Posted by The train ride to the Jungfraujoch is for many vacationers the biggest highlight of their trip to Switzerland. The Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe (3,454 meters above sea level). Up here you see the famous peaks Eiger (with its North Face) and Jungfrau, and you get close views of the Aletsch Glacier – the largest glacier in the Alps.
Another highlight is the experience inside the mountain: you can walk through ice corridors in the glacier and see sculptures and small works of art carved into the ice.
The views during the train ride are also part of the attraction. The train stops several times on the way up. You can get off, enjoy the panorama and take photos. The direct look at the Eiger North Face is one of the best moments of the whole trip.
Tickets to the Jungfraujoch
Demand is high for the limited capacity on the train, so booking online in advance is recommended.
Only tickets for trains and cable car to the Jungfraujoch and back are available on this link:
More info and booking
There are complete tours from Interlaken with guide, often only slightly more expensive than standard tickets:
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Day trips to Jungfraujoch from other cities in Switzerland
You can also visit the Jungfraujoch from other places in Switzerland like Zurich. Here are some popular options:
Day tour from Zurich:
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Day tour from Lucerne:
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Day tour from Geneva:
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2-day tour from Zurich:
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Overview: what is the Jungfraujoch?
A joch is the lowest point between two mountains. The Jungfraujoch lies between the peaks of
Mönch (4,107 m) and Jungfrau (4,158 m). After arriving at the underground station, you continue upward by elevator to the viewing areas above the glacier.
From Interlaken you normally change trains twice: first in Grindelwald or in Lauterbrunnen, and then always in Kleine Scheidegg.
Many travelers choose different routes up and down to enjoy different views and ride both famous rail lines.
The trains are the only practical way to reach the Jungfraujoch area. Roads exist only to the valley towns (like Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald). Hiking up is very long, difficult and not a realistic option for most tourists.
Travel by train to the Jungfraujoch: 3 main options
There are two classic rail routes plus one route that includes the newer cable car connection (Eiger Express). All three cost about the same and run frequently (often around every 30 minutes).
- Interlaken → Grindelwald (change) → Kleine Scheidegg (change) → Jungfraujoch (train, train, train)
- Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen (change) → Wengen → Kleine Scheidegg (change) → Jungfraujoch (train, train, train)
- Interlaken → Grindelwald (change) → Eigergletscher (Eiger Express cable car) (change) → Jungfraujoch (train, cable car, train)
Tip: If possible, use different routes for the ascent and descent. The two classic train routes are often considered best for scenery, but the cable car route is also impressive.
Station Kleine Scheidegg: You must change trains here on the classic rail routes. It is also worth taking a break for the views and a short walk.
>>> Our article about Kleine Scheidegg
Eigergletscher station: The train often stops here long enough for photos of the glacier area. If you arrive by the Eiger Express cable car, you change here to the Jungfraujoch railway.
Stations Eigerwand and Eismeer: Higher up, the train runs through a long tunnel. The Jungfraujoch train usually stops again at one of these stations on the ascent. You can step out to special viewing windows and platforms:
at Eigerwand you look out toward the Eiger North Face, and at Eismeer you stand right next to the glacier.
Prices: why the Jungfraujoch is expensive
Switzerland is expensive, and the Jungfraujoch is one of the most expensive mountain trips in the country. Many travelers calculate roughly 240 to 280 CHF per person for a day trip from Interlaken (depending on ticket type and season). Food and drinks on top can easily add another 40–50 CHF.
Important: Always check the weather forecast. The trip makes little sense if the summit is in fog and the panoramic views are not visible.
On top of the Jungfraujoch: what to see
When you arrive, you are inside the mountain at the highest railway station in Europe. There is quite a lot to do even in bad weather because many attractions are indoors.
Viewing platform “Sphinx”:
An elevator takes you more than 100 meters up to the famous Sphinx observation deck. This is often the highlight of the entire visit: close views of the Aletsch Glacier and the peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch.
Ice Palace:
A tunnel system inside the ice, where visitors walk through corridors and see sculptures carved into the glacier. A classic Jungfraujoch attraction and worth a look.
Snow Fun Park:
Depending on the season and conditions, there are snow activities (including summer snow experiences).
There are also restaurants and shops at the top. If you want to take a helicopter sightseeing flight, it should be booked in advance.
Tickets to the Jungfraujoch (again, for quick access)
Only tickets for trains and cable car to Jungfraujoch and back:
More info and booking
Complete tours from Interlaken with guide:
More info and booking
There are also tickets for dogs to the Jungfraujoch (as far as we know, they cost about 30 CHF return).
Video Jungfraujoch
Good film on the subject (YouTube, partly English)