Jungfrau Mountain: Top of Europe Switzerland
Who can guess there is a major attraction at 3400 meters above sea level, Jungfraujoch, in between the mountain peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch! It is an amazing idea and creation, this Switzerland’s premier tourist attraction, building a rail track all the way up cutting through nature.
My family had mixed reaction about this destination. While all in my family loved the Top of Europe experience, I alone felt it was sheer waste of time, money and energy. The only precious memory I have is the joy and happiness of my kids (including that of the biggest kid in my family – my husband!).
The Jungfrau-Aletsch Region was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2001. 
Trip to Jungfrau Top of Europe
We took train to Jungfrau Mountain, also called as Top of Europe. The people of Swiss have bored a long tunnel of 7.3km through Eiger Mountain to reach Jungfraujoch which is the highest railway station of Europe.
It is one of the main mountain tops of Bernese Alps. The train to top stops at 2 stations for 5 minutes. You can choose to halt at them for loo break and even for photography. Both stations are excellent viewpoints. We got down at Eismeer Station but then quickly changed mind and got back into the train.
The train journey is a long one hour ride from Grindelwald in darkness to reach this Top of Europe. This part of the journey was most boring for me.
Thank your stars if you get clear weather up there, you will be treated to some spectacular views. During our trip there we didn’t get the much anticipated clear views of the mountains, none the less we enjoyed. Indeed a great feeling to be at this altitude of 11,333ft.
For those like me who have spent their entire lives in tropical regions, it will be easy to imagine the thrill of experiencing snow. For the first few minutes we were at Top of Europe we forgot the biting cold. It reminded of the trip to Lucerne a year back : Best Mount Titlis Tour
We wandered around with extended palms, trying to grab the falling snow flakes, rubbing them between our fingers to find the exact texture and I even put it in my mouth to find its crunchiness and taste. Our feet were sinking into the soft powdery snow and we were totally unmindful of it.
It was snowing heavily and the Sphinx Observatory was hardly visible. None of the tourists seemed to mind. All were busy enjoying and welcoming the snow fall with extended palms.
Lot of activities were going on like skiing, hiking, snowboarding. I guess some kind of training and experience is required to do them, for novices like me it is better to watch these activities.
Ice Palace at Jungfrau
The Ice Palace there had some excellent displays. Various figures sculpted out of ice. Tunnels carved in ice, thanks to whoever had the idea of fixing hand rails on the sides of the tunnels, they help prevent many slips and falls.
Time just melted off here watching the amazing sculpted pieces, another great engineering feat here at this altitude! Inside and venturing out from here we took countless pictures.
Which is better Mount Titlis or Jungfrau?
I had been to Mount Tilis near Lucerne. Both Mount Titlis and Jungfrau are spectacular destinations in Switzerland. Each has their own unique features and attractions.
The ride in Titlis Rotair revolving cable car to reach summit of Mount Titlis is memorable for its stunning views. I still remember the views of surrounding mountains and glaciers, as well as the beautiful valleys below. At the summit we could explore the Glacier Cave, walk the Cliff Walk, and take the Ice Flyer chairlift over the glacier.
The scenic train journey to the summit of Jungfrau is longer. It goes through picturesque mountain villages, stunning valleys, and snow-covered peaks. If you are lucky, on a clear day, you get the view the famous Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps. The Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from the summit.
Both destinations offer unique experiences and breathtaking views, making it difficult to say which one is better.
It ultimately depends on your personal interests and preferences. If you are interested in a thrilling cable car ride and exploring caves and walking paths, then Mount Titlis may be the better option. It is easier on the pocket too. However, if you prefer a scenic train journey and want to see the largest glacier in the Alps, then Jungfrau may be the better option for you.
In my opinion the trip is exorbitantly priced, even with Swiss Rail pass we had to dole out quite a lot of precious francs for this Top of Europe, Jungfrau excursion. It is 4 francs for a small bottle of water there! I had read that they charge to use the washroom there but it was free, thankfully!
Activities in Jungfrau Top of Europe
Here is a list of activities you can indulge in when you are Jungfraujoch. Bit of planning studying these and those mentioned in their website will help make it a memorable trip to Top of Europe.
Jungfrau Panorama: There is a 360 degrees panoramic film as soon as you arrive on the top. But the interest in it fizzled out for us when we got to see the real views. But you do get a clearer picture in the film compared to when it snowing outside.
Alpine Sensation: They have made a wonderful presentation of the hardship and experiences the team went through to make Jungfraujoch possible. I was shocked to learn some lost their lives in the process of making this. Hats off to their untiring team spirit!
Sphinx – The International Research Station is worth a visit. Sadly we missed it that day. The elevator ride up to this observatory comes at an extra cost but since the weather didn’t seem fine we were not sure if we would get those breathtaking views.
Snow Park: Have loads of fun at Snow Park in the snow.
Ice Palace: We are glad we could do this. I have some precious pictures from this place.
Mönchsjochhütte: a 45 minutes’ walk offers you a glimpse of life in the cold in this scenic spot. Must do activity during the summers. We missed this too.
Some tips and lessons from my trip
Always, always check weather forecast before you plan your visit.
Take enough clothes and more especially if you are travelling with kids, especially socks and gloves.
Try and reach early to have a good crowd free experience.
No need to reserve seats, as there are enough seats unless of course someone with weak knees is travelling with you.
The air thins out as you get to top, so slow down a bit. Remember your excitement rubs on to your children too. Nevertheless medical help is available.
Keep a pack of light eats with you, kids and adults both tend to get hungrier here after all the excitement.
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I visited Jungfraujoch a few years ago too and absolutely loved the Ice Palace. We were way luckier than you with the weather though. Although it was in early May, their shoulder season, the weather was absolutely perfect. Warm and sunny! I’d love to return to Jungfraujoch someday.
Travel to the top of Europe is really a great experience, we were there a couple of years ago and were bowled over by the sheer beauty of the Alps. Your post brought back wonderful memories of Switzerland.
This is amazing.Beautiful ice sculptures!
Was a great place. AM yet to blog about it…
That must be quite an experience 🙂 Those ice sculptures are super.
Wow this is amazing.. when I visited Swiss, it was New year eve and due to snow Jungfrau was closed for travelers 🙁
Lovely pics! Thanks to your blog, I come to know about so many interesting places!
Cool post, enjoyed reading it.
Wow lovely. this has been on my bucket list for such a long time. Your post has just increased my desire to be there.
love ice sculptures. They accept a very cold winter over here in the Netherlands. We will wait and see.
It would be a nice trip and a good experience for you, the photos were just beautiful.
I love snow filled areas
Pheno
Very interesting!
The first impressions of snow are always those of wonder and mystery. The first time I saw snow was when I was five. We were in the Netherlands for a year. We returned to Indonesia before the war in Europe broke out. Two years later Indonesia was at war with Japan.
The ice sculptures are wonderful. In the north of Sweden there is an ice hotel. Every piece of furniture is made of ice, even the beds. Every year in summer the whole hotel melts, and in winter there is a new hotel.
Ice sculptures… Wow… I wanna go there, now!!!
Dhenupurishwarar Temple
It must have been a wonderful trip. Oh! what a lovely place and the ice palace looks wonderful. Pictures looks natural.
These beautiful pictures really give the right atmosphere!
Brrrr.. cold, but so lovely! 🙂
Interesting!
Another great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Great photos, Indrani. It feels like you are on top of the world there. Wonderful memories from my trip there. I have some photos from the ice cave too.
How wonderful for you to enjoy the delights of snow!
what an amazing experience this must be. i've never experienced really snow, except for some flurries when i'm traveling the US. the ice sculptures are fascinating.
wonderful icy trip…
wow! can imagine your excitement!
I imagine that when one is not used to being in snow it is an awe-inspiring experience. You described what it is like to be immersed in it for the first time very well. I, too, noticed the cost of bottled water is high in Switzerland, considering it is much like melted snow. 🙂
Thanks for sharing , this is really wonderful . We too share the same feeling when we see the snow .
Interesting trip. Ice sculptures are great.
It must have been a unique experience.. Great to see the pics..!
I cannot imagine what it would be like to see snow for the first time so I LOVED reading about your experience. Here snow is such a natural happening – every winter without fail. 🙂
wow! Interesting post. The Ice Palace looks interesting and I can't imagine an hour in a tunnel! I'll take some of that cold weather! Way too hot here.
What the Swiss can do! Fabulous stuff. That cold must have been a strange experience. Thanks for showing us the ice palace.
I feel so cold, brrrrr, I mean, freezing. But, the pictures are superb.
This would be an unforgettable experience even for those of us who grew up with snow and cold. The ice sculptures are very interesting.
Hi dear friend Indrani,
There are extremely pleased that you report once more from our beautiful Switzerland. Yes, the Jungfraujoch is a grosaartige hochgebirsstation middle of the Bernese Alps. Every year I spend some days in Grindelwald and in these wonderful mountains.
Many greetings from Switzerland
Hans-Peter
What a great experience. I love the ice sculptures.
Brrrr…..thats very cold, but your pictures are great.
oh so they don't use euro out there?
i love snow, but of course we don't get snow here in california so whenever i see it, i get extremely excited.
hope your girls enjoyed the snow.
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Oh, wow! what a great experience! I raised my family in Montana, so lots of snow was common, but I can imagine how amazing it was for you! Great post and captures as always, Indrani! Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia