Jungfrau

Guided day trips from Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Bern regularly head to the Jungfrau region and typically include tickets for the cog train and, in some cases, stops at other scenic spots in Bernese Oberland. If visiting independently, buy a train ticket in advance and ride past the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall and through a mountain tunnel before arriving at the 11,330-foot (3,454-meter) Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station and the setting for the Sphinx Observatory.

• Jungfrau is covered with ice and snow nearly year-round, even in summer; wear a windproof jacket and bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

• Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness at the sky-high station.

• Book train tickets in advance as they frequently sell out; Jungfrau Travel Pass holders can ride the cog railway for free.

• The cog railway and the Jungfraujoch are accessible to wheelchair users.

The only way to get up to Jungfraujoch is via the cog mountain train. Board the train from Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wilderswil, Wengen, or Kleine Scheidegg. The journey from Interlaken to Jungfrau takes about two hours.

Jungfraujoch is open year-round. July and August are the busiest months. Clouds tend to come in later in the day, so arrive early for the best views.

For the best view from Jungfraujoch, head to the terrace in the Sphinx Observatory. From here you can see the Great Aletsch Glacier, which at 14 miles (23 kilometers) is the largest glacier in the Alps and the longest in all of Europe. Also look out for majestic Alpine peaks and—on a clear day—the borderlands of Germany and France. You can also explore the Ice Palace, where intricately carved ice sculptures are on display, and visit the café and souvenir shop.