What is Jungfrau famous for and why is it called 'Top of Europe'?
The reason Jungfrau is so famous world-wide is its railway - Jungfraujoch is the highest accessible point in Europe - up to a staggering 3,454m height - thanks to its centennial railway, which was inaugurated in 1912. And if you're wondering whether Jungfrau is the same thing as Jungfraujoch, you should know that JungfrauJOCH, the 'Jungfrau saddle', is the name of the plateau where the railway is located, while Jungfrau is the closest mountain peak to the plateau.
It's the easy accessibility and fantastic views that have swiftly made Jungfrau one of the most popular destinations in all of Switzerland. Here's why it's worth a visit and what are the top things to do during the summer season.
First, a quick peak...
Our tip: get your Top of Europe pass
A ride to Jungfraujoch can be pricey, but here's how you can manage: the Top of Europe pass is a real money saver and gives you access to the entire railway network in the region. For example, at 149 CHF/ person you can get a 3 day pass which gives you unlimited trips on the ENTIRE Jungfrau Railway network - absolutely worth it and highly recommended!
The Top of Europe pass is available as a 3 to 8 day pass or as a season pass.
Get Top of Europe passTop things to do and see at Jungfraujoch Top of Europe
A visit to Jungfraujoch is much more than a lovely train ride with gorgeous views. There's a lot to discover at the top as well. Here are our hand-picked highlights so you can enjoy Jungfraujoch to the full.
Take in the stunning views
Gorgeous views of the famous Eiger North Face from the brand new and ultra fast Eiger Express gondola © Jungfrau Bahnen
To get to Jungfraujoch you'll travel through some of the most beautiful corners of Switzerland, passing other famous landmarks like Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald, First or Schynige Platte.
The best vista point at the top on Jungfraujoch is the Sphinx Observation Deck, part of the Sphinx Observatory (an astronomical observatory and international research station).
There's also the impressive Jungfrau Panorama - a huge indoor film projection showing a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy the ice and snow, even in summer
The Ice Palace © Jungfrau Bahnen
The Ice Palace is one of the most impressive places at Jungfraujoch, where you can admire lovely ice sculptures at a chilling -3 degrees Celsius. Also open during summer is the Snow Fun Park. From May until mid October, you can enjoy the snow whenever you like.
Hike in one of the most beautiful regions of Switzerland
There are so many beautiful hiking trails in the area that it's difficult to choose. All around Kleine Scheidegg, Schynige Platte and Grindelwald - literally wherever you're heading, you'll find gorgeous places with picture-perfect views.
Our hiking tips: Bachalpsee or Schynige Platte - First hikes: simply stunning views. But the most special hike, accessible directly from the Jungfraujoch, is the Mönchsjoch mountain lodge, or Mönchsjochhutte hike. The trail takes 45 minutes and passes through the stunning Aletsch Glacier landscape. Make sure you get proper shoes and hiking clothes - remember, you're hiking on a glacier!
Get an adrenaline rush at Grindelwald First - Top of Adventure
At Grindelwald First, you can try the First Glider or the First Flyer zipline - fly in the air at 80km/h - adrenaline rush guaranteed!
First also boasts the First Cliff Walk by Tissot, a look-out platform perched on the mountain top where you feel as if plunged into the void.
Find out what else you can do at Grindelwald First.
Views from the First Cliff Walk, perched on the mountain top © Jungfrau Bahnen
Listen to an Alphorn concert at Schynige Platte – Top of Swiss Tradition
Alphorn players at Schynige Platte © Jungfrau Bahnen
With alphorn players every day, the botanic Alpine gardens and a nature cinema, Schynige Platte (1.967m above sea level) stands for Swiss tradition.
Find out more about Schynige Platte.
Learn more about the impressive history of the railway
If you're a train history buff, then you're in for a treat. The story of the impressive Jungfrau railway is minutely and vividly documented, so you'll get a clear picture of the hard (and mostly manual) labour that was needed to build a railway on a glacier. Find out here how it all began in 1896. You'll find a detailed and beautiful display and tribute to the workers in the Alpine Sensation exhibition at the top of Jungfraujoch. Also, you'll get to admire the brand new Eiger Express, a state of the art gondola which reduces your travel time to the top by 47 minutes.
Some practical details for your trip to Jungfraujoch
Before you travel to Jungfraujoch, make sure to check the weather and the train schedule. Also, we can't stress this enough - even in summer, you'll need to bring warm clothes.
Now, regarding the costs, remember our Top of Europe pass tip.
Enjoy this special Swiss experience
One last tip: send yourself or your loved ones a postcard from there - it's the Europe's highest altitude post office and makes for a lovely souvenir.
Take me to Jungfraujoch