A trip up to the Jungfraujoch is the ambition of most visitors to the Bernese Oberland, in particular for the Japanese, who believe that a visit will ensure that they are gifted with a son. It is a relatively expensive excursion unless you have a regional or similar travel pass, and even then you may have to pay 50% for the last section from Kleine Scheidegg.
The Jungfraujoch is actually a plateaux between the Mönch and the Jungfrau
mountains, and provides outstanding views when the weather is clear. The cog
railway enters a tunnel at the Eiger Gletscher station just above Kleine
Scheidegg and after a journey of about 50 minutes, arrives at Europe's highest
railway station the Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 metres.
During the outward journey you stop at two intermediate stations within the mountain, where you will be able to leave the train for 10 minutes or so to admire the views from specially built windows in the side of the north face of the Eiger, and and also of the Eismeer ('ice sea') on the other side of the mountain.
After arriving at the top station there is a series of tunnels and walkways with somewhat confusing signposting, which you can follow to the various attractions. Be sure to visit as much as you can while you are there, but due to the altitude some people may experience a shortage of breath, so don't rush around too much.
Make a special point of taking the lift to the Sphinx observatory, also known as 'The top of Europe', from where you have amazing views of the Aitsch Glacier and the surrounding peaks. Then there are opportunities to go outside and walk about in the snow, go skiing, take a short husky sledge ride, go toboganning, or even have a helicopter ride. Back inside there is also an 'Ice Palace' which is also worth a visit.
The train returns to Kleine Scheidegg, stopping when it leaves the tunnel at
the Eiger gletscher station. If you have time you can leave the train here to
visit the husky dog kennels, and then walk on down to Kleine Scheidegg.
Using the Regional Pass: |
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- Walk or take the bus to Interlaken EAST.
- Catch the train to Grindlewald (choose the correct carriages to avoid changing at Zweilutschinen).
- Take the cog railway to Kleine Scheidegg (via Grund).
- Change to the cog railway for the Jungfraujoch (50% return fare to pay with the regional pass).
- Return to Kleine Scheidegg.
- Take the alternative route down to Wengen.
- Change trains to Lauterbrunnen.
- Catch the train to Interlaken EAST via Zweilutschinen.
- Walk or take the bus to Interlaken WEST.
Hints:
- Only make this trip when the weather is absolutely perfect or you will see nothing.
- Drive to, and park free at Zweilutschinen, to give you more time.
- Take warm clothing, good shoes, and sunglasses.
- Take a packed lunch.
- Take it easy when you first arrive at the top.
- Make a special point of visiting the Sphinx observatory- not to be missed!
- If you do not have a travel pass, there are reduced price fares in the early morning.
