From Interlaken: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch Mountain in Lauterbrunnen

Jungfraujoch is the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps and one of the most popular attractions in Switzerland. The mountain, which is located at an altitude of 11,335 feet (3,470 meters), offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. If you’re visiting Interlaken and looking for an adventurous day trip, a visit to Jungfraujoch is a must. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacular mountain.

Getting to Jungfraujoch

The closest town to Jungfraujoch is Lauterbrunnen, located in the Swiss canton of Bern. From Lauterbrunnen, visitors can take the Jungfrau Railway, which offers a unique experience as it winds its way up to the mountain’s summit station. The fastest way to get from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is to take the train from Interlaken Ost station. The journey takes about an hour and a half, but allow yourself plenty of time in case of delays or service disruptions.

Adventures at Jungfraujoch

One of the main attractions of Jungfraujoch is the view from the summit station, where visitors can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. From here you can also take the Sphinx Observatory, which will take you even higher up on the mountain (to an altitude of 11,716 feet/3,583m) and provides stunning views of nearby glaciers and mountains such as the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger.Another popular activity is a visit to the Ice Palace, located in one of the mountain’s many glacial caves. Here you’ll find amazing ice sculptures that were created by a team of professional ice artists. But don’t forget to dress warmly, as temperatures inside the Ice Palace can drop to as low as -2°C (28°F).

Hiking Around Jungfraujoch

The area around Jungfraujoch offers a number of different trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The Eiger Trail is one of the most popular options, leading visitors along a steep path around the nearby Eiger mountain. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also try “the marathon trail”, which runs for 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Lauterbrunnen to Kandersteg.

When To Visit Jungfraujoch

The best time to visit Jungfraujoch is during the summer months (roughly May to September) when the weather is usually mild and sunny. If you’re looking for a bit of winter magic though, you can also visit during the winter months (November to April) when temperatures at the summit can drop as low as -8C (17F). Be sure to dress warmly though, as temperatures tend to be cold even in summer!

Conclusion

Jungfraujoch is one of the most impressive mountains in Switzerland and provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s admiring the panoramic views from the summit station or exploring one of the numerous hiking trails that weave their way around the mountain, there really is something for everyone. As one of Switzerland’s most popular attractions, Jungfraujoch makes for an amazing day trip from Interlaken and one that you won’t forget anytime soon. For more information about this stunning mountain or to book your experience, visit GetYourGuide.

Insider’s Guide to Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken, Switzerland is a picturesque resort town located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Situated between the two stunning lakes of Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is not only a natural wonder but also a popular destination for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. In this insider’s guide, we will explore the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions in Interlaken.

Attractions

Interlaken is surrounded by stunning alpine mountains that offer plenty of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and skiing. Some of the top attractions in Interlaken are:

• Harder Kulm: Harder Kulm is a spectacular viewing point that offers panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. You can reach Harder Kulm by taking a funicular railway located near the Interlaken Ost train station.
• Lake Thun and Lake Brienz: These two lakes offer breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. You can take a cruise on the lakes or rent a boat and explore the surrounding countryside.
• Jungfraujoch: Jungfraujoch is a saddle between the Mönch and Jungfrau alpine peaks in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Dubbed as the ‘Top of Europe’, the spot offers unforgettable panoramic views and accessible year-round activities.
• Sphinx Observatory: Located at the Jungfraujoch summit, Sphinx Observatory is the highest observatory in the world. Visitors can enjoy stargazing and witness unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps.

Dining

Swiss cuisine is famous for its cheese, chocolate, and fondue. However, Interlaken’s restaurants offer a wide range of local and international cuisine. Here are some of the top dining spots in Interlaken:

• Swiss Chalet: Swiss Chalet offers a mix of traditional Swiss and international cuisine. The highlight of the restaurant is its cheese fondue, which many customers rave about.
• Hüsi Bierhaus: Hüsi Bierhaus is a traditional Swiss restaurant that offers an array of Swiss dishes, including veal sausage and rösti potato. You can also try different Swiss beers and wines.
• Goldener Anker: The Goldener Anker restaurant is located on the banks of the Aare River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The restaurant serves Swiss and international cuisine and is famous for its seafood dishes.
• Taj Palace: If you are craving Indian cuisine, then head over to Taj Palace. The restaurant offers a variety of Indian dishes including vegetarian, vegan, and meat options.

Cultural Experiences

Interlaken is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. From music and dance festivals to museums and exhibitions, the city has plenty of cultural experiences to offer. Here are a few that you should not miss:

• Unspunnenfest Festival: The Unspunnenfest Festival is a traditional Swiss festival held once every twelve years. The festival showcases cultural traditions like yodeling, flag-throwing, and alphorn playing.
• Jungfrau Music Festival: The Jungfrau Music Festival is a classical music festival that takes place in July every year. The festival features international artists and orchestras, who perform at different venues across Interlaken.
• Tourist Museum: The Tourist Museum is a small museum located in Interlaken West train station. It showcases the history of tourism in the region.
• Art Cahoots: Art Cahoots is a dynamic art and culture hub that showcases local and international contemporary artworks. The gallery also hosts concerts, workshops, and exhibitions.

Local History

Interlaken has a rich history dating back to the Roman times. The town’s history is closely intertwined with tourism, which started in the 19th century. Here are some must-visit places to learn more about the town’s history:

• Interlaken Castle: Interlaken Castle is a medieval castle built in the 12th century and once home to Swiss nobles. The castle now houses a regional museum with exhibits dating back to prehistoric times.
• Heimwehfluh: Heimwehfluh is a small mountain near Interlaken that offers stunning views of the town. There is also a small museum that showcases the development of tourism in the region.
• St. Beatus Caves: St. Beatus Caves are limestone caves located near Lake Thun. According to legend, the caves were once inhabited by a dragon who terrorized the region. A visit to the caves is a great way to learn more about the history and geology of the region.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to explore a more unusual side of Interlaken, then try these activities:

• Gelmerbahn Funicular: The Gelmerbahn is a funicular railway that offers a thrilling ride up a near-vertical slope. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
• Tandem Paragliding: Interlaken is a popular destination for paragliding enthusiasts. You can try a tandem paraglide with an experienced pilot and enjoy unforgettable views of the Swiss Alps.
• Lake Oeschinen: Lake Oeschinen is a beautiful lake located near Interlaken. You can hike or take a cable car to the lake and enjoy a picnic or paddleboat ride surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
• Hiking the Eiger Trail: The Eiger Trail is a scenic hiking trail that takes you across the base of the famous Eiger mountain. The trail offers stunning views of the valley below and the surrounding peaks.

In conclusion, Interlaken is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone. From stunning alpine scenery and outdoor activities to cultural experiences and delicious cuisine, there is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful town.