Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip

Jungfraujoch, known as the 'Top of Europe,' is home to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres above sea level, accessible via the remarkable Jungfrau Railway that tunnels through the heart of the Eiger and Mönch mountains. The railway, completed in 1912 after 16 years of construction, is one of the greatest engineering feats in Swiss history. At the summit, visitors step out onto the Sphinx observation terrace for 360-degree views of the Aletsch Glacier — the longest glacier in the Alps at 23 km — and peaks stretching into France, Germany, and Italy on clear days. The Ice Palace, carved into the glacier itself, features ice sculptures and frozen corridors at a constant -3°C. The snow-covered plateau offers year-round snow activities including sledging and zip-lining. The journey to Jungfraujoch passes through Kleine Scheidegg, offering front-row views of the infamous North Face of the Eiger, one of the most challenging climbs in mountaineering history. The UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region encompasses some of the most spectacular high-alpine scenery in Europe.

Planning the wider trip? The Switzerland planning guide covers how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, realistic costs and a day-by-day itinerary that includes Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.