Last Updated: May 2026
Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland’s most rewarding excursions, combining breathtaking alpine scenery with remarkable engineering history. Known as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) and offers access to the Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, along with panoramic views of the Bernese Alps. On our Tauck Switzerland tour, the full-day journey to Jungfraujoch — complete with champagne in the Ice Palace and hot cocoa on the glacier — was one of the most unforgettable experiences of the entire trip.
Jungfraujoch — Getting There
Our journey began in Interlaken, surrounded by Lakes Thun and Brienz.
From Interlaken Ost station, we boarded a train to Grindelwald. The route took us to Kleine Scheidegg, a mountain pass at 2,061 meters (6,761 ft), where we transferred to the Jungfrau Railway (Jungfraubahn), a cogwheel train that climbed the final steep ascent to Jungfraujoch. The Jungfrau Railway remains one of Switzerland’s greatest engineering achievements. Despite rudimentary tools and high-altitude conditions, workers managed to complete the tunnel without modern machinery. Their legacy endures, allowing millions of people each year to experience the Alps up close in a safe, comfortable and environmentally sustainable manner.
The Jungfrau Railway is itself a marvel of early 20th-century engineering. Construction began in 1896 under the vision of industrialist Adolf Guyer-Zeller and was completed in 1912 after sixteen years of tunneling through the Eiger and Mönch mountains. The tunnel is about 7 kilometers long and includes two scenic stop windows — Eigerwand and Eismeer — where passengers can step out briefly to photograph dramatic views from inside the mountain.
Jungfraujoch — Attractions
Upon arrival at Jungfraujoch Station, the highest railway station in Europe, the main attractions are within easy walking distance. We began with the Ice Palace, an extraordinary network of tunnels and chambers carved directly into the glacier. We enjoyed appetizers and champagne with our Tauck tour. The floors, walls and sculptures are all made of ice, maintained at subzero temperatures year-round. We tread very carefully.
Objects carved from ice or frozen in ice.
Sphinx Observation Deck
The Sphinx Observation Deck offers sweeping 360-degree views of surrounding peaks, including the Eiger (3,970 m), Mönch (4,107 m), and Jungfrau (4,158 m). On clear days, the vast Aletsch Glacier — stretching over 22 kilometers — glistens below, offering a striking reminder of the region’s natural power and fragility.
Outside, the views on the snow were amazing. The trip took most of the day. It operates year-round and no matter the time of year, warm clothing is required.
Before heading back down to Interlaken, our Tauck guide offered us hot cocoa and Swiss chocolate.
Eiger Express
Eiger Express is a modern tri-cable gondola that runs from Grindelwald Terminal in the valley up to the Eigergletscher (Eiger Glacier) station. From Eigergletscher, passengers then transfer to the Jungfrau Railway for the final leg up to Jungfraujoch – “Top of Europe” — or take it back down to town like we did.
Whether for its sweeping views, glacial wonders or historical intrigue, the journey from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch stands as a must-do experience — a perfect blend of nature, history and innovation that defines Swiss travel.
Visitor Information
Location and access: Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) in the Bernese Oberland, on the saddle between the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks. The journey from Interlaken Ost takes roughly 2 hours each way by train. The classic route goes via Grindelwald or Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, then up on the Jungfrau Railway. The modern Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal, opened in 2020, cuts travel time from the valley to Eigergletscher to just 15 minutes.
At the top: The main attractions are the Ice Palace — a network of tunnels and ice sculptures carved into the Aletsch Glacier since 1934 — and the Sphinx Observation Deck at 3,571 meters, the highest observatory in Europe. There are also restaurants, a post office (with a special Jungfraujoch postmark), and the Snow Fun Park outside for sledding and zip-lining. Jungfraujoch is open year-round, weather permitting.
The Aletsch Glacier: Visible from the Sphinx Observation Deck, the Aletsch Glacier is Europe’s largest glacier at over 22 kilometers long. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful reminder of the scale and fragility of alpine environments.
Practical Tips
Book tickets in advance: Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland’s most popular attractions and tickets sell out quickly in summer. Book through the Jungfrau Railways website well ahead of your visit. Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a discount.
Dress for the summit: Even in midsummer, temperatures at Jungfraujoch hover around -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), and wind chill makes it feel colder. Wear warm, waterproof layers regardless of conditions in the valley below. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential — the UV index at altitude is extreme.
Allow a full day: The round trip from Interlaken takes the better part of a day, especially if you want time to explore the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observation Deck, and the snow outside. Our Tauck tour managed the logistics seamlessly, including champagne in the Ice Palace and hot cocoa before the descent.
Altitude awareness: At over 11,000 feet, some visitors experience mild altitude sickness — headaches, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Take it slow when you first arrive, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous exertion. The effects usually pass within an hour.
Previous stop: We came to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken, where we spent two nights including a memorable dinner at Harder Kulm and stayed at the iconic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken?
From Interlaken Ost station, take a train to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then transfer to the Wengernalpbahn to Kleine Scheidegg, and finally board the Jungfrau Railway (Jungfraubahn) for the ascent through the tunnel. Alternatively, the newer Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal reaches Eigergletscher in just 15 minutes, cutting the total journey time significantly.
What is the Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch?
The Ice Palace is a network of tunnels and chambers carved entirely within the Aletsch Glacier. First created in 1934, it maintains a constant below-freezing temperature year-round. The chambers contain ice sculptures of animals and abstract forms, and the floors are slippery enough to walk on carefully — wear sensible shoes. On our Tauck tour, we were treated to appetizers and champagne inside the glacier, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What is the best time of year to visit Jungfraujoch?
Jungfraujoch is open year-round, but visibility is best in spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) when clear skies are more frequent. Midsummer brings the most visitors and higher prices. Winter offers dramatic snow scenery but increased cloud cover. No matter when you go, dress in warm layers — it is always cold at the summit.
What is the Eiger Express?
The Eiger Express is a state-of-the-art tri-cable gondola opened in 2020, running from Grindelwald Terminal up to Eigergletscher station in just 15 minutes. Each cabin holds up to 26 passengers and offers glass-floor viewing panels. From Eigergletscher you transfer to the Jungfrau Railway for the final tunnel ascent to Jungfraujoch, or take the Eiger Express back down to Grindelwald as we did.
