Créé par Romane, le 1 juil. 2026
Votre guide Ryo
Visit the Jungfraujoch, the highest point in Europe
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Perched at 3,454 meters altitude in the Bernese Alps, the Jungfraujoch is a mythical destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Nicknamed the "Top of Europe", this col between the majestic peaks of the Jungfrau and the Mönch offers breathtaking panoramas of eternal glaciers and surrounding mountain ranges. Visiting the Jungfraujoch means living a unique experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps, accessible thanks to Europe's highest railway station. Get ready to discover a world of ice, snow and light where the mountain reveals all its splendor.
What is the Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe"?
The Jungfraujoch is much more than just a mountain pass. Located in Switzerland near Interlaken, in the canton of Berne, it marks the border between the cantons of Valais and Berne. This natural passage connects the two emblematic peaks that are the Mönch (4,107 meters) and the Jungfrau (4,158 meters), forming a spectacular ridge in the heart of the Bernese Alps.
The Jungfraujoch's fame stems from several exceptional factors. It houses Europe's highest railway station, inaugurated in 1912 after 16 years of titanic construction work. This technical feat now allows visitors to easily access this high mountain world without requiring mountaineering skills. The site has also been part of UNESCO's World Heritage since 2001, recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and geological importance.
From the Sphinx observation platform, the view embraces the Aletsch glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps with its 23 kilometers length. On clear days, the view extends to the Black Forest in Germany, the Vosges in France, and Italian peaks. Visiting the Jungfraujoch means immersing yourself in a preserved landscape where nature reigns supreme, offering an unforgettable experience 365 days a year.
1. The Sphinx Observatory: 360° panoramic view
Perched on a rocky spur at 3,571 meters altitude, the Sphinx Observatory constitutes the highest accessible point of your visit to the Jungfraujoch. An ultramodern elevator lifts you in just 25 seconds to this observation platform, a true belvedere offering one of the most spectacular views in the Alps.
From the outdoor terrace, the panorama is breathtaking. Before you extends the immensity of the Aletsch glacier, a river of ice classified as UNESCO World Heritage. This 23-kilometer giant winds between peaks, offering a natural spectacle of rare beauty. On clear days, the view encompasses four countries: Switzerland of course, but also France, Germany and Italy.
The three giants of the Bernese Alps – the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau – dominate the horizon with their majestic presence. The pure and crystalline air of the high mountains enhances the colors: the brilliant white of eternal snow, the deep blue of the high-altitude sky and the mineral nuances of rock faces create an unforgettable natural palette. Plan about 15 minutes to fully enjoy this exceptional viewpoint, but don't forget your sunglasses and warm clothing, as the wind can be icy even in summer.
2. The Ice Palace: a magical world sculpted in the glacier
In the heart of the Aletsch glacier, a fantastic world awaits you: the Ice Palace (Eispalast in German). Carved into the ice in the 1930s, this network of underground galleries offers a unique experience, literally allowing you to walk inside a millennial glacier.
As soon as you cross the entrance, you plunge into a magical world with bluish reflections. The crystalline ice walls diffuse a soft and magical light, creating an unreal atmosphere. Throughout the route, you'll discover ice sculptures created by artists: a majestic eagle, a polar bear, a penguin... Each work seems to come alive in this icy setting.
The temperature inside the palace is around -3°C year-round, ensuring perfect preservation of these sculptures. The floor being slippery, caution is required during your stroll through these frosted corridors. This 15-minute visit constitutes a magical moment for young and old alike, offering a rare perspective on the internal structure of an Alpine glacier. The Alpine Sensation, an interactive multimedia route retracing the history of the Jungfrau railway, connects the Ice Palace to the Sphinx Observatory.
3. The Plateau: walking on eternal snow
At 3,454 meters altitude, the Jungfraujoch Plateau offers a unique experience: walking on eternal snow and enjoying a 360-degree panorama of the Alps. Accessible directly from the station, this outdoor platform guarantees snow and ice 365 days a year, even in midsummer.
On one side, your gaze embraces the Swiss Plateau, extending to the German Black Forest and French Vosges. On the other, the grandiose spectacle of the Aletsch glacier unfolds, framed by peaks exceeding 4,000 meters. The immensity of the landscape, the purity of the air and the impressive silence of the high mountains create an unforgettable moment of contemplation.
It's also on the Plateau where you'll find the Snow Fun Park during the summer season (generally from May to October). You can practice various fun activities: sledding, zip-lining over the glacier, or simply enjoy the facilities for memorable photos. In winter, the immaculate snow cover offers an even more magical setting. Bring warm clothes as temperatures can drop well below zero, and the intense solar radiation at altitude requires effective sun protection.
4. The Jungfrau Railway: an extraordinary journey through the mountain
Visiting the Jungfraujoch begins with an exceptional railway adventure. The Jungfrau Railway, inaugurated in 1912, remains one of the most remarkable technical achievements of the early 20th century. This rack railway climbs to Europe's highest station, offering a journey as spectacular as the destination itself.
From Interlaken Ost, two routes are available. The modern and fast option takes the new Eiger Express, an ultramodern tri-cable gondola from the Grindelwald terminal, which reaches the Eiger glacier in just 15 minutes. From there, the rack railway takes you to the Jungfraujoch in an additional 26 minutes. The classic route passes through Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, then Kleine Scheidegg, offering panoramic views of green valleys before penetrating the mountain.
The most impressive part of the journey takes place in a tunnel carved through the Eiger and Mönch. During this 7-kilometer ascent through rock, the train stops twice: at Eigerwand (2,865 meters) and at Eismeer (3,160 meters, the "ice sea"). These 5-minute stops allow you to admire, through large bay windows carved into the north face of the Eiger, vertiginous views of glaciers and valleys below. The incline can reach 25% in some sections, making the experience even more striking. It's a journey that is generally made only once in a lifetime and justifies by itself the visit to the Jungfraujoch.
5. Exhibitions and attractions on site
The Jungfraujoch complex is not limited to spectacular viewpoints. The Top of Europe building, linking the station and the Sphinx Observatory, houses several attractions that enrich your visit experience.
The Jungfrau Panorama offers a 360-degree immersive cinematic experience, plunging you into the heart of Alpine landscapes with spectacular images. You'll also discover a permanent exhibition retracing the fascinating history of the railway construction, a titanic project that mobilized hundreds of workers for 16 years under extreme conditions.
For gourmets, the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven is an unmissable stop. This store, the highest in the world, offers a vast assortment of Swiss chocolates from the famous Lindt brand. You can indulge in these delights while admiring the view of the glaciers – a unique combination of gustatory and visual pleasures.
The site also features Europe's highest post office, where you can send postcards stamped with a special Jungfraujoch postmark – an original souvenir for your loved ones. About 100,000 postcards are sent from here each year, testifying to the popularity of this tradition. Several restaurants offer various dining options, from self-service to à la carte restaurants, allowing you to regain strength while enjoying the exceptional high mountain setting.
How to get to the Jungfraujoch?
By train: the most convenient option
The train is the most comfortable way to reach the Jungfraujoch. Switzerland being endowed with an excellent railway network, you can easily access Interlaken from major Swiss cities. From Zurich, count about 2 hours journey time. From Berne, the capital, the journey takes less than an hour. Geneva is about 3 hours from Interlaken.
Once at Interlaken Ost, take the BOB (Berner Oberland-Bahn) train towards Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, then the Jungfrau railway from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch. The fastest option takes the new Eiger Express from the Grindelwald terminal: count about 1h30 from Interlaken Ost to the summit.
By plane: nearby airports
If you're coming from abroad, three international airports serve the region well: Zurich, Basel and Geneva. Zurich airport is the closest and best connected to Interlaken. From the airport, direct trains reach Interlaken every hour, with a journey time of about 2 hours. Berne airport also exists but offers fewer international flights.
By car: an Alpine road trip
The car allows you to admire magnificent Swiss landscapes at your own pace. Interlaken is accessible via the A8 motorway from Berne, or via Lucerne and the Brünig pass. However, be careful: you cannot drive up to the Jungfraujoch. You must necessarily leave your vehicle in a parking lot in Interlaken (the Park+Ride in Matten bei Interlaken is recommended), Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, then take the train. Parking can be expensive in high season, inquire about combined train + parking preferential rates.
Practical information for visiting the Jungfraujoch
Prices and tickets
The round-trip ticket to the Jungfraujoch represents a considerable investment: count about 220 CHF per adult (about 230€) from Interlaken. Children under 6 travel free. Between 6 and 15 years old, they benefit from a reduced rate of 22 CHF if they have a Junior card (free for children traveling with their parents).
To reduce costs, several options exist. The Good Morning Ticket, valid on the first morning trains (before 8am), offers a 15% discount and the advantage of discovering the site before the tourist influx. The Jungfrau Travel Pass (3 to 8 days) allows unlimited travel in the region and becomes profitable if you plan several excursions. Swiss Travel Pass holders benefit from a 25% discount.
Important: seat reservation (10 CHF extra) is highly recommended, even mandatory in high season (May to October), to guarantee your place on the train at the desired time and avoid long waits.
Schedules and visit duration
The Jungfraujoch is accessible 365 days a year, regardless of weather conditions. Trains generally run between 6:30 am and 4:00 pm from Interlaken, with a frequency of about 30 minutes. Plan a full day for your excursion: count about 3 hours of round-trip transport from Interlaken, and at least 2 to 3 hours on site to fully enjoy the different attractions.
In summer, the first hours of the morning generally offer better visibility before clouds form during the day. In winter, the spectacle of the immaculate snow cover is particularly magical, although temperatures are even more severe.
What to wear and bring?
At over 3,400 meters altitude, weather conditions are extreme, even in summer. Temperatures regularly drop below zero, and wind can be icy. Equip yourself with warm clothes in layers: waterproof and windproof jacket, wool sweater or fleece, hat, gloves and scarf are essential all year round.
Wear closed and non-slip shoes: the ground can be slippery, particularly in the Ice Palace and on the Plateau. High protection sunglasses are essential, as UV radiation is very intense at altitude, amplified by reflection on snow. Don't forget sunscreen (minimum SPF 50) even if the sky is cloudy.
Concerning altitude sickness, most visitors don't encounter major problems thanks to the gradual ascent by train. However, if you are sensitive, bring aspirin and avoid intense efforts. Stay well hydrated and limit alcohol consumption. In case of persistent headaches, nausea or significant dizziness, descend quickly to a lower altitude.
Where to stay around the Jungfraujoch?
Interlaken: the ideal base
Interlaken constitutes the preferred base for visiting the Jungfraujoch. This charming town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offers all amenities: hotels of all categories, varied restaurants, shops and a perfectly connected station. You'll find establishments for all budgets, from friendly youth hostels to luxury hotels with spas.
The advantage of Interlaken lies in its central position: in addition to the Jungfraujoch, you can easily reach other remarkable sites in the Bernese Oberland. The town itself deserves a stroll, notably along the Höheweg, the elegant main avenue offering a spectacular view of the Jungfrau.
Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen: closest to the mountains
For total immersion in the Alpine atmosphere, consider staying in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, two authentic mountain villages. Grindelwald, dominated by the north face of the Eiger, charms with its warm atmosphere and numerous chalets. The new Eiger Express terminal is located there, offering the fastest access to the Jungfraujoch.
Lauterbrunnen, often described as one of the most beautiful Alpine valleys, impresses with its 72 waterfalls gushing from vertical walls. The village, nestled in the hollow of this U-shaped valley, offers an exceptional romantic setting. These two destinations allow you to save time on the morning of departure to the Jungfraujoch and explore other Alpine hikes during your stay.
What to do around the Jungfraujoch?
The Jungfrau region offers many other treasures to discover, allowing you to enrich your stay in the Bernese Alps.
Hikes and mountain activities
The hiking trails around Wengen, Mürren and Kleine Scheidegg are among the most beautiful in Europe. The panoramaweg between Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg offers breathtaking views of the Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau trio with moderate elevation gain, accessible to all levels. In summer, cable cars quickly lift you to altitude to access hiking departures.
The Trümmelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen absolutely deserve a visit. These spectacular underground waterfalls, carving their way through rock with thunderous noise, constitute a unique natural phenomenon in Europe. Accessible by funicular, they offer a striking experience of water's power.
Interlaken lakes
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which frame Interlaken, also deserve your attention. Cruises allow you to admire the mountains from the water, offering a totally different perspective. The shores shelter charming villages like Spiez or Brienz, renowned for its traditional carved wood craftsmanship. In summer, the turquoise waters invite swimming and water sports.
In conclusion, visiting the Jungfraujoch represents much more than a simple mountain excursion: it's a complete adventure in the heart of the Swiss Alps, combining railway technical prowess and discovery of exceptional natural landscapes. From the spectacular journey by rack railway to the breathtaking views from the Sphinx Observatory, passing through the magic of the Ice Palace, every moment spent on this "Top of Europe" leaves imperishable memories. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, mountain lover or simple visitor seeking wonder, the Jungfraujoch offers a unique experience accessible year-round. Prepare carefully, book your tickets in advance, and let yourself be carried away by the majesty of the Bernese Alps during this unforgettable excursion at 3,454 meters altitude.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the Jungfraujoch
How much does a ticket to the Jungfraujoch cost?
The round-trip ticket from Interlaken costs about 220 CHF (230€) for an adult. Children under 6 travel free, and those between 6 and 15 pay 22 CHF with a Junior card. Discounts exist with the Good Morning Ticket (-15%), the Jungfrau Travel Pass or the Swiss Travel Pass (-25%). Seat reservation (10 CHF) is highly recommended in high season.
What's the best time to visit the Jungfraujoch?
The Jungfraujoch can be visited year-round, each season offering its attractions. May to September generally guarantee better visibility, milder temperatures (though still cool) and maximum sunshine. Mornings, especially in summer, offer the best conditions before cloud formation. Winter offers a magical setting but extreme temperatures. Check weather forecasts and webcams before your visit.
How long should you plan for the visit?
Reserve a full day for your Jungfraujoch excursion. The round-trip journey from Interlaken takes about 3 hours total. On site, count minimum 2 to 3 hours to visit the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, Plateau, exhibitions and enjoy the restaurants. The most motivated can spend 4 to 5 hours including hikes on the Aletsch glacier.
Is the Jungfraujoch accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the Jungfraujoch is relatively well adapted for people with reduced mobility. The trains have wheelchair access, as do the elevators leading to the Sphinx Observatory. Most main attractions are accessible, although some areas like the Ice Palace may present difficulties due to the slippery floor. It's recommended to contact the Jungfrau railways in advance to organize your visit in the best conditions.
Can you suffer from altitude sickness at the Jungfraujoch?
Altitude sickness can indeed manifest at 3,454 meters, although the gradual ascent by train generally limits symptoms. About 10% of visitors experience mild headaches, fatigue or dizziness. To minimize risks: hydrate well, avoid alcohol before and during the visit, don't make intense physical efforts on site. If symptoms persist or worsen, descend quickly to a lower altitude. People suffering from heart or respiratory problems should consult their doctor before the visit.