Jungfrau or Top of Europe

Introduction

The trip up to Top of Europe is best combined with the Royal Walk at Mannlichen and the walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg(KS). Why ?

What was perhaps not clear from the Internet is that the Swiss train Jungfraubahn train leaves from KS to Top of Europe and returns to KS.

So when combined with these walks in the morning, you could then have a relaxing time taking the train up to Jungfraujoch to finish up your day in the afternoon, making it a full-day outing.

Mannlichen Royal Walk
Degree of difficulty : medium
Estimated Time : 1hr
This is a loop walk from the Wengen-Mannlichen cable car station to the Mannlichen peak.

From Lauterbrunnen, we took a train to Wengen. There, once we left the station, we could see the cable car lift opposite so we walked across the road and headed for the direction sign Mannlichen.
The cable car ride is short and takes about 5-6 mins. Exit the station and walk towards the left and you can see a golden crown beckoning you, hence the name "Royal Walk".
Although it's indicated on the signboard 20 mins, it's uphill all the way with a steep ascent towards the end...so going slowly would take you about 30 mins.
Once at the Crown, the view is superbe all round and of course you can see the 3 peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
The descent was definitely faster.

Mannlichen to KS walk
Degree of difficulty : easy
Estimated Time : 2 hrs
This is a really easy walk as it descends gradually and winds down into the valley. So if you begin this walk in the morning, you could make it around lunch time at KS, and then proceed to Top of Europe.

Once you come down from the Royal Crown walk, look towards the right and you will not fail to see the other cable car station (Mannlichen-Grindelwald). Just follow directional signs for KS.
On a bright day, at about 15°C, with beautiful views of the 3 peaks, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau...well...what more could one ask for ?

There is a toilet stop along the way, a restaurant 10 mins away from Kleine Scheidegg and of course 1 or 2 more restaurants right at KS itself.

Jungfrau
At KS station, look out for the sign Jungfraujoch either in yellow or green. Follow yellow queue if you have no seat reservation, otherwise follow green. It was a bit crowded even in Oct but we were fortunate to have seats.
The Jungfraubahn train is a bright red train with some horizontal yellow stripes painted on its sides.
The train journey takes about 50 mins, and that's also because it stops 1 to 5 mins at each of the 3 train stations before Jungfraujoch, for travellers to get down and take photos through high glass windows. It is because the upper part of the railway is constructed in a tunnel, so the train stops allow us to take photos.
At the top, follow the direction of the Tour sign in blue. There is an elevator to go up to the Sphinx, the viewing platform over Europe. Here it can get crowded if you run into tour groups.

To get away from the crowds, follow sign 6 or Monchsjoch Hut. We stepped out into the open, right onto the snow and walked along this trail to enjoy the scenery and the peaceful serenity. It's quite a long walk to the Hut - café, so we didn't attempt it.
Words cannot describe simply being on Top of the world, at 3454m.

Finally, we had the Jungfrau Travel Pass, so we only needed to top up 59CHF per person.

NB : Due to the length of the train journey and the waiting time at the KS station, you will need to start your ascent around 2 pm. The last train from Jungfraujoch is at 5.30 pm in Oct, so that will give you an idea of the time you have up there.