- Official name: Jungfraujoch Railway / Jungfrau Railway / Jungfraubahn
- Address: 3801 Fieschertal, Switzerland
- Date of opening: 21st of February, 1912
- Timings: Jungfraujoch Railway is open daily from approximately 8 AM to 6 PM.. Exact timings depend on the season and time of year.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Accredited in 2001
- Number of visitors per year: Approximately 1 million
- Function: Railway / tourist spot
Jungfraujoch | The railway, things to do and brief history
What is the Jungfrau Railway?
Did you know Jungfraujoch holds the record for being Europe's highest railway line? That's probably why it's nicknamed the 'Top of Europe'. Situated in the stunning Jungfrau-Aletsch region of the Swiss Alps (a UNESCO World Natural Heritage spot), this line runs from Kleine Scheidegg in the Bernese Oberland right up to the pass between the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks. Dive into this guide to get the lowdown on this railway, an incredible engineering feat.
Quick facts about Jungfraujoch
Plan your visit to Jungfraujoch
What are Jungfraujoch opening hours?
- Timings: The trains to Jungfraujoch from Eiger Glacier station or Kleine Scheidegg generally depart after 8 AM. Trains typically depart from Jungfraujoch before 6 PM.
- Closed: Jungfraujoch railway is open year round
- Best time to visit: If you prefer snow activities like skiing, tobogganing, etc. winter (November to March) is the best time to visit. If you prefer warmer weather and enjoy hiking, summer (June to September) is the ideal time to visit.
Where is Jungfraujoch located?
Address: 3801 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Jungfraujoch is the mountain saddle connecting the Jungfrau and Monch peaks in the Bernese Alps. Home to the highest railway in Europe, it is popularly called ‘Top of Europe’.
Landmarks nearby: Lauterbrunnen (8 km), Interlaken (17.8 km).
Highlights of the Junfraujoch train ride
Ride the highest railway line in Europe
As the train ascends through the Swiss Alps, the panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and pristine glaciers are simply mesmerizing. What’s equally amazing is the cogwheel train itself — which is designed to climb steep surfaces.
Pass through the Jungfrau tunnel
The railway passes through the 7 km-long tunnel starting from Kleine Scheidegg station up to Jungfraujoch. It was built over a century ago and helps protect the line from snow and extreme weather.
Halt midway at Eismeer station
During its ascent to the summit, the train briefly stops to allow passengers to enjoy the stunning views from the midway station — the Eismeer Station. It has a unique combination of being both an open-air observation platform and a fully enclosed train stop.
History of Jungfraujoch in a nutshell
Initial plans
The early plan to construct a mountain railway in the 1860s was not financially viable. In 1893. Swiss industrialist Adolf Guyer-Zeller ideated a railway track through a tunnel connecting Kleine Scheidegg to the summit of the Jungfrau.
Construction
The construction began in 1896 and in two years the Eigergletscher railway station was opened at the foot of Mount Eiger. In 1899, the construction stalled for a few months due to a strike that followed an on-site explosion, but it resumed after.
Renovations
Following yet another explosion at the the Eigerwand Station in 1908, the railway was finally completed on February 21, 1912, after 16 years of construction.
Who built the Jungfraujoch railway?
Adolf Guyer-Zeller was a Swiss entrepreneur born in 1839. A man of wide interests, he dabbled in businesses spanning cotton, banking and paper making. In the 1870s, he became increasingly engaged in railway affairs, notably with the Nord-ost Bahn (NOB, north-eastern railway). In 1894, Guyer-Zeller assumed the role of President. Consequently, he earned the title Eisenbahnkönig, or the "railway king."
Adolf Guyer-Zeller is best known for initiating the construction of the Jungfrau Railway, which remains the highest railway in Europe to date.
Frequently asked questions about the Jungfraujoch railway
The Jungfrau railway is the highest railway line in Europe. It is a 9km long line that passes through the Jungfrau Tunnel connecting Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch — the top most accessible point in Europe.
A trip to Switzerland is incomplete without visiting Jungfraujoch, as the journey promises panoramic alpine views, clear air, and breathtaking natural beauty. The railway is also a testament to engineering skill that dates back to a century, as it meant the cutting through of glacial rock to build the railway tunnel.
The Jungfrau Railway is located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, connecting Kleine Scheidegg in the Bernese Oberland to the Jungfraujoch, which is the highest railway station in Europe.
Jungfraujoch opening hours vary according to the season. However, Trains to Jungfraujoch generally leave from Eiger Glacier station or Kleine Scheidegg after 8 AM. Trains depart from Jungfraujoch back down before 6 PM.
You can enjoy scenic views from the Sphinx Observatory or the Glacial Plateau, go hiking to Monchsjutte hut, eat chocolate at the highest Lindt store in the world, see ice sculptures at Ice Palace, go skiing at Snow Fun Park and more.
The Swiss industrialist Adolf Guyer-Zeller began building the Jungfraujoch railway from 1896. The project was completed 16 years later in 1912.
You can buy tickets for Jungfraujoch Railway from any of the stations en route. It is recommended to buy them online instead, to avoid waiting in long ticketing queues at the station.
The best time to visit Jungfraujoch depends on what you’d like to do. If you prefer warmer weather and opportunities to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, etc. summer is the best time to visit. If you prefer to engage in snow-related activities, winter is the best time to visit. Rest assured, Jungfraujoch is exciting for guests who visit at any time of the year.
Yes, Jungfraujoch is fully wheelchair accessible.
Yes, there are several eateries available at Jungfraujoch like Crystal a-la-carte restaurant, Restaurant Bollywood, Atlesch self-service restaurant, etc.
Yes, photography is permitted at Jungfraujoch.
While there is no dress code while visiting Jungfraujoch, dressing in layers is recommended.
Nearby attractions include Interlaken, Grindelwald First and Lauterbrunnen.
