Jungfrau Railway, Switzerland
Known as the ‘top of Europe’, the Jungfrau Railway is certainly not for the fainthearted, a nine-kilometre journey ascending 11,332 ft to the highest railway station in Europe. The railway was built in 1912, running from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, a viewing and adventure platform located between the Bernese Highlands and the Valais in Switzerland.
Built into the Eiger and Mönch peaks, the railway runs almost entirely under the mountains though a tunnel and is one of Switzerland’s most scenic and exhilarating train rides. Experience icy wind across your face and snow crunching under your feet before heading into the ’Ice Palace’ with its Lindt chocolate tasting room, restaurants, shops and attractions, all at an altitude of 3,454 metres.
Prices from: CHf62
Departing from: Kleine Scheidegg, Switzerland
Journey length: 35 minutes
Jungfrau Railway route
The trip takes just 35 minutes in total, travelling for nine kilometres from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfrau, seven of those being through the Jungfrau tunnel. On the journey to the summit the train makes a stop at Eismeer within the middle of the tunnel, and passengers can disembark for five minutes to gaze out of windows built into the side of the mountain.
The train’s final stop is Jungfraubahn rail station, high up on a peak in a world of ice, rock and snow. However, it’s not just ice and snow at the top, in fact there’s a whole Sun Fun Park with attractions, four restaurants and two bars. Visit the Ice Palace, Omega’s Hole in One golfing experience or 250-metre corridor Alpine Sensation with a giant snow globe.
Jungfrau Railway train
Passengers are only on board for 35 minutes, but the train itself is comfortable and modern, boasting large panoramic windows to make them most of the fantastic views and countless photo ops.
Why we love it
This train is exhilarating and will get your endorphins pumping, from the ride within the mountain to emerging at the summit 3,454 metres high. It’s a little cheesy and touristy thanks to the attractions, restaurants and ships at the top, but for the views it’s an absolute must.