to get there here.
If you’re a more serious hiker up for a challenge, you can read about the classic trail from Schynige Platte to First here.
Day 7 – A day on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
If you chose Lake Thun for your Day 3 cruise, it’s time to pick Brienz (or vice versa). Relax on board and appreciate the contrasting beauty of Interlaken’s second lake. See Day 3 for recommended places to stop off at.
Day 8 – A day in Interlaken
If you’re at the end of your 7-night stay, Interlaken has a vast selection of souvenir shops (both tacky and tasteful). Take a stroll and do some last-minute holiday shopping.
If time allows, or you have a few more nights to go, you can spend a full day in Interlaken:
- Don’t miss Unterseen, the old part of town, with a picturesque cobbled square and old traditional chalets.
- From Unterseen, you can join the treelined riverside pathway for a picturesque, gentle stroll with plenty of shady benches.
- If you walk down the river towards Interlaken Ost, after approximately 1.5km, you’ll reach the Harder Kulm funicular. After a quick 10-minute funicular ride and short, easy walk, you’ll reach a panoramic restaurant and viewing platform. The view from here is all encompassing: the region’s famous mountain trio, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, are straight ahead, Lake Brienz to the left and Lake Thun to the right.
- If you don’t have time for the Harder Kulm, back in the centre of town, the view from the 18th floor of the Hotel Metropole is a convenient alternative. It’s well worth taking the lift and stopping for a drink or meal at the hotel’s Panoramic-Restaurant Top o’Met.
10 – 14 night itinerary in the Jungfrau Region
Days 1 – 8 – As above
Day 9 – Kandersteg & the Oeschinensee
Today, stay within the Bernese Oberland, but travel beyond the Jungfrau Region to Kandersteg. On the outskirts of town, a gondola takes you up to 1500m, where a short walk leads you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Oeschinensee. The turquoise waters of this glacial lake are framed by a rocky amphitheatre, making it one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps.
You can read more about Kandersteg and the Oeschinensee here, as well as the 9km panoramic loop that I highly recommend for hikers.
Reaching Kandersteg from Interlaken West is just over an hour by train with one change in Spiez. From the station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the gondola or a short bus ride. Then, a short walk from the top of the gondola to reach the lake.
Day 10 – Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum
4km west of Lake Brienz, Ballenberg is so much more than a museum. It’s a step back in time and immersion into the culture of rural Swiss life as you explore centuries-old buildings, traditional handicrafts and agriculture.
Ballenberg is easy to access from Interlaken in less than 40 minutes by train to Brienz, then by bus. Read more about Ballenberg at the official website here.
Day 11 – The city of Bern
Bern is an excellent option for a rainy day, so switch your days accordingly. A distinctive feature of the cobbled old town (another UNESCO Heritage Site) is the historic covered arcades hosting a vast array of shops and eateries and providing handy shelter from any downpours.
Other key features are the cathedral, Zytglogge (clock tower) and the River Aare.
Bern is just short of an hour by direct train from Interlaken.
Day 12 – Lauterbrunnen Valley & the Trümmelbach Falls
You’ll have already soared above Lauterbrunnen by gondola to Grutschalp and enjoyed the incredible valley views from the train to Wengen, but with no less than 72 waterfalls, the U-shaped glacial valley of Lauterbrunnen is more than worthy of a closer look. Atmospheric in the rain, breathtaking in the sunshine and at its most spectacular in Spring, the village draws hordes of tourists. Venture further into the valley to find tranquillity by PostBus, on foot or by bike.
The Trümmelbach Falls is a popular stop-off point. The subterranean waterfalls are concealed within the valley walls, accessible by lift and a series of tunnels and pathways.
Day 13 – The Niederhorn
Soaring above Lake Thun, from the summit of the Niederhorn, you have a unique perspective over the lake towards the snowcapped Jungfrau peaks.
Reach the summit by taking the gondola from Beatenberg (in two sections with a mid-way restaurant).
To get to Beatenberg, you have two options:
- Bus from Interlaken West to Beatenberg.
- Boat from Interlaken West to Beatenbucht, then funicular railway to Beatenberg.
Non-hikers can visit the mountaintop restaurant and enjoy the views from the easy circular summit trail. To make a full day of it, I recommend you set out by taking the bus to Beatenberg and return by funicular and boat (or vice versa).
Hikers can enjoy the breathtaking trails along the ridge towards the Burgfeldstand and Gemmenalphorn summits with a good chance of spotting ibex along the way. Read more about hiking the ridge trails here.
Day 14 – Männlichen & Kleine Scheidegg
The hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is a fitting grand finale for the end of your holiday. With Grindelwald on one side of the ridge, Wengen and the Lauterbrunnen Valley on the other, and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau straight ahead, nowhere else quite shows off the sheer scale of the magnificence of the Jungfrau Region. You can read more about this short but spectacular walk here, along with how to get there.
You can easily complete the walk itself in around 90 minutes, allowing time for enjoying the mountain restaurants at the start and finish, as well as leisurely exploration of Wengen and/or Grindelwald.
Day 15 – Departure
Final tips
- Consider investing in the Berner Oberland Pass. It covers travel to the majority of my itinerary inclusions. The notable exceptions are the Jungfraujoch, Kleine Scheidegg and First. For these mountain excursions, the pass offers discounted rather than free travel. You can read more about the travel pass options here.
- Don’t miss out on local evening events; check out what’s on during your stay here. During the peak summer, Wengen and Interlaken usually hold weekly folklore evenings, and Grindelwald has a lively street festival.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast here. I strongly recommend adapting the itinerary accordingly. The only attraction necessary to pre-book is the Jungfraujoch (reservations are mandatory from May to August).
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