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Most visitors to Switzerland will want to visit one of the famous mountains or mountain resorts. Two of the most popular ones are Jungfraujoch and Titlis. And it might be difficult to choose which one, especially if you have time or financial constraints. Both provide amazing views and loads of fun activities in summer or winter. So you might be wondering – which mountain is better to visit: is it Jungfraujoch or Titlis?
I would recommend that you visit Jungfraujoch at least once in your life. This is for two good reasons: to see the longest glacier in the Alps and visit the highest mountain railways in Europe. However, if the price tag of Jungfraujoch is too steep for you, Titlis is also an excellent alternative. As you read on, we provide more insight into both choices so that you can decide which one is best for you.
Overview: Jungfraujoch vs. Titlis
The key differences between Jungfraujoch and Titlis are as follows:
| Jungfraujoch | Titlis |
|---|---|
| The saddle between Jungfrau and Mönch | Highest summit north of Susten Pass |
| Elevation: 3,463 m (11,362 ft) | Elevation: 3,238 m (10,623 ft) |
| Highlights: Sphinx Observation Deck, Alpine Sensation, Ice Palace, Jungfrau Panorama, Snow Fun Park | Highlights: Titlis Rotair, Titlis Cliff Walk, Glacier Cave, Ice Flyer, Titlis Glacier Park, Trübsee |
| Canton: Obwalden and Bern | Canton: Bern and Valais |
The Views: Jungfraujoch vs. Titlis
Jungfraujoch, at 3,463 above sea level, is located in Canton Bern. Unlike Titlis, which is a mountain per se, Jungfraujoch is a saddle between Jungfrau (at 4,158 m above sea level) and Mönch (at 4,110 m above sea level).
Its slogan “Top of Europe” is not entirely 100% accurate. Going up to Jungfraujoch does not mean going to the highest point in Europe. For mountains, the highest point in Europe (i.e. the real “Top of Europe”) is Mount Elbrus in Russia at 5,642 meters above sea level. What it does give you is the chance to visit the highest mountain railway in Europe at 3,454 meters above sea level.
The journey to Jungfraujoch begins in Interlaken Ost. From there, visitors transfer to the cable car in Grindelwald. Once done with the cable car, there is a transfer to the mountain ride going to Jungfraujoch.
From Jungfraujoch, the views of the Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Männlichen, Schynige Platte, Harder Kulm, Grindelwald – First) and the Aletsch glacier are gorgeous. The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps.
The 23-kilometer-long Aletsch Glacier, also known as the Great Aletsch Glacier, is not only the largest in the Alps. It is also a protected site as part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch area. This whole region is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The lower part of this glacier is located in Canton Valais, whereas the upper part of the glacier is what one sees in Canton Bern.
Titlis, at 3,239 meters above sea level, is the highest point of Canton Obwalden. This well-known mountain is convenient to reach from Engelberg village. Titlis is an excellent destination with a panoramic style view, easily accessed from the valley via Stand.
The views of the alps from Titlis are fantastic. You will see the glacier and rock ridges while riding the cable car and at the mountain station. From the mountain station of Titlis, you will only need 219 meters to reach the peak. However, this can only be reached with appropriate alpine climbing shoes good for serious alpine hiking. The marked routes should be strictly followed. This is not a beginner’s trail and should be done with utmost caution.
From Titlis, the views of the Rhaetian, Bernese, and Valais Alps are absolutely beautiful.
The Price: Jungfraujoch vs. Titlis
The price is another factor to consider when deciding which one to choose.
The round-trip tickets going up to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg cost CHF 210.80 per adult. Although the price is steep, some promotions run every now and then to get it at a discount. However, it is not clear who and when this will be. In the past, the following have run promotions on Jungfraujoch tickets: Coop (supermarket), PostAuto (bus), and Ochsner Sport.
The round-trip tickets going up to Titlis from Engelberg cost CHF 96 per adult. Children aged 6 to 15 need to pay only 50% of this value. Discounts might be available via Raiffeisen Bank, SBB, or STUCard.
Things To Do: Jungfraujoch vs. Titlis
Things to Do Jungfraujoch
Standing on Jungfraujoch Mountain, at the height of 3,454 m above sea level, will surely give you an otherworldly feeling. Things to do in Jungfrau are the following:
- Sphinx Observation Deck – observatory accessed via the lift which goes up 108-meter high in 25 seconds
- Alpine Sensation – a corridor between the Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace providing insights as to how Jungfraujoch came about
- Eismeer – 5-minute stopover at the train station
- Ice Palace – filled with sculptures made of ice
- Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven – learn how chocolate is made and shop in the store
- Jungfrau Panorama – visuals as to how it looks like in Jungfrau, especially useful when the weather isn’t perfect
- Snow Fun Park – a snow park with a Zipline open from June to October if weather permits
Things to Do Titlis
On the other hand, you can enjoy skiing, sledding, winter hiking, scootering, gliding, shopping, hiking, and much more on Titlis. If skiing and snowboarding over 2,000 feet isn’t enough, Titlis has snow-sure conditions from October to May. Here you can enjoy cross-country skiing, toboggan run, winter walking trails, and snowshoe trails.
During summer, things to do in Titlis are the following:
- Titlis Rotair – revolving cable car, which was the world’s first rotating gondola
- Titlis Cliff Walk – walking 3,041 meters above sea level and 500 meters off the ground
- Glacier Cave – filled with sculptures made of ice
- Ice Flyer – all-year-round chair lift from the mountain summit across the glacier towards Titlis Glacier Park
- Titlis Glacier Park – free snow tubing, available even in summer
- Trübsee Adventure – has a BagJump Tower, Trampoline2Bag, or slackline
- Trübsee Adventure Playground – play area and treasure hunt for children
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Climbing
- Rowing on Trübsee Lake
Restaurants: Jungfraujoch vs. Titlis
There are numerous restaurants in Titlis serving deliciously traditional cuisine in the heart of this skiing and hiking areas such as Gasthaus Gerachnialp, Bärghuis Jochpass, Restaurant Untertrübsee, and Restaurant Alpstübli.
Jungfraujoch restaurants list includes Aletsch self-serving restaurant, À la carte Restaurant Crystal, Sphinx bar, and Coffee bar.
Which one is better? Jungfraujoch or Titlis
- It takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Titlis from Zurich and 70 minutes from Lucerne. On the other hand, it takes just under 4 hours to reach Jungfraujoch from Zurich and 100 minutes from Interlaken Ost.
- From Titlis, you can see the Rhaetian, Bernese, and Valais Alps. From Jungfraujoch, you can see the Bernese Alps and the Aletsch glacier. The latter is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage list.
- Titlis offers an excellent overview of the region in a large gondola; one rotates so that you can enjoy the panoramic view. But if you are not a fan of the rotating cable car ride, you can go to Jungfraujoch by train and cable car.
- Jungfraujoch costs approximately twice more as Titlis. For some visitors, this steep price tag might not be worth it. In this case, Titlis is the better choice.
- Both mountains will have various activities to do. For more action-filled activities, there will be more of this on Titlis.
In summary, I think whichever mountain you choose – you won’t be disappointed. Both Jungfraujoch and Titlis offer amazing views of the alpine world.
I would recommend that you visit Jungfraujoch at least once in your life. This is for two good reasons: to see the longest glacier in the Alps and visit the highest mountain railways in Europe.
GetYourGuide.com is a renowned travel platform in Europe that gives you the flexibility to book either travel guides or tickets, depending on your preference. Additionally, it offers the convenience of reserving your spot now and settling the payment at a later time.
However, if the price tag is too steep for you, then Titlis is also an excellent choice. Based on the awesome views, fun-filled activities, and proximity to Zurich and Lucerne, Titlis is definitely one of the best alternatives to Jungfraujoch for many visitors.
Happy travels!
Related Posts: Jungfrau Region
- Zurich To Jungfraujoch Train: All You Need To Know
- Geneva To Jungfraujoch Train: All You Need To Know
- Basel To Jungfraujoch Train: All You Need To Know
- How to Get From Interlaken to Jungfraujoch: Your Options
- Jungfraujoch – When is the Best Time to Visit?
- Jungfrau and Jungfraujoch: What Is the Difference?
- Best Way to Get To Jungfraujoch
- Kleine Scheidegg and How to Get There
- Wengen, Switzerland: 8 Reasons To Love It
- Interlaken, Switzerland: An Excellent Base in Bernese Oberland
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