Jungfraujoch day trip from Interlaken or Grindelwald
Guides and Itineraries,  Switzerland

Jungfraujoch Day Trip: A Practical Guide

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Also known as the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland. This place is home to the highest railway station in Europe, offering panoramic views all around, and a part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch.

You can take a Jungfraujoch day trip from Interlaken, Grindelwald, or other common cities in Switzerland. Once in Jungfraujoch, you can see the snowcapped Alps Mountains and the longest glacier of the Alps and even walk through the beautiful Ice Palace! It also features a number of attractions, including the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, and restaurants.

Aside from these, it also offers challenging hills for those who love to ski, as well as various walking and hiking trails. Those who prefer a more relaxed tour or visiting with kids can opt for the slow-moving pathways and still enjoy the views.

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Jungfraujoch in Switzerland

For clarity, Jungfraujoch not to be confused with Jungfaru. Jungfraujoch is a saddle between two peaks in the Swiss Alps: Jungfrau and Mönch. It is located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland at an impressive elevation of 3,454 meters (11,332 feet).

Is it worth visiting Jungfraujoch?

This question gets asked a lot.

The answer is: it really depends on your preferences! Jungfraujoch offers some of the best views in the country, but it’s also a very touristy destination. Many experienced travelers attest that there are lesser-visited destinations in the Jungfrau region offering a similar experience but with fewer crowds.

Jungfraujoch day trip in Switzerland

If you don’t mind the tourist experience (such as costly prices and crowds especially during the peak season), want to have a quick city vacation in a winter wonderland, and see the highest area in the Swiss Alps without having to climb mountains, then yes it is worth visiting.

On the other hand, if you’ve already been to similar places such as Schilthorn or you’re already used to snow, then you might not enjoy it as much.

There are other factors that determine whether you will enjoy Jungfraujoch, including the weather and whether you are sufficiently dress for cold to enjoy the outdoor activities. It can be disappointing to get there and experience foggy weather. So check the weather condition before you go so you don’t miss out on any attractions you plan to visit. You may also want to keep a spare day in case you experience foggy weather.

How to get to Jungfraujoch

The great thing about Jungfraujoch is that it can be visited as a day trip from different locations. For ease and convenience, you can book an Interlaken to Jungfraujoch day trip or Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch day trip and take advantage of the guided tours in Jungfraujoch.

For those who want to visit on their own, here are the directions on how to get to Jungfraujoch.

By Train

Interlaken and Grindelwald are popular gateways to the Jungfrau region. You can also go on a Jungfraujoch day trip from other common cities such as Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren.

Regardless of the train route you choose, you will go through Kleine Scheidegg, which is the last stop before Jungfraujoch. From Kleine Scheidegg, switch over to the Jungfraubahn train to get to Jungfraujoch.

Jungfraujoch train
Jungfraujoch train.

If you’re coming from Grindelwald, there is a new shorter route available that will cut down your travel time by 40 minutes. From Grindelwald, take the state-of-the-art Eiger Express to the Eigergletscher Station and then Jungfraubahn to Jungfraujoch.

By car

You can go by car until Grindelwald. Park your car at the available car parking facility and then continue your journey by train.

When is the best time to visit Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is covered in snow throughout the year, with an average temperature of -7.9 °C. The best time to visit Jungfraujoch is from June to August (summer season) because it is the best time for sightseeing (compared to winter months when everything is white and covered in snow) and for outdoor activities like hiking or snow tubing in the glaciers. It’s also the busiest period, with huge tourist crowds visiting for day trips.

If you want to avoid the crowds, schedule your visit between September and May. However, keep in mind that certain activities and attractions like the Snow Fun Park will be closed during this period.

What to wear

Jungfraujoch is covered in snow all year. So it’s important to dress appropriately for the cold and bring a warm jacket, boots or shoes with a solid rubber sole, and sun glasses so you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor attractions. Even in the summer, having a jacket is important because you don’t know when the weather will turn for the worse. You can have a clear morning and then worse weather in the afternoon.

It’s worth nothing there are not rental stores for clothes or shoes on top of Jungfraujoch.

How much does the ticket cost

A Jungfraujoch ticket can be expensive at around CHF 200 per adult. Prices are slightly higher in the summer months. Children 5 years or under are free of charge. Children ages 6-16 can get a Junior Card which offers half price for the normal ticket.

Once you are in Jungfraujoch, you get free access to the Glacier Plateau, Sphinx Observatory, Alpine Sensation, and Ice Palace.

If budget is an issue, there are ways to get discounted prices to Jungfraujoch.

  • Jungfrau Travel Pass. Jungfrau Travel Pass is suitable for those who plan on traveling around the Jungfrau Region for 3-8 days.
  • Good Morning Ticket. The Good Morning Ticket offers a discount of around CHF 60 per adult. It is valid from May 1 to October 31 and is applicable on the first two trains of the day, from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch (8AM or 8:30AM), and leaves the Jungfraujoch by 1:13PM. It’s a good offer for those who want to visit Jungfraujoch with fewer crowds.
  • Swiss Travel Pass. This pass offers a 25% discount to Jungfraujoch tickets. It’s ideal for long-term travelers since it allows you to go on almost all public transportation in Switzerland for a 3, 4, 8, or 15 consecutive days.

There is also a 30% discount available if you travel in a group of 10. Tour agencies also take advantage of this group rate, which is why an organized tour can be cheaper than going on your own.

Jungfraujoch Top Attractions + Things to Do

Most of the Jungfraujoch attractions are available throughout the year, but some outdoor activities like shedding and skiing are seasonal. In general, it will take at least 4 hours to explore the attractions in a Jungfraujoch day trip, and longer if you want to spend more time outdoors.

1. Enjoy the views during the train ride

Your adventure at Jungfraujoch starts the moment you step into the cogwheel train that will take you in a 3000-meter ascent up the mountains. The train is called Jungfraubahn and it offers a smooth, comfortable ride going across mountain pastures, passing through the tunnels in Eiger, until it reaches the summit.

Depending on where you’re coming from, the journey can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours. You won’t be bored just looking outside! Pro Tip: Both sides of the train offer great views, but we recommend sitting on the right side of the Jungfraubahn for unobstructed views.

2. Sphinx Observatory

Sphinx Observatory in Jungfraujoch
Sphinx Observatory.

The Sphinx Observatory is one of the top attractions in Jungfraujoch. Perched atop the summit, it is one of the highest observatories in the world and offers some of the best views in Jungfraujoch!

Head to the viewing platform and enjoy a 360-degree vista of the surrounding peaks — including iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, the neighboring countries, and the Aletsch Glacier — the longest glacier of the Alps.

Literally being on top of Europe, it can get really cold especially when the wind blows. A good heavy jacket, gloves, and boots are necessary. If the weather is too cold, you can still enjoy the views from the safety of the glass windows.

The Sphinx Observatory also has two laboratories and research facilities, a weather station, and a telescope, although these are not open to the public.

3. Alpine Sensation

Alpine Sensation in Jungfraujoch
Alpine Sensation.

The Alpine Sensation is a 250-meter-long exhibition call located between the Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace. Here you can find a number of exhibits detailing the history and development of the railway and Jungfraujoch. There is also a 360-degree panorama where you can see the whole area and the beautiful mountain tops.

The Alpine Sensation has a festive vibe with all the lights. It’s suitable for kids but enjoyable for adults as well, and it’s also a fun break from the outdoor experiences in Jungfraujoch. Don’t forget to take a photo with the enormous snow globe in the Edelweiss Cavern, which depicts the daily life of the Jungfrau Region.

4. Ice Palace

Visiting the Ice Palace is another one of the best things to do in Jungfraujoch! The Ice Palace is carved deep in the glaciers, with numerous small tunnels inside where you can see intricate ice sculptures of animals like penguins (and even the squirrel from the Ice Age movie), people, and nature scenery. Stroll through the tunnels and take photos — and don’t forget to take a photo with the Top of Europe ice sculpture!

The Ice Palace is kept at a constant low temperature to preserve the ice sculptures, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Wear a jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Even in summer, you will still need to wear a light jacket to keep yourself warm. Another thing that you should remember is to hold onto the railing and be careful when walking. The ice is slippery and it’s easy to fall down.

Exploring the tunnels will only take around 10-15 minutes, or maybe longer if you want to take really good photographs.

5. Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven

Don’t miss out on visiting Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven! It is located last on the main building and features a small museum where you can learn how about the chocolate-making process and a store that sells various types of chocolates and sweets.

Pile your pockets full of Lindt chocolate — the best chocolate in Switzerland known for its creamy, sweet flavor. The chocolates here are actually cheaper than the ones sold in supermarkets in cities in Switzerland. You can also find flavors and packing exclusive to Jungfraujoch.

6. Monchsjoch Hut

A strenuous but rewarding 45-minute hike from Jungfraujoch will take you to Mönchsjoch Hut (or Mönchsjochhütte). It is a charming mountain cabin owned by the Swiss Alps Club, with a café and toilet facilities to help you recharge after the hike.

Up here you can enjoy steaming food and coffee while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Valais mountains, as well as the Central and Eastern Switzerland. There is also a dormitory with warm duvets for those who wish to stay overnight.

7. Snow Fun Park

One of the top attractions in Jungfraujoch, the Snow Fun Park offers various wintersports activities. It is open from mid-May to mid-October.

Here you can try your hand at ride tube snow sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. The slopes aren’t as long as other dedicated skiing resorts but still a fun thing to do. A lift will take you back uphill so you won’t have to exhaust yourself on the walk back up. You can also use a flying fox to zipline across the frozen plateau.

There is also a SnowBar where you can have warm food and refreshments while enjoying the surrounding views.

8. Take endless photos

Jungfraujoch Swiss flag in the Glacier Plateau

A Jungfraujoch day trip is the perfect opportunity to show off your photography skills! There are so stunning spots to take photos in Jungfraujoch, starting from the scenic train journey and the Klein Scheidegg to the observation deck and the ice sculptures. You can also climb to the Glacier Plateau, a viewing platform about 10 minutes away from the Jungfraujoch railway station where you can see the Black Forest and Vosges on one side and the Aletsch Glacier and mountain peaks on the other. Visitors often take photos with the Swiss flags in this spot.

9. Other excursion tours

If you’re visiting Jungfraujoch for longer than a day, you can book different excursion tours at the Top of Europe. This includes glacier trekking across the Aletsch Glacier, hiking to Konkordia Hut or Mönchsjoch Hut, via ferrata, snowkiting, and more.

Tips for visiting Jungfraujoch

Here are valuable travel tips for visiting Jungfraujoch!

Due to its high altitude and types of activities offered, Jungfraujoch is ideal for visitors who have at least a moderate level of fitness. If you have a cardiovascular or respiratory condition, consult your health service provider first before visiting here.

It’s best to get here early to avoid the crowd and to experience clear weather conditions. Clouds tend to move in on the later parts of the day.

There is no specific itinerary to follow at Jungfraujoch. People may visit the attractions in different sequences. Just carry the booklets that you get from the stations so you know where you’re going next!

Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Jungfrau region, and so prices can be expensive. Consider bringing your own food, as there are plenty of benches where you can eat.

Has this Jungfraujoch day trip guide been helpful to you? If you have questions or comments, let us know in the comment section below!

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