It is the highest railway station in Europe, sitting at a dizzying 3,454 meters (11,332 ft).
The Jungfrau Railway is Switzerland’s most famous and most expensive attraction. It takes you from the green valleys of Grindelwald straight up into a world of eternal ice and snow.
But with tickets costing over CHF 200 per person, the big question is: Is it a tourist trap, or is it worth it?
Here is your honest guide to the Top of Europe.
The Journey: Inside the Mountain
The train ride itself is an engineering miracle.
- The Eiger Express: First, you take a new massive cable car from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher (15 mins).
- The Cogwheel Train: Then, you switch to the red Jungfrau train.
- The Tunnel: For most of the ride, the train travels inside the famous Eiger mountain.
- The View Stop: The train stops for 5 minutes inside the tunnel. You can get out and look through windows carved into the sheer rock face of the Eiger North Face. It is terrifying and amazing.
What is at the Top?
It’s not just a view; it’s a whole complex.
- Sphinx Observatory: An elevator takes you even higher to an outdoor viewing platform. You can see the Aletsch Glacier (the longest in the Alps) and, on clear days, as far as Germany and France.
- Ice Palace: A tunnel carved directly into the glacier ice with ice sculptures.
- Snow Fun Park: You can go sledding or ziplining on the snow (yes, even in July).
- Lindt Chocolate Heaven: The highest chocolate shop in the world.
The Price (Prepare Your Wallet)
A standard round-trip ticket from Grindelwald costs roughly CHF 190 – CHF 240 depending on the season.
How to Get a Discount (Crucial!)
Unlike other trains, the Jungfraujoch is NOT fully free with rail passes.
- Swiss Travel Pass: You get free travel up to Grindelwald/Wengen. For the final part (Jungfrau Railway), you get only 25% off.
- Eurail / Interrail: You get 25% off.
- Half-Fare Card: You get 50% off. (This is often the best deal).
Is It Worth It? (The Weather Rule)
YES, BUT only on a sunny day.
- Clear Sky: It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The view of the Aletsch Glacier is unmatched.
- Cloudy/Foggy: NO. You will pay $250 to see a white wall of fog.
- Golden Rule: Check the Jungfrau Webcams online before you buy your ticket on the morning of your trip!
Alternative: The Eiger Trail
If the price is too high for you, take the train to Kleine Scheidegg instead. The views of the mountains are almost as good, and it costs half the price (and is fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass).
Summary
The Jungfraujoch is expensive, crowded, and cold. But standing on top of Europe, looking down at a 23km long river of ice, is a feeling you will never forget.
Ready to climb? Buy your tickets in advance on GetYourGuide to skip the lines.
