Interlaken to Jungfraujoch: The Complete Travel Guide

By Vaishali Bhatore · 2026-09-09

Planning a trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch? You're about to experience one of the most spectacular journeys in Switzerland. Jungfraujoch, famously known as Top of Europe, takes you high into the Swiss Alps, where snow-covered peaks, glaciers and breathtaking panoramic views await. At an altitude of 3,454 metres, Jungfraujoch is home to Europe's highest railway station.

For travellers staying in Interlaken, a visit to Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular day trips in the Jungfrau Region. The journey itself is just as memorable as the destination, taking you through beautiful Alpine landscapes and mountain villages. In this guide, we'll explain how to travel from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, which route to choose, how long it takes, what tickets you need, what to see at the top, and our best tips for making the most of your day.


Why Visit Jungfraujoch from Interlaken?

Interlaken is one of the best places to stay when exploring the Jungfrau Region. Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the town provides convenient connections to some of Switzerland's most famous mountain destinations. From Interlaken, you can easily plan day trips to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren and Jungfraujoch. Jungfraujoch is particularly special because the journey takes you from the green valleys around Interlaken to an incredible high-Alpine environment covered in snow and ice. On a clear day, you'll be surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the Swiss Alps.


How to Get from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch

There are two main routes to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken. The first is the Eiger Express route via Grindelwald, which is the faster option. The second is the traditional mountain railway route via Kleine Scheidegg, which takes longer but gives you more of the classic Swiss railway experience.

Route 1: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald

The fastest route is:

Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald Terminal → Eigergletscher → Jungfraujoch

Start your journey at Interlaken Ost and take the train towards Grindelwald.

Instead of travelling all the way into Grindelwald village, get off at Grindelwald Terminal. From here, you can take the famous Eiger Express cableway to Eigergletscher. At Eigergletscher, you transfer to the Jungfrau Railway for the final part of your journey through the mountain to Jungfraujoch. This route is particularly convenient if you want to spend as much time as possible exploring Jungfraujoch.


Route 2: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Kleine Scheidegg

If you prefer a traditional mountain railway journey, you can travel via Kleine Scheidegg.

The route is generally:

Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch

The journey takes longer than the Eiger Express route, but you'll have more opportunities to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery along the way. Kleine Scheidegg itself is a beautiful mountain destination surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. For many visitors, the journey through this landscape is an important part of the Jungfraujoch experience.


Which Route Should You Choose?

Both routes are excellent, so the best choice depends on how you want to spend your day.

If you're visiting Jungfraujoch for the first time and want to maximise your time at the top, the Eiger Express route is usually the better choice.

If you love scenic train journeys and don't mind spending more time travelling, the Kleine Scheidegg route is a wonderful alternative.

You can also consider taking one route going up and another route coming back, allowing you to experience more of the Jungfrau Region.


How Long Does the Journey Take?

The fastest journey from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on connections. The traditional route via Kleine Scheidegg takes longer.

However, don't think of the travel time as simply transportation. The journey is one of the highlights of the trip. As the train climbs higher into the Alps, the scenery changes dramatically—from green valleys and forests to rocky mountain slopes, glaciers and snow.


What Can You See at Jungfraujoch?

Arriving at Jungfraujoch is just the beginning of your experience.

There are several attractions and viewpoints to explore.


Sphinx Observation Deck

The Sphinx Observation Deck is one of the highlights of Jungfraujoch.

From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and the enormous Aletsch Glacier. On a clear day, the views are spectacular.

Aletsch Glacier

The Aletsch Glacier is one of the most impressive natural features visible from Jungfraujoch.

Stretching through the Swiss Alps, this enormous glacier creates an unforgettable landscape of snow, ice and mountains.

Ice Palace

Step inside the mountain and discover the Ice Palace, where tunnels and chambers have been carved directly into the glacier.

Ice sculptures and frozen walls make this one of the most memorable attractions at Jungfraujoch.

Alpine Sensation

Alpine Sensation takes visitors through an immersive experience highlighting the history of Jungfraujoch and the construction of the railway.

It is a good stop if you want to learn more about how this remarkable mountain railway was built.

Snow Experience

One of the simplest—and most enjoyable—things to do is step outside and experience the snow at high altitude.

Even if you're visiting Switzerland during summer, Jungfraujoch can offer a completely different winter-like landscape.


How Much Time Should You Spend at Jungfraujoch?

Don't plan your Jungfraujoch trip as a quick stop.

Ideally, allow at least three to four hours at the destination so you have enough time to explore the main attractions, enjoy the views and take photographs. When you include the journey from Interlaken and back, Jungfraujoch works well as a half-day or full-day excursion. If you want to combine it with Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, plan your schedule carefully so you don't spend the entire day rushing between destinations.


How Much Does Jungfraujoch Cost?

The price of a Jungfraujoch trip depends on several factors, including your departure station, travel date and whether you have a Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card or another applicable discount. Because ticket prices and travel conditions can change, it's best to check the current fare before booking your journey. If you're travelling during a busy season, booking your journey in advance is also a good idea.


Do You Need a Seat Reservation?

During busy periods, Jungfraujoch can become very crowded.

A seat reservation can make your journey more convenient, particularly during the popular summer months. For 2026, Jungfrau Railways requires a paid seat reservation for journeys to Jungfraujoch between May 1 and October 31.

Before travelling, always check the latest information from Jungfrau Railways because reservation requirements can change.


What Is the Best Time to Visit Jungfraujoch?

Jungfraujoch is open throughout the year, and every season offers a different experience.

Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit. The valleys around Interlaken are green and beautiful, while Jungfraujoch remains a snowy Alpine destination.

Autumn

Autumn offers colourful landscapes in the lower valleys and fewer visitors compared with the busiest summer period.

Winter

If you love snow, winter can be magical. The entire region takes on a true winter wonderland atmosphere.

Spring

Spring can be a beautiful time to explore Interlaken and the surrounding valleys, although conditions at Jungfraujoch can still be wintry.

Our biggest recommendation is to check the weather before travelling.

The view from Jungfraujoch depends heavily on visibility. A cloudy day can mean that you miss some of the panoramic mountain views.


What Should You Wear to Jungfraujoch?

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is dressing according to the weather in Interlaken.

Remember that Jungfraujoch is more than 3,400 metres above sea level.

Even if it's warm and sunny in Interlaken, temperatures at Jungfraujoch can be significantly colder.

We recommend bringing:

Wearing layers allows you to adjust your clothing as temperatures change throughout the day.


Can You Visit Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch on the Same Day?

Yes, it is possible.

The Eiger Express route makes it particularly convenient to include Grindelwald in your journey.

However, if you want to properly explore Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen, we recommend giving each destination its own day.

The Jungfrau Region has enough attractions to easily fill several days.

A relaxed itinerary could look like this:

Day 1: Interlaken

Day 2: Jungfraujoch

Day 3: Grindelwald

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen & Wengen

This allows you to enjoy the region instead of rushing from one attraction to another.


Where to Stay for Your Jungfraujoch Trip?

If Jungfraujoch is on your Switzerland itinerary, Interlaken is an excellent base.

Staying in the Interlaken area gives you easy access to the Jungfrau Region while also putting you close to Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and other popular attractions.

For travellers who prefer a quieter environment, staying in the surrounding mountain villages can provide a more peaceful Swiss Alpine experience.


Stay with MySwissStay

Looking for a comfortable place to stay while exploring the Jungfrau Region?

MySwissStay offers holiday accommodation in the Interlaken and Jungfrau Region, providing a convenient base for exploring destinations such as Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and the surrounding Swiss Alps.

After a day of exploring the mountains, return to a peaceful accommodation and enjoy the beauty of the Swiss landscape.

Planning your Switzerland trip? Make Interlaken your base and discover the best of the Jungfrau Region from there.


Our Top Tips for Visiting Jungfraujoch

1. Check the weather first.

Clear skies can make a huge difference to your experience.

2. Start early.

An early departure gives you more flexibility and helps you avoid the busiest periods.

3. Reserve your seat when required.

This is particularly important during the peak season.

4. Dress in layers.

The temperature at Jungfraujoch can be dramatically different from Interlaken.

5. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen.

The sun can feel strong at high altitude.

6. Take your time.

The journey is part of the experience, so don't rush through the region.

7. Keep your camera ready.

The landscapes around Grindelwald, Eigergletscher and Jungfraujoch are incredibly photogenic.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jungfraujoch worth visiting from Interlaken?

Yes. Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular mountain experiences in Switzerland and is easily accessible from Interlaken.

What is the fastest way from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch?

The fastest route is generally via Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express, followed by the Jungfrau Railway from Eigergletscher.

How long does Interlaken to Jungfraujoch take?

The fastest route takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on connections.

Can I visit Jungfraujoch in summer?

Yes. Summer is one of the most popular seasons, and you can still experience snow and glaciers at the high altitude of Jungfraujoch.

What should I wear to Jungfraujoch?

Wear warm layers, comfortable shoes, gloves and a hat. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended.

Is Jungfraujoch suitable for families?

Yes. Jungfraujoch is a popular family attraction, although parents should be aware that the destination is at high altitude and temperatures can be very cold.


Final Thoughts

A journey from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch is one of those Swiss experiences that stays with you long after your holiday ends.

From the moment you leave Interlaken, the landscape gradually transforms as you travel deeper into the Alps. You'll pass beautiful villages, dramatic mountain landscapes and glaciers before finally reaching the spectacular world of Jungfraujoch.

Whether you choose the fast Eiger Express route or the traditional journey via Kleine Scheidegg, take your time and enjoy the journey.

And when you finally step outside at 3,454 metres above sea level, you'll understand why Jungfraujoch is called Top of Europe.