If you're dreaming of visiting the stunning Alps then Jungfraujoch has to be on your list. Sitting high in the Swiss Alps, this place isn’t just about the altitude — it’s about what you get to experience when you’re up there. Picture this: snowy views that look straight out of a movie (some actually were), an observatory that lets you stare across the Alps, an ice palace carved inside a glacier, and yes, even a Bollywood restaurant serving up warm Indian food.
Whether you're here for the scenery or the thrill of being at Europe’s highest train station, there's a lot waiting for you up at Jungfraujoch. Here’s what you need to know about reaching the Jungfraujoch summit.
How to get to the Jungfraujoch summit?
Getting to Jungfraujoch can feel a bit confusing at first, so let’s clear it up. Jungfraujoch is not a single mountain peak — it’s the saddle, or mountain pass, nestled between two iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps: the Mönch and the Jungfrau. It’s also the name of the high-altitude station and visitor area that sits up there, packed with attractions like the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and more.
Now, you can’t just drive or hike up there. The only way to reach Jungfraujoch is by train, specifically via the Jungfrau Railway. This line takes you through tunnels and across dramatic alpine landscapes, finally arriving at Europe’s highest railway station.
There are three main routes that bring you to the base stations of this journey: you can start from Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or take the route via Schilthorn. Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald are the most common starting points. From there, you connect to Kleine Scheidegg — the transfer station where all trains to Jungfraujoch pass through.
The newer, faster way up is via the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal, which takes you straight to the Eiger Glacier station. From there, you hop on the Jungfrau Railway that climbs the final stretch to Jungfraujoch.
It’s important to know that while Jungfrau is the tallest peak in this region, it’s not accessible to everyday visitors. The summit you reach ie. Jungfraujoch, is the highest you can go without mountaineering experience. Hiking routes do exist, but they’re for trained climbers and not part of the regular tourist access. So, for most travelers, the train is your path to the top, where all the action is.
Can we trek to Jungraujoch?
The short answer is no. Jungfraujoch sits at over 3,400 meters and is only accessible to regular visitors by train. The area is surrounded by glaciers and steep alpine terrain, so it’s not something you can just hike up to, unless you're part of a professional mountaineering group with proper gear and training.
That said, if you're looking for great hikes around the Jungfrau region, you’re in luck. There are plenty of scenic trails at the lower elevations that offer stunning views without the extreme climb.
- One popular option is the two-hour hike to Lake Bachalpsee, a peaceful alpine lake near Grindelwald First.
- Then there’s the Eiger Trail, which runs from 2,348 meters down to 1,616 meters, letting you hike right below the face of the Eiger.
- The Jungfrau Eiger Walk is another good one, a shorter route from 2,321 to 2,061 meters that still gives you a real mountain feel.
- If you're near Interlaken, try the Harder Kulm circular route, a forested loop that runs from 1,443 to 1,293 meters.
- Want something longer? The hike from Grindelwald First to Schynige Platte is a full-day trek, going from 2,681 down to 1,967 meters and offering one of the best panoramic routes in the region.
- And don’t miss the Lauberhorn Trail, famous for its downhill ski race, with a hiking version from 2,316 to 1,098 meters.
Recommended tickets to Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch summit: Things to do
Location/Attraction | Altitude (m) | Public access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Sphinx Observation Deck | 3,571 | Yes | Offers panoramic views of the Alps; adjacent to the Sphinx Observatory. |
Sphinx Observatory | 3,571 | No (research only) | High-altitude research station conducting atmospheric and astronomical studies. |
Jungfraujoch Railway Station | 3,454 | Yes | Europe's highest railway station; primary access point to Jungfraujoch attractions. |
Top of Europe Building | 3,454 | Yes | Houses restaurants, exhibitions, and Europe's highest-altitude post office. |
Ice Palace | 3,454 | Yes | Tunnel system within the glacier featuring intricate ice sculptures. |
Alpine Sensation | 3,454 | Yes | A 250-meter corridor showcasing the history of the Jungfrau Railway with multimedia exhibits. |
Glacier Plateau | 3,454 | Yes | Outdoor area offering views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks. |
Snow Fun Park | ~3,500 | Yes (Seasonal) | Offers activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and ziplining during summer months. |
Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven | 3,454 | Yes | World's highest Lindt shop offering a variety of Swiss chocolates. |
Jungfrau Peak | 4,158 | No (mountaineers only) | One of the main peaks in the Bernese Alps; accessible only to experienced climbers. |
