This is the ultimate first timer’s travel guide for preparing a vacation to Jungfraujoch in Switzerland.

Jungfraujoch sits in the saddle of two of the highest peaks in the Jungfrau region of the Alps (Jungfrau and Mönch).

At 3,454 meters up, it is the highest point in Europe that is accessible by train, thus earning the title, “Top of Europe.”

The viewpoint from Jungfraujoch provides visitors with an incredible perspective of the eternally snow capped mountains and the vibrant green valleys below.

Here is everything you need to know so you can plan an incredible trip to the Top of Europe.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Jungfraujoch Switzerland

Disclosure: This Jungfraujoch travel guide contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy.

What This Guide Covers

You can read every single Jungfraujoch tip here (highly recommended) or use the navigation links here to skip to the tips that are most valuable to you.

• What is Jungfraujoch
• Top 10 Things to do at Jungfraujoch
• Map of Jungfraujoch
• What to Eat in Jungfraujoch
• Tickets to Jungfraujoch
• Travel Tips When Going to Jungfraujoch
• Jungfraujoch Weather
• Jungfraujoch Webcam
• Facts and History about Jungfraujoch
• How to get to Jungfraujoch
• Jungfraujoch Packing List
• Estimated Cost of Jungfraujoch
• Great Photos and Inspiration
• Other Jungfraujoch Resources

What is Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch, located in southern Switzerland, refers to a visitor’s center and observation deck reachable by train situated at 3,454 meters elevation.

On the west side, you’ll gaze up at the majestic peak of Jungfrau (4,158 meters) and on the east side, you are just a few hundred meters below Mönch (4,099 meters). And just beyond Mönch, the famous Eiger peak looms at 3,970 meters.

The name Jungfrau is often confused with Jungfraujoch but refers to the actual Swiss Alp. The region around Jungfrau is commonly referred to as Jungfrau or the Jungfrau Region.

Jungfraujoch is often commonly referred to as “Top of Europe” because it is the highest train station on the continent. Don’t be confused by this marketing spin, however, because Mont Blanc on the French and Italian border is actually the highest point in Europe.

Top 10 Things to do at Jungfraujoch

1. Sphinx Observatory

The Sphinx Observatory is the iconic, picturesque observation deck situated in the saddle between the peaks Jungfrau and Mönch. It sits at 3,571 meters (11,716 feet) above sea level, and the views are incredible. From the observatory the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Interlaken, and the Aletsch Glacier can be seen clearly.

The Sphinx Observatory is usually the first attraction that visitors go to when they visit Jungfraujoch, so it can become crowded, fast.

For those who are afraid of heights, the platform which people stand on to enjoy the view is similar to a grate with large holes in it allowing tourists to see directly below them. This can be scary for those who don’t like heights, so if you fall into this category, it might be best to enjoy the view from inside the Observatory through the glass windows.

2. The Jungfraujoch Train

The Jungfraujoch train is called Jungfraubahn, which literally translates to “Jungfrau train” in English. It is the train that carries passengers to the Top of Europe and along with offering a very smooth and comfortable ride, it gives visitors incredible panoramic views of the valleys below.

3. Eismeer

Eismeer is another one of those German names that means much more if you understand it. In German, Eismeer means “Sea of Ice”, and that’s exactly what it is.

During the ride up to Jungfraujoch, the train enters a tunnel that is over 7 kilometers long. Don’t worry, there are still sights to be seen, even in the enclosed tunnels.

There are three stops on the ride up where tourists are allowed to get off the train and look out large windows in the face of the mountain, overlooking glaciers and a sea of ice.

The stop is only for 5 minutes however, so be prepared to rush off the train and fight the crowds to get a good look before continuing on up to the top.

4. Ice Palace (Eispalast)

In Jungfraujoch, one of the must-see attractions is the Ice Palace.

Descending into the ice palace feels like walking into an igloo, as you will soon be in a tunnel surrounded on all sides by large frozen blocks of ice. For those who need a bit more traction on their shoes, there is a handrail constantly at your side.

After traveling into the cold heart of the Ice Palace, it opens into larger corridors with ice sculptures of animals, people, and nature scenes that will astound you. The detail of each sculpture is very fine, and you’ll find yourself wanting to take pictures at each work of art.

Similar to the Sphinx Observatory, it seems that visitors come in waves. The palace can go from almost empty to claustrophobic in a matter of minutes, so try to time your visit so you can have more room and take photos without other people in them.

5. Kleine Scheidegg

Kleine Scheidegg (map) is a mountain pass on the way up to Jungfraujoch that doubles as the train stop for the Jungfraubahn. It is here that travelers headed to the top must switch trains from across the valleys below to board the Jungfraubahn.

This is a great place to stretch your legs after being seated on the train for a few hours depending on where you are coming from. While wandering around, make sure to stop and admire the stunning views of the mountains, rolling valleys, glaciers, and waterfalls.

There are a few restaurants here for hungry travelers who didn’t want to purchase the expensive food at Jungfraujoch. However, the prices will only save you a few Francs because the food is marked up here as high as its mountain elevation.

At Kleine Scheidegg, the trains going to and from Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen meet, giving the option to descend a different way than you came up.

6. Lindt Chocolate Shop

The Lindt Chocolate Shop at Jungfraujoch is the highest Lindt shop in the world!

The creamy Swiss chocolates sold here are some of the best in the region. The entrance to the store is known as the Master Chocolatier’s Parlor, where audiovisual displays show travelers how the chocolates are made.

7. Sledding in Summer

During the summer months, the Snow Fun Park is open to visitors to enjoy sledding and other winter sports on top of one of the tallest of the Swiss Alps.

The park has snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, a zipline, and, of course, sledding. The sledding and tubing slope has a conveyor belt that takes people up to the top of the hill so they can enjoy the ride down, without walking all the way back up.

All of the equipment is rented out and included in the price of the ticket. Prices are listed below:

	Adults	Children
Day Ticket (Every Activity)	CHF 45.-	CHF 30.-
Ski and Snowboard	CHF 35.-	CHF 25.-
Zipline	CHF 20.-	CHF 15.-
Snow Tubing or Sledding	CHF 20.-	CHF 15.-
Special Sledding	CHF 25.-	CHF 20.-

8. Photo-Ops

It’s hard to take a bad picture when the backdrop is the majestic Jungfrau poking through the clouds, the rolling valleys below, or even the larger-than-life Aletsch Glacier.

However, there are a few places that allow for more stunning pictures and memorable locations than others. When visiting Jungfraujoch, make sure to stop and click a pic:

• By the Swiss flags waving at the top of the snowy plateau with the Jungfrau peak behind you.
• In front some of the sculptures in the Ice Palace.
• On the observation deck of the Sphinx Observatory looking in any direction.
• Sipping a cup of steaming hot cocoa with the snowy glacier in the background.
• Riding the train with your head out the window to capture the most of you and the beautiful Alpine scenery.
• Looking out over Eismeer at the train stop (be fast to avoid getting other people in your shot).
• At Kleine Scheidegg looking up at the peaks.

9. Jungfrau Climbing Routes and Mönchsjoch Hut

There are a few different ways for mountaineers to reach the summit of Jungfrau.

Hikers that wish to summit the peak will travel from the train station at Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch. Leaving the train, there is a short hike from Jungfraujoch to Mönchsjoch Hut, where you can reserve a bed and a meal.

Upon rising in the morning, the easiest climb to the summit takes about 4 hours from Mönchsjoch Hut. By mountaineering standards, this is a fairly easy summit to climb but there are other, more difficult options for more advanced climbers who want a challenge.

It is cold near the top of these mountains, so dress warmly. In the summer it is still known to snow at the elevation of these climbs. Optimal time to make the ascent is from June to September. If needed, there are many tour guides who take visitors up and down the peak frequently.

10. Bask in the Glory of Eiger’s North Face at Kleine Scheidegg

Kleine Scheidegg is a great place to stop and enjoy the view and find your next profile picture for your social media account.

As you sit contemplating the mountains you will climb or just climbed, consider the sheer north face of Eiger.

For years mountaineers tried to scale the rocky cliffs to be the first to make it to the summit. These ascents ended in death for many of these climbers, but still many attempted to champion the mountain. Read more about the attempts to scale the Eiger North Face here.

Bonus! 11. The Jungfrau Marathon

The Jungfrau Marathon is not for the faint of heart.

If you are an avid runner, consider taking on this marathon course that gains 1,829 meters in elevation over the course of 42.2 kilometers. The race takes participants through stunning valleys, past cascading waterfalls, and up rocky ridges to Eigergletscher which marks the end of the route.

If you are looking to run the marathon, registration begins in the first few months of each year. The race takes place in early September of the same year.

Dates of upcoming Jungfrau Marathon races:

Jungfrau Marathon 2019

• September 7, 2019

Jungfrau Marathon 2020

• September 12, 2020

If you aren’t much of a marathoner, but this still sounds like an enjoyable experience for you, there is the Jungfrau Minimarathon the day before the full-fledged race that is open to anyone and everyone.

Walk, run, or skip to the finish line in this stress-free fun run and get a t-shirt that is included in the price of the ticket. The length of this race is one-tenth of the length of the full marathon, and specifically tailored to team racing.

If you register with a team, you will be entered into a team prize draw at the end of the mini marathon for cool prizes.

Map of Jungfraujoch

What to Eat in Jungfraujoch

Restaurants at Jungfraujoch

• Restaurant Bollywood (Indian food buffet)
  • Rated 3.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Jungfraujoch.
  • Buffet style restaurant that serves lunch only. Indian buffet is CHF 32.50 for adults and CHF 19.50 for children 5-12 years old. It is open from 11:00-16:30 (11:00am to 4:30pm).

• Restaurant Crystal (Swiss food)
  • Rated 3.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Jungfraujoch.
  • Sit-down restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. Expect to spend 35-50 Francs on a main dish here. Open from 10:00-19:00 (10:00am to 7:00pm).

Restaurants Located Down the Mountain

• Restaurant Eigergletscher (Swiss food)
  • Rated 4 on TripAdvisor
  • Located at the railway station Eigergletscher, the final open air stop of the Jungfraubahn.
  • Sit-down restaurant that serves lunch and dinner with indoor seating and an outdoor sun deck. Prices here are cheaper than the restaurants on the Top of Europe. Has a view of the mountains.

• Berghaus Grindelwaldblick (Swiss food)
  • Rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Kleine Scheidegg up the hill about 500 meters.
  • Sit-down restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. Has a gazebo on a hill nearby that provides an amazing view of the mountains and a good photo spot. The prices are slightly lower here than at Jungfraujoch.

• Restaurant Eiger Nordwand (Swiss food)
  • Rated 4 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Kleine Scheidegg.
  • Sit-down restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an outdoor deck with a great view of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Cheaper prices than will be found at the Top of Europe.

• Bergrestaurant Kleine Scheidegg (Swiss food)
  • Rated 4 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Kleine Scheidegg in close proximity to the railway station.
  • Sit-down restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor seating when the weather is pleasant. The prices are higher than other restaurants in Kleine Scheidegg, but lower than at Jungfraujoch.

• Hotel Bellevue des Alpes (Swiss food)
  • Rated 3.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Kleine Scheidegg in close proximity to the railway station.
  • Sit-down restaurant that serves lunch with outdoor seating when weather permits. Prices are lower here than on Jungfraujoch.

Tickets to Jungfraujoch

How Much are Tickets?

Jungfraujoch ticket prices vary by season of the year.

In the summer, expect full price tickets to be upwards of CHF 160.- per ticket (and more likely closer to 200.-).

November and December are the cheapest times to go. From May 1st to October 31st you can cut some costs by buying the Good Morning Ticket which gives you a discount for getting up earlier in the morning (around 140.-).

What is Included in the Ticket?

The tickets to Jungfraujoch get you a round trip ride from the Kleine Scheidegg railway station to Jungfraujoch.

When at Jungfraujoch, it is free to go to the Sphinx Observatory, the snow plateau, Alpine Sensation, and the Ice Palace.

Where to buy Tickets to Jungfraujoch?

Tickets are available at Jungfrau.ch or any Swiss rail station.

How to Save Money on Tickets

Along with the discounted Good Morning Ticket discussed above, there are a few more ways you can save money on your ticket to Jungfraujoch:

The Jungfrau Travel Pass

The Jungfrau Travel Pass is a ticket that allows for unlimited travel throughout most of the Jungfrau region for 3-8 days for one inclusive price. If you plan on being around Jungfrau for longer, the more money you will save with this pass.

Along with the unlimited travel by almost all trains, the travel pass includes a discounted price to go to Jungfraujoch, dropping the price to around CHF 60.- instead of around 200.- during peak season. Visit jungfrau.ch for exact details and pricing on the Jungfrau Travel Pass.

The Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is another option for getting a cheaper ride to Jungfraujoch. With the Swiss Travel Pass, you will be able to go on almost any public transportation in Switzerland for a consecutive 3, 4, 8, or 15 days. Along with the travel to most destinations in the country, you will get 25% off the price of the ticket to Jungfraujoch. Tickets and pricing can be found here.

The Swiss Half Fare Card

For those who want to save money but don’t want to be held to fixed, consecutive days with the Swiss Travel Pass, the Half Fare Card gives you half price public transportation throughout the country. The 50% discount does apply to tickets to Jungfraujoch. Tickets and pricing can be found here.

The Berner Oberland Regional Pass

If your vacation takes you throughout the Berner Oberland, the Regional Pass Berner Oberland gives free travel throughout the region on public transportation. In addition, tickets to Jungfraujoch are only CHF 99.- per person with this pass. Tickets and pricing can be found here.

What Currency is Accepted in Switzerland?

The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc, accepted everywhere in the country. US dollars are also accepted by most restaurants and hotels, although there is an exchange fee for converting the money into Francs.

Can Tickets be Purchased in Advance?

Buying tickets in advance allows you to reserve a seat during an otherwise crowded and busy time. This can reduce the time you may be waiting for a train, but it will cost you extra.

Travel Tips When Going to Jungfraujoch

What Language do they Speak at Jungfraujoch?

In the Jungfrau Region, the most commonly spoken language is Swiss German (almost the same as German, just a few differences in dialect). Most, if not all, people in the tourist industry will speak English, but locals not involved in tourism may not. If you ask an employee somewhere if they speak English, they will be able to speak it or they will get someone who does.

When is the Best Time to Visit Jungfraujoch?

Weather at the observation station is unpredictable, in the morning it could be cloudy only to clear up later in the afternoon…or maybe even get hit by a blizzard.

The Jungfrau website provides a live 360° webcam that shows you what the weather is like up there. View the webcam before you buy your tickets so you don’t go up on a day without a view because of the clouds.

How Long Should I Plan to be at Jungfraujoch?

Plan at least 2.5-3 hours to explore Jungfraujoch (not including travel time). There are quite a few things to do at the station and odds are that you won’t want to leave the incredible view too quickly.

The length of the train ride to Jungfraujoch depends upon where you are leaving from to get there. Times vary, but it takes around 2 hours to get from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, 1 hour 30 minutes to get there from Lauterbrunnen, and 1 hour 20 minutes to get there from Grindelwald. Look at the official website to see how long the ride will be and what trains you will have to get on here.

When do Trains Leave from Jungfraujoch to go to Kleine Scheidegg?

Trains leave from the Top of Europe every 30 minutes at 13 and 43 past the hour.

From mid May to September 1st, the final train departing from Jungfraujoch leaves at 18:43 (6:43pm). The times of the final train depends on the time of year.

More Jungfraujoch Tips

• Dress warm! See the Jungfraujoch Packing List section.

• Pack food to Jungfraujoch, save money by not going to overpriced restaurants at top.

• Go early! Take the earliest trains up the mountain to beat the crowds. Use the Good Morning Ticket to save money.

• Sit on the right side of the train going up from Kleine Scheidegg / left coming down from Jungfraujoch.

• Have your ticket or proof of payment easily accessible on the train; they do check.

• Lindt chocolates were cheaper at Jungfraujoch than in Lucerne or Zurich.

• Learn the maps – understanding where you are adds great context and enriches the experience.
  • There is an app called PeakVisor that allows you to use the camera to tell you which peak you are looking at. Get PeakVisor PRO to access the app without an internet connection.

• Get your passport stamped. The kiosk is near the exit when going back to the train station.

• Groups come and go in bunches; you can have times where Sphinx Observatory is very very crowded or almost empty. Wait out the crowds to get the platform pretty much to yourself.

• Get some hot cocoa and Lindt chocolate, find a bench and enjoy the view.

Weather at Jungfraujoch

Average weather by month at Jungfraujoch (High/Low in Fahrenheit):

• January – 13° / 3°
• February – 12° / 3°
• March – 15° / 6°
• April – 19° / 10°
• May – 27° / 18°
• June – 33° / 24°
• July – 36° / 28°
• August- 36° / 28°
• September – 32° / 24°
• October – 27° / 19°
• November – 19° / 10°
• December – 15° / 6°

If you are planning on visiting or staying at nearby Lauterbrunnen, read my full guide on the weather in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.

Jungfraujoch Webcam

Check the live webcam at Jungfraujoch here.

Facts and History about Jungfraujoch

Elevation of Highest Points in Jungfrau

• Elevation of Jungfraujoch
  • 3,454 m, 11,371 ft
• Elevation of the peak of Jungfrau
  • 4,158 m, 13,642 ft
• Elevation of the peak of Eiger
  • 3,970 m, 13,025 ft
• Elevation of the peak of Mönch
  • 4,099 m, 13,448 ft

How was Jungfraujoch Built?

Adolf Guyer-Zeller was hiking in the area in 1893, admiring the mountain majesty when a thought occurred to him to build a train from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfrau. That same night he put his idea on paper and began the journey of the Jungfrau Railway.

The first construction of the railway began in July of 1896, without any machines. All of the beginning construction was done with pure man power.

As the construction of the Jungfraubahn continued, a few roadblocks came up. Guyer-Zeller passed away unexpectedly, money ran low, conditions for workers stagnated, strikes slowed the progress of the train tunnel, and tragic accidents took the lives of 30 workers. Notwithstanding all of these setbacks, the construction finally finished in February of 1912.

A miracle of modern engineering, the tunnel that leads to Jungfraujoch is 9 km long and ascends about 1,400 meters (4,590 feet) from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch.

Meaning of Jungfrau and Names of Other Peaks

• Jungfrau – “Virgin” or “Maiden”
  • Note: Joch means “Pass” referring to Jungfraujoch’s location in the saddle between mountains.
• Mönch – “Monk”
• Eiger – No one is certain what this means. Speculations are that it means “Ogre” or “High Peak”.

How to Pronounce Jungfraujoch

In German, the “j” makes a “y” sound, so Jungfraujoch is pronounced “yoo-ng-frow-yoch”.

First Ascent of Jungfrau

The first recorded summit of Jungfrau was August 3, 1811.

History of the Eiger North Face

The north face of the peak Eiger is an unforgiving near-vertical ascent that took the lives of at least 8 mountain climbers before it was finally successfully climbed. It was first summited in 1938.

What is the Sphinx Observatory?

The Sphinx Observatory is one of the highest observatories in the world and contains two large laboratories, a weather station, and telescope, although these are not accessible to the public.

How to Get to Jungfraujoch

Specific directions from most common cities: Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren. Here is the Swiss train website to find specifics and buy tickets:

• Interlaken to Jungfraujoch
  • Go to the Interlaken Ost train station. Board the train headed to Lauterbrunnen.
  • At Lauterbrunnen, switch trains and board the train with the destination Kleine Scheidegg. Ride it to Kleine Scheidegg (the end of the track).
  • Change trains and board the train bound for Jungfraujoch.

• Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch
  • At Lauterbrunnen, board the train with the destination Kleine Scheidegg. Ride it to Kleine Scheidegg (the end of the track).
  • Change trains and board the train bound for Jungfraujoch.

• Wengen to Jungfraujoch
  • At Wengen, board the train with the destination Kleine Scheidegg. Ride it to Kleine Scheidegg (the end of the track).
  • Change trains and board the train bound for Jungfraujoch.

• Lucerne to Jungfraujoch
  • Board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express in the direction of Interlaken Ost.
  • Once in Interlaken, switch trains and board the one going in the direction of Lauterbrunnen.
  • At Lauterbrunnen, switch trains and board the train with the destination Kleine Scheidegg. Ride it to Kleine Scheidegg (the end of the track).
  • Change trains and board the train bound for Jungfraujoch.

• Zürich to Jungfraujoch
  • At Zurich HB, board the train in the direction of Brig. Get off the train in Bern.
  • In Bern, switch trains and get on the train headed to Interlaken Ost.
  • Once in Interlaken, switch trains and board the one going in the direction of Lauterbrunnen.
  • At Lauterbrunnen, switch trains and board the train with the destination Kleine Scheidegg. Ride it to Kleine Scheidegg (the end of the track).
  • Change trains and board the train bound for Jungfraujoch.

• Bern to Jungfraujoch
  • At the Bern train station, get on the train headed to Interlaken Ost.
  • Once in Interlaken, switch trains and board the one going in the direction of Lauterbrunnen.
  • At Lauterbrunnen, switch trains and board the train with the destination Kleine Scheidegg. Ride it to Kleine Scheidegg (the end of the track).
  • Change trains and board the train bound for Jungfraujoch.

• Mürren to Jungfraujoch
  • At the Mürren BLM, board the train to Grutschalp and ride it to the end of the line.
  • Ride the cable car at Grutschalp down to Lauterbrunnen.
  • At Lauterbrunnen, switch trains and board the train with the destination Kleine Scheidegg. Ride it to Kleine Scheidegg (the end of the track).
  • Change trains and board the train bound for Jungfraujoch.

Jungfraujoch Packing List

If you are visiting Jungfraujoch during the summer, consider the weather! At an elevation of over 11,000 feet, the temperatures drop precipitously, even during the hottest of summers.

There is a very cold wind that comes up the northwest face of the mountain, so bundle up! Wear closed-toed shoes if you want to venture out onto the snow area so your toes don’t freeze.

Suggested Packing List

• Winter jacket or plenty of layers
• Jeans
• Socks
• Shoes with traction (not necessary but easier to maneuver on the snow)
• Inexpensive shoe covers to keep the snow and ice out
• If you are traveling from the United States, a travel plug adapter is necessary if you want to use any of the Swiss wall outlets
• Optional: gloves, scarves, hat

Estimated Cost of Jungfraujoch

Transportation. A trip to Jungfraujoch is not cheap. Adults are around 200 Swiss Francs during the peak season summer months. Children under the age of 6 ride for free.

For children ages 6-16, there is a Junior Card for CHF 30.- or they get half price fare of the normal ticket. The Junior Card is recommended (duh). For additional ticket information, look here.

Dining. Buying food at Jungfraujoch can be double what you’d pay further down the valley. Eating at Jungfraujoch will cost around CHF 32+ per person, whereas if you eat a little bit down the mountain, a meal will cost around CHF 20+ per person.

Chocolate. The only deal you will find at the Top of Europe is on Lindt chocolate. At the Lindt chocolate factory, their chocolate is actually cheaper than in the major cities in Switzerland, so load up and enjoy the view with a bite of creamy Swiss chocolate.

Breakdown of Jungfraujoch Costs

• Roundtrip Train:
  • Adults: CHF 200.-
  • Children with Junior Card (6-16): CHF 30.-
  • Children under age of 6: FREE
• Meals: CHF 20-50+ per person

Great Photos and Inspiration

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Pin for Later