Jungfraujoch, famously known as the Top of Europe, is a breathtaking destination in the Swiss Alps. If you’re a movie buff, you might recognize it from Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, where Tom Cruise took on high-altitude action sequences amidst these stunning icy peaks. Nestled between Mönch and Jungfrau, this alpine wonder offers spectacular views, an ice palace, and a true “on top of the world” experience.
Getting there, however, is an adventure of its own. Since Jungfraujoch is only accessible via train or cable car, you’ll need to plan your route carefully. The two best ways to reach the summit are via Kleine Scheidegg or via Eiger Glacier, both starting from Interlaken, a major Swiss travel hub.
Where is Jungfraujoch located?
Jungfraujoch is located in the Bernese Alps, where the Cantons of Bern and Valais meet. It is part of Switzerland’s most famous mountain trio: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Jungfraujoch is nestled between the two peaks of Mönch and Jungfrau, offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Alps.
Reaching Jungfraujoch by public transport
🚉 Access:
The only way to reach Jungfraujoch is by train. You can start your journey from Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Lauterbrunnen. From Grindelwald, the Eiger Express gondola provides a direct route to Eigergletscher station, which connects to the Jungfrau Railway leading to Jungfraujoch. Alternatively, travelers from Lauterbrunnen or Wengen will pass through Kleine Scheidegg before reaching their destination.
Option 1: Via Kleine Scheidegg (Classic scenic route)
🚉 Route:
Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen → Wengen → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch
- Board a train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (approx. 20 minutes).
- Transfer to the Wengernalpbahn cogwheel train towards Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg (approx. 50 minutes).
- At Kleine Scheidegg, board the Jungfraubahn for the final stretch up to Jungfraujoch (approx. 35 minutes).
- Total travel time: ~2 hours.
🚆 Best for: Travelers who want the most scenic route with stunning views of Wengen, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and the Eiger North Face.
🎟️ Tickets:
Option 2: Via Eiger Glacier (Fastest route)
🚉 Route:
Interlaken → Grindelwald Terminal → Eiger Glacier → Jungfraujoch
- Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald Terminal (approx. 30 minutes).
- Transfer to the Eiger Express Gondola, which takes you to Eiger Glacier in just 15 minutes.
- From Eiger Glacier, hop on the Jungfraubahn for the final ride up (approx. 30 minutes).
- Total travel time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (47 minutes faster than the Kleine Scheidegg route).
🚀 Best for: Travelers who prefer a faster and more comfortable journey with modern gondolas and panoramic views of the Eiger Mountain.
🎟️ Tickets:
Getting to Jungfraujoch by car or taxi
By car
🚗 Can you drive to Jungfraujoch?No, you cannot drive all the way to Jungfraujoch. The highest you can go by car is to the train stations in Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Lauterbrunnen. From there, you must take the train or gondola to continue the journey.
🅿️ Where to park?
If you’re driving, here are your best parking options:
- Interlaken Ost Parking Garage (Best for train access to Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald)
- Grindelwald Terminal Parking (Best for the Eiger Express gondola)
- Lauterbrunnen Parking (Best for the Kleine Scheidegg route)
🚕 By taxi or ride-share
- Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald.
- Expect a fare of approximately CHF 70-100 from Interlaken to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.
Walking, hiking, or biking to Jungfraujoch
🚶 Hiking opportunities
- While hiking all the way to Jungfraujoch is not possible, several scenic trails exist nearby.
- The Eiger Trail is a popular hiking route that takes about two hours, offering breathtaking views of the Eiger’s North Face. It runs between Eigergletscher station and Alpiglen, making it a great option before taking the train to Jungfraujoch.
🚴 Biking
- Cycling is possible up to Kleine Scheidegg, but it’s a challenging mountain ascent.
- E-bikes are a good alternative, and from Kleine Scheidegg, you can take the Jungfraubahn to Jungfraujoch.
Recommended tickets to Jungfraujoch
Frequently asked questions
The fastest route is via Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express gondola, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Yes, Jungfraujoch is fully wheelchair accessible, including restrooms, the Ice Palace, and the Sphinx Observatory. Facilities such as stair lifts and elevators are available for ease of movement.
You can park at Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen, or Grindelwald Terminal, but Jungfraujoch itself is not accessible by car.
Via Kleine Scheidegg: ~2 hours
Via Eiger Glacier: ~1 hour 30 minutes
