Wengenbahn Alpine Train (Gary Brown)
Switzerland is a world-class winter vacation destination for many reasons – this alpine nation is home to stunning scenery, rustic villages, delicious haute cuisine and top-tier winter sports. It also claims one thing that none of its neighbors can: the highest railway station in Europe. The Jungfraujoch station sits at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level, making it the highest place you can visit by train in Europe.
Despite sitting atop an ice-covered mountain in the middle of the Alps, it is surprisingly easy to visit the self-branded “Top of Europe.” Here is your guide to the perfect day trip for those staying in Central Switzerland!
The Jungfraujoch sits on the northern edge of the Bernese Alps, one of the highest mountain ranges in Europe. If you want to visit this bucket-list destination, begin in Interlaken. This lakeside town is a hub for alpine adventure in Switzerland and offers routine rail and bus connections to other cities in the region.
The Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch Mountains (left to right), with the Sphnix Observatory and Jungraujoch visible inbetween the latter two (Gary Brown)
Quickest Route
Trains bound for Jungfraujoch depart from the Interlaken Ost (East) Station. There are two ways to reach your destination from here. The quickest way is to take the southbound R61 train for Grindelwald. Hop off at the second-to-last station (Grindelwald Terminal) and immediately transfer to the Eiger Express gondola. Over fifteen minutes and 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), this cable car ascends 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) to the Eigergletscher (Eiger Glacier). From there, simply board the next train on the Jungfrau Railway to take you the remaining 30 minutes and 1,100 meters to the top.
Prettiest Route
The gondola may be the fastest way to the top, but I would wager it is not the most beautiful. For that, take the R62 train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. This route allows you to kick back, relax, and enjoy scenic vistas from the comfort of vintage alpine cogwheel trains. From Lauterbrunnen, transfer to another train bound for Wengen, and thereafter on to Kleine Schedegg.
These towns are also connected by ski runs and are lively in winter. They’re all worth a visit in their own right, if you have the time. Board one more train at the Kleine Scheidegg to reach the Eigergletscher. Here you can rejoin he hustling crowd that took the cable car and continue onto the end of the line, the Jungfraujoch. Collectively, the journey from Interlaken via Lauterbrunnen takes around 2.5 hours. If you are strapped for time, you can use the same ticket to take this way up the mountain, and then use the gondola to return to the bottom.
View from Jungfraubahn approaching to Eiger Glacier (Gary Brown)
Top of the Jungfraujoch
The train ride to the Jungfraujoch itself is the undoubted highlight of this adventure. You can admire snow-capped cottages, thousand-foot waterfalls and majestic mountains, all while enjoying the comforts of classic railway carriages recalling a more glamorous and slower age of travel. Once you reach the top there is still plenty to do though, like:
Head up to the Sphinx Observatory, the highest astronomical observatory and weather station in Europe, to enjoy views of Italy, France and Germany.
Walk on the Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the longest glacier in the Alps.
Tour an underground “ice palace” filled with frozen sculptures reminiscent of a certain popular Disney film.
Sample Swiss and international fare at one of four restaurants or bars open at the top, or try chocolates from Europe’s highest chocolate shop.
Mail a letter to your friends and family back home from the highest post office in Europe.
Good to Know
Dress appropriately – The Jungfraujoch is open 365 days a year. Temperatures at the top range from warm and pleasant in the summer to well below freezing in the winter. Keep in mind that conditions in the valley are much milder than at elevation, and altitude sickness can affect those coming from sea level.
Prepare for the sun –Pack sunscreen and shades when visiting, even in winter. The Jungfrau region is high enough that clouds are usually below it.
Ditch das auto – Limited car parking is available in both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, but is virtually impossible to find during peak season. Do what locals do and leave the car in Interlaken, then ride the train in. Matten bei Interlaken has a new and spacious park-and-ride facility next to the train station offering parking for only 5 CHF (6 USD) per day.
Take your time – Between traveling to Jungfraujoch and the things to do at the top, you will regret it if you don’t give yourself enough time. Plan for a full-day trip and leave in the morning to get the best bang for your buck.
Budget accordingly – Switzerland is already an expensive country to visit, but the Jungfraujoch is almost painfully pricey. Tickets start at almost mind-boggling 223 CHF (250 USD) for adults (16 years and up), making it one of the most expensive excursions you will find in Europe. Some discounts are available for those with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Jungfraubahn from above (Gary Brown)
No matter what you decide to do, or when you go, one thing is guaranteed – a visit to the Jungfraujoch is a unique and unforgettable experience for all those bold enough to seek it out!
