How to Spend Two Days in the Jungfrau Region
This past October, I visited the Jungfrau Region with my partner, brother, and his fiancée. When I say the hills were alive, it doesn’t begin to describe the snowcapped Tobleronesque mountains surrounding us in every direction. Simply unreal.
Tucked into the Bernese Oberland area at the foot of the Bernese Alps, the Jungfrau Region boasts the regal presence of the highest mountain in the area—The Jungfrau—and other showstoppers like Eiger and Mönch. While it's undeniably one of Switzerland's more touristy hotspots, I'm here to assure you that the views (and, let’s be honest, the Swiss Francs)are worth every bit of the bustling crowds.
During our two-night stay in Grindelwald, we were #blessed with amazing weather and no rain - a true wonder, as this time of the year tends to be rather wet. This sunny, autumnal weather gave us the energy to explore Grindelwald and the surrounding area to the fullest. Here’s my guide for spending two days in this gorgeous area.
How to Spend two days in the Jungfrau region
Stay at the Eiger Lodge
First things first - where to stay?! Choosing a hotel on a budget was a big challenge. If you do a quick Google Search, you’ll see that most hotels in this region average 200€ per night, if not more. After an extensive search, my partner and I stumbled upon the Eiger Lodge—a snug haven overlooking the Nord Wand (North Face) mountain. What set this place apart was the blend of a hostel vibe with a chic and private ambiance. Divided into two sections—a hostel with bunk beds and a more hotel-like section with individual rooms—the lodge boasted communal spaces for cooking, gaming, and socializing. There was even a bar/grill on-site, ensuring easy takeout after a day of adventure. Beyond the fantastic value (thanks, buffet breakfast!), we chose it for its proximity to the Grindelwald Terminal, the gateway to Jungfraujoch, or the Top of Europe. I'd rebook in a heartbeat.
Hike to Bachalpsee
One of the area’s most visited mountain lakes, the Bachalpsee sits peacefully at 2,265 meters. It’s a hike that’s been on my bucket list for some time now, and seeing it in person was a truly special experience. Just a stone's throw from Grindelwald, the hike started at the cable car station ‘Grindelwald-First,’ where we purchased one-way tickets for 17€ p.P to the station Bort (1.600 meters elevation). The ride lasted around 15 minutes but was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The combination of green rolling hills, autumn colors, and snowcapped peaks was a view I won’t be likely to forget anytime soon. From Bort, we disembarked and hit the trail. Here, you can find the hiking details or our exact route. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and warm clothes if you take this less touristy path. I’d also recommend the route for intermediate hikers, as it was quite a snowy climb - even in mid-October! For a beginner, I would suggest taking the Grindelwald-First route.
After we marveled at the Bachalpsee over a lovely Brotzeit lunch (duh), we made our way back to Grindelwald. While we could have taken the gondola down from either First or Bort Station, we decided to enjoy the rest of the sunny afternoon over an Aperol Spritz at Alpine Hotel Bort and hike the rest of the way down the valley - a true delight! Think rolling green hills and endless pastures of cutie Swiss cows. This was surely one of my favorite hikes to date.
Enjoy Cheese Fondue in Town
Enjoy Cheese Fondue in Switzerland
Treating yourself to cheese fondue is a must if traveling anywhere in Switzerland. Traditional fondue is typically made of a mixture of melty Swiss cheeses, including but not limited to Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Gouda, along with splashes of white wine and nutmeg. You can expect the hot pot of cheese to be served with bread, potatoes, and pear slices. Be sure to take a digestive schnapps or espresso afterwards because this meal is fettig! IYKYK. We especially enjoyed the experience because of what an interactive meal it was. I felt like we were all playing on the same team, our goal being to eat as much cheese as we could stomach! Thank you to the staff at Adlerstube for the warmth and hospitality. Highly recommend this restaurant!
Walk Along the River in Lauterbrunnen
Walk along the river in Lauterbrunnen
Just a 30-minute drive from Grindelwald lies the valley town of Lauterbrunnen. Home to over 70 waterfalls, visiting Lauterbrunnen is a great way to spend the afternoon and soak in some nature. Be warned that it is also quiiiite touristy, but again - worth it. You can easily park by the church (Kirche Parking) and head left to walk along the river. Continue for about 7 kilometers, and you’ll reach a stunning little village called Stechelberg. It’s a very easy, paved hike - check the full details here.
Take the Cable Car to Mürren
Explore Mürren
From Stechelberg, hop on a cable car to visit the charming village of Mürren. Mürren sits at about 1,650 meters and is only reachable by gondola. It’s a truly tiny, car-free village surrounded by wooden vacation chalets, chicy micky hotels, and views on views on views. For example, from this viewpoint, you can feast your eyes upon famous Swiss mountains like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Stunning! From Mürren, we opted to hike back down to Lauterbrunnen, taking this trail. It was steep, so be sure you pack your hiking boots and sure-footedness.
