Switzerland

Jungfraujoch: The Top of Europe

A high-altitude railway station known as the 'Top of Europe', offering glacier views and year-round snow at 3,454 metres.

Find Your Next Trip

About Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch, marketed as the 'Top of Europe', is a high-altitude saddle in the Bernese Alps reached by one of the world's highest railways, a remarkable feat of early 20th-century engineering completed in 1912 after sixteen years of construction largely carved through solid rock. At 3,454 metres, the station sits between two of Switzerland's most famous peaks, the Jungfrau and the Monch, with permanent snow and ice covering the surrounding landscape year-round.

At the summit, visitors can explore the Sphinx Observation Terrace, offering panoramic views over the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, along with an Ice Palace carved directly into the glacier itself, featuring ice sculptures and tunnels. Despite its remote, high-altitude setting, the site includes restaurants, shops and exhibition spaces, making it accessible to visitors of all fitness levels, even in the depths of winter.

Why Visit Jungfraujoch?

The 'Top of Europe'

One of the highest railway stations in the world, at 3,454 metres.

A Feat of Early 20th-Century Engineering

The railway took sixteen years to build, completed in 1912.

Views of the Aletsch Glacier

The longest glacier in the Alps, visible from the Sphinx Terrace.

The Ice Palace

Sculptures and tunnels carved directly into glacier ice.

Year-Round Snow Scenery

Permanent snow and ice regardless of the season below.

Local story

Good to Know

Jungfraujoch suits families, couples, groups and mountain lovers, for a visit of 4 to 6 hours including the scenic round-trip railway journey from Interlaken. The altitude can cause mild discomfort for some visitors, so taking it easy upon arrival is advisable.

Weather conditions at the summit can change rapidly, and visibility is not always guaranteed, so checking the webcam or forecast before committing to the (often costly) railway ticket is worthwhile.

How to Reach Jungfraujoch

  1. 01

    Pakistan to Zurich

    Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Zurich, usually with one connection through a European or Gulf hub. Check current routes and book early.

  2. 02

    Zurich to Interlaken

    Take a direct train from Zurich to Interlaken, about 2 hours.

  3. 03

    Interlaken to Jungfraujoch

    Take the connecting cog railway via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, about 2.5 hours total.

  4. 04

    Explore

    Visit the Sphinx Terrace, Ice Palace and exhibition spaces at the summit.

Things to Do in Jungfraujoch

01

Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace

Take in panoramic views over the Aletsch Glacier.

02

Explore the Ice Palace

Walk through tunnels and sculptures carved into glacier ice.

03

Walk on the Snow

Experience permanent alpine snow, even in summer.

04

Visit the Lindt Chocolate Heaven

See this Swiss chocolate exhibit at the summit station.

05

Learn About the Railway's History

See exhibits on the remarkable engineering behind the line.

06

Photography

Capture the glacier and surrounding peaks from the terrace.

Best Time to Visit Jungfraujoch

Excellent

Summer

June to September

Generally the most reliable weather and visibility at the summit.

Recommended season
Good

Clear Winter Days

December to March

Striking snow scenery, though weather can be less predictable.

Good time to visit
Good

Shoulder Seasons

April to May and October to November

Variable conditions, so checking forecasts in advance is important.

Good time to visit

Travel smart

Travel Tips for Jungfraujoch

A few useful things to know before you go there.

  1. Check the Weather and Webcam First

    Visibility at the summit is not always guaranteed.

  2. Book Tickets in Advance

    Especially helpful during peak summer season.

  3. Dress in Warm Layers

    Temperatures at the summit are cold year-round.

  4. Take It Easy on Arrival

    The altitude can cause mild discomfort for some visitors.

  5. Allow a Full Day

    The round trip from Interlaken takes most of a day.

  6. Consider the Eurail or Swiss Travel Pass

    May offer savings on this relatively expensive excursion.

  7. Carry Cash and Cards

    Both are accepted at the summit's shops and restaurants.

Nearby Attractions

Matterhorn, Zermatt

One of the most instantly recognisable mountains in the world, its near-symmetrical pyramid shape towering above Zermatt.

View Details

Lake Lucerne

A picturesque lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, steamboats and charming lakeside towns at the heart of Switzerland.

View Details

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

A striking 14th-century covered wooden bridge spanning the Reuss River, one of the oldest and most photographed in Europe.

View Details

Rhine Falls

A thundering, wide waterfall on the Rhine River, considered the largest and most powerful plain waterfall in Europe.

View Details

Interlaken

A charming resort town between two lakes, serving as the launch point for countless Alpine adventures and mountain excursions.

View Details

Chillon Castle

A striking medieval castle built on a rocky islet at the edge of Lake Geneva, one of Switzerland's most visited historic sites.

View Details

Lake Geneva

Western Europe's largest alpine lake, ringed by vineyards, elegant lakeside towns and sweeping mountain views.

View Details

Location

Find Us on the Map

Explore Jungfraujoch in Switzerland and get directions easily.

Jungfraujoch

Switzerland

Open in Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a high-altitude railway station in the Bernese Alps, known as the 'Top of Europe', at 3,454 metres.

Ready to Visit Jungfraujoch?

Let us plan your Switzerland trip while you enjoy Jungfraujoch without the stress of handling it yourself.

12 people are here