When visiting Switzerland, you must visit Jungfraujoch, which is the highest railway station in Europe. It boasts a beautiful train ride through the Swiss Alps, followed by stunning views of snowy mountains all around. There are plenty of attractions at the railway station, making it a great day trip for those of all ages.
Visiting the Swiss Alps is a must for everyone’s European travel bucket list. Aside from the obvious gorgeous nature, there are simple things such as the quality of air and drinking water which are incredible.
Continue reading to discover Europe’s highest-altitude railway station – Jungfraujoch, Switzerland!
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How to Get to the Highest Railway Station in Europe
The highest-altitude railway station in Europe is only accessible by – you guessed it – train! Most people start their journey from the town of Interlaken, but others opt for the scenic route and leave from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen, one of the most underrated places to visit in Europe, boasts incredible camping at the base of the mountains. It’s definitely worth a visit when you’re heading to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland!
Jungfraujoch Tickets
To visit Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”, there are a few options for tickets and tours. If you are travelling to Interlaken on your own and wish to explore yourself, you can purchase tickets for the train ride without a tour. Alternatively, you can book a tour from Zurich, one from Lucerne, or a guided tour from Interlaken.
Best Things to Do at Jungfraujoch Railway Station
Walk Through the Snow and Discover the Glacier Plateau
If you’re planning on adventuring outside at this altitude, be sure to bring a warm jacket! Despite visiting during the summer months, it was chilly up at Jungfraujoch. Those partaking in winter activities like snowboarding were wearing t-shirts, but if you’re just walking around it is cold!
As you walk around the Glacier Plateau, take in the gorgeous views of the snowy mountains. The air smells really fresh and the area is beautiful. I also recommend bringing sunglasses – the reflections off of the snow are quite bright!
Shop at the Stores in the Railway Station
The shops at Jungfraujoch are great to explore as you warm up from walking around the Glacier Plateau. There are places where you can purchase hats and gloves, along with Swiss watches and knives. If purchasing a knife, be sure to pack it in your checked luggage to avoid losing it at the airport!
There is a really large souvenir shop as well. It is quite pricey as it’s based in a tourist attraction, but it can give you some ideas of items to buy when visiting other areas in Switzerland.
Visit the Ice Palace
While my only photo of the ice palace isn’t quite flattering, it is definitely one of the best attractions to visit at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland. You can wander through paths lined with ice and admire many different ice sculptures, including birds, animals, furniture, and more.
Admire the Views from the Sphinx Observation Deck
This was my favourite part about visiting Jungfraujoch, Switzerland. The views from this observation deck were absolutely incredible! I was lucky to visit on a very clear day and I had endless panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. It was certainly postcard-worthy!
Try Snowboarding or Skiing!
When visiting the Swiss Alps, you definitely need to try snowboarding or skiing! Now to not set your expectations too high, the slope at Jungfraujoch is a mere bunny hill. But, it was perfect for me as I have never snowboarded before and wanted to try. Even though it wasn’t a steep hill, I definitely still rolled down. It was certainly fun though!
Indulge in Chocolate at the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven
I am not exaggerating when I say the best chocolate I’ve had in my life was at this Lindt Chocolate Shop. I’m not typically a chocolate person, but everything I had here was to die for! The walls are lined with all sorts of chocolates to purchase and there are lots of visuals demonstrating the chocolate-making process.
Go Tubing at the Snow Park
I had a lot of fun with this one. You can grab a tube and slide along a tubing trail on top of the mountain. It’s worth going a few times, but it can be challenging carrying the tube around in the snow!
Is it Worth Visiting Jungfraujoch, Switzerland?
This is a question that I frequently get asked when talking about my travels to Switzerland. The short answer is if you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation, no. The train ticket prices can be hundreds of dollars, making it hard to justify in regards to how few attractions there are at the end.
If visiting would not break the bank or your vacation budget, I would recommend going. It’s a fun day trip and the views of the Swiss Alps are so incredible from the top. Plus, it is a great story to tell – you visited the highest-altitude railway station in Europe!
Top Places to Stay in Interlaken, Switzerland
There are plenty of incredible places to stay near Interlaken for all travelling styles.
Hotels
The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is a luxurious stay in the heart of Interlaken. Take in the beauty of the lake and mountains while walking down the boardwalk outside the hotel.
For a more affordable stay, Hotel de la Paix offers the basics you need to enjoy your time in Interlaken!
Vacation Rentals
This stunning apartment is located in the heart of Interlaken. It is close to hiking paths, offers a free ski bus service, and has a full kitchen.
Looking for a stunning water and mountain view? This 2-bedroom apartment rental has you covered. It even has a bbq that you can use!
Hostels
Hostels are a great way to save money and meet fellow travellers. Balmers Hostel is a top-rated stay in Interlaken, boasting a lodge-like exterior and plenty of parties. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is another popular stay, receiving many awards throughout the years.
Camping
Alternatively, you can camp in Interlaken in the heart of the Swiss Alps. I opted to camp because I love the outdoors and it was the most budget-friendly accommodation option I could find. There are plenty of campsites around the area, with RV hookups, bungalows, campsites, and more.
Conclusion
Switzerland is a beautiful destination that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. The Swiss Alps boast stunning mountain landscapes and beautiful scenery. When visiting, checking out the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountains.
Have you been to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, Switzerland? Let me know about your experience in the comments!
Continue reading: 10 Underrated Places to Visit in Europe
