The Jungfrau Railway is more than just a train ride it’s a legendary engineering feat that connects travelers with the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. Running from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch known as the Top of Europe this cogwheel railway takes passengers through the iconic Eiger and Mönch mountains, finally arriving at Europe’s highest train station at 3,454 meters.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the history, routes, highlights, ticketing, passes, and alternatives to the Jungfrau Railway, while also comparing it to other famous tourist trains in Switzerland like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gornergratbahn.
1. History of the Jungfrau Railway
- The vision came from Adolf Guyer-Zeller in 1893.
- Construction began in 1896 and was completed in 1912.
- The line tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch, an engineering marvel of its time.
- Over 30 workers lost their lives during construction.
- Despite strikes and financial hurdles, the project was completed and remains a symbol of Swiss determination.
2. Route Overview: From Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch
The Jungfrau Railway runs 9.3 km from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, with two iconic stops inside the mountain:
- Eigergletscher – base of the Eiger Glacier.
- Eismeer Station – panoramic windows overlooking the glacier.
Read Also: Train Map Switzerland
Journey Snapshot
| Route | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch | ~35 min | Eiger tunnel, glacier windows |
| Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch | ~2 hrs | Valley, waterfalls, alpine villages |
3. Travel Options: How to Reach Jungfrau Railway
Most visitors begin at Interlaken Ost:
- Route via Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen → Wengen → Kleine Scheidegg.
- Route via Grindelwald → Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald Terminal → Eiger Express gondola → Eigergletscher → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch.
Comparison Table
| Route | Duration | Scenic Value | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauterbrunnen via Wengen | 2h | Charming villages + waterfalls | CHF 210–240 |
| Grindelwald via Eiger Express | 1h 45m | Modern + glacier views | CHF 210–240 |
Highlights of the Jungfrau Railway Experience
- Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe – highest railway station in Europe.
- Ice Palace – sculptures and tunnels carved into the glacier.
- Sphinx Observatory – 360° views of the Aletsch Glacier.
- Snow Fun Park – summer skiing, sledding, ziplining.
- Alpine Dining – enjoy Swiss cuisine with panoramic views.
5. Ticketing & Travel Passes
Standard Prices
- Adults: CHF 210–240 (round trip from Interlaken).
- Children (6–15 years): 50% off with Junior Card.
Best Travel Passes to Save Money
- Swiss Travel Pass – unlimited train, bus, and boat travel (discounted Jungfraujoch fare).
- Swiss Half Fare Card – 50% off almost all transport, including Jungfrau Railway.
- Jungfrau Travel Pass – covers unlimited travel in Jungfrau Region (excludes final leg to Jungfraujoch but gives a discount).
- Eurail/Interrail – holders get discounts.
6. When to Visit the Jungfrau Railway
- Summer (June–September): Hiking, Snow Fun Park, longer days.
- Winter (December–March): Skiing in Grindelwald & Wengen, snowy landscapes.
- Spring & Autumn: Fewer crowds, mild weather.
7. Alternatives to Jungfrau Railway (Tourist Trains in Switzerland)
If ticket prices feel high, or you want variety, Switzerland offers other world-famous tourist trains you can spot on the map of Switzerland train routes, such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gornergratbahn.
Glacier Express
- Route: Zermatt → St. Moritz.
- Duration: 8 hrs.
- Nickname: “The slowest express train in the world.”
Bernina Express
- Route: Chur → Tirano (crosses into Italy).
- UNESCO heritage line.
Gornergratbahn (Zermatt)
- Views of the Matterhorn & Lake Riffelsee.
- Shorter, cheaper than Jungfrau Railway.
Schilthorn / Piz Gloria
- Cable car ride from Stechelberg.
- Famous for James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).
Table Comparison
| Train | Duration | Famous For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jungfrau Railway | 2 hrs | Top of Europe, Ice Palace | CHF 210–240 |
| Glacier Express | 8 hrs | Scenic Alps crossing | CHF 150–250 |
| Bernina Express | 4 hrs | UNESCO route to Italy | CHF 50–100 |
| Gornergratbahn | 35 min | Matterhorn views | CHF 80–100 |
| Schilthorn | 1 hr | James Bond mountain | CHF 100–120 |
8. Hiking Around Jungfrau Railway
- Lauterbrunnen → Wengen → Kleine Scheidegg: Classic alpine hike.
- Grindelwald → Kleine Scheidegg: Panoramic valley route.
- Aletsch Glacier Hikes (from Jungfraujoch): Stunning glacier trails.
9. Insider Tips to Save Money & Time
- Take the first train of the day → fewer crowds, cheaper advance fares.
- Bring your own food → restaurants at Jungfraujoch are expensive.
- Stay in Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald instead of Interlaken (cheaper base).
- Use a Swiss Half Fare Card for maximum savings.
Final Thoughts:
The Jungfrau Railway is a masterpiece of Swiss engineering and one of the most iconic tourist trains in Switzerland. Whether you’re drawn by its rich history, breathtaking mountain scenery, or the chance to step onto Europe’s highest train station, it’s an unforgettable adventure.
By combining the Jungfrau Railway with passes like the Swiss Travel Pass and exploring alternatives such as the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, you can make your Alpine journey both affordable and diverse.
FAQs About the Jungfrau Railway
Q1: Is the Jungfrau Railway worth it?
Yes, though expensive, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Europe’s highest train station with unmatched Alpine views.
Q2: How long does the trip take?
From Interlaken → Jungfraujoch: about 2 hours each way.
Q3: Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes, but you’ll still pay a reduced fare for the final section (Eigergletscher → Jungfraujoch).
Q4: What’s the cheapest alternative?
The Gornergratbahn near Zermatt is more affordable but equally scenic.
Q5: Is the Jungfrau Railway open year-round?
Yes, trains run in all seasons.
