Everything You Need To Know About Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory
Above the Jungfraujoch in Switzerland sits the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory, a scientific observatory, and research facility. Called the Sphinx Observatory after the rocky summit on which it is located, this high-altitude observatory is one of the world's highest observatories at 3,571 m above mean sea level. It also boasts the second-highest observation deck in Switzerland, which is open to the public.
Sphinx Observatory Opening Hours
The Sphinx Observatory is currently open from 7.53 AM to 3.17 PM. The operating hours may vary depending on the season. Though you cannot access the observatory itself, you can observe the stark beauty of the Bernese Alps from the Sphinx Observation deck. The Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory is generally open 365 days a year, tours may be suspended if the Jungfraujoch railway does not function due to extreme weather conditions, especially during winter.
How to get to the Sphinx Observatory
From Jungfraujoch station, an elevator will transport you to Sphinx Hall; the 354-foot (108-meter) ride to the observation deck only takes 25 seconds. You might also go to Jungfraujoch by cogwheel train; to do so, start your journey in Interlaken Ost, change at Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, and then board the Jungfrau Railway from Kleine Scheidegg.
There are trains from Interlaken Ost and stop in Grindelwald Terminal and Eigergletscher on the way to Jungfraujoch. You can take the electric gondola and the funicular from Grindelwald to the observatory. Alternatively, take the funicular from Lauterbrunnen.
View from The Sphinx Observation Deck
The public viewing deck is situated next to the observatory. From there, one may take in breathtaking vistas of the nearby mountains and valleys, including the panoramic peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. Views extend all the way to Germany and Italy.
On one side, the Mittelland stretches out and provides views of the Black Forest and the Vosges, and on the other, the Aletsch Glacier with its four-thousand-meter peaks around it comes into view. It promises a wonderful experience and provides a stunning view of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the ice, snow, and rocky beauty of the high mountains.
Best Time to Visit the Sphinx Observation Deck
The Sphinx observation deck is reachable every day when the Jungfrau Railway is in service and is open all year (from morning until early evening). Jungfraujoch is constantly bustling with tourists but the best time to visit is between the months of May to October. The busiest times of the day are late morning and early afternoon, so the earlier you are, the better it is. On clear, sunny days, you can soak in the awe-inspiring panorama of the Swiss Alps.
Other Attractions Near Sphinx Observatory
Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven
At a height of around 3,500 meters, the chocolate experience shop "LINDT SWISS CHOCOLATE HEAVEN" provides a wide selection of the best LINDT chocolate, and through the engaging Maîtres Chocolatiers world, guests may learn fascinating details about the chocolate-making process.
Snow Park
Snow enthusiasts can relax in the Snow Fun Park and rejuvenate themselves in the bar. You may soar above the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe, on the Flying Fox rope slide.
Jungfrau Panorama
No matter the weather outside, the Jungfrau panorama film conveys a 360-degree, all-encompassing experience of the alpine landscape all year round. Visitors fall into snowbanks or ice crevasses, or they sprint through the clouds with their cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sphinx Observatory
A. The Sphinx Observatory is a high-altitude astronomical observatory in Switzerland.
A. The Sphinx Observatory stands atop the Jungfraujoch saddle that connects the Alpine mountains of Jungfrau and Mönch in Switzerland. The address is Eigergletscher-Jungfraujoch, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland.
A. You can reach the Sphinx Observatory by taking the tricable gondola, funicular from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen or lift from the Jungfraujoch railway station.
A. The Sphinx Observatory is 3571 m above sea level.
A. While the Sphinx Observatory itself is not accessible to the general public, the viewing deck adjacent to it is open to visitors.
A. The Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory is open from 7.53 AM to 3.17 PM currently.