Is Jungfraujoch Worth It? Ultimate Guide For Your Visit [2024]

Many people think Jungfraujoch is overrated and a tourist trap. While I lived in Grindelwald for a year, enjoying its spectacular views and unique atmosphere, I visited Jungfraujoch 5 times. And let me tell you, I never got bored of this place.

In this article, I’ll give you local insights into the Jungfraujoch excursion, the best way to visit it, how not to overpay, and most importantly, answer your question whether Jungfraujoch is worth it.

Let’s enjoy Jungfraujoch together!

Is Jungfraujoch Worth It? Answered!

While many people think Jungfraujoch is a tourist trap. I’m confident that Jungfraujoch is worth visiting. It’s a unique excursion, one of the most beautiful in Europe.

My biggest advice: Take the first train in the morning from Eigergletscher. This way, you’ll avoid tourist crowds and will have the best experience at Jungfraujoch. If you come around lunchtime, Jungfraujoch feels like a tourist trap with all the visitors.

6 Reasons To Visit Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is worth visiting, mainly for the following 6 reasons:

✅ Unique views
✅ The largest glacier in the Alps – Aletsch Glacier
✅ Mönchsjoch hut – world’s highest altitude mountain hut (3658 m)
✅ Learn about the meteorological station
✅ Learn how they built the highest train station in Europe
✅ Walk through an ice cave

My Experiece Visiting Jungfraujoch

I’ve already visited Jungfraujoch 5 times and guided my clients, friends, and family through it.

And it was always a special moment for me. Jungfraujoch is worth it, especially if you want to see the spectacular views of the largest glacier in the Alps (Aletsch glacier), hike to the world’s highest mountain hut, walk through the ice cave, and learn about this unique meteorological station.

I get goosebumps every time I visit Jungfraujoch, and I love this place so much. So you shouldn’t think too long and plan your excursion to Jungfraujoch.

PRO TIP: Don’t skip the Mönchsjoch hut if you can. It’s an amazing place to experience Swiss culture and a proper mountain hut.

Map Of Jungfraujoch & Jungfrau Region

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What Is Jungfraujoch Famous For?

Jungfraujoch, also called the Top of Europe, 3,454 meters above sea level. It comprises two words, ‘Jungfrau,’ meaning virgin, and ‘joch,’ which translates as pass. This pass is situated between two mountains – Mönch and Jungfrau, which perfectly explains its name and its unspoiled, almost untouched nature.

The average temperature is – 7.9°C. In the summertime, it’s around 0°C.

Jungfraujoch is mainly famous for the following three things:

• Views of the Aletsch Glacier
• Meteorological station & Observatory
• Highest train station in Europe

Aletsch Glacier – Largest Glacier In The Alps

From the top of the Sphinx Observatory, you’ll enjoy views of the largest glacier in the Alps, Aletsch Glacier. It covers an area of 81.7 square kilometers (31.5 square miles) and has a total volume of roughly 15.4 cubic kilometers (3.7 cubic miles).

It’s the source of one of the most famous rivers in Europe, the Rhône River.

TIP: Learn more about the Aletsch Glacier. It also has great photos.

Meteorological Station & Observatory

It’s an observatory and meteorological station that measures precipitation in the region and studies all related meteorological issues. They also study the Aletsch glacier, how it’s changing over time, issues with climate change, and the melting of the glacier.

Highest Train Station In Europe

While it keeps its purpose, it also hosts the highest train station in Europe, so you’ll see the name Top of Europe. The very first train ride to Jungfraujoch was realized back in 1912.

Thanks to that, it’s been converted into a tourist attraction, welcoming thousands of visitors yearly.

Nowadays, it offers multiple attractions. You can do a visitor circle, learn about its activity, enjoy the views, and walk through an ice cave.

How To Get To Jungfraujoch

There are 3 main places from which you can access Jungfraujoch:

• Interlaken
• Grindelwald
• Lauterbrunnen

How To Get From Interlaken To Jungfraujoch

Your day trip starts in Interlaken Ost. First, you’ll take a train to Grindelwald. Get off at Grindelwald Terminal and walk inside the cable car station. That’s where you’ll take the Eiger Express gondola to Eigergletscher.

Enjoy the spectacular 15-minute ride on the Eiger Gletscher gondola and the beautiful views of the famous Eiger Nordface. Afterward, take the red Jungfrau train up to the Top of Europe.

How To Get From Grindelwald To Jungfraujoch

If you’re staying in Grindelwald, you can repeat the journey described above – taking the Eiger Express Gondola and then from Eigergletscher, the Jungfrau train to the top.

There is another way you can take it, which is by train. Hop on the train at Grindelwald train station and ride to Kleine Scheidegg. From there, take the red Jungfrau train to the Top of Europe again.

How To Get From Lauterbrunnen To Jungfraujoch

Alternatively, you can also start this excursion from Lauterbrunnen. Once you reach Lauterbrunnen, a connecting train will await you at the opposite quay. This charming yellow-green train will take you to Kleine Scheidegg, a base-middle station (my favorite train ride in the Jungfrau region).

Then, you’ll continue on the Jungfrau cogwheel train to reach Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

This ride is spectacular, with views of the vast Swiss meadows.

What Is The Best Way To Get Up To Jungfraujoch?

The best way is to take the Eiger Express Gondola from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher. Then take the first train from Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch.

It’s the fastest way, and you’ll avoid tourist crowds, which brings the best experience at the Jungfraujoch.

On the way back, you can ride the red Jungfrau train down to Kleine Scheidegg. Explore the place a bit, and after, take the Wengeneralp train via Wengen to Lauterbrunnen.

If you’re staying in Grindelwald or Interlaken, take a train back to these cities.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Jungfraujoch?

The best months to visit Jungfraujoch are June and September.

June offers spectacular views of the green hills and mooing cows, snowy mountains with shiny glaciers, flowers on the meadows, and waterfalls full of melting waters from the glacier. So it’s the perfect scenery for your Swiss trip. Also, it’s a less crowded month, which is great.

September is another amazing month to visit Jungfraujoch. Autumns brings beautiful colors, which add up to the experience. It might snow towards the end of the month, but it’s not usual.

Summertime (July and August) is also a great time to visit Jungfraujoch. But it’ll be very crowded. So make sure to take the first train from Eigergletscher. This way, you’ll have the best experience on the top.

What To Pack For Jungfraujoch: Weather At Top of Europe

In the summertime (from June until September), it’s not freezing on the Top of Europe, which you might not expect. Even though vast mountains and glaciers surround you, the high altitude brings warm weather.

It might be a little challenging to pack for your trip to Switzerland. You’ll have to prepare for all kinds of weather conditions. So get my Switzerland packing list for free below to save time and don’t overpack:

What To Wear For Jungfraujoch Excursion

• Light long-sleeve T-Shirt
• Jumper
• Light Jacket (waterproof is the best)
• Long-sleeve trousers (hiking pants or legins)
• Hiking shoes (or trekking shoes)
• Gloves
• Hat
• Suncream
• Sunglasses

The best is to wear a light long-sleeve T-shirt. Then take a jumper and a light jacket with you. Next, wear long-sleeve trousers (the best are hiking pants). Legins for women are also fine.

Inside the Jungfraujoch station, it’s pretty cold. Especially in the ice cave and when you’re doing the visitor circle, you’ll need a jacket. Just to be sure, bring gloves and a hat, too.

When you get outside the station, and it’s sunny, it’s very warm. So you can take all your layers off and enjoy the sun.

It’ll be warm if you decide to walk to the Mönchhut. So a light jacket is enough.

PRO TIP: Bring sunglasses; it’s a must-to-have. When the sun is shining, it reflects in the glossy white snow and glacier, which hurts your eyes.

Believe me. You don’t want to admire the Aletsch Glacier from the Spinx Observatory or walk to the Mönchhut without sunglasses. You won’t see a lot.

Altitude Sickness At Jungfraujoch

I’ve visited Jungfraujoch many times and never had any problems with altitude. Generally, visitors don’t have problems with altitude sickness at Jungfraujoch.

When you walk to the Mönchsjoch Hut, you might catch your breath a bit as it’s a walk on the snow and at a high altitude. But again, if you walk slowly, there are no issues.

It’s an exhausting excursion that will make you slightly tired. You’re high in the mountains and exposed to direct sun, which affects your body. But it shouldn’t put you off visiting Jungfraujoch.

👉 READ ALSO: Switzerland In November: Best Things To Do & See

Is Jungfraujoch Worth Visiting? Best Things To Do

Now that you know that Jungfraujoch is worth visiting, but you must take the first train from Eigerlgetscher to have the best experience, let’s see what you can expect from this excursion.

Below, I’m giving you the best things to do at Jungfraujoch and what you can’t miss to have the full experience.

Things To Do At Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Below, I’ll list all the things you can do in Jungfraujoch. Everything is included in your ticket, so don’t miss out on any of these.

• Jungfrau Panorama, 360° Cinema
• Sphinx Observatory
• Alpine Sensation
• Ice Palace
• Glacier Plateau
• Lindt Chocolate Heaven
• Snow Fun Park
• Jungfraujoch Pass
• Mönchsjoch Hut

Jungfrau Panorama, 360° Cinema

Starting the visitor circle, you’ll walk between the rocks of Jungfraujoch station until you reach the impressive 360° Cinema. You’ll see the entire Jungfrau panorama.

Step into the middle of the room and be taken to the mountains and glaciers.

After, learn about the activity of the meteorological center, how they measure precipitation, forecast weather, study the Aletsch Glacier, and how they live in this elevation.

Sphinx Observatory

Afterward, go to a lift (right behind the cinema on the left side), which will take you to the terrace of the Sphinx Observatory.

You’ll have 360° spectacular views of the whole area, looking down the valley and surrounded by glaciers. Admire the breathtaking Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.

If you ever have enough of these breathtaking views, you can continue to the Alpine Sensation.

Alpine Sensation

Then walk through the Alpine Sensation, learn about the history of Jungfraujoch, and see how the station was constructed.

Enjoy the perfect Swiss atmosphere, and don’t forget – you’re inside the mountain, 3,454 meters above sea level. Isn’t that impressive?

Ice Palace

After, continue to the Ice Palace. Walk through the ice cave, watching the art of icy sculptures while feeling like you are in an Ice Age movie. There is a surprise waiting for you.

Just to help you find it – look for the Ice Age squirrel frozen in the ice. It’s so cute.

Glacier Plateau

Don’t forget to walk outside and take a photo with the Swiss flag. Then, soak in more views before heading to the Jungfraujoch station and eating some chocolate.

Lindt Chocolate Heaven

Last but not least, there is still one place you should check out, especially for chocoholics.

When you come back to the observatory, do not hesitate to explore the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven. You’ll see how they make the chocolate and after you can, of course, buy some chocolate treats in the shop.

My favorite Lindt pralines are the coconut ones – which one are yours?

Snow Fun Park

Walk outside of the station towards the Jungfrau pass. There is a Snow Fun Park, where you can do some sledding, skiing, or snowboarding (just in summertime).

Is it worth it? I’m not sure about this one. But this is a touristy thing for me so I’ve never done it. It’s not what you come to Jungfraujoch for. But if that sounds like fun to you, then go for it.

PRO TIP: I prefer the adventure activities on Grindelwald First over the Snow Fun Park at Jungfraujoch.

Mönchsjoch Hut

If you feel like hiking, surrounded by glaciers and massive mountains, you must walk through the Jungfrau Pass to see the Mönchsjoch Hut.

It’s the world’s highest-altitude mountain hut (3658 m).

Walking on the snow at such a high altitude is not so easy. After each move, you are just catching up on your breath. But believe me; it’s worth doing it. It’s an easy hike and takes about 45 minutes.

Get some lunch and enjoy local Swiss food. Or sit on the terrace, admiring those incredible icy mountains and glacier valleys.

This experience and views will blow your mind. It’s my favorite thing to do at Jungfraujoch, the less visited spot in the Jungfrau region.

How Much Time Do You Need At Jungfraujoch

It depends on you how much time you want to spend in Jungfraujoch.

Generally, 4 hours are enough if you don’t want to visit the Mönch hut. If you also want to visit the Swiss mountain hut, plan 5 to 6 hours for the entire excursion to Jungfraujoch (including the journey up and down).

Where To Eat At Jungfraujoch

I’ll be honest with you. It’s not worth eating at the Jungfraujoch. The only place worth eating at is the Mönchsjoch hut.

So if you want to walk to this Swiss mountain hut, wait and have lunch there. It’s a unique experience, and you can try traditional Swiss food.

Inside the Jungfraujoch station, everything is overpriced and very average. So if you don’t walk to the Mönchsjoch hut, bring your food or snacks. Then have lunch in Kleine Scheidegg or when you’re back in the city (Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Interlaken).

How Much Does Jungfraujoch Excursion Cost

A single return ticket to Jungfraujoch costs around 220 CHF. Prices don’t vary too much whether you start in Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Lauterbrunnen.

Paying that much for a single ticket… yeah, it’s a lot. That’s why it’s always better to purchase a pass, get it discounted, and visit other attractions in the Jungfrau region to make the most of it.

Best Deals For Jungfraujoch Excursion

The best deal for Jungfraujoch and the entire Jungfrau region is to get this discounted ticket online.

Another option is to get the Jungfrau Travel Pass or the Berner Oberland Pass. With these passes, you only pay for the train ride between Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch. Everything else is included in the pass.

Additionally, you can explore the entire Jungfrau/Bernese Oberlan region free of charge with the pass. So it saves you a lot.

Where To Buy Tickets For Jungfraujoch

There are various ways to purchase tickets to Jungfraujoch. You can get tickets online, at the local train station or cable car station, go on an organized tour, or pay half the price using a regional pass.

Buying Jungfraujoch Tickets Online

You can buy a ticket to Jungfraujoch online, which is a lot cheaper than buying it on the spot. It’s a skip-the-line ticket, so you can go directly to the cable car without waiting in the crowds at the station.

So check the offer below and book online in advance if you want. You’ll get the reservation confirmation via email. Save it to your phone or print it, and travel.

➡ Get discounted ticket to Jungfraujoch by clicking this link.

Buying Jungfraujoch Tickets On Spot

Another alternative is buying your ticket at the Terminal station in Grindelwald in the morning. But it’s a lot more expensive as buying it online on Get Your Guide.

Organized Excursion To Jungfraujoch

Alternatively, you can buy an organized excursion from other Swiss cities to Jungfraujoch, such as Interlaken, Zurich, and Lucerne.

Jungfraujoch With A Travel Pass

If you have a travel pass, you’ll only have to pay an extra fee for the ride between Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch or get 50% off the excursion. Do so online or at the station where you’ll start the excursion.

Below, I’m giving you the cost for Jungfraujoch with each pass:

• Jungfraujoch with Jungfrau Travel Pass: 63 CHF extra fee (Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch return ticket)
• Jungfraujoch with Berner Oberland Pass: 99 CHF extra fee (Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch return ticket)
• Jungfraujoch with Swiss Travel Pass: 25% off the price (145 CHF)
• Jungfraujoch with Swiss Half-Fare Card: 50% off the price (120 CHF)

👉 READ ALSO: Which Pass Is Best For Jungfraujoch

FAQs

To help you have the best possible experience at the Jungfraujoch, I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions for you. So check them out.

What Is The Difference Between Jungfrau And Jungfraujoch?

Jungfrau is a mountain in Switzerland, and Jungfraujoch is the meteorological station that hosts the highest train station in Europe. It’s located between the two famous mountains: Monch and Jungfrau.

Is Jungfraujoch A Tourist Trap?

No, Jungfraujoch is not a tourist trap. If you know how to visit it and come at the best time, you’ll have an amazing experience on the top. The best way to explore Jungfraujoch is to take the first train in the morning from Eigergletscher. To have an authentic experience, walk up to the Möchsjoch hut, the world’s highest mountain hut.

Is It Cold On Top Of Jungfrau?

The average temperature at Jungfraujoch in summer is 0°C. While inside the station, it’s quite cold when you get outside, it’s warm thanks to the direct sun and high altitude. So wear long-sleeve clothes and bring a jacket, but have light clothes on that you can take off when you walk outside.

Do I Need To Book Jungfraujoch In Advance?

You don’t have to book Jungfraujoch in advance. You can book tickets online or directly on the spot at the local train stations or cable car stations.

Why Is Jungfraujoch So Expensive?

Jungfraujoch is expensive because it’s a unique excursion. It offers an experience that you can’t get anywhere else in the world. The place has many attractions and takes many people to maintain it. Besides, building the Jungfrau railway to such an altitude was very challenging. So that’s one of the main reasons why Jungfraujoch is expensive.

Is There A Cheaper Alternative To Jungfraujoch?

A cheaper alternative to Jungfraujoch is the Schilthorn Mountain. It’s my favorite excursion in the Jungfrau region. This mountain offers spectacular views of the famous three mountains, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

In addition, you can walk on the Birg Thrill Walk to experience some adventure. And check out the James Bond Exhibition, as the movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was shot here.

Wrap-Up: Is Jungfraujoch Worth It?

To sum it up, Jungfraujoch is so much worth visiting. It’s one of the best mountain excursions in Switzerland. So you can’t miss it.

The best way to explore Jungfraujoch is by taking the first train in the morning from Eigergletscher. This way, you’ll have it all for yourself, avoid tourist crowds, and have the best experience at Jungfraujoch.

Don’t pay for a single ticket to obtain the best deal for Jugnfraujoch. Instead, get a regional pass (Jungfrau Travel Pass or Bernese Oberland Pass) or purchase the Good Morning Jungfraujoch ticket.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip to Switzerland, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!