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Last December, I had one of the most amazing trips in Switzerland visiting the Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) and Schilthorn Piz Gloria (Bond World).
All 3 mountain tops at once, and just over a 3-day short weekend!
In this post, I am sharing my travel experience and some practical tips for planning such a cool trip on a budget.
Tip 1: Transportation- Jungfrau Corona Winter Pass
Before the trip, we found that various travel agents (for example GetYourGuide) are selling one-day round trips from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch by train for approx. €250-€280.
Unsure about what this cost contains, we decided to purchase our train tickets once we get there- which was the right decision.
As we were staying at Interlaken West, we went to the train station information centre there to purchase our tickets.
The lady at the desk spoke fluent English and was very helpful in finding us the best ticket plan.
She recommended the 3-day Jungfrau Corona Winter Pass.
With it, we could use all the train and gondola lines within the area (see map below) unlimitedly for 3 days at CHF 219 (approx. €216)!
By the way, you DON’T need an extra entry ticket for the Jungfraujoch.
The train ticket to the top will allow you to enter directly into the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, Paromara Cinema and all the facilities at the Jungfraujoch.
The corona pass covers transportation to the Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) and partially the way to Schilthorn Piz Gloria (Bond World)- we’ll get to that later.
Tip 2: Planning & Navigation
SBB Mobile App
Always helpful to have a train navigation tool to plan ahead!
It is especially critical that you know the departure time of the last train down the mountains. Got to play it safe and leave before it gets dark!
Download the app here –>SBB Mobile
Pricing & Activity Brochure
Pricings and a detailed intro for the Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) and Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) are here–>Pricing & Activity Brochure
Tip 3: Accommodation- Better Grindelwald than Interlaken
Even though we had the corona pass, however, it might have been better if we stayed at Grindelwald instead of Interlaken for 3 reasons:
- The last train off the mountains is generally around 4:30 pm- before the sky turns dark. Living directly in the alps could give us more time for sightseeing and mountain activities.
- Grindelwald has spectacular alpine surroundings. Living there would be an unforgettable experience.
- When we were at Interlaken, the cable car for the famous Harder Kulm viewing platform was under construction.
Therefore, we couldn’t go on top of the viewing platform to see both lakes at once.
So there was not so much to do at Interlaken- besides some nice restaurants and the Christmas market.
Day 1: Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
Marked as the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jungfraujoch is 3,466 meters above sea level and has the highest railway station in Europe.
The Jungfraujoch has been accessible by the Jungfrau railway since 1912 and includes a historical museum documenting the history of this incredible destination.
While we were on our way to the top, the train stopped at 2 stations along the way for passengers to look out from the indoor viewing point: Eigergletscher (2,320 m) and Eismeer (3,158 m).
Everyone had around 5 minutes to enjoy the view and to take pictures.
After arrival, we first went to the gift shop where I bought a beautiful souvenir hat saying ” Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe”. I still love it today and wear it everywhere.
People could also send postcards from the Jungfraujoch- the highest post office in Europe (postcode: 3801).
The 360-degree outdoor Sphinx Observatory was amazing as shown in the picture.
The weather was nice so we had our pre-made lunch directly on the deck.
Even though there were places selling food and drinks at the Jungfraujoch, it was still a good idea to bring our food. (Skip the queue, etc.)
We also visited the famous Ice Palace and the spectacular 360-degree panorama cinema.
I enjoyed the panorama cinema where I experienced the different faces of the Jungfraujoch through video and sound effects.
We took a different route back to Interlaken so we could see another side of the mountains. (Great idea!)
Day 2: Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure)
At Grindelwald, you could be close to the alps by taking the adventure rides: First Flyer, First Glider, First Mountain Cart or First Trottibike.
The First Mountain Cart and First Trottibike weren’t available in winter so we took the First Flyer and the First Glider.
It was Amazing! (Check my video below)
The First Flyer felt similar to paragliding so we skipped the planned paragliding.
Don’t forget to check theopening hoursbefore visiting.
You should NOT miss the First Cliff Walk and Lake Bachalp (Bachalpsee) either, so plan enough time for Grindelwald First!
The First Cliff Walk is just absolutely beautiful. (Check my video below)
Due to the heavy snow, we couldn’t see Lake Bachalp itself, but pretty sure it looks amazing in warm seasons.
However, we still made it to the lake with our sleigh. First-time sleighing: it almost threw us down a small cliff. Be cautious!
Day 3: Schilthorn Piz Gloria (Bond World)
Before travelling from Interlaken to Schilthorn Piz Gloria (Bond World), I went to the train station information centre to get my train schedules printed out.
It was not mentioned at the time, but when I arrived at Stechelberg it turned out the gondola line to Schilthorn Piz Gloria (Bond World) is operated by another operator: Swiss Skyline.
Therefore, different from the plan, my corona pass was not applicable and I had to buy an extra gondola ticket for CHF 83 🙁
It is until today still unclear to me if there is another route operated by the SBB that could take me to the Bond World using my corona pass.
However, if so, I guess the route will be different from the one I took- which was stunning! (Check my video below)
The gondola was driving close to the cliff so the view was different from the ones at the Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald First!
Birg (2,677m)
Before arriving at the top (Bond World), we first stop at Birg which is 2,677m above sea level.
The place is stunning!
And there was a bunch of fun and crazy stuff to do at the Thrill Walk at Birg!
Such as walking on a string at 2,677m above sea level.
Walking on the transparent floor at 2,677m above sea level.
Or climbing through the metal nest right above the cliffs at 2,677m above sea level.
Which I did twice! 🙂
Just had to make sure that there was no small stuff in my jacket that could fall out of the nest while I climb.
To be honest, it took me a lot of courage to do it! But the second time was easier.
It was a once in a lifetime experience.
Some action going on with solo ski-paragliding which I must share with the audience.
Schilthorn Piz Gloria – Bond World (2,970m)
Finally, arriving at the top!
Some action going on with the helicopter.
There was also a James Bond museum which I could only briefly go through because I needed to catch the train back before dark.
I took another route operated by the SBB to go back: Schilthorn –> Birg –> Mürren –> Grütschalp –> Gimmelwald –> Stechelberg –> Lauterbrunnen –> Interlaken Ost –> Interlaken West
Looks complicated? I reckon it is best to have the whole round-trip train schedule printed at the train station before you go!
Conclusion
I had such an amazing time at the Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald First and Schilthorn Piz Gloria. All three of them were so different yet interesting and beautiful in their ways.
If you are planning to visit the Jungfrau area, I hope you find this post helpful.
Bon voyage & Gute Reise!