Top 10 Things to do at Jungfraujoch
** Read the full “First Timer’s Travel Guide to Jungfraujoch” at https://www.dreamystays.com.**
Jungfraujoch sits in the saddle of two of the highest peaks in the Jungfrau region of the Alps (Jungfrau and Mönch).
At 3,454 meters up, it is the highest point in Europe that is accessible by train, thus earning the title, “Top of Europe.”
The viewpoint from Jungfraujoch provides visitors with an incredible perspective of the eternally snow capped mountains and the vibrant green valleys below.
Here is everything you need to know so you can plan an incredible trip to the Top of Europe.
What This Guide Covers
You can read every single Jungfraujoch tip here (highly recommended) or use the navigation links here to skip to the tips that are most valuable to you.
What is Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch, located in southern Switzerland, refers to a visitor’s center and observation deck reachable by train situated at 3,454 meters elevation.
On the west side, you’ll gaze up at the majestic peak of Jungfrau (4,158 meters) and on the east side, you are just a few hundred meters below Mönch (4,099 meters). And just beyond Mönch, the famous Eiger peak looms at 3,970 meters.
The name Jungfrau is often confused with Jungfraujoch but refers to the actual Swiss Alp. The region around Jungfrau is commonly referred to as Jungfrau or the Jungfrau Region.
Jungfraujoch is often commonly referred to as “Top of Europe” because it is the highest train station on the continent. Don’t be confused by this marketing spin, however, because Mont Blanc on the French and Italian border is actually the highest point in Europe.
Top 10 Things to do at Jungfraujoch
1. Sphinx Observatory
The Sphinx Observatory is the iconic, picturesque observation deck situated in the saddle between the peaks Jungfrau and Mönch. It sits at 3,571 meters (11,716 feet) above sea level, and the views are incredible. From the observatory the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Interlaken, and the Aletsch Glacier can be seen clearly.
The Sphinx Observatory is usually the first attraction that visitors go to when they visit Jungfraujoch, so it can become crowded, fast.
TIP: Hang around on the observation deck until the group from the train you came on dwindles, leaving you with more space to breathe, and less contested spots to take pictures.
For those who are afraid of heights, the platform which people stand on to enjoy the view is similar to a grate with large holes in it allowing tourists to see directly below them. This can be scary for those who don’t like heights, so if you fall into this category, it might be best to enjoy the view from inside the Observatory through the glass windows.
2. The Jungfraujoch Train
The Jungfraujoch train is called Jungfraubahn, which literally translates to “Jungfrau train” in English. It is the train that carries passengers to the Top of Europe and along with offering a very smooth and comfortable ride, it gives visitors incredible panoramic views of the valleys below.
TIP: Although there is no bad place to sit on the Jungfraubahn, we strongly recommend sitting on the right side of the train for the ascent so you can enjoy the view unobstructed.
3. Eismeer
Eismeer is another one of those German names that means much more if you understand it. In German, Eismeer means “Sea of Ice”, and that’s exactly what it is.
During the ride up to Jungfraujoch, the train enters a tunnel that is over 7 kilometers long. Don’t worry, there are still sights to be seen, even in the enclosed tunnels.
There are three stops on the ride up where tourists are allowed to get off the train and look out large windows in the face of the mountain, overlooking glaciers and a sea of ice.
The stop is only for 5 minutes however, so be prepared to rush off the train and fight the crowds to get a good look before continuing on up to the top.
4. Ice Palace (Eispalast)
In Jungfraujoch, one of the must-see attractions is the Ice Palace.
Descending into the ice palace feels like walking into an igloo, as you will soon be in a tunnel surrounded on all sides by large frozen blocks of ice. For those who need a bit more traction on their shoes, there is a handrail constantly at your side.
After traveling into the cold heart of the Ice Palace, it opens into larger corridors with ice sculptures of animals, people, and nature scenes that will astound you. The detail of each sculpture is very fine, and you’ll find yourself wanting to take pictures at each work of art.
Similar to the Sphinx Observatory, it seems that visitors come in waves. The palace can go from almost empty to claustrophobic in a matter of minutes, so try to time your visit so you can have more room and take photos without other people in them.
5. Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg ( map) is a mountain pass on the way up to Jungfraujoch that doubles as the train stop for the Jungfraubahn. It is here that travelers headed to the top must switch trains from across the valleys below to board the Jungfraubahn.
This is a great place to stretch your legs after being seated on the train for a few hours depending on where you are coming from. While wandering around, make sure to stop and admire the stunning views of the mountains, rolling valleys, glaciers, and waterfalls.
TIP: This is one of the best photo spots in the entire Bernese Oberland.
There are a few restaurants here for hungry travelers who didn’t want to purchase the expensive food at Jungfraujoch. However, the prices will only save you a few Francs because the food is marked up here as high as its mountain elevation.
At Kleine Scheidegg, the trains going to and from Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen meet, giving the option to descend a different way than you came up.
TIP: Try taking one route up and another train down from Kleine Scheidegg to see more of this beautiful region of the Swiss Alps.
6. Lindt Chocolate Shop
The Lindt Chocolate Shop at Jungfraujoch is the highest Lindt shop in the world!
The creamy Swiss chocolates sold here are some of the best in the region. The entrance to the store is known as the Master Chocolatier’s Parlor, where audiovisual displays show travelers how the chocolates are made.
TIP: The best (and surprising) part about the chocolate shop is that it has some of the cheapest Lindt chocolate in Switzerland. Other shops will sell the coveted candy bars for a Franc or two more than they sell them here, so load up while you can! The cashiers might even throw a few extra chocolates in for free.
7. Sledding in Summer
During the summer months, the Snow Fun Park is open to visitors to enjoy sledding and other winter sports on top of one of the tallest of the Swiss Alps.
The park has snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, a zipline, and, of course, sledding. The sledding and tubing slope has a conveyor belt that takes people up to the top of the hill so they can enjoy the ride down, without walking all the way back up.
All of the equipment is rented out and included in the price of the ticket. Prices are listed below:
8. Photo-Ops
It’s hard to take a bad picture when the backdrop is the majestic Jungfrau poking through the clouds, the rolling valleys below, or even the larger-than-life Aletsch Glacier.
However, there are a few places that allow for more stunning pictures and memorable locations than others. When visiting Jungfraujoch, make sure to stop and click a pic:
- By the Swiss flags waving at the top of the snowy plateau with the Jungfrau peak behind you.
- In front some of the sculptures in the Ice Palace.
- On the observation deck of the Sphinx Observatory looking in any direction.
- Sipping a cup of steaming hot cocoa with the snowy glacier in the background.
- Riding the train with your head out the window to capture the most of you and the beautiful Alpine scenery.
- Looking out over Eismeer at the train stop (be fast to avoid getting other people in your shot).
- At Kleine Scheidegg looking up at the peaks.
9. Jungfrau Climbing Routes and Mönchsjoch Hut
There are a few different ways for mountaineers to reach the summit of Jungfrau.
Hikers that wish to summit the peak will travel from the train station at Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch. Leaving the train, there is a short hike from Jungfraujoch to Mönchsjoch Hut, where you can reserve a bed and a meal.
Upon rising in the morning, the easiest climb to the summit takes about 4 hours from Mönchsjoch Hut. By mountaineering standards, this is a fairly easy summit to climb but there are other, more difficult options for more advanced climbers who want a challenge.
It is cold near the top of these mountains, so dress warmly. In the summer it is still known to snow at the elevation of these climbs. Optimal time to make the ascent is from June to September. If needed, there are many tour guides who take visitors up and down the peak frequently.
TIP: For a uniquely alpine experience, take the short hike from Jungfraujoch to Mönchsjoch Hut to enjoy a simple lunch and a vantage point that most other Jungfraujoch tourists will never experience.
10. Bask in the Glory of Eiger’s North Face at Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg is a great place to stop and enjoy the view and find your next profile picture for your social media account.
As you sit contemplating the mountains you will climb or just climbed, consider the sheer north face of Eiger.
For years mountaineers tried to scale the rocky cliffs to be the first to make it to the summit. These ascents ended in death for many of these climbers, but still many attempted to champion the mountain.
Read the full “First Timer’s Travel Guide to Jungfraujoch” at https://www.dreamystays.com.
