Visiting Jungfrau in July?

Question

I am planning to visit Switzerland in July and thinking of staying in Bern (Novotel Expo) to save on hotel expenses (compared to Interlaken and Lucern). How much time do you think I will need for visiting Jungfrau assuming I start from Bern @ 9 AM and reach Interlaken by 10AM by train?

Answer 1

from Interlaken Ost to Jungfrau takes about 2.5hrs by train.  so you figure getting to Interlaken by 10, you wouldn't be at the top until at least 12:30pm.  that itself is ok, i think, because the train ride to the top is part of the visit -- it's a cute train with views that stretch for miles (you also make a few stops along the way for the observation windows).

mostly, on Jungfraujoch, you walk around, take in the views, take photos, souvenirs, write a postcard, etc.  there's not all that much to do.  you can ski and do the snow discs (slide down a hill on a plastic plate-like contraption -- but you're limited to a very small area, and it does not compare to real sledding in the Alps), but that's about it.  i think there are guided hikes as well.  so how much time you need really depends on what you want to do.  partaking in activities would need more time (e.g., for skiing usually the slopes close at 5pm), though if you're just walking around, i'd say 3hrs should be plenty.

on the train ride down the mountain, i would suggest stopping at Kleine Scheidegg and spend an hour here.  the view is incredible, as you get a full panoramic version of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.  there are also lots of shops and restaurants in the little "town."  

staying in Bern is ok.  it is true that Thun would be a lot closer; but it is a smaller city, and i have not seen their hotels to be a whole lot cheaper than Bern.  

if you do not have a railpass or some sort, then a half fare card may be worthwhile (99CHF, and it's valid for 30 days, so it'll cover your trip) -- it gives you 50% off all train rides, including the one from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch.  (note that all-inclusive Swiss Passes only cover the trip up to Kleine Scheidegg, from that point onwards, you'd need to pay a supplement, though at a 50% discount).

Answer 2

Are you talking about taking the Jungfraujoch...the train to the top of the Jungfrau?

If I were you, I'd look for a place closer than Bern. There are a few towns like Thun and Spiez that are between Interlaken and Bern.  I'll bet their hotels are cheaper also

Also, Swiss trains are expensive...unless you have a railpass for that day, what amount would you spend to go to/from Bern? Going to/from Bern would not only burn time, it would cost you for the train fare.