Episode 155: 3 Perfect Days in the Jungfrau Region: The Ideal Swiss Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

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With its snow-capped peaks, alpine villages, and turquoise lakes, the Jungfrau Region is one of the most magical corners of Switzerland.

In this episode, I’m sharing a well-paced, three-day Swiss itinerary designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the highlights without feeling rushed, from epic mountain excursions to peaceful lakeside moments.

I take you through unforgettable experiences like riding the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, often called the Top of Europe, exploring the charming car-free village of Murren, and standing in awe at the summit of Schilthorn.

You’ll also get my insider travel tips for navigating the region efficiently with a Swiss rail pass, including how to make the most of Switzerland cable cars and train connections.

You’ll hear about stunning lake cruises on both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, must-see stops like the powerful Trümmelbach Falls, and gentle hikes such as the alpine lake hike to Bachalpsee at Grindelwald First.

For those looking for classic things to do in Interlaken, don’t miss the panoramic views from Harder Kulm or the charming Lauterbrunnen waterfalls.

Planning a quick getaway or a longer Swiss vacation? This episode will help you choose the right experiences in the Jungfrau Region, stay on schedule, and enjoy every moment of your journey whether you travel Switzerland by train or car.

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How to plan a 3-day itinerary in the Jungfrau Region, including suggested sights and activities for each day
• The differences between visiting Jungfraujoch (‘Top of Europe’) and the Schilthorn, and how to reach each summit
• Recommended stops, travel times, and transport options for mountain excursions and village visits
• Tips for making the most of lake cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, including must-see stops along each route
• Important considerations like seasonal opening times, seat reservations, and how to avoid missing the last cable car or boat

Key excursions and activities mentioned in this episode

>> Jungfraujoch – home to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aletsch Glacier. Although there are numerous routes to the intermediate stations of Kleine Scheidegg and Eiger Glacier, all passengers reach the summit via Jungfrau Railways’ cogwheel train.

>> Schilthorn – at 2,970 metres above sea level, the views from the summit of the Schilthorn are breathtaking. As well as a revolving restaurant and a thrill walk, visitors to the Schilthorn can ride on the world’s steepest cable car between the valley station, Stechelberg, and Mürren. There is also an alternative route to Mürren (by cable car and train) via Grütschalp.

>> Lake Brienz cruise – the turquoise water of Lake Brienz can be crossed by boat from (approximately) early April to late October. It takes 75 minutes to travel from Interlaken to Brienz. Giessbach Falls are a popular place to stopover before boarding the next scheduled boat.

>> Lake Thun cruise – boats operate year round between Interlaken and Thun (and vice versa) via numerous towns including Spiez and Oberhofen. The journey time across Lake Thun, between Interlaken and Thun, is two hours and ten minutes.

>> Grindelwald First – home to the Cliff Walk viewing platform, Grindelwald First is a popular excursion for the numerous activities it offers. A zip line, mountain cart rides, the hike to Bachalpsee or simply enjoying the views, are just some of the options visitors can choose from. Grindelwald First is reached by cable car.

>> Schynige Platte – reached by cogwheel train from Wilderswil, Schynige Platte is home to an Alpine garden where over 750 species of flora are grown. The summit can be visited from mid-June until late October each year.

>> Männlichen – located between Wengen and Grindelwald, Männlichen can be reached from either village by cable car. It is home to a fantastic children’s playground and is the starting point for numerous hikes in summer.

>> Harder Kulm – the ‘house mountain’ of Interlaken, Harder Kulm can be reached by funicular in under 10 minutes. The viewing platform, known as the Two Lakes Bridge, offers magnificent views of both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.

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Useful resources

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> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.