Jungfrau Railway & Train | History, Highlights & More

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What is the Jungfrau Railway?

The Jungfrau Railway is the highest railway line in Europe. It is situated in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region. Connecting Kleine Scheidegg in the Bernese Oberland to Jungfraujoch it takes you through stunning Alpine scenery to the top of Europe, making it one of the most beautiful ways to reach the summit. Learn more about this incredible feat of engineering and plan your visit to experience this must-visit attraction in Switzerland.

Jungfraujoch Railway | Knowledge Graph

Jungfrau Railway & Train about
  • 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 8 A.M to 4:20 P.M
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 2001
  • Number of visitors per year: 1 million

Why Ride The Jungfrau Railway?

  • The Jungfraujoch Railway is the highest railway line in Europe, which takes you to Jungfrau - the topmost point of Europe.
  • The train ride gives you breathtaking panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region.
  • Enjoy unobstructed views of the German Black Forest and the French Vosges from the Glacier Plateau near the Jungfraujoch station.
  • At Jungfraujoch, you can visit the Sphinx Observation Deck, which is one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world.
  • Jungfraujoch station also features the world’s highest Ice Palace and Snow Park.
  • The 250-meter-long corridor connecting the observatory to the Ice Palace, named ‘The Alpine Sensation’ features a multi-media display of the history and story of the making of the Jungfrau Railway.
  • The site also pays homage to the miners who were injured and lost their lives in the process, with 30 memorial plaques.
  • The Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, atop the Jungfrau mountain, is another must-visit attraction.

Plan Your Jungfrau Train Experience

Starting Point
Opening Hours
Jungfrau Railway & Train about
Jungfrau Railway & Train about

Highlights of Riding the Junfrau Train

Riding the Highest Railway Line in Europe

Riding 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. As you make the exhilarating journey crossing towering viaducts through tunnels, the crisp alpine air, and the scent of pine trees, create a sensory symphony that lingers in your memory long after the journey ends. Riding this engineering marvel is a true bucket-list adventure that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Switzerland.

Breathtaking Alpine Views

Breathtaking Alpine Views

As the train chugs its way up to the summit, you will be treated to awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The majestic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower above you, while the Aletsch Glacier stretches out below, an immense river of ice winding its way through the valleys against the endless expanse of blue skies. The train passes through tunnels and over bridges, offering glimpses of stunning mountain vistas at every turn.

Passing Through the Jungfrau Tunnel

Passing Through the Jungfrau Tunnel

There are three tunnels on the Jungfrau railway line, which make up 80% of the entire length of the route. The longest of these tunnels is the 7 km-long tunnel between the Eiger and Mönch mountains, known as the Jungfrau tunnel. It was built over a century ago over a course of 16 years and plays an instrumental in providing access to the Jungfraujoch. It also helps protect the line from snow and extreme weather.

Ascending 1400m in 35 Minutes

Ascending 1400m in 35 Minutes

Embark the Jungfrau Railway and ascend a jaw-dropping 1400 meters (4593 feet) to reach the Top of Europe in just 35 minutes. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss Alps along the way. The railway line has a steep incline, and the train moves at a steady pace, providing passengers with the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views from their seats. The train ride uphill provides a thrilling experience, as the landscape gradually transforms before your eyes.

Midway Stop at Eismeer station

Midway Stop at Eismeer station

During its ascent to the summit, the train briefly stops for five minutes to allow passengers to enjoy the stunning views from the midway station — the Eismeer Station. It is located at an elevation of 2,587 meters and has a unique combination of being both an open-air observation platform and a fully enclosed train stop. The Eismeer provides access to windows on the east face of the Eiger, with a view overlooking the Eismeer, which is also known as the "sea of ice."

Visiting Europe’s Highest Railway Station

History of Jungfrau Railway

Jungfrau Railway & Train about

Initial Plans

The initial plans for a mountain railway to be constructed on the Jungfrau started in the 1860s but were not financially feasible. It was in 1893 that Swiss industrialist Adolf Guyer-Zeller came up with a feasible plan to lay a railway track through a tunnel connecting Kleine Scheidegg to the summit of the Jungfrau.

Jungfrau Railway & Train about

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 was stalled for a few months due to a strike that followed an on-site explosion, but construction resumed after. The Eigerwand station and Eismeer station were opened on the 28th of June, 1903, and the 25th of July, 1905, respectively.

Jungfrau Railway & Train about

Rennovations

In 1908, there was yet another explosion at the Eigerwand station. Finally, after sixteen years of work, the railway was completed on the 21st of February, 1912. The Jungfraujoch station was inaugurated on the 1st of August that year. The stations have undergone several extensions and new attractions have come up at the Jungfraujoch station in the years that followed.

Who Built the Jungfraujoch Railway?

Swiss entrepreneur Adolf Guyer-Zeller is the one who came up with the idea of constructing a railway tunnel to the peak of the Sphinx, in 1893. Based on his plan, the construction began on July 27, 1896. After some construction accidents and worker strikes, the railway tunnel from the Kleine Scheidegg railway station to the summit of the Jungfrau was finally completed on February 21, 1912.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jungfrau Railway

What is the Jungfrau 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.

What is the Jungfrau Railway famous for?

The Jungfrau Railway is famous for being the highest railway line in Switzerland and the whole of Europe. It is known to be one of the most beautiful ways to reach Jungfraujoch - the top most accessible point in Europe.

Where is the Jungfrau Railway located?

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.

Who built the Jungfraujoch Railway?

Swiss entrepreneur Adolf Guyer-Zeller is the one who came up with the idea of constructing a railway tunnel to get to the top of Jungfrau.

When did the Jungfraujoch Railway open?

The Jungfraujoch Railway opened on the 21st of February, 1912.

How do I book tickets for Jungfraujoch Railway?

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 queues at the station.

How long does it take to reach Jungfraujoch?

It takes approximately 35 minutes to reach the summit of Jungfraujoch from Kleine Scheidegg, the starting point of the journey.

How long does it take to travel from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch?

The journey from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch on the Jungfrau train takes approximately 2 hours.

Is there a midway stop on the Jungfrau Railway?

Yes, there is a midway stop at Eismeer station, located at an altitude of 2,587 meters. This provides access to windows on the east face of the Eiger, with a view overlooking the Eismeer.