Visit the Jungfraujoch, the Star of Europe

You are in Switzerland to discover its natural wonders and you decided to visit the Jungfraujoch? Discover our dedicated article!

Located in Switzerland near Interlaken, the Jungfraujoch is a pass of the Bernese Alps peaking at 3,463 metres above sea level. Marking the border between the cantons of Valais and Bern, it is part of an ridge ranging from Mönch to Jungfrau.

The Jungfraujoch is the lowest point of the ridge and allows, in a way, to connect the two summits. Welcoming the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch is a place known to high mountain lovers and renowned to offer wonderful landscapes.

The magic of the place is such that it is one of the few natural landscapes classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Visiting the Jungfraujoch is discovering a unique place in Europe, accessible to all and where to have fun despite the altitude.

Jungfraujoch, a unique place in Europe

Visiting the Jungfraujoch is first of all to go for an adventure. Its particularity lies in its accessibility by train. Opened in 1912, this line is one of the few railway lines in the world whose terminus exceeds 3 000 meters altitude ! Imagine taking a train at low altitude, passing between the tops first green and then snowy. A magical and unforgettable moment for young and old.

Once at the top, our eyes marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes. The feeling of altitude is then only a distant memory. Ready to breathe the pure air of the high mountain?

Jungfraujoch, a place accessible to all

Thanks to this ease of accessibility, the Jungfraujoch is not reserved for an elite. Once at the top, it is recommended to take the time to understand the geology and history of the place. There are permanent exhibitions.

At the top are two important buildings. The first is the observatory of the Sphinx . Its name is not randomly chosen since it is located on a rocky grove called... Sphinx! Good news, the observatory is accessible to the public. From its observation platform, you can admire the exceptional panorama opening before us. Among the visible summits, here is the Jungfrau , Mönch and Eiger .

The second building is soberly named “Toit de l’Europe” . Surrounded by the eternal snow of the Aletsch glacier, the largest in the Alps, this building is the link between the railway station and the observatory. In addition to the presence of restaurants, there is an exhibition on the history of the railway line and the highest post office in Europe!

While about 100,000 postcards take off every year, why not yours soon?

The Jungfraujoch, a place to have fun

You can’t visit the Jungfraujoch without having fun. At the top you will find a snow park with many ice sports to enjoy young and old. Also don’t miss the palace of ice, created by man’s hand. We're walking around underground galleries with iced walls !

In short, visiting the Jungfraujoch is discovering a unique and magical place, breathing the fresh air of the mountain and adventure with an original railway line! The purpose of this article is to show you in detail some excursions, the accessibility of the site, as well as some good advice and addresses to stay, to eat or not to miss spots.

What to see and what to do at Jungfraujoch?

Visiting the Jungfraujoch is above all discovering one of the most beautiful panoramas in Europe. A breathtaking mountain landscape. It is also taking a train at more than 3,000 meters above sea level or admiring it all from a helicopter! It is finally enjoying the height to rest for a few hours.

How to visit the Jungfraujoch?

The tour by train

Visiting the Jungfraujoch is first to take the train. In fact, unless you are a climbing professional, the Jungfraujoch is not accessible on foot (a priori) or by car. So you have to take the railroad. And what train!

Quickly mentioned in the introduction, the Jungfrau railway line is the highest in Europe and without a doubt one of the most beautiful. With this ticket for the Jungfraujoch, the departure is made from Interlaken Down the valley. Small friendly town, Interlaken is located, as its name suggests, between two lakes, the Lake Thoune and Lake Brienz .

The train is not direct and lasts about 2h15. It is indeed necessary to change Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald (depends on the chosen train) then to Kleine Schneidegg , which is a ski resort. The journey from Interlaken makes us discover splendid places, nestled in the green valley and then the snowy Bernese Alps. However, it is in Kleine Schneidegg that the world is changing and that magic is happening... And that the real line of the Jungfrau begins.

Those who have taken the cable car from the Aiguille du Midi will find some similarities with, in particular, a certain apprehension. The train borrows a tunnel dug in the mountain , a long journey in the toll. By twice, the mountain opens to your eyes and the flashes crepitate. What impressed the most is the slope! Sometimes the tilt in the tunnel is at 25°! Unlike the cable car, there is no vacuum under your feet... However, if we are not afraid, we are told that we will be better at the top! 45 minutes after Kleine Schneidegg, the vow is enhanced.

A dream awakened, a journey by train that one will probably only do once in his life. After a few hours at the top, we go back and take the tunnel down!

The helicopter visit

Do you want to visit the Jungfraujoch and live at the same time an even more unforgettable experience than the train? So these tickets for the Jungfraujoch are for you! From the helipad Gsteigwiler , travellers have the opportunity to visit the Jungfraujoch by helicopter. For about 20 minutes, in addition to the Jungfraujoch, you will have the opportunity to admire the Mönch and Jungfrau , the two summits that join one and the other thanks to the Jungfraujoch.

This helicopter tour also allows you to see from above Eiger , a nearby summit, the Grindelwald valley , ski resort Männlichen , Wengen station or Mittellegigrat . If these names don’t tell you anything, a small search on the internet will allow you to understand how their discovery would make your stay easier!

You can visit the Jungfraujoch by helicopter November to March . It is indeed at this time of year that the landscapes are the most beautiful. The greenery of the bottom quickly leaves room for the beautiful snowy coat, a breathtaking panorama seen from above. Also it is an experience that can be made with family or friends and that allows to avoid the crowd. Finally, once back down, each person leaves with a cut-file ticket for the Sphinx Observatory.

Of course, some may have apprehension before taking the helicopter, especially if it is the first time. Nevertheless, the agency performing the tour is recognized and serious. So you don't have to fear and spend your baptism on a helicopter, you won't regret it!

The walking tour

If you are an adventurer with a taste of risk, a Professional climber or experienced mountaineer You can reach the Jungfraujoch on foot! For the common mortals, it is of course unadvised and simply impossible.

On the other hand, once at the top, it is easy to visit the Jungfraujoch and its accessible surroundings by moving from the railway station to the Sphinx Observatory. Don’t hesitate to go wherever it is possible to enjoy all the views offered by the Swiss mountain.

Here, the activity will allow you a total visit from Zurich. You will then be taken care of from the beginning to the end of the adventure, and take advantage of both the transport, the train tour, but also of the walking tour once you arrive at the top. This visit, therefore, promises to discover the observatory of the Sphinx, but also the tunnels of the Palace of Ice, in the heart of the glacier. A complete and unforgettable experience.

How to get to Jungfraujoch?

Three options are available to all travellers wishing to access the Jungfraujoch: the aircraft, the train and the car.

By plane

If Berne Airport is closest to visiting the Jungfraujoch, it is probably at Zurich that you will descend from the plane. From the airport it is possible to reach Interlaken in about 2 hours of train. As previously seen, it is generally from Interlaken that the Jungfraujoch tour, which is now being joined by train.

Zürich is served by many French cities ( Paris , Lyon , Marseille , Nice , Bordeaux ).

Do not hesitate to consult a comparison of flights as Skyscanner to find the combination that suits you best.

By train

The train trip is the best compromise to visit the Jungfraujoch. From Paris-Gare de Lyon, it is indeed possible to reach Interlaken in just a short time 5 hours train including a change to Basel about 30 minutes. The next day, the train takes you from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch.

Since Lyon, it is the same time but with two changes, Geneva and Bern .

For other major cities in France, it is necessary to count at least 6:30 a.m. and at least 2 changes.

By car

Switzerland offers beautiful landscapes and, if you have the possibility, the car trip is a great adventure. Of course, the duration of the journey is variable: it is different depending on whether you leave the journey Brest or Mulhouse ! The route taken is also not the same as around Bern.

In any case, the landscapes of your road will be splendid. As with the train and the aircraft, the goal is to reach the ideal drop point, Interlaken. The next day, head to the Jungfraujoch by train!

Are there combined visits?

It is possible to visit the Jungfraujoch by combining with other activities. This is especially the case with the train experience presented above, to which you can add a tour around the Jungfraujoch. It will then be possible to give you winter sports at the snow park: ski, sled, snow buoy, zip-down!

In the summer, you can combine this visit with hikes around Wengen and Grindelwald, which can be reached thanks to the station located just before the Jungfraujoch: Kleine Schneidegg.

The good addresses where to stay

In terms of accommodation, you have a choice between getting closer or getting away from Jungfraujoch. Thus, several cities will offer themselves to you, especially Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen .

Interlaken

For many travelers, Interlaken is the ideal city to visit the Jungfraujoch. The beauty of the surrounding area also helps to appreciate the place.

Wanderlix recommends Interlaken because you will have all the amenities nearby, and the city is close to Jungfraujoch. Here are two good addresses we selected for you:

1. Wooded housing

This superb chalet apartment is located close to Interlaken Ost Train Station. It is from this station that you can reach Kleine Schneidegg and then visit the Jungfraujoch. Comfortable apartment, you quickly feel good and enjoy a place suitable to the mountain. Ideal for a couple.

2. The perfect accommodation for the family

From the first photo, we want to be teleported to this apartment! The view is indeed splendid and the place is magical. The interior is very well equipped and this accommodation fits perfectly with a family with children.

Lauterbrunnen

It is also possible to stay close to the summits to visit the Jungfraujoch, for example in Lauterbrunnen. The choices are very numerous and many are similar, so it is not useful to mention one or two in particular.

There are many Airbnb accommodation available , and you will surely find your happiness there! Otherwise, you can call one Compare hotels to benefit from the best offers.

The right places to eat

Eigergletscher Restaurant is a must when visiting the Jungfraujoch. In good quality, prices are not exorbitant despite the location in Switzerland and more than 2,000 meters high! The menu is quite basic, there is little choice because it is actually a cafeteria. However, this is not the most important in view of the location!

Before or after your visit, you can restore to Lauterbrunnen, Mürren or Wengen, located near Kleine Schneidegg Station. Many choices are available to you, from Swiss classics to exotics (Indian, Chinese) given the location.

The good spots around the Jungfraujoch

We could devote a full article to the spots on and near the Jungfraujoch! Wanderlix nevertheless selected three.

The first of them was already mentioned in the article. Indeed, it is necessary to devote some lines to the platform of the observation of the Sphinx . The only thing that makes us want to leave her once on the spot is the cold! Because from above, the view is simply fabulous. At a glance, we admire the Jungfrau, the Mönch and the Eiger, the three high peaks of the Bernese Alps, the valley in the distance and a wonderful snowy coat. A magical place and an image that marks us forever.

The second spot are the Trümmelbachfälle waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen. Fracas when the water crashes on the walls of the mountain is impressive, making it one of the most emblematic places to see when visiting the Jungfraujoch.

Finally, the third spot is the Allmendhubel . This summit of less than 2,000 meters is accessible in funicular. Once at the top, the view of the amazing aqueduct supporting the rail and the village of Mürren is exceptional, and this summer as winter!