Episode 151: Must-Know Tips for Visiting Jungfraujoch Top of Europe

Must-Know Tips for Visiting Jungfraujoch Top of Europe

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If Jungfraujoch is on your bucket list, you’re in for a treat. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime places that truly lives up to the hype. You’ll find panoramic views, crisp alpine air, and postcard-perfect scenery around every corner.

But knowing how to get there, which trains to take, and how to avoid the crowds? That part can be tricky.

In this on-location episode, we’ll take you on a tour through the heart of the Jungfrau Region with Daniel Bott from Jungfrau Railways as our guide. We ride the Jungfrau cogwheel train from Kleine Scheidegg to Eiger Glacier, before descending to Grindelwald aboard the sleek and modern Eiger Express. 

It’s all part of the famous route to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, one of the most breathtaking mountain excursions in Switzerland.

As we explore, Daniel shares expert tips on seat reservations, the discounts available to Jungfrau Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass holders, and what visitors need to know when traveling from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at real-time logistics and learn how to plan with confidence.

We also cover the best times to visit, where to stop for the most scenic views, and how to enjoy everything from year-round snow activities to unforgettable hiking in Switzerland.

If you’re building your Swiss itinerary or dreaming up the perfect trip to Switzerland, this episode is packed with the insights you need to travel to Jungfraujoch like a pro.

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

  • How to travel on the Jungfrau Railways, including train routes, the new Eiger Express cableway, and how to transfer between train and cable car
  • When seat reservations are required for the Jungfraujoch train, how to make them, and what the reservation process looks like
  • Accessibility features at stations and on board, including for wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility
  • The best times to travel up the mountain and how to plan your timing using the frequent and punctual train schedules
  • Activities and highlights at the Jungfraujoch, including the Sphinx Observatory, Aletsch Glacier views, and fun snow activities available in summer
  • What’s included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass, how it works with other Swiss travel tickets, and tips for getting the best value from your visit

Our Guest

Daniel Bott
Daniel Bott

Daniel Bott has worked in the tourism industry for a number of years. He currently represents Jungfrau Railways as Sales Manager for the UK, Japan, Australia and Scandinavian markets.

 

Places mentioned in this episode

>> Kleine Scheidegg – is a mountain pass in the Bernese Oberland, nestled beneath the towering north face of the Eiger. It’s a popular spot for hiking and skiing, with sweeping alpine views and cosy mountain lodges. The pass is also a key stop on the Jungfrau Railway, connecting travellers to the Jungfraujoch.

>> Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) – lies at the foot of the famous Eiger mountain, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. It can be reached by train from Kleine Scheidegg by train or from Grindelwald by cable car, and serves as a starting point for hikes along the Eiger Trail.

>> Jungfraujoch – the ‘Top of Europe’, is Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 metres. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks, along with attractions like the Ice Palace and panoramic viewing platforms. Accessible by the Jungfrau Railway, it’s one of Switzerland’s most iconic and unforgettable excursions.

Jungfraubahn at Kleine Scheidegg
View of Grindelwald from Eiger Express

>> Grindelwald – is a lively mountain village surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush meadows. A purpose-built cable car, the Eiger Express, connects Grindelwald Terminal and Eiger Glacier, giving visitors a faster journey to Jungfraujoch. Alternatively, Jungfraujoch can be reached by train from Grindelwald, via Kleine Scheidegg.

>> Lauterbrunnen – is a picture-perfect valley village, surrounded by towering cliffs, alpine meadows, and famous waterfalls. It is the gateway to car-free mountain villages like Mürren and Wengen. Regular train services to Wengen allow passengers to connect seemlessly to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch.

>> Wengen – is a charming, car-free village perched on a sunny terrace above Lauterbrunnen. With stunning views of the Jungfrau massif, it’s a peaceful base for both winter sports and summer hiking. Wengen is a popular stop on the journey to and from Jungfraujoch thanks to its spectacular scenery.

Map showing the Jungfrau Railways network including the different routes to reach Jungfraujoch.
Map showing the Jungfrau Railways network including the different routes to reach Jungfraujoch.

How to get to and from Jungfraujoch

Option 1 by train via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen

  • Route: Interlaken -> Lauterbrunnen -> Wengen -> Kleine Scheidegg -> Jungfraujoch
  • Travel time: 2 hours 7 minutes

Option 2 by train via Grindelwald

  • Route: Interlaken -> Grindelwald (main station) -> Kleine Scheidegg -> Jungfraujoch
  • Travel time: 2 hours 7 minutes

Option 3 by train/cable car/train

  • Route: Interlaken -> Grindelwald Terminal -> Eiger Glacier -> Jungfraujoch
  • Travel time: 1 hour 37 minutes (travel between Grindelwald Terminal and Eiger Glacier is by cable car)

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Useful resources

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> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.

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