Jungfraujoch

Europe’s highest railway station amidst eternal snow.

Jungfraujoch is a dramatic mountain saddle nestled between the peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch, rising to 3,454 m above sea level. Known as the Top of Europe, it is home to the highest train station in Europe, reached via a breathtaking journey through alpine tunnels and stunning scenery.

At the summit, visitors can explore the Ice Palace, panoramic terraces overlooking the Aletsch Glacier, and a mix of scientific and tourist facilities. It’s one of Switzerland’s most iconic and unforgettable experiences.

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

🚖

From Interlaken by taxi or transfer ~351 min.

✈️

From BRN airport (Bern) by taxi/transfer ~391 min.

✈️

From SIR airport (Sion) by taxi/transfer ~284 min.

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What is this place

The Jungfraujoch is a high saddle and visitor complex between the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, home to Europe’s highest railway station (3,454 m) and the Sphinx terraces (3,571 m) overlooking the Aletsch Glacier.

Key features

3,454 m station – Europe’s highest by rail; Sphinx Terrace at 3,571 m with glacier views.
Part of the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau–Aletsch site since 2001.
Eiger Express saves time: 15 min Grindelwald Terminal → Eigergletscher; ~1 h 30 min Interlaken Ost → Jungfraujoch via this route.
Alpine Sensation – a 250 m multimedia corridor (2012) linking Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace.
Signed snow track to Mönchsjochhütte – Switzerland’s highest serviced hut (~45–60 min, conditions permitting).

What to see

Sphinx observation decks and the year-round snowy plateau with Aletsch Glacier panoramas.
Ice Palace plus indoor exhibits including Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven.
Summer Snow Fun Park and the hike to Mönchsjochhütte.

History

Construction of the Jungfrau Railway began in 1896; the Jungfraujoch top station opened in 1912, bringing the high Alps within reach of ordinary travellers. Elevators to the Sphinx and the Ice Palace galleries followed.

For the centenary in 2012, the Alpine Sensation opened as a 250 m storytelling walkway. In 2020, the Eiger Express tricable gondola launched, speeding the Grindelwald route to Eigergletscher before the final cog railway segment. Since 2001, the area forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Practical information

Location: Bernese Alps between the Jungfrau and Mönch; Jungfraujoch station and “Top of Europe” complex.

Getting there: Interlaken Ost → to Grindelwald Terminal → Eiger Express 15 min to Eigergletscher → Jungfraubahn to the top. Alternative via Lauterbrunnen – Wengen – Kleine Scheidegg.

Access: Buildings and lifts are wheelchair-friendly; outdoor areas and the Ice Palace depend on weather/ice.

Visiting hours: Year-round; operations depend on wind and maintenance.

Visit duration: 2–4 h on site; 5–7 h round trip from Interlaken.

Best time: Clear mornings for long views; summer for Snow Fun Park and the Mönchsjochhütte trail.

Notes: High altitude – dress in warm layers, protect from wind/UV. Reserve seats in peak periods and check last departures.