This route is certainly not one of the typical mountain trails I have recommended on the blog so far. But the place is not ordinary either.
A walk through a world of glaciers and four-thousanders
The Jungfraujoch cog railway station is at 3’454 m above sea level, and the trail leads through a world of glaciers and four-thousanders to the Mönchsjochhütte hut (3’659 m).
This mountain hut is the starting point for mountaineers who have plans to climb the surrounding four-thousanders. It is also open to anyone who wishes to simply spend the night in this amazing place.
The route to the hut is safe and regularly cleared of snow for visitors. However, you should not deviate from it. Signs and deep crevasses, which are already visible from the path, warn against this.
How do you dress when it is hot down there and snowing up there?
Remember good footwear and winter clothing. Depending on the time of year and the weather, the snow can be muddy or slightly icy. I had fantastic, sunny and windless weather in August. On the trail the sun was pleasantly warm and you could throw off your jacket. Of course, sunglasses with a good UV filter will come in handy.
However, I would like to point out that the temperature is different in the passages carved in the rock (also in the queue). Therefore, even in summer, I recommend taking a cap and gloves with you, because the cold in these tunnels is very noticeable.
Moreover, do not underestimate the height. The walk can be very tiring for the untrained, even though the route is short and without major ascents.
I have indicated an hour fifteen as the approximate time of the walk. However, you should reserve at least three hours for this place to enjoy the views and surroundings without rushing.
Ice palace, chocolate exhibition, Tyrolean train …
In addition to the short hike, there are other attractions for visitors which will appeal not only to children. I am thinking of the ice palace with ice sculptures or the exhibition prepared by Lindt and of course the shop with its chocolate products.
For the adventurous there is the Tyrolean train outside. A high-speed lift will take you over 100 metres in no time at all to the viewing platform, which is also a research station (meteorological and astronomical). Its name Sphinx comes from the name of the rocky peak on which it is located.
Getting to Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch can be reached by cog railway from the Kleine Scheidegg stop. The ride takes about 35 minutes and unfortunately is not the cheapest. That’s why it’s worth hunting down seasonal special offers.
It is possible to book a seat on the train for a specific time. However, there is an additional fee for this. Is it worth it? Well, at the weekend, in high season, you will not be standing in line and waiting for free seats. Priority is given to those with reservations. During the week it is supposedly much looser and it is not necessary.
I should also add that during the journey the cable car makes a five-minute stop at an altitude of about 3’160 m, at the Eismeer stop. Passengers can step out for a moment and see a substitute of what awaits them even higher up through the glass in the rock.
Prices on the famous mountain
When it comes to prices on the famous mountain, I can reassure you because they don’t make you dizzy.
Whether in the souvenir shop, the restaurant or the cafeteria, the prices are, for Swiss conditions, quite reasonable. They do not serve octopus, but simple dinners from the mountain pubs.
Last but not least, I encourage you to look at the photos and brief information about the construction of the Jungfraujoch railway route before your trip. It also gives you a different perspective on the place. Although I still have the question: how did they do it over 100 years ago?
