Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

This is one of the must-go places when you’re in Switzerland. What so special about Jungfraujoch? It is the Top of Europe (3’454 meter). For me, I know that it is slightly impossible for me to climb Mount Everest, but at least I went to the Top of Europe without climbing, just trains. At first, I thought that Jungfraujoch will be just a boring place because I remember that I went to Mount Titlis and it was nothing but snow (put in mind that at that time I was a small kid that wasn’t really impressed by nature). My expectation was wrong and I had a very enjoyable time and good memories of Jungfraujoch.

How to Get There?

To get to Jungfraujoch, I would say it’s easy. Despite of the many changes of trains, it doesn’t bother me at all to look at the amazing scenery while in the train. First, I went to Interlaken West and from there, the journey begins. You can get to Interlaken West by any kind of transportation, I guess. I went with the train. From Interlaken West, I bought the ticket to Jungfraujoch and it was CHF 105.- (I have the Swiss half fare card), but the original price is CHF 210.- for an adult. I know I’m gonna say it again, it’s expensive. However, it is including the return ticket as well and it’s not like you do it every day, once in a lifetime occasion.

I was quite shocked how rural Lauterbrunnen and other villages are. I even witnessed a group of cows using the car lane to walk. Once you stepped down from the train in Lauterbrunnen, you cannot miss the Staubbach Falls, which is visible from every angle in Lauterbrunnen. What I like the most from this trip is the fact that it was autumn and all the trees are turning orange, yellow, or red. Mountain and forest view from the Lauterbrunnen was truly refreshing my eyes and soul.

So from the Interlaken West, I took train to Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Eismeer, and finally arrive in Jungfraujoch. There are trains that are not going directly to Jungfraujoch and you must constantly check the train schedule on each train station. Don’t forget to indulge the nice view from the trains. The train trip from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen has the most beautiful aerial view of Lauterbrunnen. I was stopping in Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg along the way to Jungfraujoch. Every stops towards Jungfraujoch was worth the view and time. That is way it need one day to just visit Jungfraujoch.

What to Do in Jungfraujoch?

I went to jungfraujoch during autumn, end of October to be exact, and the wind was very strong that it literally continually slapping my face. Jungfraujoch is a one-day activity if you intended to also visit the villages along the way. In Jungfraujoch itself, there are many things to do and see. It is suitable for all ages. Most of the activities in Jungfraujoch are inside the building, but still I would highly suggest to go during a sunny day just because it would be prettier to take the mountain and villages pictures.

What’s my favorite from Jungfraujoch?

One of my favorite things from Jungfraujoch is this giant snow globe I found from the ‘Alpine Sensation’ (you can see it in the map of Jungfraujoch). The snow globe had miniature inside it and it was all in motion and even play some songs and continuously changing the lights. The snow globe called ‘Little Dreams of Switzerland’ which I think is very sweet and I couldn’t take my eyes from it.

There’s also ice carvings (which I’m not sure it’s 100% from ice) and it shaped like animals, crystals and other.

What to Eat in Jungfraujoch?

Walking around Jungfraujoch surely made me hungry. After my friend and I finished our lap in Jungfraujoch, nothing is better than eating cheese fondue at the Top of Europe. Those view of mountain covered with thick, white snow. The name of the restaurant is Crystal Restaurant Panorama View, because they have the panorama view of mountains by the window. My friend and I ordered Classic Cheese Fondue. To order a cheese fondue, there’s usually minimum person to order one. For example, in the Crystal Restaurant, the min. person eating the cheese fondue is two, but per person has to pay CHF 28.50-. Honestly about the taste, it wasn’t the best (especially when you already tried the one in Gruyères) because the amount of alcohol in the cheese fondue. However, it was a generous portion of cheese fondue and when you eat it while observing the amazing view, I don’t mind to eat there again. Let’s start dipping those breads, potatoes and pickles.

What to bring home from Jungfraujoch?

I would bring home Lindt Chocolate from Jungfraujoch, just because they have the premium chocolate with Jungfraujoch on the cover. So people that I’ll give the chocolate will know that I bought this chocolate not just from any normal store. Souvenirs from Jungfraujoch are great gifts to bring home too. Whether it is for yourself to remind you about the trip or for someone else. I always buy postcards wherever I go to remind myself that I’ve been there. But be smart when buying one, buy the one that has a uniqueness or an illustration. Because if it just a normal photo, anyone can take that picture too!

P.S.: This post supposed to be published four months ago! Now you know what a Great Procrastinator I am. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog 🙂