Mönch Peak

The basics

Climbers and excursionists who want to reach the Mönch summit can hire private guides at Jungfraujoch, the viewing point between the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. While you can scale the mountain in a single day, you can also book an overnight or weekend trip that covers alpine hut accommodation and basic mountain training.

If you’re happy to skip the challenge of the climb, there are many day trips to Interlaken from Lausanne or Geneva. Most Interlaken day trips include a visit to Jungfraujoch, whose Sphinx Observatory offers the best views of the Mönch. Other day trips include stops at the Schilthorn peak, where you can see James Bond filming locations in addition to the Mönch.

Things to know before you go

• If you plan to view the Mönch from Jungfraujoch or the Schilthorn, keep in mind that these mountains are snowy year-round. In the summer, long trousers and a windproof and waterproof jacket are ideal.

• Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness. Mountain guides recommend bringing ample water, as well as drinking more water than usual the day before your visit.

• You might need snowshoes or skis for your climb up the Mönch.

• Independent travelers should book Interlaken to Jungfraujoch train tickets in advance as they often sell out; Jungfrau Travel Pass holders can ride the cogwheel train for free.

• The Jungfraujoch cogwheel train, the Jungfraujoch, the Schilthorn cable car, and the Piz Gloria summit restaurant are all wheelchair-accessible.

How to get there

To view the Mönch from Schilthorn, take the train from Interlaken Ost transit station to Lauterbrunnen, then a bus to Stechelberg. From here, it’s a 2-stage cable car ride past Mürren to the Schilthorn summit. To view the Mönch from Jungfraujoch, take the cogwheel train from Interlaken Ost; the journey lasts around two hours. To continue to the Mönch summit, you should book your climb with a mountain guide.

When to get there

Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch can be visited year-round, although the Schilthorn cable cars are closed for maintenance during some weeks in November and April. Summer is the most pleasant time to visit for both mountain views and climbing to the Mönch peak.

Climbing to the Mönch summit from Jungfraujoch

You don’t need to be a professional mountaineer to climb to the Mönch summit, but a high level of fitness is needed as well as novice experience (for example, you should understand basic crampon techniques). The route from Jungfraujoch along the southeast mountain ridge is considered a good first high-altitude experience for inexperienced climbers. Expect the ascent to take up to three hours and the descent another two hours down.