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Min. time required: 4:00
Season: all year
Recommended season: early January to late February and mid May to late October
Max. altitude: 3454 m (11332 ft)What is Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe? 
Jungfraujoch, also known as "Top of Europe", is a famous viewpoint in Switzerland at 3454 m altitude, located on a ridge between the mountains Mönch and Jungfrau in the Jungfrau Region.
The Jungfraujoch provides panoramic views of the northern part of the Aletsch Glacier, views of the high peaks in the Alps of the Bernese Oberland and the Valais, a glacier cave with ice sculptures, restaurants, and much more.
A ride to the top takes 1h40 to 2h10 from Interlaken. You can travel by cogwheel train via Grindelwald or via Lauterbrunnen/Wengen, and by cable car from Grindelwald.
Jungfraujoch prices, tickets and priority boarding explained
Jungfraujoch - 2024 prices from Interlaken in high season - overview with and without rail pass discounts
| Price | More information | Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 170.80 | more info and prices | ticket with Swiss Travel Pass (Flex): free travel to Wengen/Grindelwald, 25% discount for Wengen/Grindelwald-Jungfraujoch |
| CHF 124.90 | more info and prices | ticket with Swiss Half Fare Card: 50% discount for Interlaken-Jungfraujoch |
| CHF 99 | more info and prices | ticket with Berner Oberland Pass: free travel to Eigergletscher, fixed price for Eigergletscher-Jungfraujoch |
| CHF 75 | more info and prices | ticket with Jungfrau Travel Pass: free travel to Eigergletscher, fixed price for Eigergletscher-Jungfraujoch |
| CHF 249.80 | more info and prices | normal ticket without rail pass discounts |
| CHF 10 | more info and prices | priority boarding (optional) |
Jungfraujoch - 2024 prices without rail pass discounts
In June, July, and August, a standard return ticket between Grindelwald/Wengen and Jungfraujoch via any route costs CHF 227.80, and between Interlaken and Jungfraujoch CHF 249.80.
Other seasons are less expensive.
Jungfraujoch - 2024 prices with rail pass discounts
A standard Jungfraujoch ticket can be expensive. Prices are significantly lower if you have a rail pass. Examples:
A return ticket Interlaken-Ost Jungfraujoch in high season costs CHF 170.80 with Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and CHF 124.90 with a Swiss Half Fare Card.
Regional passes for the Bernese Oberland and the Jungfrau Region offer cheaper tickets too.
Find exact discounts for each rail pass here.
Buying tickets in advance
It's best to buy your tickets once you are sure the weather is clear enough to enjoy the views from Jungfraujoch.
As soon as the forecasts are reliable, you can buy your tickets in advance. You can do so the evening before your trip, or even in the morning before departure. Tickets are delivered by e-mail within minutes. This saves time while traveling, as you won't have to buy tickets at the counter.
Can I get a cheap Good Morning ticket?
Yes. This is available from May to October. The Good Morning return ticket is about 25% cheaper than normal tickets. On your way up, you must use a connection that includes one of the first few cogwheel trains from Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch. You must leave Jungfraujoch no later than 13:13 pm. Find details here.
Note that a ticket with rail pass discounts is usually much cheaper than a Good Morning Ticket. You're not allowed to combine discounts. So you'll have to use either a Good Morning Ticket, or a ticket with the reduction provided by your rail pass.
Can Jungfraujoch tickets sell out?
Tickets can sell out. This usually happens in June, July and August when many people want to go up on the same day and maximum capacity is reached. It's exceptional, but not unheard of. Once you have a dated ticket, you are guaranteed you can access the trains and cable car.
Booking seats in advance: Jungfraujoch 'priority boarding'
A seat is not guaranteed. On most days it won't be a problem to find one. But you can make seat reservations, also called 'priority boarding'. This is recommended for the peak summer months of June, July, and August. Jungfraujoch can be crowded on beautiful weekend days as well.
Priority boarding guarantees that you can travel to and from Jungfraujoch at pre-selected times. For CHF 10 per person you'll have priority access to the Eiger Express cable car and to the trains from/to Jungfraujoch. Without priority boarding, you may have to wait longer.
Where to buy Jungfraujoch tickets and book seats
You can arrange for your tickets and seats:
- online in advance. That's the most convenient option.
- at Swiss railway stations during opening hours.
Independent and guided tours
If you don't have a rail pass, or prefer not to arrange for tickets and planning yourself, you can book a tour to Jungfraujoch. Some are for independent traveling, other tours are guided. See all options below.
Find your Jungfraujoch tickets and tours
Find tickets with and without railpass discounts, or pick a tour that suits your needs.
Offered by GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com
- Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
- Best Price Matching: GetYourGuide will pay the difference if you find a lower price.
- Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Offered by Klook: www.klook.com
- Best price guarantee: Klook will refund double the difference if you find a lower price.
- Extra Support: if you book here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Offered by GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com
- Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
- Best Price Matching: GetYourGuide will pay the difference if you find a lower price.
- Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Jungfraujoch ticket promotions
Various multi-day packages for guided and self-guided trips to Switzerland. The offerings change regularly. Packages including surrounding countries are available too.
Save money on Jungfraujoch with your rail pass
| Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
| Berner Oberland Pass |
Free:
Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch (train): fixed discounted price of CHF 99 (2023) for a return ticket. |
| Day Pass |
Discount 50%:
To Wengen and Grindelwald (train): free. |
| Eurail Global Pass |
Discount 25%:
|
| Interrail Switzerland Pass |
Discount 25%:
|
| Jungfrau Hiking and Sledging Pass |
Free:
Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch (train): fixed discounted price of CHF 63 (2023-2024) for a return ticket, only for Jungfrau Hiking & Sledging Passes of 3 or more days. |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass |
Free:
Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch (train): fixed discounted price of CHF 63 (2023) for a return ticket, or CHF 75 from June through August. |
| Saver Day Pass |
No discount:
To Wengen and Grindelwald (train): free. |
| Swiss Half Fare Card |
Discount 50%:
Entire route |
| Swiss Travel Pass |
Discount 25%:
To Wengen and Grindelwald (train): free. |
| Swiss Travel Pass Flex |
Discount 25%:
To Wengen and Grindelwald (train): free. |
How to travel to Jungfraujoch: directions and map
The 3 routes to Jungfraujoch explained in detail
Jungfraujoch can be reached by cogwheel trains and cable car. There are multiple stations from which you can start your journey. Assuming you start in Interlaken, these are the 3 main routes to Jungfraujoch:
- By normal train to Lauterbrunnen, then by cogwheel train to Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch.
- By normal train to Grindelwald, then by cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg, Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch.
- By normal train to Grindelwald, then by the cable car 'Eiger Express' to Eigergletscher, then by cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch.
We recommend going up via one route and going down via another. That way you see most of this stunning alpine area.
Option 1: trains only via Wengen: Interlaken-Lauterbrunnen-Wengen-Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch (2h07)
If you choose to travel via Lauterbrunnen, you can best sit on the right of the train when departing from Interlaken. You'll have a slightly better view that way.
After changing trains in Lauterbrunnen, you'll travel up to the scenic mountain village of Wengen and then onto Kleine Scheidegg. Again, the best views from the train are on the right. You'll look down on the Lauterbrunnen valley with its Staubbach Fall, and up to the Jungfrau and other snow-capped mountains.
At Kleine Scheidegg, you'll change trains for the last leg to Jungfraujoch. The majority of this section is in a tunnel, but still it's impressive if you just think about it: a tunnel at an altitude of 3,000 m right through the rocks of the Eiger.
The train passes several stations along the route. One of them is Eigergletscher, where the Eiger Express cable cars from Grindelwald arrive and where you'll have to change trains once more. In some cases, this train will make another short stop at the station of Eismeer. You can get off the train for a few minutes to enjoy the view of eternal snow and ice through the panoramic windows.
Option 2: trains only via Grindelwald: Interlaken-Grindelwald-Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch (2h07)
If you travel from Interlaken to Grindelwald, you can best sit on the right for the best view.
In Grindelwald, you'll change to the train to Kleine Scheidegg. You can either sit on the left for an impressive view of the Eiger North face, or on the right for a wider view across the valley of Grindelwald.
At Kleine Scheidegg, you'll change trains for last section through the tunnel in the Eiger (please see the description under Option 1).
Option 3: trains and cable car via Grindelwald: Interlaken-Grindelwald-Eigergletscher ('Eiger Glacier')-Jungfraujoch (1h37)
You'll first travel from Interlaken to the train station Grindelwald Terminal, which is close to the village of Grindelwald. The gondolas to Männlichen depart from Grindelwald Terminal as well.
Here you'll board the 26-seater cabins of the Eiger Express that take you up to the station of Eigergletscher in about 15 minutes. There are wonderful views of the famous Eiger North Face. At Eigergletscher, you'll board a cogwheel train up to Jungfraujoch through a tunnel in the Eiger (please see the description under Option 1).
This is the quickest route, as the Eiger Express bypasses the cogwheel trains that travel via Kleine Scheidegg.
Park your car when traveling to Jungfraujoch
If you choose to come by car, you can park near the rail stations of Interlaken Ost, Grindelwald Terminal or Lauterbrunnen. In order to do a round trip (up via Lauterbrunnen and down via Grindelwald or vice versa), parking in Interlaken Ost is best.
Map with all three routes to Jungfraujoch
Operation dates, schedules and timetable
Jungfraujoch - 2024 operation dates
Jungfraujoch is accessible all year round. The trains from Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher/Jungfraujoch and the cableway to Eigergletscher operate daily.
Kleine Scheidegg can be reached all year round as well, but there are maintenance breaks on the routes from Grindelwald and Wengen:
- The cogwheel train between Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg doesn't operate from 6 to 17 May 2024 and from 21 October to 3 November 2024.
- The cogwheel train between Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg doesn't operate from 4 to 29 November 2024.
Planning your trip in the Swiss timetable
You can plan each segment of your Jungfraujoch journey in the timetable. These are the destinations to enter:
- "Jungfraujoch" is the name of the top station.
- "Kleine Scheidegg" is where the cogwheel trains from Wengen and Grindelwald arrive.
- "Interlaken Ost", "Lauterbrunnen", "Wengen" and "Grindelwald" are the stations along the train routes.
- "Grindelwald Terminal" is the valley station of the Eiger Express.
- "Eigergletscher (Grindelwald)" is the top station of the Eiger Express.
- "Eigergletscher" is the nearby station from which cogwheel trains to Jungfraujoch continue.
Best months to visit Jungfraujoch
The best time to travel to Jungfraujoch is early January to late February and mid May to late October.
We recommend:
- January and February for a winter visit. There will be snow on the mountain tops, so you can have amazing views of all the white peaks.
- May to September for a summer-like visit. This is when you'll see lush green nature down in the valleys and snow at the mountain peaks. From June, all travel modes to Jungfraujoch are available.
- October for the autumn season. It will be relatively quiet, all trains and cable cars are still operating, and you can see beautiful fall colors in the valleys.
Jungfraujoch can be visited in all other months too. Just be aware that:
- nature in the valleys looks less attractive in November, December and March;
- some of the routes to Jungfraujoch have operation breaks.
Weather, temperatures and forecasts
Which temperatures to expect at Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch is at a high altitude, so temperatures are much lower than in the valleys. Day temperatures at Jungfraujoch vary from about -10 °C in winter to about 3 °C in summer. These are averages, so during your visit, it can get much colder or warmer than that.
The temperature varies by season and day. Clouds and wind can have a major impact on the temperature as well.
Which type of weather do you need?
A visit to Jungfraujoch is best in clear and sunny skies, as this will result in the best views. Clouds, drizzle, and some snow are no problem if you still want to experience the journey.
We wouldn't recommend traveling up if the top is entirely covered by clouds or fog, as this will block your views.
Clouds or fog in the valley don't mean it's not worth going up though. Low clouds can occur, especially in autumn, while the sky is brilliantly clear at higher altitudes. So always check weather forecasts and webcams that show the views at the top. Do so shortly before you leave.
5-day weather forecasts for Jungfraujoch
What to see and do at Jungfraujoch
This is what to expect at Jungfraujoch:
- A lift takes you 117 m further up to the Sphinx observatory. You can enjoy a 360° view here, both from the terrace and from a building with panoramic windows.
- You can go out to play in the snow and enjoy the view of the Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding mountains.
- From mid-May to mid-October you enjoy snowtubing and a zipline in the Snow Fun Park. The activities are not included in your train/cableway ticket.
- You can hike across the glacier to the Mönchsjoch hut in about an hour. Be sure to only do this in good weather and with proper hiking gear. Do not leave the marked trail. The hut is open from late March to mid-October.
- There is an Ice Palace with many ice sculptures to admire.
- In Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven you can learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s made. Of course, you can buy chocolate here as well.
- The Alpine Sensation is a moving walkway with images, light and music, connecting the hall below the Sphinx observatory to the Ice Palace.
- There are multiple exhibitions and informative multimedia shows.
- You can have a bite in several restaurants.
How to combine a Jungfraujoch trip with other activities
If you limit your visit to Jungfraujoch to half a day, you can make other trips in the Jungfrau Region on the same day. Some of our suggestions:
- Travel down from Jungfraujoch to Wengen. Then visit Männlichen.
- Get up to Männlichen and make the famous hike to Kleine Scheidegg. Then proceed to Jungfraujoch. Check weather forecasts: if the morning looks better, do this in reverse order so you have clear skies while you’re at Jungfraujoch.
- Travel down from Jungfraujoch to Lauterbrunnen. Make a hike in the valley. You could even visit Schilthorn, although we feel this would be a bit much in one day.
- Travel down from Grindelwald. Then visit Grindelwald-First or Männlichen.
Jungfraujoch FAQ
-
What’s so special about Jungfraujoch?
It’s the highest train station in Europe. Jungfraujoch sits in between the mountains Mönch and Jungfrau, in the UNESCO Natural World Heritage property ‘Jungfrau – Aletsch – Bietschhorn’. The views over the Aletsch Glacier and Bernese Alps are absolutely amazing.
In our opinion, the journey to Jungfraujoch is extraordinary. Cogwheel trains and a cable car take you from Interlaken (at an altitude of 570 m) all the way up across several climate zones to the Jungfraujoch (at 3454 m).
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Is Jungfraujoch worth the money?
Yes, we think it is. A visit to the Jungfraujoch is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience you should not miss. Reasons are the spectacular and varied ways to get there, its location right within the highest mountains of the Bernese Oberland, and the breathtaking views.
If you feel costs are too high, consider one of the other mountains in the Jungfrau Region. An example is Schilthorn.
-
How long does an excursion to Jungfraujoch take?
An excursion to Jungfraujoch takes half a day to a full day, depending on where you start.
Allow at least 2 hours to explore Jungfraujoch. Then add the time you need to get there (for example: about 1h40 to 2h10 from Interlaken).
-
How much time does it take to reach Jungfraujoch?
A journey to Jungfraujoch takes 1h37 from Interlaken if you travel via the quickest way: the Eiger Express from Grindelwald.
It takes 2h07 if you travel by cogwheel train via Kleine Scheidegg, from either Grindelwald or Wengen/Lauterbrunnen.
-
What’s the fastest route to Jungfraujoch?
The quickest way to reach Jungfraujoch is via the Eiger Express cable car between Grindelwald Terminal and the station Eigergletscher. This journey takes 1h37 from Interlaken, and 1h12 from Grindelwald.
-
What’s the best route to Jungfraujoch?
Our advice is to make a round trip: go up one way (for example by cogwheel train via Lauterbrunnen/Wengen) and down the other (for example by cogwheel train or by the Eiger Express cable car to Grindelwald).
This way, you can enjoy the full variety of travel modes and scenery this excursion has to offer.
-
What’s the cheapest route to Jungfraujoch?
There’s no price difference between the 3 routes to Jungfraujoch. All 3 options cost the same. So it doesn’t matter whether you use the cableway Grindelwald-Eigergletscher, the cogwheel train Grindelwald-Kleine Scheidegg or the cogwheel train Lauterbrunnen-Wengen-Kleine Scheidegg.
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Can I visit the Jungfraujoch by car?
No, you can’t drive to Jungfraujoch. You can only get as far as the valley villages Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. You’ll have to park there and continue your journey by cogwheel train or cableway, as explained here.
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How to visit the Jungfraujoch from Zurich?
Take the train to Interlaken Ost. The quickest route is via Bern. Then get to Jungfraujoch via any of the ways described on this page.
This will be a full-day trip. A return trip Zurich-Jungfraujoch takes about 8 hours. This doesn’t include the time you spend at the top.
If you leave Zurich at 07:00, you can be at Jungfraujoch around 11:00. If you spend 2 to 3 hours at the top, you’ll be back in Zurich around dinnertime.
Alternatively, consider mountains in the Lake Lucerne area. These are closer to Zurich.
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How to visit the Jungfraujoch from Lucerne?
Take the train to Interlaken Ost. This train is called the Luzern-Interlaken Express. It’s part of the GoldenPass route. Then get to Jungfraujoch via any of the routes explained on this page.
A return journey Lucerne-Interlaken takes about 7 to 8 hours, excluding the time you spend at the top. If you depart from Lucerne by 07:00, you can be at Jungfraujoch around 10:45. If you spend 2 to 3 hours at the top, you can be back in Lucerne by 18:00-18:30.
There are several mountains much closer to Lucerne.
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Can I visit the Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn in one day?
Yes, that’s possible if you leave early. It will be a full-day trip.
Our recommended round trip from Interlaken is as follows: Interlaken-Lauterbrunnen-Stechelberg-Schilthorn-Mürren-Grütschalp-Lauterbrunnen, then Lauterbrunnen-Wengen-Kleine Scheidegg-Jungfraujoch-Grindelwald-Interlaken.
This takes 6 to 7 hours, excluding the time you spend at both mountain tops.
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Which clothes are best for a visit to Jungfraujoch?
Dress in multiple thinner layers to adapt to the different temperatures throughout the day. It can be very windy at the top. Take along gloves, sunglasses and perhaps a hat. Solid shoes help too.
Check weather forecasts shortly before you leave. Find more information about suitable clothes here.
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How to beat the crowds?
It helps if you visit Jungfraujoch outside of high season (mostly June to August), and if you go up during weekdays instead of weekends.
If you plan your excursion in busy months, get the very first connection in the morning. Or travel in the late afternoon, when most visitors make their way back.
In addition, you can arrange for priority boarding.
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Which activities at Jungfraujoch are included in the train/cable car ticket?
Your travel ticket to the top of Jungfraujoch includes all activities, except for the Snow Fun Park.
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Is altitude sickness a problem?
The Jungfraujoch is located at an altitude of 3454 m. Anyone can suffer from (light) altitude sickness from about 2000 m. Usually, it helps to take things slow and sit down for a while. In most cases staying at such altitudes for just a few hours is no problem.
Special precautions apply to children under 2 years old, as well as people who are pregnant or in poor health: before visiting areas over 2500 m, you’d better consult your doctor.
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What does “Jungfraujoch” mean?
The German word “Jungfrau” literally means “virgin”. It’s the name of the actual mountain close to which the Jungfraujoch can be found.
“Joch” means “saddle”. In this case, it refers to the ridge between the mountains Mönch and Jungfrau, at which the Jungfraujoch is located.
The other two mountains of the famous mountain trio are “Eiger” (“ogre”) and “Mönch” (“monk”).
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Is Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe associated with James Bond?
No. It’s the nearby mountain Schilthorn at which scenes of a James Bond movie were shot.
Other websites of interest
- www.jungfrau.ch: Snow Fun Park
- www.moenchsjoch.ch: walk from Jungfraujoch to the Mönchsjoch hut
- shop.switzerlandtravelcentre.com: official SBB tourist webshop
Schedules
- www.jungfrau.ch: Jungfrau Region transport operation dates
Prices
- www.switzerlandtravelcentre.com: Jungfraujoch ticket prices
- www.jungfrau.ch: Jungfrau Region transport prices
- www.jungfrau.ch: Good Morning ticket
Itineraries that include Jungfraujoch
Best of the Alps
Ultimate scenic trains
Routes in the Jungfrau Region
Lauterbrunnen to Wengen
Our latest blog articles about the Jungfrau Region
Hike Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg
Hike Wengen-Kleine Scheidegg
More about the activities close to Jungfraujoch
Schilthorn
Grindelwald-First
Schynige Platte
Männlichen
Pfingstegg
Aletsch Glacier
About the Jungfrau Region and nearby towns
Wengen
Lauterbrunnen
Interlaken
