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Lucerne is a small and pretty town in the heart of Switzerland that sits amidst a fjord-like lake and majestic mountains. It attracts visitors from all over the globe. Lucerne is often the starting point for visitors to the Alps. Many tourists head from Lucerne to Titlis and Jungfraujoch.
Where is Jungfraujoch?
In the Bernese Oberland, Jungfraujoch – also known as the Top of Europe – is one of the most popular destinations.
Jungfraujoch, which sits at 3,463 meters above sea level, is actually a saddle between Jungfrau (4,158 meters above sea level) and Mönch (4,110 meters above sea level).
Some tourists start their journey from Jungfraujoch in Lucerne. From Lucerne, you have three options.
- Classic Train Route from Lucerne via Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen
- Modern Train Route from Lucerne via Interlaken Ost, Grindelwald Terminal, and the Eiger Express.
- A guided tour that takes you from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch and back.
If you would like to learn more about Jungfrau and Jungfraujoch, you can check out our article Jungfrau and Jungfraujoch: What Is the Difference?
There are three ways to reach Jungfraujoch from Lucerne and they couldn’t be more different. So what are these three options? Let’s find out more.
Option 1: Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen – Wengen
First, there is the classic train route. It is a slower scenic train ride through Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg on the way to the Eiger Glacier and Jungfraujoch from Lauterbrunnen.
Here is the route that you will have to take from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen:
- Interlaken Ost – The first part of your journey will be by the Lucerne-Interlaken Express train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost. It is a beautiful journey passing through picturesque lakes and the Brünig Pass.
- Lauterbrunnen – After arriving at Interlaken Ost, you will change to the regional train that will bring you to Lauterbrunnen village. As soon as you arrive at Lauterbrunnen train station, you will take the Wengernalpbahn (WAB). Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Grindelwald are connected to the Kleine Scheidegg by the Wengernalpbahn. The railway is also the world’s longest continuous rack railway with a length of 19,114 meters.
- Wengen – As you ascend the mountain from Lauterbrunnen, you will be able to see almost the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley before you arrive in the car-free village of Wengen. No need to change your train. The train will continue its journey all the way up to Kleine Scheidegg.
- Kleine Scheidegg – Following the stop in Wengen, it will 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 – You will need to change trains in Kleine Scheidegg to reach Eiger Gletscher. From there you will board the train ascending to Jungfraujoch.
| Route from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Interlaken Ost and Lauterbrunnen | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lucerne – Interlaken Ost | 1 hour 49 minutes |
| Interlaken Ost – Lauterbrunnen | 20 minutes |
| Lauterbrunnen – Kleine Scheidegg via Wengen | 38 minutes |
| Kleine Scheidegg – Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) | 5 minutes |
| Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) – Jungfraujoch | 26 minutes |
The total travel time from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen is 4 hours and 5 minutes.
Option 2: Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald – Eiger Express
Alternatively, you can travel from Lucerne 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 route that you will have to take from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Interlaken Ost and Grindelwald:
- Interlaken Ost – The first part of your journey will be by the Lucerne-Interlaken Express train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost. It is a beautiful journey passing through picturesque lakes and the Brünig Pass.
- Grindelwald Terminal – From Interlaken Ost, 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 – From Grindelwald Terminal, you will take the Eiger Express cable car to Eiger Glacier. From there you will board the train ascending to Jungfraujoch.
Note: Should the Eiger Express not be running or you prefer an alternative, there is a train that will take you from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg. It also stops at Grindelwald Grund, Brandegg, and Alpiglen on the way.
Eiger Express
The Eiger Express opened on December 5, 2020. As its name suggests, the Eiger Express is a state-of-the-art tri-cable gondola lift. It is also called the 3S gondola. It is one of the world’s most modern 3S gondolas.
3S gondola lifts can support great lengths and weights without having to erect many support towers. Along the 6.5 km length from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier, there are only 7 support towers. Isn’t it amazing? The carrier cable facilitates this process using 3S technology. Thus, the Eiger Express has been designed with minimal impact on nature and blends in more with the environment.
After you arrive at the Eiger Glacier, you will board the train ascending to Jungfraujoch.
| Route from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lucerne – Interlaken Ost | 1 hour 49 minutes |
| Interlaken Ost – Grindelwald Terminal | 29 minutes |
| Grindelwald Terminal – Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) | 20 minutes |
| Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) – Jungfraujoch | 26 minutes |
The total travel time from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald Terminal is 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Option 3: Guided Tour via GetYourGuide
A third option would be to join a 10-hour guided tour from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch. 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.
With your multilingual guide, you will travel over the Brünig Pass and along the shores of Lake Brienz from Lucerne. Following a short break in Interlaken, you will travel to the Grindelwald Terminal. Eiger Glacier will be reached via the Eiger Express cable car from the Grindelwald Terminal. After you change to a cogwheel train, 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 Lauterbrunnen, where your coach waits for you to head back to Lucerne.
To book the tour from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via GetYourGuide, simply click here – From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Which route to Jungfraujoch is better?
The best route really 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 really 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.
Hotels in Lucerne
We’ve got some hotel suggestions for Lucerne in case you haven’t booked yours:
- Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (5-star) – Directly on the lake, this refined hotel is located in the old town of Lucerne. You’ll also find a gym, a spa, and modern furniture amid elegant interiors. A 10-minute walk gets you to the train station.
- Grand Hotel National Luzern (5-star) – A luxurious hotel built in the 1870s. Close to the train station and the historic old town, this hotel has elegant interiors, fantastic lake views, and a swimming pool.
- Hermitage Lake Lucerne (4-star) – Set on the shores of Lake Lucerne, this tranquil hotel is a great place to relax. While it’s a little outside of the city, it has stunning views and refined restaurants. There’s also a beach club with daybeds, lounges, drinks, snacks, and cool music. Party boats are available to rent or you can take public boats that stop right outside the hotel. My family has stayed here and has loved it. I highly recommend it.
- AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora (4-star) – Near the train station and the Chapel Bridge, this hotel has chic rooms and a great breakfast.
- Hotel Rebstock (4-star) – A historic, half-timbered hotel dating from the late Middle Ages, Hotel Rebstock is one of the 16 Unique and Historical Hotels in Switzerland. It is ideally located near the Hof Church, the Lion Monument, and the Glacier Garden.
- Hotel Central Luzern (3-star) – In a central location near the train station, the chapel bridge, the old town, and the Rosengart Collection, Hotel Central Luzern offers bright, clean, recently renovated rooms, as well as a delicious breakfast. The rooms are reasonably priced. As a result of the hotel’s central location, you might hear some noise at night.
- Backpackers Luzern (Hostel) – The Backpackers Luzern is on the shores of Lake Lucerne, in a quiet area. Besides free kitchen facilities and WiFi, this charming hostel has a common lounge area with table tennis and table soccer. Each room has comfortable beds and a balcony. Walking to Lucerne’s train station takes less than 15 minutes.
Whichever route you choose to lead you from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch, I hope you enjoy it.
Related Posts
- How to Get From Interlaken to Jungfraujoch: Your Options
- Best Way to Get To Jungfraujoch
- Where Is Eiger Express? Here Is an Overview
- Kleine Scheidegg and How to Get There
- 9 Best Things To Do in Lucerne, Switzerland
- 8 Prettiest Towns Near Lucerne
- Closest Mountains To Visit From Lucerne
- Why Lucerne Is Worth Visiting and What to Expect
- Jungfraujoch – When is the Best Time to Visit?
- 10 Best Day Trips from Lucerne
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.