jungfraujoch

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, Jungfraujoch is a destination that enchants visitors with its pristine beauty and outdoor activities. Known as the "Top of Europe", this location offers a unique experience that goes far beyond simply admiring the landscape. This guide explores in detail how to get to Jungfraujoch, must-do activities, places of interest and ways to make the trip cheaper and more rewarding.

How to reach Jungfraujoch

Reaching Jungfraujoch is an adventure in itself, a journey that offers breathtaking views and a train travel experience like no other. There are mainly three ways to get to the final destination: from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, from Interlaken to Grindelwald and finally, the fastest route, from Interlaken to Grindelwald Terminal with the Eiger Express. Each route has its own quirks, offering different views of the Swiss Alps and the valleys below. The choice of route depends largely on personal preferences and the time available.

The train journey from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is a picturesque experience passing through idyllic landscapes. Once in Lauterbrunnen, visitors change trains to go up to Wengen and continue to Kleine Scheidegg, where they take the last train to Jungfraujoch. This route is ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Switzerland, although it takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes.

The second route starts in Interlaken and heads towards Grindelwald main station. From here, visitors take another train that offers panoramic views of Grindelwald and Männlichen, before arriving at Kleine Scheidegg. This route also takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes, but offers a different perspective of the Alps.

Advantageous offers in Val Gardena

Discover the best offers to spend an unforgettable summer holiday in the Dolomites of Val Gardena, with holiday packages at advantageous prices in hotels and apartments in Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena

Discover best offers

adv

The fastest option is the new Eiger Express, which departs from Grindelwald Terminal and goes directly to the Eigergletscher in just 45 minutes. This is the ideal choice for those who are short on time but don't want to give up the spectacular view of the mountains.

What to do

Jungfraujoch is more than just a scenic destination; it's a place where adventure meets nature in a spectacular way. One of the first things visitors notice is how easy it is to explore the area. There is a self-guided tour with over 10 stops that helps visitors experience all the activities available.

The starting point is the Jungfrau train station, the UNESCO heritage site and the highest railway station in Europe. Next to the post office, there is a passport station where tourists can get a stamp as a souvenir of their trip. These little details add a personal touch to the experience, making every moment memorable.

For those interested in science and technology, the Sphinx Observatory is a must. This facility offers a panoramic view of the Alps and also serves as a research station for various scientific fields. The observatory can be accessed via an elevator that covers 108 meters in just 27 seconds, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.

But Jungfraujoch's real attraction is its range of outdoor activities. Known for having snow all year round, the area offers a variety of activities such as snowboarding, skiing, sledding and even a 250m zip line. These activities, however, are not included in the ticket price and represent an additional cost.

The Sea of ​​Ice

Eismeer, or the “Sea of ​​Ice”, is one of the most fascinating stops on the train journey to Jungfraujoch. Located halfway through the journey, the train stops here for about 5 minutes, giving passengers the opportunity to admire the Aletsch Glacier. This is one of the few occasions where visitors can get this close to a glacier without having to hike or climb.

The view from Eismeer is simply breathtaking. The glacier seems to stretch on forever, and the feeling of nature's grandeur and majesty is almost overwhelming. It's a moment that many visitors describe as one of the most memorable of their trip to Jungfraujoch.

Ice Palace

The Ice Palace is a place of ephemeral beauty and glacial art. As they say, “the more ephemeral something is, the more beautiful it is”, and this is especially true of the Ice Palace and its treasures. Created in the 30s by mountain guides with picks and saws in the heart of the Jungfraufirn, the palace is now a living museum of ice sculptures. Modern artists, armed with great talent, continue to create new works of art in this frozen world.

A visit to the Ice Palace is like a smooth mirror tour through a world of frost. In every nook and cranny, visitors discover works of art that seem almost natural in their beauty. An eagle, penguin or bear appears as if it has just been turned into ice. Yet even at a temperature of minus three degrees Celsius, these sculptures are in a constant state of melting, adding a sense of urgency and transience to the experience.

The Ice Palace is located inside the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe. Each sculpture is handmade and, despite the sub-zero temperature, is in a state of fusion. This poses an interesting dilemma for visitors: what to show about their experiences? The ethereal beauty of the Ice Palace or the fun inside the glacier?

The answer, of course, is both. The Ice Palace offers a unique experience that combines art, nature and science into one breathtaking attraction. It is a place where visitors can admire artistry and, at the same time, reflect on the fragility and transient beauty of nature. In a world where everything seems to be in constant flux, the Ice Palace serves as a powerful reminder of the ephemeral yet eternal beauty of the natural world.

Sphinx Observatory: A Window to the World

The Sphinx Observatory is more than just a lookout point; it is a scientific research center and a symbol of Swiss engineering. Located at an altitude of almost 3500 meters, the observatory offers a 360-degree view of the Swiss Alps and the Aletsch Glacier. But it's not just the view that fascinates visitors. The observatory is also a place of scientific research in various fields, from meteorology to astronomy.

Access to the observatory is made even more exciting by the lift which covers 108 meters in just 27 seconds. This rapid ascent is an experience in itself and offers a taste of Swiss engineering. Once at the top, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking view which, on a clear day, can stretch as far as France, Germany and Italy.

Besides the view, the observatory is also a place of scientific discovery. Since it opened in 1937, the observatory has contributed to a great deal of research, some of which has had a significant impact on our understanding of the world. It is a place where science and natural beauty merge into a unique and unforgettable experience.

Excursion to Mönchsjochhutte

For hiking enthusiasts, a visit to Jungfraujoch would not be complete without a trip to the Mönchsjochhutte. This hut is the highest in Switzerland and offers a spectacular view of the Aletsch Glacier. The hike takes about 35 minutes of walking and offers a unique experience of walking on a glacier.

It is advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring along trekking poles for added stability. The ground can be slippery and requires some care. However, the effort is well rewarded by the breathtaking view and the unique experience of being so close to nature.

Upon reaching the hut, visitors have the option of having lunch or simply enjoying a cup of coffee while admiring the view. The hut is open from 11am to 30pm from March to October, providing a cozy haven for rest and refreshment.

The hike to the Mönchsjochhutte is more than just a walk; it is an experience that allows visitors to connect with nature in a profound way. It's an opportunity to reflect on the immensity of the natural world and the humility that comes from being in the midst of so much beauty.

Shopping and restaurants at Jungfraujoch

Despite its remote location, Jungfraujoch offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Visitors can purchase Swiss watches in the Tissot gift shop or take home a unique souvenir from Jungfraujoch from the shop next door. For chocolate lovers, the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven is an experience not to be missed. This is the tallest Lindt chocolate shop in the world and offers a variety of chocolate delights.

In addition to shopping, there are three different dining options, ranging from a simple café for coffee and snacks to a full-service restaurant. These establishments offer a variety of culinary options that cater to all tastes and preferences.

Why visit

Jungfraujoch is one of the most sparkling gems in the Swiss Alps, offering a variety of experiences ranging from luxury shopping to deep connection with nature. Whether it's taking the scenic train through the Alps, hiking a glacier or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa in the world's highest chocolate shop, Jungfraujoch has something for everyone.

With some careful planning and some smart choices, it's possible to enjoy all that this incredible destination has to offer without emptying your wallet.