The Jungfraubahn: Your Ticket to the Top of Europe

Some railways connect cities. This one connects you to the sky.

The Jungfraubahn isn’t here to dawdle through fields or hum past sleepy villages, it’s the alpine escalator to the heavens. It is chugging its way through the guts of the mighty Eiger and Monch mountains like a boss. If mountains had walls, this train would be the ultimate mountain climber.

This was built by a bunch of daredevils armed with dynamite and dreams in the late 19th century. The Jungfraubahn climbs relentlessly upward until it reaches the “Top of Europe,” Europe’s highest railway station, sitting pretty at 3,454 meters above sea level. That’s high enough to make your lungs gasp and your camera beg for mercy.

This isn’t just transportation. It’s a mountain epic. A steel-spiked underdog story. A high-altitude love letter to Swiss engineering.

It’s dramatic. It’s dizzying. It’s gloriously unnecessary in the best possible way. Because no one needs a train to pierce through an alpine wall of rock and ice, but everyone deserves to ride one at least once. This is the Jungfraubahn, where the tracks meet the sky.

The Jungfraubahn Stops

Interlaken Ost

Before you even think about climbing mountains, you need a proper launching pad and Interlaken Ost is exactly that. It is nestled snugly between two shimmering lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both begging for your Instagram feed). The name says it all: “Inter-lake.” It’s like Switzerland’s own luxury lounge between two liquid jewels. And before you board the Jungfraubahn, treat yourself to a little local flavour.

Start with a stroll down the Hoheweg promenade. It is where flower boxes bloom with more colours than a Swiss chocolate box and the Jungfrau mountain stands guard like a stoic alpine giant. The street is dotted with charming boutiques, elegant cafes and historic hotels that ooze old-world glam.

Art lovers will also enjoy their stay here. Don’t miss the Kunsthaus Interlaken, a hidden gem where Swiss contemporary art gets a mountain-sized spotlight. It’s like a chic alpine lounge for your eyeballs. It is small enough to feel intimate, big enough to surprise you with bold, fresh creations that’ll have you thinking, “Switzerland’s not just about cheese and watches, huh?” 

When hunger strikes after a day of alpine exploits, make your way to Restaurant Schuh. This cafe serves traditional Swiss dishes with a gourmet twist. Think hearty rösti crowned with melted cheese so good it should have its own fan club, fresh-caught Lake Thun fish, and venison that'll have you humming “Suisse-la-la-la” all night long.

And if you’re planning to stay the night in the city, Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is your go-to for indulging in pure luxury. Think plush rooms with mountain views that make waking up a privilege, Michelin-starred dining that transforms dinner into an event and a spa that massages every ounce of travel fatigue right out of you.

Lauterbrunnen

The train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is a short but sweet ride. Once you get to Lauterbrunnen, you’ll get a glimpse of Switzerland’s very own “Valley of 72 Waterfalls”.

This place is Mother Nature showing off in her Sunday best. Just imagine cliffs dropping water like confetti, lush meadows dotted with chalets, and fresh mountain air that instantly upgrades your soul.

Hiking buffs, rejoice! The Lauterbrunnen Valley Trail takes you on a scenic stroll alongside some of Europe’s tallest waterfalls, including the iconic Staubbach Falls. This is a nearly 300-meter vertical drop that’s like the VIP of waterfalls. Bring your camera, because every angle is a masterpiece waiting to happen. And if you need a breather, then grab a cozy spot at one of the valley’s traditional chalets, sip a local herbal tea and let the soothing roar of the falls be your soundtrack.

Ready to treat your taste buds? The Hotel Staubbach’s restaurant dishes up hearty Swiss classics that taste like a warm hug. Think creamy cheese fondue and tender lamb cooked to perfection. The views? Let’s just say, they make the cheese melt even faster. But don’t stop there. Pair your meal with a glass of crisp Swiss white wine or a robust local Pinot Noir.

When your feet touch the ground, retreat to places like the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof. This is a five-star sanctuary where Swiss tradition and modern luxury dance together like an Edelweiss in the breeze. Here, you have access to jaw-dropping views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley’s 72 waterfalls. Location-wise? Schweizerhof is smack dab in the heart of town, making it the ultimate launchpad for exploring Lauterbrunnen’s postcard-perfect streets and charming shops.

Wengen

Leaving the valley bustle of Lauterbrunnen behind, the train climbs gently into Wengen. But here’s the twist: Wengen is completely car-free. That’s right, no honking horns, no traffic jams. Just the sound of cowbells, laughter, and the occasional train whistle.

Wengen isn’t just a pretty face — it’s the gateway to some of the Bernese Oberland’s best trails. Lace up your hiking boots and take the trail to Männlichen. And if you want something more dramatic, hop on the Wengen–Männlichen Aerial Cableway, which will zip you up to the mountaintop in minutes. From there, follow the Royal Walk — a short but spectacular ridge path that leads to a crown-shaped viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

If you want a bit more history, you can go to the Wengen Museum. Think of it as Wengen’s very own “throwback Thursday.” From antique ski gear that’ll make you grateful for modern bindings, to faded photographs of yodelers who clearly knew how to work a crowd, the museum serves up nostalgia in curated doses. And let’s be honest: between the cowbells, the cogwheels and the cable cars, you’ve probably already fallen head over hiking boots for this town. But the museum adds that final layer of connection.

When hunger strikes, Wengen knows how to answer the call. The Alpenkräuter Restaurant Bären is a bistronomic haven that takes "farm-to-table" to new heights. Literally. By infusing every dish with handpicked alpine herbs and a dash of mountain magic. But it's not just about the food. The ambiance is also a reason to visit this place, especially as it offers diners a front-row seat to the Bernese Oberland.

And if you’re planning to stay the night or two here, Hotel Regina definitely stands out. This belle of the Bernese Oberland ball has been charming guests since 1894, and honestly? She’s still got it. High ceilings, creaky staircases (in a good way) and views so majestic they make your Instagram filters feel irrelevant. Inside, there’s a grand piano bar where soft jazz and bold cocktails swirl through the night and a crackling fireplace that’s seen more romantic confessions than a Nicholas Sparks novel.

Oh, and let’s not forget — every winter, Wengen turns into the real-life version of The Fast and the Furious: Alpine Drift with the legendary Lauberhorn Ski World Cup, held on the slopes of the Grindelwald–Wengen ski area. This is the longest downhill race on the planet. Just imagine skiers tearing down slopes so steep and fast, they’d make even Sonic the Hedgehog jealous. It’s a heart-racing showdown where only the bravest survive.

Kleine Scheidegg

From Wengen, you will slowly ascend toward Kleine Scheidegg. The views turn from “Wow” to “Are we even on Earth anymore?” By the time you pull into Kleine Scheidegg, you’ll be between the Eiger and Lauberhorn at over 2,000 meters above sea level.

This place is a gateway to some of Switzerland’s most iconic hikes. Fancy a stroll with bragging rights? Try the Panorama Trail to Männlichen. It's an easy-ish hike with million-franc views (inflation, darling), where the three famous peaks play photogenic tag in the background. It’s the kind of walk that makes you believe in mountain magic… or at least in upgrading your phone storage.

Hungry? Of course you are. Altitude burns calories and demands carbs. Luckily, Berghaus Kleine  Scheidegg delivers big alpine energy. Grab a seat by the window and try not to drop your fork when the Eiger winks at you. (It happens.)

And if you’ve made the brilliant choice of staying overnight, then Kleine Scheidegg’s got you covered. Book a room at the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, the grand dame of Kleine Scheidegg. This 19th-century hotel is so charming, even the ghosts wear cravats. The Bellevue des Alpes is family-run and almost entirely car-free. Your luggage arrives by train, and you arrive by…pure bliss.

Jungfraujoch

Loosen your silk scarf, darling, because you’re about to ascend beyond cloud nine. As you chug-chug up past Kleine Scheidegg, you’re crossing into another dimension.

And then... boom. Jungfraujoch. The Top of Europe.

Before you even get a chance to shout, “I’m on top of the world!”, take a detour even higher. Hop into the elevator that rockets you up to the Sphinx Observatory. This is one of the highest-altitude viewing platforms on Earth. At 3,571 meters above sea level, it’s practically eavesdropping on the stars.

And speaking of stars, step aside, Hollywood, the Aletsch Glacier is the real star of the show. It stretches over 22  kilometers and it’s the longest glacier in the alps. Walking along the glacier is like stepping into a National Geographic documentary. You can take a guided walk across this icy giant, crunching across ancient layers of snow that have outlived dynasties and trends.

Oh, and did we mention? You’re in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jungfrau-Aletsch region was granted this honor in 2001 for being the most glaciated area in the Alps. Basically, it’s Earth flexing.

And just when you thought Jungfraujoch couldn’t get any cooler, bam, you enter the Ice Palace. Carved inside the heart of the glacier, this shimmering maze of frosty tunnels and frozen art installations feels like stepping into a snow globe.

Jungfraujoch is not just about ice that lasted centuries, but chocolate is forever too in this place. And at the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, it’s a spiritual experience for anyone who's ever said, “Just one more square.” You can watch live demos by chocolatiers who wield spatulas like wizards here. As the famous saying goes, “A party without chocolate is just a meeting.” Luckily, this shop is the VIP lounge for your taste buds.

And when it’s time to call it a night, head down to Hotel Glacier in Grindelwald, just a scenic train ride from Jungfraujoch. This boutique hotel is what happens when minimalist design swipes right on mountain views. It’s like a Pinterest board come to life, but with actual room service.

Duration

Think of the Jungfraubahn not as a train ride, but as a flirtation with the sky. It’s short, sweet and seductively steep.

From Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the full ride clocks in at just about 35 minutes. Yep, 35. That’s shorter than an episode of Bridgerton and somehow twice as steamy. The ride might be brief, but it takes you through a world-changing landscape. The real plot twist? Much of the journey happens inside the Eiger and Monch, via tunnels carved straight through the rock. There’s something oddly poetic about being cradled in the belly of giants.

Even though you could technically do the ride, snap a selfie at the summit and be back in time for fondue by lunch, that would be a rookie move. The Jungfraujoch is an experience that deserves more than a quick “been there.” Most travelers stay for at least 2 to 3 hours and honestly? That still barely scratches the surface. You wouldn’t want to rush this ride. It’s the kind you let settle into your bones, your camera roll and maybe even your journal if you're the sentimental type.

Schedules and Tickets

Ready to climb aboard the “train to the top of the world”? The Jungfraubahn runs like clockwork, hourly from about 8 a.m. till mid-afternoon every single day of the year. It’s like the Swiss version of a punctual best friend who never flakes.

But here’s the twist: the journey itself is only half the story. Before you commit your hard-earned francs, check the weather cams on jungfrau.ch. Because there’s no point paying a premium if the views decide to play hide and seek behind a thick Swiss fog blanket.

Now, speaking of francs, let’s talk tickets. A round trip from Interlaken Ost will set you back around CHF 224. From Grindelwald, you save a little, with fares hovering near CHF 208. Sure, it’s not the cheapest ticket in town, but hey, this ride takes you to Europe’s highest railway station. You don’t just pay for transport; you pay for bragging rights and Instagram gold.

And early risers, listen up: the Good Morning Ticket is your golden ticket (literally). Available from May through October, it gives you a discount if you catch one of the first few trains and descend before early afternoon.