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Discover the Jungfraujoch
The “Jungfraujoch” is a peak located at an altitude of 3465 meters in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. You might say a pass like so many others … Not quite, because you can reach it thanks to the highest cogwheel train in Europe, making all the wild world of the very high mountain usually reserved for experienced mountain hikers accessible.
Here you can admire Aletsch, the largest glacier in the Alps, as well as the three giants of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. These exceptional landscapes will inevitably disappear over the decades, but today it is still time for wonder. Let’s go to the top of Europe!
How to access the Jungfraujoch?
Interlaken, the ideal starting point to go to the Jungfraujoch
From Interlaken Ost train station, you can get to Jungfraujoch in 2 hours. You will have to change train either at Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg stations, or at Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg stations (see map below). The ticket is valid for one or the other of the itineraries and both are interesting. If you don’t have a preference, choose one route to go and the other to return.
Tip: leave Interlaken early (train from 6.35am), you won’t have too much of a day to enjoy the show!
Stopover in Kleine Scheidegg
It is here, at an altitude of 2,061 meters, that the two lines of the world’s longest cog railway network join the Jungfrau line. This is also the last stop before reaching Europe’s highest station on the Jungfraujoch, 1,500 meters higher.
Most passengers just pass from one train to another without taking the time to admire and yet… the panoramic view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is already spectacular.
Jungfrau Railway
From Kleine Scheidegg station to Jungfraujoch station, the tallest cogwheel train in Europe crosses the Eiger and Mönch at an average speed of 20 km/h, and will stop as close as possible to the Jungfrau. The entire route (30 min) is done in a tunnel, and only a stop at Eismeer station (3160 meters) allows you to admire the landscape which is splendid.
What to expect at the top of Europe
Arrived at the top of the Jungfrau station, arrows will show visitors the direction of the route, allowing them to enjoy all of the site’s attractions.
The Sphinx platform (3,571 meters above sea level) provides access to the top of the Jungfraujoch and has the best view of the Mönch (Monk). It is an astronomical observatory perched rock, who allows you to admire the landscape.
Under your feet, the Aletsch Glacier offers you an incredible landscape. With a length of 23 km and an area of over 100 km2, it is the largest glacier in the Alps. No less than 11 billion tons of ice lie here, the thickness of the glacier reaching up to 900 meters at Konkordiaplatz (meeting point of the 3 main snowfields).
The Jungfrau is a must-see in the Interlaken region. In addition to having snow all year round, you also pass through an ice tunnel that is just BEAUTIFUL! Mountain guides created the walkways and halls in the 1930s. So you walk on ice, admire sculptures and even meet Scrat in this Jungfraujoch Ice Palace.
A glacier hike accessible to all
At the Jungfraujoch, you don’t just admire the glaciers and peaks (which is nevertheless already a great experience), the site also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of very high mountains by taking a well-marked path to the Mönchsjochhütte (3658 m).
It is a short hike (less than 2 hours round trip) that does not require any special equipment other than good waterproof shoes. The environment is grandiose.
Activities for all
The Jungfraujoch signposted circuit allows you to discover so much. In addition to the panoramas on the glaciers and summits from the Sphinx and La Terrasse platforms, you will see cinematographic animations on the environment and on the history of the pioneers of the Jungfrau as well as an ice palace exhibited with some ephemeral sculptures.
Thrill-seekers will perhaps be tempted by the zip line or the toboggans at the Snow Fun Park (open from May to October).
Write this tip down: if you only have one day in the region, Jungfrau may be the best tour option. The ticket costs CHF 95, or if you stay longer, I recommend buying the 3-day Top of Europe Pass (if you have the Swiss travel pass, it costs CHF 149). This ticket leads directly to the train from Interlaken to the cable car and to enter the complex. What is not included are extreme activities. With this same ticket, you can go to any mountain! It’s really worth it if you plan to stay at least 2 full days in this region!
