Jungfraujoch: A Visitor’s Guide To Top of Europe

A visit to the Jungfraujoch is one of the most impressive experiences you can have in Switzerland. Travel to the highest railway and post office in Europe, and admire the views that stretch all the way to France and Germany on a clear day.

But, Jungfraujoch is a tricky mountain to reach, and it’s not quite as simple as just showing up at the train station and buying tickets on the spot. A lot of planning is required to make the trip as memorable as possible and to avoid wasting any money on a view obstructed by fog. So, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Jungfraujoch!

General Information

Altitude	3,463 meters
Location	Bernese Oberland
Parking	Grindelwald Terminal, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken
Operating Times	Open year-round from (approximately) 8 AM until 5 PM
Prices	164 CHF – 187.8 CHF (full price tickets), 10 CHF seat reservation
Discounts	Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, GA Travelcard, Eurail Pass, Interrail Pass
Services	Train, lodging, restaurants, luggage lockers, post office, shopping
Website	https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/

What is Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”?

Jungfraujoch Top of Europe is the highest railway station in Europe. The visitor’s complex includes lots of fun things to see and do, most of which are included in the price of the train ticket for the Jungfraujochbahn.

Jungfraujoch is also the highest post office in Europe and it even has its own post code. Bring some postcards to send to friends and family, so you can mail from the highest post office on the entire continent – how cool is that?

History of Jungfraujoch

The first ascent on the Jungfraujoch saddle happened in the 1860s, and only 30 years later Adolf Guyer-Zeller had the brilliant idea to construct a railway tunnel to the Sphinx Peak. He is considered the founder of the Jungfraujoch Railway, which has officially been in operation since 1912.

The construction of the railway was a long, tedious, and deadly process, plagued by numerous issues. The worst of all was when 30 tonnes of dynamite accidentally exploded. Several workers lost their lives during the construction process, and even the founder died long before the railway was officially opened.

Jungfraujochbahn still holds the title of Europe’s highest railway and is considered a great technical achievement.

Where Is Jungfraujoch located?

Jungfraujoch is located in the Bernese Alps, south of Interlaken. Wengen, Grindelwald, Murren, and Lauterbrunnen are the closest villages to the mountain. The closest city (by definition) is Lucerne, but the closest town with the most train connections to other destinations in Switzerland is Interlaken.

How to Get to Jungfraujoch

The closest town to Jungfraujoch is Interlaken, so this guide will cover all the different options you have if you’re traveling from that municipality. In case you’re coming from a different Swiss city, try to get a direct train to Interlaken.

Interlaken – Grindelwald – Jungfraujoch

The fastest route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch is via Grindelwald. The journey takes an hour and a half total, and it includes a train from Interlaken to Grindelwald, a ride on the new Eiger Express Gondola from Grindelwald, and then finally the train from Eiger Glacier to Jungfraujoch. This is also the most expensive way to travel up the mountain, and it’s up to you to consider whether you value time or money more.

There’s also a cheaper way of traveling via Grindelwald that takes about two hours in total. First, you take a train from Interlaken to Grindelwald, then you switch to a train that climbs across the north face of the Eiger, offering wonderful panoramic views during the entire ride. This train will take you to Kleine Scheidegg, where you can board a different train that will take you to Jungfraujoch, with one stop at Eigergletcher.

Interlaken – Lauterbrunnen – Jungfraujoch

The third way of traveling to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken is via Lauterbrunnen. This journey also takes around 2 hours but includes several train changes and is therefore the least efficient.

First, take a train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen (30 minutes), then get on the train that takes you all the way to Kleine Scheidegg (50 minutes), then you must take another train to take you from Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher (11 minutes), and there you can finally board the train that will take you to Jungfraujoch.

It’s worth noting that the trains running from Interlaken split eventually, so the cars in the back head to Grindelwald but the rest of the train goes to Lauterbrunnen. So, make sure to check the screens in the train cars you board, to ensure you’re in the right place. If not, you have a couple of minutes at each station to move to a different train car, so don’t worry about it too much.

Eigergletscher – Jungfraujoch

The final leg from Eiger Glacier to Jungfraujoch is always the same, regardless of the journey that preceded it. You ride a train from Eiger Glacier, through tunnels in Eiger and Monch, until you finally arrive at Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe. This journey takes 26 minutes on the way up, but 24 minutes on the way down.

Jungfraujoch Tickets & Prices

The cost of a trip to Jungfraujoch varies a lot depending on your travel route, but it can often be more than 200 CHF. It’s not at all cheap to travel on the highest railway in Europe, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is without a doubt worth every penny.

Here’s a more detailed overview of individual (second class) one-way tickets for every leg of the journey from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch:

• Interlaken to Grindelwald – 10.40 CHF
• Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen – 7.60 CHF
• Grindelwald to Eigergletscher (Eiger Express Gondola) 32 CHF
• Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher – 5 CHF
• Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg – 35.80 CHF
• Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch – 50 CHF

Return tickets are just double the price of one-way tickets. The train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg operates only in the summer season. It’s usually closed from mid-October to mid-May, but the exact dates vary depending on the weather conditions. When the train stops running, the Eiger Express gondola is the only of traveling up to Eigergletscher.

You can purchase the tickets individually, or you can buy combined tickets at the Jungfraujoch ticket shop. The cost will be the same no matter which option you choose. None of these ticket prices include a seat reservation on the Jungfraujoch train. It’s 10 CHF per person and it is not necessary, but recommended if you’re traveling on a clear day in the peak season.

If you want to stay in the area for more than one afternoon, you will need to Jungfrau Travel Pass (former Top of Europe Pass). It’s 190-310 CHF for 3-8 days.

Additionally, keep in mind that you can get up to 50% off on the ticket price with various train passes for Switzerland. The GA Travelcard offers the best discount for Jungfraujochbahn tickets, but the Eurail pass, Interrail pass, Swiss Travel Pass, and the Half-fare card will also allow you to get your tickets cheaper.

Timetable

Trains from Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch run every 30 minutes. In the summer season, the first train departs at 7:45 AM, but in the winter season, they run from 8:15 AM. The last train from Jungfraujoch to Eigerglestcher is at 4:47 PM in the winter but at 5:47 PM in the summer.

The Eiger Express Gondola runs from 8 AM until 5 PM. There’s no specific timetable for the gondola lift because it runs continuously.

The trains from Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher run every 30 minutes, from 8:27 AM until 3:57 PM.

Best Time to Visit Jungfraujoch

Summer is the best time to visit Jungfraujoch because of the weather. It won’t be warm atop the mountain but it won’t be freezing cold either. Also, summer is the best period because the weather is mostly sunny, which means clear skies and views that stretch all the way to Germany from the Top of Europe.

Clear days are possible any time of the year, but it’s always best to check the weather forecast a couple of days before your trip. Try to reschedule the trip if clouds or fog are forecasted because you’ll end up spending a lot of money to see absolutely nothing. Also, keep in mind that the tickets are non-refundable, so don’t buy them until you’re absolutely sure about the weather and your schedule.

Jungfraujoch is open year-round so you can visit whenever you want. The overall best experience is in the summer months, although this is the most popular period for the visit and there will be crowds.

Things to See & Do

When you arrive at Jungfraujoch, you will see a self-guided itinerary that shows the best order for exploring the attractions at Top of Europe. Follow the itinerary to make the most of your visit, and see all the attractions in the best order.

Sphinx Observation Deck

The Sphinx observation deck is a panoramic platform that offers stunning views of the Swiss Alps. From here you can see to the north all the way to France on a good day, and towards the south, the beginnings of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe.

A super-fast lift takes you to the observation deck. The lift climbs approximately 100 meters in just 27 seconds, taking you to the second-highest observation deck in Switzerland. It’s worth noting that the observation deck is the only part of the Sphinx Observatory that is open to the public. Other areas of the observatory can be accessed only by the scientists who work there.

Ice Palace

The Ice Palace is one of many fabulous attractions at the Top of Europe. It’s almost like a cave in which every surface is lined with ice, and where the temperature is always -2 degrees Celsius. The highlights of a visit to the Ice Palace are the amazing ice sculptures, and you can see everything from a piano made from ice to an ice penguin.

If you’re going to visit the Ice Palace (and you should because it’s awesome and included in the price of train tickets), be sure to bring a warm winter jacket with you. It’s very cold in the palace, and I would probably bring a balaclava as well, to avoid looking like Rudolph in all my selfies.

Lindt Chocolate Heaven

Lindt Chocolate Heaven is the highest Lindt chocolate shop in the entire world. In addition to countless chocolates, the shop also has exhibits on the chocolate-making process, and you can even observe a master chocolatier at work.

It’s a wonderful place to visit, and even if you don’t buy anything you’ll get something out of the experience. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet after the long tour of Top of Europe, the Lindt shop has the best chocolates!

Jungfrau Panorama

Jungfrau Panorama is an immersive experience with a video exhibit on Jungfraujoch in all weather conditions. The panorama is in a room that is lined with screens on all sides, so no matter which way you turn, there’s a video of Jungfraujoch playing before your eyes.

It’s a great exhibit and the first stop you should visit on your tour of the Top of Europe. The Jungfrau Panorama is like a perfect introduction to this majestic mountain, and a great way to start the tour.

Alpine Sensation

Alpine Sensation is a corridor that connects the Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace. The corridor pays tribute to the founder of the Jungfraujoch Railway, as well as all the miners who lost their lives during the mining of the tunnels through the mountains.

The walk through the corridor is quite chilly – both literally and figuratively. The music is eerie, the lighting is dim, it’s obviously cold inside, and the entire atmosphere just evokes goosebumps. Throughout the corridor, you’ll see other little memorabilia of the Jungfraujoch Railway, and a huge snow glove awaits at the end.

Snow Fun Park

The Snow Fun Park at Jungfraujoch is awesome because it’s open from mid-May to mid-October. There’s snow on Jungfraujoch every day of the year, so even if you come here in July, you can have some fun in the snow while you’re there.

Just keep in mind that the snow park activities are not included in the price of train tickets to Jungfraujoch. The zipline is 20 CHF, sledding and tubing are 20 CHF, and skiing and snowboarding are 35 CHF. These are the prices for adults and access for children is 25% cheaper.

Hike to the Mönchsjoch hut

Mönchsjoch hut is the highest manned hut for hikers in Switzerland. It’s open from March to October, and it’s the ideal place to stay for anyone who wants to attempt an ascent on the Monch. The hut offers lodging to hikers, and it also features a restaurant that anyone is welcome to visit.

The hiker’s hut is only 35 minutes away from Top of Europe, so you can easily hike to it during your visit to Jungfraujoch. If you plan to hike to the hut, bring some hiking poles with you. They’ll be very helpful because the path to the hut is across a glacier, and even the best hiking boots offer very little traction on the snow.

Eismeer (Sea of Ice)

The train from Eigergletscheer to Jungfraujoch will make a quick stop at Eismeer (Sea of Ice). You’ll have about 5 minutes to get out and head to the observation deck at an elevation of 3160 meters above sea level.

There, you will see the glaciers below, which is a mesmerizing sight. You’ll also start to notice the difference in temperature – if you thought it was chilly at Eigergletscher, you’re in for a nasty surprise once you finally get to the top station of Jungfraujochbahn!

Where to Eat

There are three restaurants at Jungfraujoch, plus you can get something to eat at Mönchsjoch hut. Aletsch and Bollywood are self-service restaurants at Jungfraujoch with prices that are standard for Swiss restaurants. Bollywood is an Indian restaurant and Aletsh has mostly Swiss dishes and staples like french fries and fried chicken.

Crystal is the a la carte restaurant at Jungfraujoch, so the most expensive locale out of the bunch. But it’s also the only place where you can have fondue and rosti.

There’s also the Lindt chocolate shop, where you can get something sweet for dessert.

Where to Stay Near The Jungfraujoch

The closest place to stay near the Jungfraujoch is Mönchsjochhütte, a hiker’s hut on the glacier. But this is really only for people who are planning to climb Monch and not for regular travelers.

It’s best to stay at Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, or Interlaken. All three destinations offer easy access to Top of Europe, so you will be able to visit the place and be back at your accommodation on the same day.

Grindelwald is the closest village to Jungfraujoch, and generally the best place to stay. It’s a resort village with a lot of hotels, which range from affordable hostels to luxury, five-star hotels. Mountain Hostel, Central Hotel Wolter, Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort, Hotel Belvedere, Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald, and Hotel Spinne are some of the most popular hotels in the area.

Lauterbrunnen is much smaller and has fewer (and cheaper) accommodation options. The Valley Hostel, Hotel Oberland, Hotel Staubbach, and Hotel Silberhorn are the most popular accommodation options.

Interlaken is the largest town in the area, with accommodation options in every price range. Hostel Alplodge Interlaken offers beds for about 80 CHF per night, while a night at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa will cost you more than 900 CHF. There are several dozen options in between.

What to Pack

It’s very cold at Jungfraujoch so you’ll want to bring a warm winter jacket and waterproof boots. Wear layers so you can easily adjust to the external temperature; while it might be very chilly on the observation deck and in the Ice Palace, it’s much warmer inside and you can actually strip down to a T-shirt at the restaurant.

Also, pack more pairs of socks than you think you need, and bring at least a couple of extra pairs to your trip to Top of Europe. It’s better to have an extra pair and not need it than to get your socks wet in the snow and not have a new pair.

Finally, bring sunscreen. The sun is no joke at 3,500 meters above sea level, especially since most of the outdoor activities are on exposed terrain. Your skin can easily get burnt without SPF, and that’s one souvenir you shouldn’t bring home.

Time Needed to Spend at Jungfraujoch

One day is enough if you just want to visit the Top of Europe. You can tour all the important places up there in the afternoon, and you can even manage to hike across a glacier to Mönchsjoch hut and back to Jungfraujoch.

If you want to explore the area further or even attempt to climb Monch, you will need at least 2-3 days, and you could just as easily stay a week or two in the Bernese Oberland and you wouldn’t be bored.

Practical Tips for Visiting Jungfraujoch

Don’t go on the weekend. Weekends are the busiest on Jungfraujoch, and you’ll have better luck avoiding the crowds if you go on a workday.

Wear layers. The temperature varies a lot at the Top of Europe – it’s warm in the visitor’s center but it’s cold outside, and it can be freezing if it’s windy. It’s best to wear multiple layers so you can easily regulate your temperature.

Buy tickets in advance. Check the weather forecast and get tickets for the sunniest day of the week. On a nice, clear day, the tickets sell out super fast so it’s better to buy them earlier.

Tickets are not refundable. Plan the trip a couple of days in advance and be 100% sure of your plans because you won’t get your money back if you don’t go.

Bring a hat, gloves, a scarf, and extra pairs of socks. There are luggage lockers at Jungfraujoch and you can leave everything there if you don’t want to walk around with a full backpack.

Wear sunscreen. That’s the entire tip.

Map of Jungfaujoch Attractions and More

Frequently Asked Questions