The Top of Europe Pass is a great idea for anyone looking to spend 3 days or more in the Jungfrau region in the Berner Oberland.
There are so many attractions in the area that you could easily spend a week there. And when you do, a pass like this really starts to make sense.
However, before you commit to the pass, find out what it covers (and not) and compare the prices to individual tickets you would need instead.
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Top of Europe Pass Prices
The price of the Top of Europe pass depends on the number of days you wish to travel, and whether you have any applicable discounts.
* Discounted prices apply if you have any of the following:
- Travel passes: Half fare card, General Abonnement (GA)
- Seasonal Ski Passes: Jungfrau Ski Region Season Pass, Top4 Ski Pass
** Children aged 6 to 15 years can get one for 30 CHF. Children under that age may travel for free with accompanying adults.
| Number of days | Adult (CHF) | Discounted Adult (CHF) * | Children (6-15 Years old) ** |
| 3 days | 249 | 159 | 30 |
| 4 days | 269 | 179 | 30 |
| 5 days | 289 | 199 | 30 |
| 6 days | 309 | 239 | 30 |
| 7 days | 329 | 259 | 30 |
| 8 days | 349 | 279 | 30 |
What is included in Top of Europe pass?
The Top of Europe Pass is valid throughout the Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen areas. This also includes one trip up the Jungfraujoch during the ticket’s validity period.
The pass includes all trains, buses, mountain railways, and cable cars excluding the Schilthorn in the Lauterbrunnen valley.
The following attractions are included in the Top of Europe Pass:
- Jungfraujoch (one return journey)
- Grindelwald First
- Mürren
- Harder Kulm
- Schynigge Platte
- Männlichen
- Kleine Scheidegg
- Eiger Express
What is NOT included in Top of Europe pass?
Any trips outside of this region such as around the Brienz and Thun lakes or to nearby attractions and cities outside of Interlaken are not included in the Top of Europe Pass. It should be noted that the Schilthorn is not included either.
This pass is focused more specifically on Jungfrau and the nearby areas like Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen and all the transport and attractions there.
Once you head either directly east or west from Interlaken, the Top of Europe Pass will not cover anything.
Top of Europe Pass Winter
Of course, this pass is also available in winter, for those who love to winter hike and sledge. It’s called the Top of Europe Pass Winter and covers almost the same as the normal pass, except for Schynigge Platte which is not open.
You can go winter hiking with the pass in all the most famous areas such as below the Eiger, Mürren, First to Faulhorn, Männlichen and more. Sledging is also a great option in almost all the same locations. And, there is night sledging between Thursday and Saturday too.
** And remember, the pass includes one trip to the top of Jungfraujoch too!
Please be aware that this pass is not valid as a ski pass, so if you were thinking it was a cheaper option – forget it. And, this pass is only on offer from December 1st – 30th April.
The prices for the Top of Europe Winter pass are below:
| Number of days | Adult (CHF) | Discounted Adult (CHF) * | Children (6-15 Years old) ** |
| 3 days | 229 | 179 | 30 |
| 4 days | 249 | 199 | 30 |
| 5 days | 264 | 214 | 30 |
| 6 days | 274 | 224 | 30 |
| 7 days | 280 | 230 | 30 |
| 8 days | 283 | 233 | 30 |
Top of Europe Pass & The Schilthorn
Although the Top of Europe Pass includes mountain cable cars and railways, the Schilthorn is not included in this pass.
Top of Europe Pass Discounts
There are limited discounts on the Top of Europe Pass. Only holders of a Half Fare Card, General Abonnement or seasonal ski passes like the Jungfrau Ski Region Season Pass and Top4 Ski Pass qualify.
Other discounts from various other travel passes in Switzerland are not applicable.
Deciding If The Top of Europe Pass Worth It?
Whether the Top of Europe Pass is worth it depends on how much travel you will be doing in the Interlaken, Grindelwald and Jungfrau region. However, if you go up the Jungfraujoch and also plan to visit other attractions like Grindelwald First, Männlichen, Schynigge Platte or Kleine Scheidegg, then it will definitely pay for itself and more.
You get one free trip up the Jungfraujoch, so that may be enough to make it worth your while. Such a trip costs at least 185 CHF from Interlaken Ost.
It is also helpful to see what other journeys cost so you can see whether it is worth getting this travel pass.
Return tickets without any other connecting trains or buses cost:
- Harder Kulm – 26 CHF
- Grindelwald First – 64 CHF
- Schynigge Platte – 64 CHF
Trains from Interlaken Ost return cost
- Mürren – 37.60 CHF
- Kleine Scheidegg – 84.80 CHF
Example cost comparison
If you travel for four days around the region and visit a different attraction on each day, the costs could be as follows:
- 269 CHF for a 4-day pass
- 339 CHF for 4 days to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald First, Schnigge Platte, Harder Kulm
NOTE : The 339 price above does not include all train connections you would need – eg. from Interlaken or Grindelwald. So this price is an underestimate!!!
Example 2 day visit:
If you only traveled to the Jungfraujoch and one attraction then the minimum 3 day pass might be overkill at 249 CHF. However, keep in mind that depending on where you stay and what you do on your second day it still might cover you.
Eg. Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald First costs: 64CHF + Train ride costs (22.40 CHF) = 86.40 CHF
Total minimum = 185 (Jungfraujoch) + Grindelwald First 86.40 = 271.40 CHF
Keep in mind the Jungfraujoch is more expensive in summer! 185 is the off-season price
Jungfrau Travel Pass Vs Top of Europe Pass
There are many differences between the Jungfrau Travel Pass and the Top of Europe Pass. The Jungfrau Travel pass includes travel on and around the lakes of Interlaken, but only has a special price on the Jungfraujoch. The Top of Europe pass is more restricted to the mountains and provides one free trip up the Jungfraujoch.
So, although the Jungfrau Travel Pass is a little cheaper, you will have to pay extra for the Jungfraujoch.
Is The Top of Europe Pass Worth It?
If you are spending a lot of time around Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, then the Top of Europe Pass is definitely worth it. It includes not only one free trip to the Jungfraujoch but also the majority of all travel and mountain excursions in the region.
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums.
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland.
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland.
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland.
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring!
Hello,
Good Day.
I will be staying in Interlaken [close to the west station]; so will the “Top of Europe Pass” be helpful for me , I mean to say will this pass offer unlimited train journey from Interlaken west – ost – Grindelwald – Lauterbrunnen ?
And, what about cable car rides [except the Schilthorn] ? are they free and unlimited under”Top of Europe Pass” ?
Your response would be appreciated.
Thank you.
From the details I have seen on the Top of Europe page on the jungfrau.ch website you can go from Interlaken Ost to almost anywhere in both Grindelwald/Lauterbrunnen and above. There is a full list in the FAQ (validity section) here https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/top-of-europe-pass-winter/
My wife and I will be traveling to the Jungfrau region for 4 days in September 2023 (staying in Lauterbrunnen) as part of a 10-day trip. We planned on buying the Swiss Travel Pass and then purchasing the Top of Europe Pass with the discount. My wife just old me that, for 2023, the Top of Europe Pass will not be discounted for Swiss Travel Pass holders, only for Half Fare Pass holders. Can you confirm this for me?
Thanks.
Just looked at the website (suggest you do too) and it appears that is true. (GA or Halftax discounts only)
https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/top-of-europe-pass-winter/
Perhaps you can email them directly to check. Let me know what they say. I am no travel agent :>
Here is the email I received back when I contacted them directly, as you suggested. Guess I have to wait until February to see about discounts…
“Thank you very much for your email and your interest in our region.
We don’t know yet the summer offers in detail, but you will find this information from mid of February at earliest. The reductions will be the same as before.”
Hello,
My wife and I will be traveling to Switzerland from 4/29-5/8. With 3 days in Zermatt and 5 days in Wengen. We want to visit Jungfraujoch and many other areas in the Alps that are covered Top of Europe combined with the Swiss Half Fair Card. With limited info does this combo make the most sense?
Thanks kindly
If you are visiting a lot of the mountains and the Jungfrau while in Wengen, then yes.
Hello,
My friends and I (12 of us) plan to visit the Jungfrau region between April 20 and 24, 2023. We will buy the “Top of Europe Pass Winter” (valid till April 30, 2023). We would like to visit Harder Kulm, does the Top of Europe Pass Winter cover it ?
Thanks
Yes, Harder Kulm is included.
Hello,
I will be in Jungfrau region between April 20 and 24, 2023. I think we will need to buy the “Top of Europe Pass Winter” (valid till April 30, 2023). I checked the area of validity, it does not seem to include Grindelwald-First (Cliff Walk). Can you verify it? Also, can I buy the regular “Top of Europe Pass” instead of the “Top of Europe Pass Winter”?
Thanks
Hi Steve, Yes the First gondola is included, and the Cliff walk is right at the top. There are also winter walks and sledding around there. Just be aware its winter and potentially cold, so be prepared with the right gear/layers, beanie, sunglasses etc.
Hello! I can’t figure out how to buy top of Europe multi day pass for the end of May. Somewhere mentioned you just buy them at a train station once you’re there?
Please reply if you can help guide me.
Thanks so much!!!
As I understand it from another reader, they are not publishing summer prices or making them accessible til mid-Feb at the earliest, which is obviously gone by. You can try contact them via their website and see. I don’t have specific access or info. Sorry
Me and my wife plan to visit Switzerland late September and was planning to buy a 3 day top of the Europe pass .Does the pass cover Bernina Express and the Glacier Express train rides.Thank you and will appreciate your help.
Hi. I’m traveling from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen. Should I just pay for my ticket to Interlaken, and use my top of Europe pass from there to Lauterbrunnen?
Yes, your pass does not cover travel as far as Zurich, so you would need a separate ticket to the first location inside the pass region of validity.