Mount Jungfrau is one of the highest peaks in Switzerland, the first part of the Alps, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, on the border between the cantons of Bern and Valais, more than 4,000 meters above sea level, a magical view of the neighboring mountains and glaciers opens, a unique railway passes, unusual museums and interesting walking tours are held.
How to get to the top of Jungfrau, what surprises await tourists and how much will such a trip cost? The answers are in this article.
Mount Jungfrau in Switzerland: general information
Mount Jungfrau is part of the Bernese Alps and is the highest peak of this complex (4158 meters). Its landscapes are very diverse: on the practically snowless western side of the mountain there is the second highest straight steep slope of the Alps, in the south and east it connects with the largest ice covered area in Europe, and in the north it is “covered” by many small mountains (Wengen-Jungfrau , Schneeborn, Silberhorn) and the famous glaciers Kühlauenen and Giessen.
Interesting fact! Jungfrau, together with the nearby Mount Schwarzmjönh, which means “Black Monk”, are the heroes of the ancient legend of the unrequited love of a priest.
What to see on top
Mount Jungfrau in Switzerland is the third highest in the Bernese Alps. However, its peak is unique not only because of its height, but also the attractions located there, the most popular of which is the railway.
Jungfrau railway (Switzerland) is the highest railway in all of Europe. Its total length is 9 km, 7 of which trains pass in a tunnel pierced through several rocks. From the first to the last station, the height difference is 1,400 meters, and the entire road takes about an hour.
Spring and summer are the most suitable period for a trip to Jungfrau. It was at this time that passengers had the chance to enjoy the view of the snowy mountains, slowly replaced by green spaces of grass and flowers.
Advice for lovers of hiking in the mountains! Almost at every Jungfrau station, you can go on an independent walking tour – right from the exit from the station, the right road to nearby beauties will show you signs.
Climbing to Jungfrau for beautiful photos? Especially for you, the Swiss government has built an extensive viewing platform on this site, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountain landscape. In clear weather, the Sphinx offers such a good view that you can even see Mount Mont Blanc, located in France.
Want to go 540 million years ago, in the era of the Ice Age? Or imagine yourself as a resident of the North Pole? Even if the described desires do not coincide with yours, be sure to visit the Jungfrau Ice Palace – a network of unusual tunnels laid in the huge Alech glacier. Its total area exceeds 1000 m², and all the exhibits displayed inside are made of ice.
The Ice Palace is located at the last station of the Jungfrau Railway. The entrance is free.
Entertainment and outdoor activities
For children and adults, several slopes are equipped on top of Jungfrau, where for 15 francs you can rent sledges and immerse yourself in childhood for a couple of hours. In addition, frozen tourists can warm up in the restaurant with the indiscreet name “Top of the Europe”, buy delicious Lindt chocolate in the highest store in Switzerland or buy a few gifts for relatives in a souvenir shop.
How to get to Mount Jungfrau from Interlaken
A trip to the top is a real quest for a traveler. In order to get to Jungfrau, you first need to get to the resort town of Interlaken , and then follow the instructions below.
The beginning of the journey is the Interlaken Ost station, where you need to catch the 145-Y train and get to the Lauterbrunnen stop.
Travel time is 20 minutes. Trains leave every half hour from 6:02 to 22:02. Ticket price – 3.8 CHF, you can buy on the official website www.sbb.ch.
The next step is 42 minutes to the Kleine Scheidegg station. 122-Y trains run at half-hour intervals from 7:07 to 17:37. A ticket to the second class costs 15.4 francs per person.
The final step will be a trip along the famous Jungfrau Railway from the Kleine Scheidegg stop to Jungfraujoch, train number is 156-Y. The journey will take 35 minutes and will cost 32 CHF. You can leave during the period from 8 to 16, the traffic interval is half an hour.
Life hack! To diversify your journey, climb the mountain along one route, and descend along another, for example, replacing the station Lauterbrunnen Grindelwald. The price and travel time from this will not change.
Travel Tips
- It is not recommended that people with diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, pregnant girls and young children go up to such a height. In this area, oxygen is 16% less than our body is used to, so even healthy tourists, climbing the Jungfrau railway, often feel unwell.
- If suddenly you feel the symptoms of mountain sickness (nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache) – refuse to continue climbing and immediately go down to an acceptable height.
- It’s better to go to the mountains early in the morning – at this time there are fewer clouds and tourists.
- If you are relaxing in another region of Switzerland, but also want to visit the top, get a single Swiss Pass ticket. It will save 50% of the fare on the Jungfrau Railway, and children under 16 will be able to travel for free with one of their parents.
- Rising higher uphill, walk as slowly as possible, without forcing the body to experience even greater need of already lacking oxygen.
- In a chocolate shop near the highest railway station, prices are lower than in supermarkets in Interlaken and other nearby cities.
- Be sure to check the weather before traveling to Jungfrau. There are fogs and snow in this area of Switzerland at times – in such conditions you will not be able to enjoy gorgeous views.
- Dress warmly (always from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius above), but do not overload the body with heavy fur coats and boots. The best choice will be thermal underwear, trekking boots and a down jacket. Do not forget about the hat and mittens.
- If you go to the mountains in sunny weather, take sunglasses and cream to protect your eyes and face from bright rays.
- Be careful – the number of tickets on the Jungfrau railway is limited, and on weekends they fly away at the speed of light.
Mount Jungfrau (Switzerland) is a place that you need to see at least once in your life. Have a nice trip!
Video, from the view of which the heart goes to heels – jumping to the top of Jungfrau on a plane!
