Experiences
Jungfraujoch and the Swiss Alps: how to get to the Top of Europe
The highest railway station in Europe, the longest glacier in the Alps and a valley full of waterfalls. How to plan your trip to Jungfraujoch, and where to stay in Interlaken and Grindelwald.
The train enters the mountain at Eigergletscher and carries on through a tunnel inside the Eiger and the Mönch. When the doors open again, you are standing on a saddle between two peaks, and in front of you lies the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps.
Jungfraujoch calls itself the Top of Europe, and its station is the highest in Europe. Here is how to get up there, what to do along the way and where to stay in the Bernese Oberland.
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How to get up to Jungfraujoch
Most people start in Interlaken. From there you take the train to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then on to Kleine Scheidegg and Eigergletscher. From Grindelwald you can also take the Eiger Express gondola, which cuts the journey time considerably. The final stretch runs on the Jungfrau Railway through the tunnel inside the mountain.
Tickets: book early in summer. Many tickets have a fixed time for the journey up.
Weather: check the webcams before you go. In cloud you will see very little, and the trip is not cheap.
Altitude: you are more than 3,400 metres above sea level. Take it slowly and drink water.
Book the experience: See tours and activities from Interlaken
The Sphinx, the Ice Palace and the Aletsch Glacier
At the top, a lift takes you to the Sphinx observation deck, which looks straight down onto the Aletsch Glacier. The Ice Palace is a passage of sculptures carved into the ice, and out on the plateau you can walk on snow even in midsummer.
What to do in the Bernese Oberland
Jungfraujoch is the headline, but the valleys below are just as good a reason to come.
Lauterbrunnen and its waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen is a narrow valley with sheer rock walls and waterfalls dropping straight down. Staubbach Falls is right in the village, and at Trümmelbach Falls you walk inside the mountain as the water thunders through.
Grindelwald First
From Grindelwald the gondola climbs to First, where a walkway hangs off the cliff face. From here you can walk to the Bachalpsee, a small mountain lake with views of the big peaks.
Interlaken and the lakes
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Take a boat on one of the lakes, or the funicular up to Harder Kulm for views over the town and the mountains.
Where to stay in the Bernese Oberland
Interlaken is practical and has the most hotels. Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are closer to the mountains and quieter in the evening.
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
The Victoria Jungfrau is the classic grand hotel in Interlaken, with views of the Jungfrau from the park in front. It has a large spa, restaurants and a bar, and is a short walk from the station.
Book your stay: See rooms at Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel
Mountain views in Grindelwald.
Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel
The Belvedere is in Grindelwald with views of the Eiger. You are close to both the Eiger Express and the gondola up to First, and the hotel has a restaurant and a bar.
Book your stay: See rooms at Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel
Hotel Silberhorn
A mountain hotel in the Lauterbrunnen valley.
Hotel Silberhorn
Hotel Silberhorn sits in the Lauterbrunnen valley, close to the waterfalls and the trains up to Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg. A good pick if you want to stay close to nature and eat breakfast looking at the rock walls.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Silberhorn
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
Next to the station in Bern.
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
If you are pairing the Alps with a city break, the Schweizerhof in Bern is a good place to start or finish. It is next to the main station and has a spa, and trains to Interlaken leave from right outside.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
When is the best time to visit Jungfraujoch?
June to September: green valleys, open trails and the longest days. The busiest time, so start early.
December to March: ski season in Grindelwald and Wengen and snowy valleys. Jungfraujoch is open all year.
Tip: clear mornings often give the best views. Take the first train up if you can.
Jungfraujoch FAQ
How high is Jungfraujoch?
The station is more than 3,400 metres above sea level and is the highest railway station in Europe.
Where does the trip start?
Most people start in Interlaken and take the train via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then the Jungfrau Railway for the final section.
How much time do I need?
Allow a full day. The journey up and down takes several hours, and you will want time at the top.
Is Jungfraujoch open in winter?
Yes, Jungfraujoch is open all year.
Where should I stay?
Interlaken is the most practical. Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are closer to the mountains and quieter.