If you are making a decision about where to stay in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, you have a lot of options.
On a map, the Jungfrau region can look very confusing. With its mountains and valleys, cliffside villages and bustling towns, not to mention its complex transportation network, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide where to stay.
In this post, learn about the different towns in the Jungfrau region and get recommendations about where to stay in each of them, depending on your budget. Also, take a look at our Guide to the Bernese Oberland, with more maps, travel tips, and essential things to know when planning your visit to this area.
Overview of the Jungfrau Region
There are a few things to consider when choosing where to stay in the Jungfrau region.
Within the Jungfrau region sits two valleys, the Lauterbrunnen valley and Lütschental valley. The mountains of the Swiss Alps tower over these valleys.
The larger towns of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald are located in these valleys. Because of their location, they are conveniently located along the main transportation network of trains and cable cars. It is very easy to get around the Jungfrau region from Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, but they lack the jaw-dropping views you get from the cliffside towns.
Several towns are located in the mountains. Transportation times to and from these towns will be longer, but what you get are breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and the experience of staying in a quaint, car free town.
Mürren and Gimmelwald sit on the cliffs that tower over Lauterbrunnen Valley. If you stay in one these two towns, you will have views of the mighty Jungfrau massif.
Drone photo of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Gimmelwald, and Mürren.
On the opposite side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley is Wengen. This town also makes a nice option, if you want to stay up in the mountains, but the views are quite as good as what you get in Mürren and Gimmelwald. However, there are loads of hotel and restaurant options in Wengen.
Finally, located just outside the heart of the Jungfrau region is Interlaken. Interlaken is a major hub for train travel in Switzerland. From here, it is easy to get to Zürich, Lucerne, Bern, Lausanne, and Zermatt. Interlaken is a good option, especially if you have limited time in the Jungfrau region and are zipping through Switzerland on a short, speedy itinerary.
Let’s look at each town in more detail.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Interlaken is a large town that is sandwiched between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, just outside of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is the main transportation hub for the area and the gateway into the Jungfrau region.
To get the Jungfrau region, you will first travel to Interlaken, either by car or by train. From Interlaken, you will take the train to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, and continue into the mountains from there.
PROS: Major hub for train travel through Switzerland; good option if you only plan to spend one or two days touring the Jungfrau region.
CONS: Located outside of the heart of the Jungfrau region, so you will spend more time on the train to get to Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch, etc.; lacks the charm that you will find in other towns on this list.
The view of Interlaken from Schynige Platte
UPSCALE: Villa Heimgarten. This hotel boasts an excellent location, within walking distance of the Interlaken West train station. Rooms range from double rooms to three-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six people.
MIDRANGE: Chalet Maria Interlaken. Stay in a traditional Swiss chalet surrounded by lush gardens. The rooms are beautifully decorated. In fact, the entire property looks amazing. Rooms can accommodate two to four people.
Chalet Maria Interlaken | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
BUDGET: Hotel Rössli. This centrally located hotel gets great reviews on Booking.com. It is within walking distance the Interlaken West train station and the boat dock for Lake Thun. Relax in the hotel lounge or on the outdoor terrace.
Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is one of the most famous and the most picturesque towns in the Jungfrau region. Rustic houses, Swiss chalets, hotels, and restaurants are all clustered together, while Staubbach Falls cascades down the sheer cliff next to the town.
Lauterbrunnen | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
Lauterbrunnen sits in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. With a train station and a cable car station, it is relatively easy to get around the Jungfrau region from here, so this is one of the best towns to stay in if you are looking for convenience. However, since you are in the valley, don’t expect to get alpine views from your hotel room.
PROS: One of the most picturesque towns in the Jungfrau region; with its train station and cable car station, it is a handy home base for exploring the area.
CONS: Tucked away in the valley so it lacks the views you get in other towns in the Jungfrau region; feels busy and touristy, especially during the peak season months.
MIDRANGE: Breathtaking Waterfall Apartment. If you are traveling as a group and love the idea of having a spectacular view of Staubbach Falls, this is a property to consider. This apartment accommodates up to eight people in its three bedrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, and a balcony with views of the waterfall.
MIDRANGE: Hotel Silberhorn. This hotel has a very convenient location in Lauterbrunnen, sitting right next to the Grutschalp cable car station and across the street from the train station. It also runs a highly-rated restaurant and the food is wonderful. Most rooms are double rooms but they do offer a room that can accommodate up to four people, if you are traveling as a family.
Hotel Silberhorn | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
MIDRANGE: Hotel Oberland. Located in central Lauterbrunnen, it is a very short walk to the train station. This historic hotel is home to one of the best restaurants in Lauterbrunnen. Hotel Oberland offers many different room types, from double rooms to family suites.
BUDGET: Valley Hostel. This hostel gets tons of rave reviews. It has an excellent location in the heart of town, near the train station and the cable car to Grutschalp. Take your pick from a single bed in a dormitory to a family room that can accommodate up to four people.
Valley Hostel | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
Where to Stay in Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a large town that sits in the Lütschental Valley. This also makes a handy place to stay for visitors, with its train station, cable cars, and convenient location near First. However, it lacks the charm that you find in the other towns on this list.
PROS: Another great transportation hub in the Jungfrau region, with a train station and numerous cable cars that whisk visitors up into the mountains; if you are traveling through Switzerland by car, you can park your car in town or at your hotel.
CONS: Lacks charm; lacks the alpine views you get from other towns on this list; feels touristy.
UPSCALE: Ferienwohnung Celina. This 5-star two-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to four people. It has a kitchen, two bathrooms, and a washing machine. From this apartment, it is about a 6-minute walk to the train station. This property gets exceptional reviews on Booking.com.
UPSCALE: Endweg. This one-bedroom apartment gets impeccable reviews. It is decorated in traditional Alpine style and it is equipped with a kitchen, living room, dining room, and washing machine. From the balcony, enjoy the view of Eiger mountain.
MIDRANGE: Hotel Gletschergarten. This historic hotel offers single and double rooms near the heart of Grindelwald. It is a short walk to the First cable car station and you can walk or take the bus to the train station.
MIDRANGE: Locherboden. If you are traveling as a family or a small group, this apartment gets great reviews. This one-bedroom apartment has a kitchen, living area, and views of the mountains.
BUDGET: Bel-Air Eden. Conveniently located next to the train station, this budget hotel offers simple rooms that can accommodate one to two people. Some rooms offer balconies with a view of Eiger mountain.
Where to Stay in Wengen
Wengen is located on the east side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, just beneath Männlichen and Jungfraujoch. It is filled with lots of hotels and restaurants so it is one of the best places to stay in the Jungfrau region.
PROS: Has a lot of great hotels and restaurants; easy to get to Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch, and Lauterbrunnen; offers great views over Lauterbrunnen Valley.
CONS: These are minor, but Wengen lacks the small town charm and the amazing views that you get from Mürren and Gimmelwald.
Wengen | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
UPSCALE: Chalet Bella Vista 4. This beautiful apartment can accommodate up to six people in its three bedrooms. Make your own meals in the kitchen and from your balcony, enjoy the view of Breithorn mountain.
Chalet Bella Vista 4 | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
UPSCALE: Chalet Gerbera. Stay in rustic, beautifully decorated chalet with mountain views. This property offers two apartments that come equipped with a kitchen and washing machine and can accommodate up to four people. This is one of the highest rated properties in Wengen on Booking.com.
MIDRANGE: Hotel Alpenrose. Dating back to 1881, this is the oldest hotel in Wengen. Rooms have been completely renovated and are decorated in a traditional Alpine style. Rooms accommodate between one and four people and some have views of the mountains.
Hotel Alpenrose Wengen | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
MIDRANGE: Hotel Schönegg. All rooms at Hotel Schönegg offer views of the mountains. Dine in the award-winning fine-dining restaurant. The rooms are beautifully decorated and some rooms can accommodate up to four people.
BUDGET: Hotel Edelweiss. This 2-star hotel gets rave reviews. Rooms are simple and decorated in a traditional alpine style. From this hotel, it is a short walk to the train station and many restaurants in town.
Where to Stay in Mürren
Mürren is a very charming town that clings to the cliff high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. From Mürren, you get jaw-dropping views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, so if you want to book a hotel room in the Jungfrau region with an unforgettable view, this is the place to do it.
Mürren | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
Since Mürren is located up in the mountains, it does take longer to get around. You are conveniently close to Schilthorn and Birg, but when you visit Jungfraujoch, First, or Schynige Platte, you will have a longer journey than if you stayed in Lauterbrunnen.
PROS: Unforgettable views of the Swiss Alps and Jungfrau massif; charming, car-free town that overlooks the Lauterbrunnen Valley; easy to get to Schilthorn and Birg.
CONS: Takes longer to get around the Jungfrau region, especially Jungfraujoch, Kleine Scheidegg, and First.
Drone photo of Mürren
UPSCALE: Eiger Murren Swiss Quality Hotel. Dating back to 1886, this 4-star hotel has a convenient location opposite the train station. Rooms offer views of the mountains or over the town of Mürren and some rooms can accommodate up to five people. This hotel also has an onsite restaurant and is one of the top places to eat in Mürren.
Eiger Mürren Swiss Quality Hotel | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
MIDRANGE: Hotel Bellevue. This hotel has rooms that can accommodate up to three people. Some rooms have views of the Alps. Hotel Bellevue has a small laundry room, which can be used at an extra charge. It also has a great onsite restaurant, with outdoor seating that has stunning views of the mountains and cozy, indoor seating. Our best meal in Mürren was at this hotel.
View from Hotel Bellevue | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
MIDRANGE: Hotel Alpina. This hotel boasts some of the best views in Mürren. Perched right on the side of the cliff, some rooms have unobstructed views of the Jungrau massif. Rooms accommodate between one and four people.
MIDRANGE: Hotel Edelweiss Superior. This 3-star hotel gets great reviews. Rooms can accommodate one or two people and some rooms offer views of the Jungfrau massif. It is located in the heart of Mürren, so from here, it is a short walk to many of the restaurants and shops in town.
BUDGET: Hotel Alpenblick. This small hotel is located near the Mürren train station on the edge of town. We stayed in the family room so we had two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a balcony with a view of the Alps. The rooms are basic but they are comfortable, quiet, and cozy. The wifi works well and the views are amazing. Hotel Alpenblick is a great value for the money and we chose it since it is a highly rated hotel that was cheaper than many in Mürren. We would not hesitate to stay here again.
Hotel Alpenblick | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
BUDGET: Eiger Guesthouse. This hotel also has a convenient location, just across the street from the train station. The view from the Eiger Guesthouse is not as spectacular as other hotels in Mürren, but if you are looking for a budget property that gets great reviews, this is a good hotel to consider.
Eiger Guesthouse | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
Where to Stay in Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is a tiny, postcard perfect town located on the cliffs that tower over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This town is smaller, less touristy version of Mürren.
It also takes longer to get to, which for some, is why it is so charming. If you want to stay in a quieter, less touristy town, Gimmelwald is our top pick.
PROS: Small, quiet town with big-time charm; less touristy than the other towns on this list; offers spectacular views of the Swiss Alps.
CONS: Travel times to and from this town are the longest on this list; has the fewest number of hotel options.
MIDRANGE: Pension Gimmelwald. Rooms are rustic and cozy. Most rooms have a shared bathroom but it is possible to get a room with a private bathroom. Prior guests rave about the restaurant and the views from some of the rooms. This hotel runs the Honesty Shop in Gimmelwald.
Pension Gimmelwald | Where to Stay in Jungfrau
BUDGET: Esther’s Guesthouse. Rooms are basic and can accommodate between one and six people. Many rooms share a bathroom, but a select few offer a private bathroom and/or a kitchen.
Where to Stay in Jungfrau: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to see the location of each hotel. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
Our Recommendations
There are a lot of options on where to stay in the Jungfrau region and even with our narrowed down list, choosing a place may still feel overwhelming. Here are a few recommendations based on traveling style and budget.
As far as location goes, Mürren is our first pick. It’s hard to beat the incredible views you get from this town, and with a wide range of accommodations, this is a great place to base yourself. Wengen also makes a good option, with its numerous hotels and restaurants and views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. If you are looking for convenience more than commanding views, Lauterbrunnen is hard to beat.
If you like the idea of staying in a traditional Swiss-style chalet, our top picks are Chalet Maria Interlaken (in Interlaken), Chalet Bella Vista 4 or Chalet Gerbera in Wengen, or Endweg in Grindelwald.
For a hotel with an awesome view, consider Hotel Alpenblick or Hotel Alpina in Mürren, Hotel Schönegg in Wengen, or the Breathtaking Waterfall Apartment in Lauterbrunnen (for views of Staubbach Falls).
For families, we recommend Chalet Gerbera in Wengen, Alpenblick Hotel in Mürren, Chalet Alpenblume in Grindelwald, or the Breathtaking Waterfall Apartment in Lauterbrunnen.
For budget travelers, we recommend the Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen, Bel-Air Eden in Grindelwald, Hotel Edelweiss in Wengen, or Hotel Alpenblick in Mürren.
On a return trip, you’ll find us back in Mürren. To start and end the day with views of the Swiss Alps was an unforgettable experience.
Mürren, Switzerland
If you have any questions about where to stay in the Jungfrau region, let us know in the comment section below.
More Places to Go in Switzerland
JUNGFRAU REGION: If you are planning a trip to the Jungfrau region, check out our Guide to the Jungfrau Region, which includes maps and important travel planning information and our Jungfrau Itinerary, which has itinerary suggestions for one day to one week. We also have a separate article about the best things to do in the Jungfrau region. Get more information on how to visit Jungfraujoch and how to add on the thrilling Mürren Via Ferrata to your visit.
ZERMATT: In Zermatt, don’t miss the hike from Gornergrat to Riffelberg. For more ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in Zermatt. For more alpine views, learn how to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (and find out if it is worth it).
LUCERNE: Learn how to spend one perfect day in Lucerne with a trip to Mt. Pilatus.
SWITZERLAND ITINERARY: If your visit to the Jungfrau region is part of a bigger trip to Switzerland, check out our Switzerland Itinerary, which has suggestions on what to do if you have 7 days, 14 days, or even longer.
ZÜRICH: For things to do on a quick visit, check out our article One Day in Zürich.
LAUSANNE: Lausanne is another beautiful Swiss city with lots of great things to do and it also is a great home base for day trips in the area, such as Gruyères and Chateau de Chillon.
Read all of our articles about the United States in our Switzerland Travel Guide.
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Comments 14
After staying at Grindelwald, Murren, and Wengen, we have to agree, Murren was the most charming to us!
Hello. I just discovered your site. It is fabulous!!
We would like to hike village to village in the Bernese Oberland region. How do we go about arranging luggage transfer from hotel to hotel? Many of the walking tour companies provide this, but we would like to arrange this ourselves and save money.
Author
Hello Chip. I recommend asking the hotels for advice. Last summer we did the Walker’s Haute Route, hiking from town to town across the French and Swiss Alps, and used Taxi Follonier for our luggage transport. You could contact them but I don’t know if they do the same thing in the Jungfrau region (we were closer to Zermatt). Cheers, Julie
Hello,
Thank you so much for sharing all of these details. we are planning to visit Switzerland during the summer (28.6.23 – 10-15.7.23)
and I’d like to get your inputs
Below is my Plan for now. Can you please advice
Day 1: Zurich to Grindelwald
Day 2: Top of Europe & Eiger trail & First cliff walk
Day 3: Panorama trail
Day 3: leaving Grindelwald to Murren
Day 4: Northface trail & Allmebdhubel funicular & hike to Gimmelwald
Day 5: Birg thrill walk & Schilthorn & Piz Gloria
Day 5: leaving Murren to Zermatt
Day 6: Sunnegga – Blauherd – Rothorn
Day 7: Gornergrat & Hike to Riffelsee then to Riffelberg
Day 8: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise & Matterhorn Glacier trail
Day 9: Hornlihutte trail & Kirchbrucke & Mountaineer’s cemetery
Day 9: leaving Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen
Day 10: rent a car from Interlaken & Harder Kulm & Gelmerbahn
Day 11 – last day: visit several cities & The Cambrian, Adelboden Hotel
what do you think about it?
do you think it’s preferable to stay in Lauterbrunnen instead of Grindelwald & Murren (if the weather/view is bad I’ve almost nothing to do in Grindelwald – can’t visit the top of Europe), so maybe by staying at Lauterbrunnen we will have the option to reschedule our activities)
Thanks in advance
Author
Hello Taimor. You have put together an awesome itinerary. If you are running short on time on day 2, you could put the First Cliff Walk on day 3, since the Panorama Trail is relatively quick. Lauterbrunnen would be a more scenic place to stay than Grindelwald. Another option is to stay in Wengen rather than Grindelwald. But yes, you are correct, Grindelwald is the least interesting of the towns in that area but it is also very well connected to First and Kleine Scheidegg by the cable cars and trains, so it is one of the most convenient places to stay as far as getting around. It is really up to you and could also depend on how nice of a hotel you can get in each place, as well. We sometimes use hotel choices as our deciding factor when trying to choose between two towns that are located near one another other. But I’m glad you are also staying in Murren…we love it there. Have a great time in the Swiss Alps! Cheers, Julie
Hello! So glad to have found your site! I am taking my wife and Son to Switzerland at the end of March to go skiing. We do plan to spend a few days in Zermatt, but I really want to ski and visit/tour the Jungfrau region. I’m a bit confused about where we would want to stay to be able to access skiing in that area. It looks like there’s ski areas spread around the area, but It’s not entirely clear where we should stay to access resorts easily. Do you have any recommendations in that regard? Thank you!! David
Author
Hello David. Thanks for writing in. We don’t have personal experience skiing in the Jungfrau region but I found this online information. And here there are really nice maps with chairlifts and gondolas and updated snow conditions. In late March and early April, it looks like you can go skiing near Kleine Scheidegg and from Murren. You could stay in any of the towns and then use the public transportation to get around. Your hotel should also be able to give you more advice on where to go and how it works, but it looks like you will by a ski pass and then spend the day skiing at an area of interest to you. It looks like a lot of fun and it’s something we hope to do someday, too. I hope this helps! Cheers, Julie
Hello, Thanks so much for the fantastic info! We are arriving to Lauterbrunnen on a Saturday (driving from Lake Como) and staying until Monday (heading off to Lyon) – so we have 2 evenings and one full day in the area. It looks like Grindewald (we’d love to go to the park with the soaring eagle ride) and Jungfrau (Top of Europe) would be really fun, as well as the Alpine Slide in Kandersteg. How would you suggest we go about that itinerary? Thanks for your help!
Author
Hello Brian. Start your day with Jungfraujoch (it’s best in the morning because the sky is clearer). Then take the Eiger Express to Grindelwald and spend the afternoon here. Kandersteg is not located near Grindelwald, so you won’t be able to do this on Sunday, but maybe you could do this when you drive to Lyon. Cheers, Julie
Hello,
Thank you for sharing so many details. It helps us a lot. I’ve been following your blog for a while and I have visited iceland, Norway and many locations in US. I print your itineraries wherever I go. 🙂 I have few questions on where to spend more time. Should it be Obersland or Zermatt. Should I cut short Zermat from below itinarary and add one day to Bernese Obersland. We like to Hike but havent hiked anything crazy like Trolltunga(2019) lately.
Below is my plan for now. Can you please advise.
Day 0: Start from NC, USA
Day 1: Arrive morning(AM) to Zurich. Take train to Obersland. Stay in Mureen or wengen
Day 2: Obersland
Day 3: Obersland
Day 4: Obersland
Day 5: Check out hotel and start to Zermat
Day 6: Zermat
Day 7: Zermat
Day 8: check out Zermat Hotel and take train to Lucerne
Day 9: Lucerne
Day 10: Zurich
Day 11: Flight to North carolina
Author
Hello Amit. I think your itinerary looks great! Two days in Zermatt is great, so I wouldn’t shorten your time here. And 3 days in the Jungfrau region is also very nice. If you happen to have an extra day or two and need to know where to put them, I recommend adding them to the Oberland region. Five days in the Oberland region is perfect, especially if you like hiking, but I don’t think it is worth shortening your time in Zermatt, because this area is also VERY nice. So, I say keep your itinerary as it is, but if you have more days, add them to the Jungfrau/Oberland area. Cheers, Julie
Hi you are absolutely right. We love it, we come already over 20 years to Mürren, we stay in Haus Myrrena. The place is just gorgeous. It is so tranquile, so beautiful, so relaxed. It is paradise on earth. And still affordable, when you cook at home. And if we are allowed to recommend our own place.. It is our home and we like to keep it up to the standards we live for ourselves.
Hello,
Benn searching a lot on Switzerland and your posts are the most informative and interersting I’ve found! Planning on visiting Switzerland in August and buying the 8 day pass for a 10 day visit. I understand that for mountain passes we would have to pay extra but is the train pass valid if we stay in Murren or do we have to buy extra tickets for visiting the other villages in the Bernese Oberland? In other words if we decide to stay in Murren , will we have to pay for extra train rides?
Thanks and regards
Hilda – Malta
Author
Hello Hilda. Yes, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, etc costs extra. Murren, Wengen and the towns lower than these are included on the Swiss Travel Pass. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you will not have to pay extra to go to Murren, Grutschalp, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald, or some other towns. If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at our Bernese Oberland Guide. There is also a lot of information in here about the Swiss Travel Pass, how to get around, what to see, etc. Have fun planning your trip and then exploring Switzerland…it is a beautiful area and we will be in Switzerland this summer too (the Zermatt area). And Tim and I are hoping to get to Malta, hopefully not too far off in the future. Cheers, Julie