Exploring Jungfraujoch | The Highest Train Station in Europe

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What is Jungfraujoch?

The Jungfraujoch, meaning ‘maiden saddle’ in German, is a glacier saddle connecting the Jungfrau and the Monch mountains of the Bernese Alps. At a height of 3,463 meters above sea level, it is called the ‘Top of Europe’ and is the highest railway station in Europe served by the Jungfrau railway, which runs for 9 kilometers from the station of Kleine Scheidegg (at 2,061 m above sea level).

Over the years, the site has gone on to include more attractions such as the Sphinx Observation Deck, the Ice Palace, the Eiger Express tri-cable gondola, the Snow Fun Park, the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, and more. Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe in Switzerland was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2001.

Jungfraujoch | Knowledge Graph

Jungfraujoch
  • Official name: The Jungfraujoch
  • Location/Address: 3823 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
  • Date of Opening: 21 February 1912
  • Timings: 8 AM to 4:20 PM
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 2001
  • Number of Visitors per Year: Over 1 million

Why is Jungfraujoch So Famous?

Jungfraujoch
  • Jungfraujoch is famous for being the highest accessible point in Europe. It is also known for being the highest railway station in Europe.
  • The area around Jungfraujoch, known as the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region, is the first UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in the Alps.
  • The Sphinx Observation Deck at Jungfraujoch is one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world.
  • The Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch is the highest of its kind in the world.
  • The world’s highest chocolate shop - the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven - is atop Jungfrau mountain.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped landscape around Jungfraujoch from the Sphinx Observation Deck and the Glacier Plateau.

Plan Your Visit to Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch Map

Jungfraujoch Highlights

Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch

Alpine Sensation

The Alpine Sensation is a 250-meter-long corridor connecting the Sphinx Observation Deck to the Ice Palace. The site features a multi-media display portraying 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 moving walkways along the chilly corridor take you to a massive snow globe at the end.

Jungfraujoch

Glacier Plateau

The Glacier Plateau is the most picturesque viewpoint at Jungfraujoch. It offers unobstructed views of the German Black Forest and the French Vosges on one side, and Aletsch Glacier with its highest mountain peaks on the other side. You can take a picture with all of this in the background, along with the Swiss flag on the site. This vantage platform is hardly a ten-minute walk from the Jungfraujoch train station.

Jungfraujoch

Hike to Mönchsjoch Hut

Mönchsjoch Hut - the highest-altitude serviced hut in Switzerland - is one of the most popular attractions near Jungfraujoch. The 45-minute long hike from Jungfraujoch to Mönchsjoch Hut takes you on a journey through the picturesque icescapes at a height of 3650 meters. You can admire the true beauty of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region, while on this hike.

Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch

Jungfrau Panorama

One of the first attractions you come across at Jungfraujoch is the Jungfrau Panorama experience. It is a 4-minute long visual treat that gives you a 360-degree all-around experience of the mountainous region with real-life views of the Jungfrau summit. Visitors can race through the clouds with their cameras, fall into piles of snow, plunge into ice crevices, or watch it snow over the mountains, irrespective of the actual weather outside.

Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch

Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven

Located atop the Jungfrau mountain, the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven is the world’s highest chocolate shop. At the store, you will get to learn about the history of Lindt, taste some delectable chocolate treats, and also watch how the famous Lindt chocolate is made from a virtual Lindt Maître Chocolatier.

History of Jungfraujoch

The saddle of Jungfraujoch was first traversed by a group of six English mountaineers and six Swiss guides, led by Leslie Stephen, in July 1862.

In 1893, Swiss entrepreneur Adolf Guyer-Zeller came up with the idea of constructing a railway tunnel to the peak of the Sphinx. Its construction began on July 27, 1896, and was finally completed on February 21, 1912. The railway tunnel ran from the Kleine Scheidegg railway station to the summit of the Jungfrau, with stops at Eigergletscher, Eigerwand, and Eismeer.

In 1937, the Sphinx Observatory - one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world - was established. The observatory, located at a height of 3,572 meters, was made accessible from Jungfraujoch by an elevator.

In 1954, the Jungfraujoch radio relay station was built, making it the first radio station to allow radio relay connections across the Alps. At 3,705 meters above sea level, it is Europe’s highest radio relay station and was operational until 2013.

Why is Jungfraujoch Known as the Top of Europe?

Jungfraujoch, the saddle located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, earned its name as it is the highest railway station in Europe, situated at an altitude of 3,454 meters above sea level.

Although the summit of the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps is higher, it is not easily reachable by rail and so it requires significant mountaineering experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jungfraujoch

What is Jungfraujoch?

Jungfraujoch is a glacier saddle, 3,463 meters above sea level, connecting the Jungfrau and the Monch mountains of the Bernese Alps.

What is Jungfraujoch famous for?

Jungfraujoch is famous for being the highest accessible point in Europe. It is home to the highest railway station in Europe and also the Sphinx Observation Deck, the Ice Palace, the Snow Park, and the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven.

Why should I visit Jungfraujoch?

Jungfraujoch offers visitors the ultimate winter experience with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, a snow park, ice sculptures, gondola rides, and much more.

Where is Jungfraujoch?

Jungfraujoch is located on the upper part of the Aletsch Glacier, on the boundary between the cantons of Bern and Valais, and halfway between the towns of Interlaken and Fiesch.

How do I book tickets to visit Jungfraujoch?

You can book your tickets to visit Jungfraujoch either offline at the venue or online here. It is advised to buy them online to skip the ticket queues, especially during peak times.

How much does it cost to visit Jungfraujoch?

Prices for tickets to visit Jungfraujoch start at CHF 148.20.

What are Jungfraujoch opening hours?

Jungfraujoch is open from 8 AM to 4:20 PM every day throughout the year.

When is the best time to visit Jungfraujoch?

The best time to visit Jungfraujoch is from June to August when the weather is comfortable to go hiking and try out various snow activities.

How much time is needed to visit Jungfraujoch?

A visit to Jungfraujoch would take around 5 - 6 hours including the train ride if you wish to explore all the attractions. It would take an hour and a half lesser if commuting by the Eiger Express.

What should I wear when visiting Jungfraujoch?

Visitors must wear warm clothes, thick jackets, thick socks, comfortable walking shoes with a good grip, and maybe a pair of gloves and sunglasses while visiting Jungfraujoch, as the area remains cold even during summer.

Is Jungfraujoch wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Jungfraujoch is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users can either take the Wengernalp Railway or the Eiger Express tri-cable gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Jungfraujoch.