Welcome to 'the Top of Europe'. The Jungfraujoch, a ridge between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains at an elevation of almost three and a half thousand metres above sea level, is home to highest railway station in Europe. And the journey into the Bernese Alps in south-central Switzerland to reach this unique destination, a UNESCO natural 'World Heritage Site of the Swiss Alps', is truly unforgettable.
The route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, actually comprises three different railways. The first leg from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is on the Bernese Oberland Railway. This narrow-gauge line was opened to the public in 1890, and it is 12 miles in length. Over the course of the route, the line climbs 1,532 feet (467 metres) above sea level.
The line was electrified in 1914, and some of these locomotives survive for occasional use on special trains today. However, nowadays services are mostly run by specially-designed trains with low floors and large windows, built to maximise both comfort and the views of the beautiful Alpine scenery in the area. At Lauterbrunnen, the Wengernalp Railway runs to Kleine Scheidegg. Like the Bernese Oberland Railway, this is also a narrow-gauge line, and was opened for traffic in 1893.
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Whist a pass traversing the mountains here is believed to have existed for five or six centuries, glacial movement in the region buried it and no trace of this original route now exists. It was not until 1862 that another serious attempt at reaching the Jungfraujoch was made. Three decades later the Swiss entrepreneur and railway-builder Adolf Guyer-Zeller began construction of the nine-kilometre Jungfraubahnline from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch Station, which required the construction of a single tunnel through the Eiger and Mönch mountains.
Jungfraujoch's remarkable railway was inaugurated in August 1912. Now an unmissable attraction in the Bernese Oberland region, since 1997 more than five hundred thousand visitors take the opportunity each year to ascend into a vast and tranquil panorama of glittering mountain peaks and unending snow and ice.
Aletsch Glacier
The largest glacier in the Alps, and the longest ice river in Europe, the ancient and beautiful Aletsch Glacier stretches for around twenty-three kilometres. Part of the protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, guided walking tours are of the glacier are offered for those who wish to explore the flora, fauna and natural wonder of this stunning landscape.
Eispalast
Jungfraujoch's Eispalastis quite possibly the highest ice palace in the world. Carved into the glacier, the ice palace's large, vaulted chambers contain intricate ice sculptures of various themes including animals, birds, vehicles and people as well as a bar area which, including furniture, is also entirely sculpted from ice. Entry to the Eispalast is free for Jungfraubahn ticket holders.
Sphinx Observatory Viewing Terrace
Whist the Sphinx Observatory research facility, which conducts research in the fields of astronomy, meteorology and air quality, is not open to the public the superb observation terrace that entirely surrounds the building is, allowing visitors to obtain breath-taking 360 degree views of this mountainous winter wonderland.
03/05/2024 · By Sam Preece
In the heart of Switzerland lies a realm of unparalleled beauty and adventure - the Jungfrau region. Amidst the Swiss Alps, this destination is home to a towering trio of peaks - the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
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24/08/2023 · By Sam Priestley
Winter in Europe is a magical time, filled with Christmas markets, snow topped mountains, glaciers, and Glühwein. But winter holidays do require a little more thought when it comes to packing than summer holidays. T shirts and swimsuits are easy, but considering the temperatures and the equipment you might need to make the most of a winter holiday is a bit more in depth. To get the right ratio between having everything you need and packing light for travelling can be tricky, but never fear, here’s our handy guide to packing the essentials for a winter holiday in Europe.
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15/08/2023 · By Great Rail Journeys
Renowned for its majestic Alps and stunning landscapes, Switzerland offers an unparalleled experience for winter sightseeing. One of the best ways to explore the beauty of this alpine wonderland is by hopping aboard the country's scenic train routes. Chugging past enchanting villages set against snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes, Switzerland by rail in winter is nothing short of breath-taking.
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11/08/2023 · By Sam Priestley
There’s nothing more Christmassy than snowy mountains, frosted fir trees, and twinkling fairy lights, and in the Swiss Alps all of this comes with some very festive traditions. Some of these Christmas customs are similar to those enjoyed in the rest of Europe, while others are a little more unusual. We take a closer look at the culture of Christmas in the Swiss Alps.
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