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.
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 (6761 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 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 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.
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