Interlaken to Jungfraujoch is a scenic journey that takes visitors through rugged cliffs, alpine wilderness, and snow-capped peaks. This article provides valuable insights on the route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, providing advice for those thinking about visiting this stunning place.
Interlaken serves as an excellent base for exploring attractions in the Jungfrau Region, making it a popular starting point for many visitors on their alpine journey to Jungfraujoch. Begin your journey from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch with the Wengernalp Railway, enjoying a high-altitude transport adventure and a breathtaking ascent through an alpine wonderland.
Jungfraujoch, which sits at 3,463 meters above sea level, is a saddle between the mountains Jungfrau (4,158 meters above sea level) and Mönch (4,110 meters above sea level).
If you would like to embark on a highly-rated guided tour from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, you may book it via GetYourGuide – From Interlaken: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch Mountain. In my opinion, a seamless experience to Jungfraujoch and comprehensive information about the region make the guide worth booking.
How to Get From Interlaken to Jungfraujoch
Most tourists start their journey from Jungfraujoch in Interlaken Ost. There are four ways to reach Jungfraujoch from Interlaken and they couldn’t be more different. So, what are these four options? Let’s find out more.
| Interlaken to Jungfraujoch Route | Estimated Travel Time | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen | 2 hours and 6 minutes (One Way) | Book at Jungfrau.ch |
| Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express | 1 hour and 36 minutes (One Way) | Book at Jungfrau.ch |
| Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald | 2 hours and 6 minutes (One Way) | Book at Jungfrau.ch |
| A Guided Tour that takes you from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch and back | 7 hours (Total, Including 2 hours on Jungfraujoch) | Book at GetYourGuide.com |
Option 1: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen
The scenic train ride from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, glacier-bound and awe-inspiring, is an unforgettable experience. The train departs from Interlaken Ost station and travels through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, passing by waterfalls and the picturesque village. The train then ascends to Kleine Scheidegg; here, passengers can enjoy a spectacular view of the famous trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Here is the route that you will have to take from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen:
- Lauterbrunnen – Travel by train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen village, then board the Wengernalpbahn (WAB), connecting Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, featuring the world’s longest continuous rack railway at 19,114 meters.
- Wengen – As you ascend the mountain from Lauterbrunnen, you will be able to see almost the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley; furthermore, you’ll arrive in the car-free village of Wengen. Your train seamlessly continues its journey to Kleine Scheidegg—no need for a transfer.
- Kleine Scheidegg – Following the stop in Wengen, the train will then ascend to Kleine Scheidegg. Located 2,061 meters above sea level, Kleine Scheidegg offers spectacular views of the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
- Eiger Glacier – Transfer at Kleine Scheidegg for Eiger Gletscher, then catch the ascending train to Jungfraujoch. The train then passes through the Jungfrau Tunnel and arrives at Jungfraujoch station where captivating scenery with glacial permafrost awaits.
| Route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen | Duration |
|---|---|
| Interlaken Ost – Lauterbrunnen | 22 minutes |
| Lauterbrunnen – Kleine Scheidegg via Wengen | 38 minutes |
| Kleine Scheidegg – Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) | 5 minutes |
| Eiger Glacier(Eigergletscher) – Jungfraujoch | 26 minutes |
| Total | 2 hours and 7 minutes |
Option 2: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express
Alternatively, you can travel from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via the Grindelwald Terminal. At the terminal, you can take the Eiger Express Gondola to the Eiger Glacier and finally to Jungfraujoch.
Here is the aerial transport route that you will take from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald Terminal:
- Grindelwald Terminal – From Interlaken, you will take the train to Grindelwald Terminal. Grindelwald Terminal is a new terminal that connects passengers to either Männlichen or Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher).
- Eiger Glacier via Eiger Express – Experience the Jungfraujoch Ascent as the Eiger Express Alpine Cableway brings you from Grindelwald Terminal to the Eiger Glacier. The train then passes through the Jungfrau Tunnel and arrives at Jungfraujoch station where the celestial observatory, snowy pinnacles, and the ice-covered expanse of Konkordiaplatz awaits.
| Route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald Terminal | Duration |
|---|---|
| Interlaken Ost – Grindelwald Terminal | 30 minutes |
| Grindelwald Terminal –Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) | 20 minutes |
| Eiger Glacier(Eigergletscher) – Jungfraujoch | 26 minutes |
| Total | 1 hour and 37 minutes |
Option 3: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald
As a third option for your journey from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, consider the scenic alpine traverse that starts at the Grindelwald Train Station. From there, catch a train that will lead you to Kleine Scheidegg, making stops at Grindelwald Grund, Brandegg, and Alpiglen along the way.
Here is the transport route that you will take from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald:
- Grindelwald – Your train will stop in Grindelwald, the last stop of the journey from Interlaken.
- Kleine Scheidegg – From Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, the cog railway passes through Grindelwald Grund, Brandegg, and Alpiglen. Along the way, you’ll be able to see the spectacular Eiger North Face.
- Eiger Glacier – From the Eiger Glacier, the Jungfrau Railway eventually reaches the Jungfraujoch station, where visitors can immerse themselves in the frozen splendor of the surrounding landscape.
| Route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald | Duration |
|---|---|
| Interlaken Ost – Grindelwald | 36 minutes |
| Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg | 32 minutes |
| Kleine Scheidegg – Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) | 5 minutes |
| Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) – Jungfraujoch | 26 minutes |
| Total | 2 hour and 7 minutes |
Option 4: Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Guided Tour
A fourth option would be to join a 7-hour guided tour to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken. On this tour, you can enjoy a panoramic cable car ride, see the Eiger north face, visit the Sphinx Observation terrace, and explore the tunnels of the Ice Palace. This is a well-organized, highly-rated trip that is well worth the additional fee.
From Interlaken, you can take a guided tour of Jungfraujoch. You’ll travel from Interlaken to Grindelwald by coach. Then, you will ride the Eiger Express cable car from the Grindelwald terminal to the Eiger Glacier. After you change to a cogwheel railway, you will arrive in Jungfraujoch.
At the top, you will see the Great Aletsch Glacier, snow-capped peaks, and Switzerland’s neighboring countries. You can also see the Sphinx Observation Terrace and tunnels at the Ice Palace. Refreshments and meals can be purchased at the restaurant.
During the descent, you’ll pass Wengen and stop at Lauterbrunnen, where your coach waits for you to head back to Interlaken.
With GetYourGuide, you can reserve your spot now and pay later. To book the tour from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via GetYourGuide, simply click here – From Interlaken: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch Mountain.
Which Route to Jungfraujoch is Best?
The best route depends on what you want to see or what mode of transportation you prefer. These routes are equally beautiful, and I’m not going to preach that one is better than the other.
Take the first option if you wish to take in the scenery, and get a glimpse of Wengen and its surroundings. As an alternative route, going via Grindelwald is also a beautiful experience. Other views include Schreckhorn and the village of Grindelwald itself.
If you can’t decide, why not do both? Take the train to Jungfraujoch and take the Eiger Express down. Go up via the Eiger Express and go down by the Wengeralpbahn via Lauterbrunnen.
So which route is better depends on what you want to see. To make it easier for you, I have listed the highlights of choosing one over the other.
Highlights of Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen – Wengen
- Lauterbrunnen – Village with 72 waterfalls
- The car-free village of Wengen
- Kleine Scheidegg Mountain Pass
- Lauberhorn
- Staubbach Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen
Highlights of Interlaken to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald
- Eiger Express
- Grindelwald Terminal – practical terminal that allows you to reach either Eiger Glacier or Männlichen Mountain.
- Grindelwald First, Bachalpsee, and Pfingstegg – Although you will not see these on the way to Jungfraujoch, you can visit these places in Grindelwald after.
Whichever route you choose to lead you from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, I hope you enjoy it.
* Disclosure: By clicking on our affiliate links, you may support TouringSwitzerland.com while incurring no additional costs. We appreciate your support!
Related Posts
- Zurich To Jungfraujoch Train: All You Need To Know
- Geneva To Jungfraujoch Train: All You Need To Know
- Basel To Jungfraujoch Train: All You Need To Know
- Jungfraujoch – When is the Best Time to Visit?
- Where Is Eiger Express? Here Is an Overview
- How to Spend 1 Day in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Related Posts: Interlaken
- Zurich to Interlaken Train: All You Need To Know
- Geneva to Interlaken Train: All You Need To Know
- Interlaken: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit
- Interlaken, Switzerland: An Excellent Base in Bernese Oberland
- How to Get From Interlaken to Eiger Express
Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.