Prepare to tick items off your travel bucket list because we’re heading to Jungfraujoch in Switzerland, aka the top of Europe!
Whether it’s skiing through the slippery slopes of the Swiss Alps, exploring ice palaces, or indulging in the most luxurious chocolates you’ll ever taste from 11,000 feet up, this winter wonderland tops our list of “most breathtaking places to visit before you’re 50.” And for many good reasons.
Want to know more? Get the lowdown here—from how to score tickets to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, and unique things to do to travel hacks, tours, and more!
Hop aboard the Swiss train and straight to the Top of Europe!
What is Jungfraujoch, top of Europe?
Jungfraujoch, also called the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, is a one-of-a-kind mountain destination in Switzerland that’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consequently, it’s also known as the Top of Europe, where the continent’s highest railway station is found.
With a whopping elevation of 11,370 feet above sea level, you’ll feel as if you’re on top of the world as you stand on the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps!
Where is Jungfraujoch, and how do I visit?
Jungfraujoch sits in between the mountains of Mönch and Jungfrau in Switzerland and getting there is a long but memorable journey ahead.
- Jungfraujoch by train
To visit this icy palace at the top of Europe, you’ll need to travel from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, where you’ll get marvelous views of the scenic mountain village of Wengen and the alpine mountains of Eiger North along the way.
Klook Tip: Use a Swiss Travel Pass to enjoy discounts and unlimited train travel around Switzerland for up to 15 days, non-stop!
- Jungfraujoch by cable car
Alternately, you can also ride the Eiger Express to reach Jungfraujoch. For this route, you’ll have to hop aboard the train tracks to Grindelwald Terminal first, then take the Eiger Express, a 26-seater cable car cabin that’ll send you straight to Eigergletscher station with some stunning sceneries along the way. At Eigergletscher, you can board the train going to Jungfraujoch train station and finally reach the top of the world—erm, we mean Europe!
What are things to do in Jungfraujoch?
So, now that you’ve reached the top, what’s there to do? If you’re looking for adventures, worry no more! This town’s brimming with snow-capped activities and splendid sights to see!
Besides visiting the historic Jungfraujoch Railway Station, built way back in 1896, you’ll also get to experience sledding, skiing, and hiking the Alps! Now, how’s that for a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
Below is a shortlist of everything that you can see and do at the top of Europe:
1. Sphinx Observation Terrace
Don’t forget to snap the customary pic at the observation deck! Image credits: @fx.faahhh on Instagram
The first stop on your trip to Jungfraujoch is the Sphinx Observation Deck, where you’ll not only get panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier but also run into some flighty friends on deck. The Sphinx Observation Deck is home to the Alpine Chough, and it’s also the highest observatory in Europe, standing at 11,716 feet high—that’s about as close as you can get to the clouds!
2. Ice Palace
The Ice Palace was made and carved by artists and miners in the 1930s.
Once you’ve had your fill of the Alpine summit, it’s time to explore the glaciers! For those who want to get up close and personal with these large crystalline ice, head to the Ice Palace. Here, the entire fam can have a blast discovering the ice tunnels and sculptures, from bears to penguins.
3. Alpine Sensation
At the end of the journey, you can pose with the giant snow globe, as if to say: we’ve made it! Image credits: Mario Heller on Unsplash
A visit to the Alpine Sensation will get your spine shivering not because of the cold, but of its rich history. This interactive display in between the Sphinx Observation Deck and the Ice Palace pays tribute to the miners who’ve sacrificed their lives opening up the Jungfraujoch Railway Station. And you can re-live their experience too, thanks to the dramatic music and the thirty memorial tablets on display.
4. Glacier Plateau
Once you’ve reached the peak, you can’t help but sing “I’m on top of the world!” Image credits: @whitneykrupa on Instagram
Just about the coolest spot to take your pic at Jungfraujoch is the Glacier Peak. Only ten minutes away from the train station, this fantastic vantage point offers a splendid sight of the snow-covered mountain ranges of the Black Forest and the Vosges, and the world-famous Aletsch Glacier, surrounded by four-thousand-meter peaks.
Klook Tip: Feeling hungry? Grab some refreshments and traditional Swiss bites among the many Jungfraujoch restaurants that line the peak!
5. Mönchsjochhütte Hut
Put on your best hiking boots, and don’t stray away from the path. Image credits: Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash
Here’s one natural attraction that explorers will love to conquer: the Mönchsjochhütte Hut. It’s Switzerland’s highest service-mountain hut, with trails leading through the alpine glaciers. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be blown away by the amazing sunset (or sunrise) over the Valais mountains.
Klook Tip: You’ll also find plenty of hotels here if you want to catch the sunrise the next day.
6. Snow Fun Park
Zip, zap, and sleigh around this winter wonderland! Image credits: Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
While in Jungfraujoch, go skiing! Snow Fun Park is the best place for snow lovers to let loose and tumble down the slopes. Popular activities for you to try include sledding, snowboarding, skiing, and snow tubing. If you’re brave enough, you can even zip-line above the glaciers!
7. Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven
Treat your taste buds to melt-in-your-mouth Lindt Swiss Chocolate! Image credits: Keo Oran on Unsplash
And if you want to take it easy, Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven offers deep, dark, and luxurious treats to shop guests. Inside this chocolate-making shop, you’ll get to learn how the heavenly Lindt chocolate bars are made to perfection. Of course, this tour comes with free tasting and shopping! What could be better?
How much does it cost to travel to Jungfraujoch?
Jungfraujoch tickets can be quite expensive, depending on the season and the train station where you’ll be coming from. During peak season, a regular ticket from Grindelwald can cost you as much as $215 per person, one way.
How do I get to Jungfraujoch for cheap?
Luckily, there are a number of ways to save up on your trip—just follow our guide below:
1. Travel to Jungfraujoch with a Swiss Travel Pass.
Save up on train tickets and book a Swiss Travel Pass! This all-in-one pass lets you hop aboard Switzerland’s most iconic trains, from Zurich down to Zermatt. You can choose from 3 days, 4 days, and up to 15 days of unlimited train travel!
Bonus: The pass also comes with cool perks such as free entry to museums, exclusive discounts on mountain trails, and more!
2. Book a tour.
Hit up all the can’t-miss spots in Jungfraujoch by booking a day tour from Zurich. This 12-hour trip will embark you on an unforgettable journey around the Swiss Alps. Visit the Aletsch Glacier, Ice Palace, Sphinx Observation Deck, as well as the scenic countryside of Bernese Oberland!
3. Early September is the best time to visit.
Because Jungfraujoch’s a must-visit destination, it becomes packed with tourists during the summer season, which also happens to be the best time to visit the summit. From June to August, the weather is sunny, perfect for day trips and hiking trails.
Still, if you want to visit Jungfraujoch with the sun and without the crowd, we recommend visiting during early September, just right after the summer break when the crowds thin out. At this time too, the weather is still mild and sunny, so you’ll be able to enjoy the Swiss Alps. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it’s an off-season, so tickets arenot as expensive.
Anything else I need to know?
Get ready to embark on the Ultimate Swiss adventure! Image credits: @junnniieeee on Instagram
- Dress in layers: Since the weather can be unpredictable, come prepared. Wear your warmest pants, dress in a warm winter jacket, and put on your waterproof gloves. Also, don’t forget to pack up extras just in case it gets breezier up there.
- Sit on the right side going up: This will give you the best views of the thundering waterfalls and glaciers of Eiger North.
Start your trip early. It takes around 4 hours to get to Jungfraujoch from Zurich, so you’ll want to leave first thing in the morning. Coming in early also helps avoid the crowd for you to enjoy the snowy landscape all to yourself.
