Jungfraujoch – Top of the Europe!
Itinerary Summary:
Experience the top of Europe by train, dine in a Michelin star restaurant, and enjoy wellness at a beautiful spa hotel. Customize your journey with a planning session.
Let’s talk about the train first, as I’m entirely smitten with train travel, especially in Switzerland. What a marvel of engineering! This train takes you to places that usually require an arduous and frightening car trip. But with Swiss trains, you simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Jungfraujoch train journey is one of those experiences that feels like you’ve been swept away to a different version of Earth. To me the train portion IS a destination in itself. (I find that to be true with all of Switzerland).
You start in green valleys and little mountain villages, then slowly climb into a world of rock, ice, tunnels, and glacier views. Half the magic is watching the scenery change from cozy alpine Switzerland into something much more dramatic and otherworldly. There’s little to do but sit in awe staring out of the window.
The final stretch up to Jungfraujoch brings you to the highest railway station in Europe, with access to the Sphinx viewing terrace, the Ice Palace, snowy viewpoints, and huge views over the Aletsch Glacier. The entire experience gives you appreciation for Swiss engineering, and makes you wonder why the rest of the world hasn’t caught up.
Tips:
- Reserve your seat if you’re going in the busier months (June through August and during the winter holidays (December to March)
- Go early before the biggest crowds arrive.
- Bring layers even in summer.
- I always say: bring an umbrella for the sun. You’ll be glad you did.
The Itinerary Basics:
- Go up early, take your time at the glacier viewpoints.
- Have a treat at the top. Take your time enjoying the views.
- Come back down and turn the evening into a proper wellness recovery: spa, sauna, and an extraordinary dinner.
Nearby Michelin Star Experience: 1910 Gourmet by Hausers, Grindelwald
Nearby Spa Experience: Belvedere Hotel Spa
In the same hotel as 1910, you’ll find an extremely well appointed spa, which does allow entry to non-guests for a fee if you aren’t staying at the Belvedere . Prices as of the time of this writing are below. Facilities include pool, whirlpool, outdoor saltwater Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, glacier steam bath, heat mine gallery, and experience showers.
Spa Details:
Swimming pool: CHF 27 adults
Saunas, 2 hours: CHF 37 adults
Specials until 12:00 and from 20:00: CHF 22 / CHF 32
Bathrobe rental: CHF 10
Slippers: CHF 5
Does this type of itinerary appeal to you? Allow me to help you customize and book: Easily schedule a chat on my calendar.