Jungfraujoch – When is the Best Time to Visit?

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Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to say that I have visited the “Top of Europe”? If you visit Jungfraujoch, you will be able to say it. Most visitors to Switzerland probably have Jungfraujoch on their bucket list. After all, it is one of the most popular mountains in Switzerland. In fact, thousands of visitors visit it daily. So if you are already decided on visiting Switzerland and Jungfraujoch, the next relevant question comes. When is the best time to visit Jungfraujoch?

When is the best time to visit Jungfraujoch?

The best time to visit Jungfraujoch would be in early summer. I would recommend June, in particular. June is off-season and that is why I would recommend this month. July would also be lovely weather-wise, but it is summer break. Most children and their parents will be off school for five to six weeks. Early September is also a good option, as summer break will be done by then.

I would recommend that you spend a few days in Bernese Oberland. Try to allocate at least two to three days in the region, and go up to Jungfraujoch during the best day of your stay. It will be worth it. It costs a lot to go up to Jungfraujoch. It would be a waste of time and money to go up when the visibility is bad or there is a snowstorm. There are many other beautiful villages and places to visit in Bernese Oberland, so three days won’t be enough to see the region anyway.

Tickets for Jungfraujoch can be purchased directly from Jungfrau Railways or through GetYourGuide.com. GetYourGuide.com offers the convenience of reserving your spot now and paying later. The company will automatically charge your card 72 hours before your activity begins. Additionally, you can book highly rated guided tours through them.

Where is Jungfraujoch?

Image from Jungfraujoch by aranha from Pixabay

Jungfraujoch, at 3,463 above sea level, is located in Bernese Oberland, Canton Bern. It is actually a saddle between Jungfrau (at 4,158 m above sea level) and Mönch (at 4,110 m above sea level).

Its slogan “Top of Europe” is not entirely 100% accurate. Going up to Jungfraujoch does not mean going to the highest point in Europe. For mountains, the highest point in Europe (i.e. the real “Top of Europe”) is Mount Elbrus in Russia at 5,642 meters above sea level. What it does give you is the chance to visit the highest mountain railway in Europe at 3,454 meters above sea level.

The journey to Jungfraujoch begins in Interlaken Ost. This train ride up to Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland’s classic experiences. In 1893, the project led by the pioneer Adolf Guyer-Zeller, aimed to bring people all the way up to Jungfrau. However, plans changed, and the saddle of Jungfraujoch became the train’s end station. Building the railway began in 1896. It was completed on the first of August 1912. The railway presently carries millions of people through some of Europe’s most beautiful Alpine scenery.

From Interlaken Ost, visitors transfer to the cable car in Grindelwald. Once done with the cable car, there is a transfer to the mountain ride going to Jungfraujoch.

From Jungfraujoch, views of the Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Männlichen, Schynige Platte, Harder Kulm, Grindelwald – First) and the Aletsch glacier are gorgeous. The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps at 23 kilometers. The views can even reach the Black Forest and beyond.

Things To Do in Jungfrau

Standing on the Jungfraujoch Mountain, at the height of 3,454 m above sea level, will surely give you a wonderful feeling. Things to do in Jungfrau are the following:

Sphinx Observation Deck – The Sphinx Observation Deck is an observatory accessed via the lift. It also goes up 108-meter high all within 25 seconds.
Alpine Sensation – The Alpine Sensation is a corridor between the Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace. Here, they provide insights as to how Jungfraujoch came about.
Eismeer – The Eismeer is a 5-minute stopover at the train station.
Ice Palace – The Ice Palace is an aisle created in Jungfraujoch and filled with sculptures of penguins, polar bears, and birds made of ice. It is approximately 1,000 square meters large and never warmer than -2 degrees Celsius.
Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven – The Lindt Chocolate store allows visitors to learn how chocolate is made. You can also shop in the store
Jungfrau Panorama – The Panorama provides visuals as to what it looks like in Jungfrau. This is especially useful when the weather isn’t perfect. But do still try to come on a good day.
Snow Fun Park – There is also a snow park with a Zip line open from June to October if weather permits.
Hikes across the glacier – For those who are keen, Grindelwald Sports offers a hike across the glacier on Jungfrau or two-day hikes across the great Aletsch Glacier.

Price of Tickets in Jungfraujoch

The round-trip tickets going up to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg cost CHF 210 per adult. Although the price is steep, some promotions run now and then. So you can also get it at discount.

There is a Berner Oberland Regional Pass which offers 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10-day passes. This allows unlimited travel on most trains, buses, boats, mountain railways, and cable cars, as well as discounts on local sights and attractions. As of 2021, the price to go to Jungfraujoch for Berner Oberland Regional Pass holders is only CHF 99 instead of CHF 210. If you buy this pass (as of February 2021), the following rides will be free: Mürren, Brienzer Rothorn (and ship), Grindelwald First, Grosse Scheidegg, Lauterbrunnen, Harder Kulm, Kleine Scheidegg, Oeschinensee, Niesen Kulm, Stockhorn, and more. Please check the website for more updated information.

Berner Oberland Regional Pass. Credits: regionalpass-berneroberland.ch

Staying in local accommodation entitles you also to a guest card. This can be good for discounts. Please check with your hotel or apartment host.

Restaurants in Jungfraujoch

There are numerous restaurants in Titlis serving deliciously traditional cuisine in the heart of this skiing and hiking area such as Gasthaus Gerachnialp, Bärghuis Jochpass, Restaurant Untertrübsee, and Restaurant Alpstübli.

Jungfraujoch restaurants list includes Aletsch self-serving restaurant, À la carte Restaurant Crystal, Sphinx bar, and Coffee bar.

Summary

My personal recommendation would be to visit Jungfraujoch in June when the weather is warm and sunny and the country is not busy with summer break.
Early September is also a good option. This is shortly after the summer break and won’t be as busy as July. The weather will still be mild and sunny.
If you can, avoid the peak summer season, which is typically in July.
It takes just under 4 hours to reach Jungfraujoch from Zurich and 100 minutes from Interlaken Ost.
From Jungfraujoch, you can see the Bernese Alps and the Aletsch glacier. The latter is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage list.