Brian S.
Yelp
If you are reading this review, you have probably already made the journey to Jungfraujoch (or are planning on making it), which means you have spent quite a bit of money getting there. While doing your research, you have probably realized that all of the food options in the main area (the part by the train station with the viewing platform and gift shops) are also very expensive. While there are nice views from many of the restaurants in that main area, none of them are really all that good, they are very crowded, and all of them will set you back quite a few Francs. However, if you are up for a little hike through the snow, you can enjoy a peaceful alpine cabin with even better views than the main Jungfraujoch building, more authentic and tasty food options, and better prices.
Like most worthwhile goals, getting to the "Mönchsjochhütte" is not an easy task, but the reward is great. After all, you are hiking to the highest occupied hut in Switzerland at 12,000 feet (or 3,658 meters) above sea level! Yes, once you leave the main building, you will be trudging through the snow up hill for over an hour (they say the hike is 45 minutes, but unless you are acclimatized to the altitude and in amazing shape, you'll probably take longer than that...make sure to wear sunscreen too!). Along the way, you will be treated to amazing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, and the path is groomed daily to ensure the hike will be safe. Once you get to the hut, you'll find very few people, breathtaking views, and a truly authentic Swiss mountain dining experience (as well as bragging rights).
I will mostly let the photos I took of my dining experience speak for themselves (they should be below). However, I will say that the coffee was really, really good, and the home-made potato and vegetable soup with pork sausage was super tasty and filling. The hut is heated, has comfy seating, and you will be able to charge your phone/camera. You can also stay overnight at the cabin in very rustic accommodations for less than 30 Francs per night...a total bargain!
The trip back to the main building is much shorter: it's downhill the entire way, so you can probably make it in 30 minutes if you are in reasonable shape. After arriving back at the super touristy main area, you'll quickly realize that your hike to the Mönchsjochhütte and your lunch will be your fondest memories of your trip to the Jungfraujoch.