Jungen Alp (“Jungu” to the locals) sits high above the village of St. Niklaus in Valais, just down the valley from Zermatt. If you want a quiet picnic spot with big mountain views, a little lake and space for the kids to run around freely, put it on your list.
I first spotted it on a friend’s Instagram post. I knew almost nothing about it except that it looked beautiful, and honestly, that’s usually enough for me to plan a trip. So in autumn 2020 we packed the picnic bag and went to see it for ourselves.
Facts & a visual trip to Jungen Alp
Here’s what a day up at Jungu looks like. If you’re putting together a list of the best picnic spots in Switzerland with a lake and mountain views, this one belongs on it.
Jungen Alp – quick facts
| Altitude | 1,960 m |
| Where | Above St. Niklaus in the Mattertal, between Visp and Zermatt (Valais) |
| Getting up | Small Jungen cable car from St. Niklaus (timetable), or hike 4.3 km with 853 m ascent |
| Parking | Very limited at the cable car – use the underground car park in the village |
| Food | Restaurant Jungeralp (peak season only) – bring a picnic, BBQ allowed |
| Facilities | Toilet on site |
| Good for kids? | Yes – open space, a small lake and the Alpenblumenweg flower path |
| Matterhorn view? | No – you see the Mattertal, Grächen and the Klein Matterhorn |
How to get to Jungen Alp
Jungen sits at 1,960 m above the village of St. Niklaus in the Mattertal. St. Niklaus is on the train line between Visp and Zermatt, so it’s easy to reach by train or car. There are two ways up from the village.
By cable car (the easy way)
The small Jungen cable car runs from St. Niklaus up to the alp. It’s tiny, it’s fun, and the kids will love it. It’s not a big tourist gondola, so check the Jungen Bahn timetable before you go and plan around it.
This is how we went up. We visited just after the first snowfall, so hiking wasn’t really an option. We also just wanted to sit, eat and enjoy the place.
On foot (the steep way)
If you want to hike, a zigzag path takes you from St. Niklaus to Jungen. It’s 4.3 km but with 853 m of ascent, so it’s steep the whole way. It’s fine for fit adults and older kids who are used to mountain hiking. With little ones, I’d take the cable car up and keep the energy for playing at the top.
Parking
There’s only a handful of spaces by the cable car station, and they fill up quickly. Use the underground car park in St. Niklaus village instead and walk over.
Check out the map below to get some ideas of the location.
Where to stay near Jungen Alp
Jungen is an easy half-day or day trip, so you don’t need to sleep in St. Niklaus. It depends on what else you’re doing in the valley.
- Grächen: my pick for families. It’s on the sunny side of the valley right above St. Niklaus, quieter and better value than Zermatt, and very family-focused. Check family hotels in Grächen
- St. Niklaus: practical if you just want a base close to the cable car and the train line. See places to stay in St. Niklaus
- Zermatt: if you’re combining Jungen with Matterhorn days. It’s further down the valley by train, so Jungen makes a nice quiet break from the Zermatt crowds. Compare hotels in Zermatt
Planning more of the valley? Read my guide to the best things to do in Zermatt and these family-friendly things to do in Valais.
Up at the Jungen Alp near Zermatt
The ride up with the Jungen-bahn is an experience in itself. The cables rise steeply from the station, and one may ask at first what is up there? Well, a hidden gem awaits.
When we exited the cable cabin, we were happy that our back packs were still in the outside baskets 🙂 Just joking, at absolutely no point did we feel in danger or unsafe.
The view over the Mattertal all the way to Zermatt and Grächen is stunning. You will see the Klein Matterhorn pretty much at all times but never the Matterhorn. (Just in case you ask yourselves whether it would be possible to see the mighty Matterhorn.) But anyway, there are plenty of stunning vistas to marvel at.
Follow the path up to the Junger Restaurant. It’s here, where this jewel is reveals its beauty. The little lake in front of you, with its water fountain and the picnic tables placed around it, entices you to spend the day.
Even though there is a restaurant you can freely light the grill and give this place a delicious smell with your steaks or sausages. There is also a proper toilet on site so you do not need to ask the restaurant.
Should a BBQ not be on your menu plan, then for sure you will be served with a smile at the restaurant. But check when you are going up that it is open, as it is only operating during peak season.
Around the Jungen Alp near Zermatt
If you do feel that just relaxing around the lake area is not for you, there are several hikes that start at the Jungen Alp.
Although I am not sure your kids will be happy if you tell them that they have to leave this magical place now as you wish to go for a hike 🙂
I have to be honest, we did not hike up at the Jungen Alp. The area there is just so pretty and relaxed that we wanted to fully enjoy this place. Also, we visited after the season, the Alp already had experienced its first snowfall, the restaurant was closed up for the winter and we had the place to ourselves. These reasons were enough to remove our hike from the agenda.
But, anyway, there is a sign saying “Alpenblumenweg” (flower path) but as there was already snow on the ground we figured there would be no point to discover that one. 🙂
We will for sure go back to this place and hike it, so I will link it to the post. But for now, why not just enjoy the Jungen Alp above St.Niklaus in Valais. It is a great picnic place with a small lake & stunning views. What more could you wish for?
Should you have itchy feet check out the hiking map below which gives some ideas of the area and trails available. Click on map.
Jungen Alp FAQ
Can you see the Matterhorn from Jungen Alp?
No. The Matterhorn is hidden from Jungen. You get views over the Mattertal, across to Grächen and up towards the Klein Matterhorn. Honestly, we didn’t miss it. The view is still beautiful and the place is far less busy.
Is Jungen Alp good for kids?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest mountain days we’ve done with children. There’s open space to run around, a small lake, picnic and BBQ spots, a toilet, and the Alpenblumenweg flower path.
Can you hike up to Jungen with kids?
You can, but be realistic. It’s 853 m of ascent in 4.3 km, so it’s steep. It suits older kids who already hike. With younger children, take the cable car.
Is there a restaurant at Jungen Alp?
The Jungeralp restaurant is only open in peak season. Outside of that, bring your own picnic. BBQ is allowed, so pack sausages and you’re set.
When is the best time to visit Jungen Alp?
Summer and early autumn, when the cable car and restaurant are running and the trails are clear. We went just after the first snow in autumn and it was beautiful. Just check the cable car timetable first.
More Places in Valais
-
- Vercorin – Val d’Anniviers – The Ideal Family Mountain Escape
- Zermatt – 13 Best Things to do in Zermatt. Ideally in 2 Days. Ultimate First Time Visitors Guide
- Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – An Epic Family Experience
- Zermatt – World’s Highest Glacier Palace – Why you should visit
- Evolène – Ferpècle – Bike ride to the Mont- Mine Glacier, Val D’Hérenes
- Zermatt – A Family Day trip to Zermatt
- Nendaz – Family Skiing Les 4 Vallées (maps & Video)
- Nendaz -Activities for Families – Tracouet Station Lac Noir
- 20 Family Friendly Things to do in Valais
- Aletsch Glacier – Eggishorn Viewpoint
- Nendaz – Mont Fort 4 Vallées – Swiss Altitude Adventure to 3330m – with your kids
I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning your trip to the hidden gem “The Jungen Alp in St. Nicklaus – Valais. A Great Picnic Place with Lake & Views”
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.
Thank you & Never Forget to Travel
If you like it Pin IT & tell a friend!
