Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers

Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, is the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres, set in the snow and ice between the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks above Interlaken. For many Indian travellers it is the single most memorable day of a Europe tour. This guide explains how to get there, what to see at the top, how to cope with the altitude, and how Jungfraujoch compares with Mt. Titlis.

Jungfraujoch is reached from Interlaken, the resort town between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The fastest route is by train to the Grindelwald Terminal, then the Eiger Express tricable gondola to Eigergletscher in about 15 minutes, and finally the historic cogwheel Jungfrau Railway, which runs through a tunnel inside the Eiger and Mönch to the top. The whole journey from Interlaken takes about 1 hour 30 minutes each way. The classic alternative goes via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg on the Wengernalp railway.

• Sphinx Observatory: a viewing terrace at 3,571 metres with views over the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Ice Palace: tunnels and halls carved into the glacier ice, with ice sculptures.
• Plateau: step out onto the snow for photos with the Swiss flag.
• Alpine Sensation: a walk-through exhibition on the history of the railway.
• Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven: the highest chocolate shop in Europe.
• Restaurants: including an Indian restaurant, which has made Jungfraujoch famous with Indian visitors.

Allow two to three hours at the top. Some activities such as snow tubing and the zipline on the Snow Fun park run only in summer.

At 3,454 metres the air has about a third less oxygen than at sea level, so it is normal to feel breathless or slightly dizzy. Walk slowly, drink water, avoid running up stairs and sit down if you feel unwell. Travellers with heart or breathing conditions, pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should ask their doctor before the trip. Children usually cope well, but keep them warm.

It is cold at the top all year: around −5 to 0°C on summer days and down to −20°C in winter, with wind and strong sun reflecting off the snow. Wear a warm jacket, cap, gloves and sunglasses, plus shoes with grip for the plateau, even if it is warm in Interlaken. Cloud can hide the view, so tour managers watch the forecast and swap the day if needed.

Interlaken sits on a narrow strip of land between two lakes, with views of the Jungfrau from the Höhematte park. It is a pleasant town for an evening walk and shopping for Swiss watches and chocolate. Our tours combine Jungfraujoch with an orientation tour of Interlaken, and on our Switzerland-only tour, the Trummelbach Falls inside the mountain.

Both are worth it, and most of our tours include both: Titlis on one day with Lucerne and a lake cruise, and Jungfraujoch on another with Interlaken. The Mt. Titlis cable car journey ends with the Rotair, which turns 360 degrees as it climbs.

• 8:00 Leave the hotel by coach for Grindelwald Terminal.
• 9:00 Eiger Express gondola to Eigergletscher, then the cogwheel train to the top.
• 10:00–12:30 Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, the snow plateau and the chocolate shop.
• 12:30 Lunch at the top or in Interlaken.
• Afternoon Train back down and an orientation tour of Interlaken, with time to shop.

The snow is very bright, so lower your phone's exposure slightly and wear sunglasses. The best views of the Aletsch Glacier are from the Sphinx terrace; the Swiss flag on the plateau is the classic group photo. Phone batteries drain quickly in the cold, so keep your phone in an inside pocket and carry a power bank.

• Harder Kulm: a funicular to a viewpoint over Interlaken and its two lakes.
• Lauterbrunnen: a valley of 72 waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls.
• Grindelwald First: a cliff walk, a zipline and mountain carts in summer.
• Lake Brienz and Lake Thun cruises: turquoise lakes with castles and villages.

Children love the snow, the Ice Palace and the train through the mountain. Dress them in warm layers, keep them hydrated and take breaks. Children under 6 usually travel free on Swiss mountain railways, and older children get discounts; on our tours the child rate covers the excursion.

Yes, on most of our Europe and Switzerland tours, with the ticket in the tour price. On our value tours (European Highlights, Grand European Highlights and Mini Highlights) it is optional and can be booked through the tour manager. Read more in our Switzerland trip cost and best time to visit Switzerland guides.