Jungfraujoch: Day Trips and Tours from Zürich
If you’re visiting Zurich, then a day trip to Jungfraujoch definitely deserves a place on your itinerary. This Alpine wonderland is also known as "the Top of Europe" because it's home to the highest railway station on the continent. Once you reach the top, there’s plenty to do up there. A Jungfraujoch day trip from Zurich offers panoramic views of the Alps, a gondola ride to a glacier and the chance to visit a traditional Swiss village. A Jungfraujoch excursion is the perfect way to explore the Swiss Alps and glimpse some of the country's best scenery. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere.
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If you’re visiting Zurich, then a day trip to Jungfraujoch definitely deserves a place on your itinerary. This Alpine wonderland is also known as "the Top of Europe" because it's home to the highest railway station on the continent.
Once you reach the top, there’s plenty to do up there. A Jungfraujoch day trip from Zurich offers panoramic views of the Alps, a gondola ride to a glacier and the chance to visit a traditional Swiss village.
A Jungfraujoch excursion is the perfect way to explore the Swiss Alps and glimpse some of the country's best scenery. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere.
Here's all you need to know about Jungfraujoch, one of the most exciting day trips from Zurich.
How to get to Jungfraujoch from Zurich?
Jungfraujoch is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, about 100 kilometers from Zurich. The easiest way to get there is by train.
From Zurich to Jungfraujoch by car
You can't drive the entire way to Jungfraujoch from Zurich by car. You will need to drive to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, and then take the train the rest of the way. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive from Zurich to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.
From Zurich to Jungfraujoch by train
The easiest way to travel from Zurich to Jungfraujoch is by train. The most popular route is to travel from Zurich to Interlaken and then take the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch.
This journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. The first leg of the journey from Zurich to Interlaken is on the regular Swiss rail network. The second leg of the journey, from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, is a cogwheel train on the Jungfrau Railway.
If you're starting your journey in Zurich, you can purchase a ticket for the entire journey from Zurich to Jungfraujoch. Prices start at around US$165 for a standard return ticket.
Guided tour to Jungfraujoch from Zurich
A Jungfraujoch day tour is a convenient and hassle-free way to see the Top of Europe. Tours typically include round-trip transportation from Zurich, as well as a guided tour of the area’s highlights. A Jungfraujoch day tour usually includes either train tickets, a private minivan or coach transportation.
What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Jungfraujoch from Zurich?
A typical Jungfraujoch journey from Zurich starts with an early morning pickup from your hotel. From there, you'll travel by either train or minivan to Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Lauterbrunnen, enjoying the scenic Swiss countryside along the way.
Once you arrive in Interlaken, Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, you'll board the Jungfrau Railway for a journey to the top of Europe. This cogwheel train ride takes between 1.5 and two hours and offers panoramic views of the Alps.
When you arrive at Jungfraujoch, you'll have free time to explore the highlights at the top. Some tours include a chocolate tasting or a visit to the Ice Palace. You'll also have time to enjoy the stunning views from the Sphinx Observatory or take a walk on the Aletsch Glacier.
Many Jungfraujoch day tours also offer visitors the chance to ride the Eiger Express, a funicular that takes you from the Jungfraujoch station to Eigergletscher. From your gondola, you will enjoy unobstructed views of the Alps and the Aletsch Glacier.
Depending on the duration of your Jungfraujoch day trip, you may also have a chance to spend some time exploring a traditional Alpine village, such as Grindelwald or Wengen.
Usually, a Jungfraujochen day tour lasts between 12 and 14 hours. Most tours include transportation, tickets for the cogwheel railway, a guided tour and some free time to explore Jungfraujoch.
What kinds of tours are available to go to Jungfraujoch?
There are a variety of Jungfraujoch tours available, depending on your interests, budget and preferred mode of transport.
Group guided tours to Jungfraujoch from Zurich
Group tours typically include transportation by train or coach, as well as a guided tour of the highlights of Jungfraujoch. Coach tours usually depart from the Zurich central bus station, but hotel pickup is often offered for those staying in the city center.
If your tour leaves by train, the meeting point will most likely be at Zurich HB station.
Private tour to Jungfraujoch from Zurich
On a private Jungfraujoch excursion, you'll have the undivided attention of your tour guide, as well as the ability to customize your itinerary to match your interests.
Private tours typically involve minivan transportation and offer a stop at the Brünig pass, which connects the Bernese Oberland to Central Switzerland. From the Brünig pass, you'll have stunning views of Lake Brienz, a glacial lake in the canton of Bern.
You'll also have free time to explore Interlaken, which is considered to be one of the most scenic villages in Switzerland, before taking the cogwheel railway to the Top of Europe.
6-Day trip to Jungfraujoch from Zurich
If you're eager to spend more time in the Swiss Alps, consider a 6-day trip that includes stops in Grindelwald, Bern and Lucerne, in addition to Jungfraujoch. This trip includes a chance to see filming locations from "James Bond" movies and an excursion to Mount Titlis on a rotating cable car.
How much does a tour to Jungfraujoch from Zurich cost?
A Jungfraujoch excursion costs anywhere between US$145 and US$1130, depending on the type of tour you choose.
Day trips to Jungfraujoch vary in price according to the mode of transportation, the duration of the tour, the number of stops and inclusions.
The most expensive tours usually involve private minivan transportation and include stops at multiple Swiss towns and villages, in addition to Jungfraujoch.
The least expensive tours are typically larger group tours that depart from Zurich by train or coach.
What will you see and do in Jungfraujoch?
There is plenty to see and do on a Jungfraujoch day tour. Here are some of the highlights.
Interlaken
One of the most scenic villages in Switzerland, Interlaken is located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. In Interlaken, you'll have free time to explore the village, do some shopping or enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch.
Eiger Express
The Eiger Express is a gondola that takes you from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier Station. The ride lasts about 20 minutes and offers unparalleled views of the Alps.
Cogwheel Railway to Jungfraujoch
The journey to Jungfraujoch is an experience in itself. The cogwheel railway takes you through tunnels and past glaciers, before arriving at the Top of Europe.
Top of Europe
At over 3,000 meters above sea level, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe. From there, you'll have stunning views of the Swiss Alps and be able to see the Aletsch Glacier, which is the longest glacier in Europe.
Ice Palace
The Ice Palace is carved within the interior of the Aletsch Glacier and is a must-see for any visitor to Jungfraujoch. Unique ice sculptures line the corridors of the palace, and there is even an ice slide that you can ride down.
Sphinx Observatory
The Sphinx Observatory is located at the highest point of Jungfraujoch and offers 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps. On a clear day, you can see as far as Italy.
Grindelwald
The village of Grindelwald is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It is a popular destination for winter sports and has been used as a filming location for several "James Bond" movies.
When is Jungfraujoch open over the year?
Jungfraujoch is open 365 days a year. Opening times for certain attractions at the Top of Europe vary depending on the season. Typically, attractions are open later during the summer months due to longer daylight hours.
When is the best time to visit Jungfraujoch?
Jungfraujoch is open year-round, but the best time to plan your jaunt is between May and September. During these months, you'll have the best chance of clear weather and can take advantage of the extra daylight.
The winter months often see high winds and heavy snowfall, which can make conditions at Jungfraujoch difficult.
Are there any tours to Jungfraujoch from other cities in Switzerland?
Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Switzerland:
Travel tips
- Wrap up warm. Even in summer, the temperature at Jungfraujoch can be below freezing and you don’t want to ruin your fun jaunt by feeling cold all day. Be sure to pack a jacket, hat and gloves.
- Book your Jungfraujoch day trip in advance. Tours sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
- Get an early start. The earlier you can start your Jungfraujoch day trip, the better. This will help you avoid the crowds and have more time to enjoy the attractions at the Top of Europe.
- Wear sunscreen, regardless of the season. The sun is very strong at high altitudes and can damage your skin.
- Bring lip balm. The winds and cold can cause your lips to become chapped.
- Don't forget your camera. Jungfraujoch is one of the most photogenic places in Switzerland.
- Bring sunglasses. The glare from the snow can be intense.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. It's best to visit Jungfraujoch on a clear day, so that you can make the most of the views.
- If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before boarding the train. The journey to Jungfraujoch can be long and winding.
- If you can sit on the right side of the cogwheel railway to the Top of Europe. This side of the train offers the best views, allowing you to get the most out of your Jungfraujoch journey.