Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, the Sphinx Observatory offers a unique experience for anyone traveling to Jungfraujoch. It stands as the second highest observatory in the country, so be ready for some of the most beautiful views of the Alps. While the observatory is primarily used for research, the train ride to the top and spectacular vistas from the viewing platform make it a must-visit destination for those exploring this high-altitude wonderland.
Sphinx Observatory in a nutshell
📅 Opened in: 1937
🏔️ Altitude: 11,716 ft (3,571 m)
📍 Location: Grindelwald, Switzerland
Things to know before you visit the Sphinx Observatory
- The Observation deck and the Astronomical Observatory are key components of the Sphinx. Here, numerous scientific experiments have been carried out in fields such as astronomy, environmental studies, and physics.
- The observatory is located on the boundary between Valais and Bern, you can access the observatory via the Jungfraujoch railway station. This journey itself is an adventure, as you'll traverse tunnels cut through the Eiger and Mönch mountains before emerging at Europe's highest-altitude railway station. Once you arrive, you're just a short elevator ride away from the observation deck.
- Additionally, the Sphinx Observatory is home to a variety of scientific facilities, including cutting-edge laboratories and a station for monitoring the weather. It houses astronomical and meteorological domes for observations and research. There’s also a 76-centimeter telescope, which is utilized for a range of astronomical studies by scientists.
- The Sphinx Observatory has also served as a dramatic backdrop for various films. Hollywood movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel, as well as Bollywood hits like The Hero: Love Story of a Spy and Krrish 3 were shot here. Most popular of all, the famous James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service also featured this iconic location.
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Sphinx Observatory timings
Due to its unique location, the Sphinx Observatory is accessible to tourists throughout their sojourn to the Jungfraujoch. So you can visit the observatory within the operational hours of the Jungfrau railway, which runs from early morning at 8am until the evening at 6pm. The Jungfraujoch railway and Eiger Express ticket includes free access to the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, Plateau, and Alpine Sensation.
