Jungfrau

The Basics

Guided day trips from Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Bern regularly head to the Jungfrau region and typically include tickets for the cog train and, in some cases, stops at other scenic spots in Bernese Oberland. If visiting independently, buy a train ticket in advance and ride past the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall and through a mountain tunnel before arriving at the 11,330-foot (3,454-meter) Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station and the setting for the Sphinx Observatory.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Jungfrau is covered with ice and snow nearly year-round, even in summer; wear a windproof jacket and bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

• Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness at the sky-high station.

• Book train tickets in advance as they frequently sell out; Jungfrau Travel Pass holders can ride the cog railway for free.

• The cog railway and the Jungfraujoch are accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The only way to get up to Jungfrau is via the cog mountain train. Board the train from Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wilderswil, Wengen, or Kleine Scheidegg. The journey from Interlaken to Jungfrau takes about two hours.

When to Get There

Jungfraujoch is open year-round. July and August are the busiest months. Clouds tend to come in later in the day, so arrive early for the best views.

What to See at the Summit

For the best view from Jungfrau, head to the terrace in the Sphinx Observatory. From here you can see the Great Aletsch Glacier, which at 14 miles (23 kilometers) is the largest glacier in the Alps and the longest in all of Europe. Also look out for majestic Alpine peaks and—on a clear day—the borderlands of Germany and France. You can also explore the Ice Palace, where intricately carved ice sculptures are on display, and visit the café and souvenir shop.

Ways to explore

The only way to reach Jungfraujoch is by taking a train up to the summit station, which is believed to be Europe’s highest train station at an altitude of 11,332 feet (3,454 meters). Most Jungfraujoch day trips include this journey on the Jungfraubahn, along with free time at the top to enjoy the attractions, restaurants, and sweeping alpine views.

You can book Jungfraujoch day trips from Zurich, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Lucerne, and Basel, and these trips often include stops in other mountain towns such as Grindelwald, or gondola rides such as the Eiger Express.

Accessibility

Jungfraujoch is mostly wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users should take the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald via the Eigergletscher station. From Kleine Scheidegg, wheelchair-accessible transportation isn’t guaranteed.

Age limits

Children under five years can travel for free. While there are no official age restrictions, toddlers, babies, and the elderly may be more at risk from altitude sickness.

What to pack

Backpack, sun lotion, water

What to wear

Gloves, hat, hiking boots or sturdy shoes, warm layers including a fleece and a waterproof jacket

Not allowed

Dogs without a train ticket on the Eigergletscher-Jungfraujoch train

Amenities

Gift shop, multimedia attraction, observation decks, restaurants, restrooms

Address 

Jungfraujoch is one of the highest mountain summits that visitors can reach by train. It’s also a place where the journey is as much the destination, and there are several ways to reach it.

Driving

While there is a parking garage at Interlaken Ost, the alpine towns of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen have the most parking spaces, and are closer up the mountain valley to Jungfraujoch.

Public transportation

Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen, then the Wengernalp train to Kleine Scheidegg. You can also catch a train from Grindelwald to here. From Kleine Scheidegg, board the Jungfraubahn up to Jungfraujoch. A quicker option is to take the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier station. From here, take the train to Jungfraujoch.

Best times to visit

Come as early as possible to beat the crowds. Trains start departing from Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen around breakfast time.

Best days to visit

Visit whenever the weather is clear and cloud-free. Check the live webcams and weather reports as soon as you rise.

Best months to visit

The Jungfraujoch railway is open year-round, but transportation lower down the mountains may close for some maintenance weeks in November. Aside from this, all months offer beautiful scenery that varies depending on the season.

Special events

None.