Jungfraujoch

At 3,454 meters above sea level, Jungfraujoch is home to Europe's highest railway station. You'll find ice sculptures of local wildlife in the Ice Palace, watch climbers traverse the 23-kilometer Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx viewing platform, and walk through snow-covered paths to reach the Mönchsjochhütte mountain hut. During the 7-kilometer train journey through the Eiger and Mönch mountains, you'll stop for five minutes at Eismeer station to look down at the glacier valley.

Getting to Jungfraujoch

Two main routes lead to Jungfraujoch. Take the traditional route from Lauterbrunnen through Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, where the Jungfrau Railway begins its final ascent. Alternatively, choose the newer Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher station, which takes 45 minutes. Both routes connect at Eigergletscher for the final train journey through the mountain.

Weather and Best Times to Visit

At 3,454 meters, temperatures range from -5°C to -15°C in winter and -5°C to 5°C in summer. Visibility changes rapidly - check the live webcam before departing. Arrive with the first gondola at 8:11 AM to avoid peak crowds. While accessible year-round, June to September typically have the clearest skies and most stable weather conditions.

The Sphinx Observatory and Viewing Platforms

The Sphinx Observatory sits at 3,571 meters, overlooking the Aletsch Glacier as it stretches 23 kilometers through the Alps. Clear days reveal mountain ranges extending into Germany, France, and Italy. Walk the marked snow paths on the outdoor plateau, where information panels identify surrounding peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Ice Palace and Snow Activities

The Ice Palace winds through 1,000 square meters of glacier tunnels, displaying ice sculptures of alpine animals and mountaineers. The maintained pathways include handrails and non-slip surfaces. In the Snow Fun Park, slide down a 250-meter sledding track or try snow tubing. Trek 45 minutes across the glacier field to reach Mönchsjochhütte, where you can warm up with hot soup while surrounded by 4,000-meter peaks.

What to Bring and Wear

The high altitude requires specific equipment: pack a winter coat, gloves, and thermal layers regardless of season. UV-protective sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential - snow reflection doubles sun exposure. Your footwear should be hiking boots with deep treads for secure footing on snow and ice. Carry 2 liters of water per person, as altitude increases dehydration risk and local water sources aren't potable.