About Switzerland’s Jungfraujoch and Interlaken

Switzerland is home to the highest point of Europe, the famed Jungfraujoch and for more than 100 years the Jungfrau railway has been making this journey to the Top of Europe! Today, Jungfraujoch is situated in the heart of the UNESCO heritage site “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch”. All year-round, the railway runs up to the top through a tunnel to the Jungfraujoch from Kleine Scheidegg; the tunnel that leads up to the Eigergletscher station is a total of seven kilometers in length and was built between 1896 and 1912. Notably, along the Jungfrau railway, there is one stop within the tunnel offers an incredible view of the Eiger North Face, while on the summit, you have an amazing opportunity to absorb the wonders of Jungfraujoch‘s high-Alpine.

Switzerland’s Interlaken fascinating Swiss geography is comprised of stunning lakes and mountains e.g. Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the towing Swiss mountains of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. When planning a tour in Switzerland, Interlaken is an ideal starting point for countless excursions with over 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chair lifts and ski lifts that all lead to 200 kilometers of ski and Swiss hiking trails. Interlaken is also a great starting point for lake vessels that cruise the waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Interlaken is a great getaway with its natural surroundings, crystal-clear waters and snow-covered peaks that all heighten that romantic feeling and unparalleled relaxation.

“Around Interlaken, unique hideaways can be found that promise a relaxing break from everyday life. A luxurious boat house as a spa facility with views of the snowy mountains and hot pots on the pier are just two examples of the unique gems on offer. The power of water is evident wherever you go: The deep blue waters of Lake Thun, the magical turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, and the deafening Giessbach Falls are just as impressive in winter, too. For a particularly delightful experience, look no further than Brienz, where cheese fondue is served under the canopy of the sky.” – official Switzerland site. 

Key points of your tour in Switzerland to Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe” and Interlaken Region:

• Travel to the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”
• Discover the unique scenic views the Interlaken Region (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Kleine-Scheidegg and more)
• Explore Switzerland’s famous Staubbach Falls and the exclusive Swiss mountains
• Walk through the Swiss town of Interlaken and taste authentic Swiss chocolate (Optional)

Jungfraujoch Highlights

Jungfraujoch Switzerland is most notably one of the most popular destinations, while Lucerne is famed for being absolutely scenic city located in central Switzerland that offers a unique blend of Swiss charm and natural beauty. The combination of these two locations offers an incredible Swiss journey that will be unforgettable!

1. Highest Altitude in Europe: Jungfraujoch has an elevation of 3,466 meters (11,371 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the Swiss Alps, and of Europe! This should be on everyone’s bucket-list – the scenic train ride up to the summit, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

2. At the Top of Europe: Jungfraujoch is often referred to as the “Top of Europe”, and yes, it is the highest train station in Europe.! The panoramic views of the Swiss Alps from the viewing platform, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, are breathtakingly beautiful.

3. The Ice Palace: The Ice Palace is a popular attraction at Jungfraujoch, one can explore a series of tunnels and rooms carved out of ice as well as ice sculptures, frozen waterfalls, and even a bar made entirely of ice.

4. The Alpine Sensation: The Alpine Sensation is a multimedia exhibit that takes visitors on a journey through the history and culture of the Swiss Alps, it features interactive displays, sound effects, and a light show that showcases the beauty and diversity of the region.

5. The Research station: Jungfraujoch is also HQ to a number of research stations and observatories that study a variety of scientific topics e.g. climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and astronomy.

Interlaken Highlights

1. The Great Outdoors: Interlaken is another fantastic destination within Switzerland for outdoor enthusiasts via its broad range of activities e.g. hiking, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, and mountain biking.

2. Lake Brienz and Lake Thun: Two lakes, one location, Interlaken… You will be amazed by the sheer beauty of the surrounding mountains and lake backdrops!

3. Swiss Chocolate and Cheese: Interlaken is well-known for its delicious Swiss chocolate and cheese! Imagine sampling and purchasing these local specialties at various Swiss chocolate shops and Swiss cheese factories in the town.

4. The Adventure Parks: If you are planning to bring your kids then Interlaken has a number of adventure parks for you and your family e.g. Seilpark Interlaken and the Grindelwald First Flyer, where you can enjoy zip lining, rope courses, and other thrilling activities.

5. The Harder Kulm: The Harder Kulm Peak offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes with a funicular railway to the top to enjoy the panoramic views.

6. The Swiss Alpine Villages: Interlaken is surrounded by charming alpine villages e.g. Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, which offer unparalleled Swiss scenery and traditional Swiss architecture.

Jungfraujoch’s Geographic Importance

Jungfraujoch is a saddled between the peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch, and is one of the highest points in Europe that can be reached by train. It’s an important site for a handful of scientific research and is considered to be a high-altitude research station. The station is HQ for several research facilities and observatories e.g. those that study atmospheric physics, meteorology, and climate change:

1. Glacier Formation: As Jungfraujoch has been shaped by glacial activity for thousands of years (the Aletsch Glacier), and is considered to be the largest glacier in the Alps, the glacier’s formation and movement provide important insights into the geological history of the region.

2. Monitoring Climate Change: Jungfraujoch has been an important site for studying climate change via its vantage point for monitoring changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climate variables. Scientists have been and continue to study the region’s glaciers and snowfields, collecting valuable data that can definitely assist us better understand the impacts of climate change on the Alps and elsewhere.

3. Transportation Network: The railway line that connects Jungfraujoch to the town of Kleine Scheidegg is a remarkable feat of engineering as it passes through several tunnels and bridges, while providing an important transportation link between the towns and cities of the region.

Interlaken Geographical Importance

Interlaken is an important Swiss town located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, situated between two lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. As Interlaken is strikingly beautiful Swiss town, it’s well known that Interlaken is a popular destination for locals as well as internationals – thus attracting millions of visitors per year for its natural beauty, unique location, and access to recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and paragliding. But more importantly is Interlaken’s other roles that span from as a transportation hub to its hydroelectric power to its biodiversity and geological significance.

Many are unaware that Interlaken is an important transportation hub for the region via its several major highways as well as railway lines that all pass through the town e.g. The Interlaken Ost Railway Station provides connections to destinations throughout the region.

As for Interlaken’s role in hydroelectric power, today Interlaken is home to several hydroelectric power plants that harness the energy of the rivers and streams flowing from the surrounding mountains that all provides power to the surrounding region and the local communities, thus reducing the region’s dependence on fossil fuels. This in-turn supports a strong environmental consciousness that reduces its negative impacts on the forests and meadows surrounding Interlaken. And that directly provides habitat for a variety of plant and animal species to thrive, including several rare and endangered species. Today, Interlaken is home to several nature reserves and protected areas that are important for conservation.

Interlaken’s geological importance is in relation to Jungfrau and Eiger, that are composed of a variety of geological formations. Today these formations provide insights into the geological history of the region as the region is also prone to geological hazards e.g. landslides and rockfalls, making it an important location for studying natural hazards.

Jungfraujoch’s Cultural Influences

Located within the Swiss Alps, Jungfraujoch is renown for its natural beauty as well as being a population destination for both local and internationals. From ancient times til today, Jungfraujoch is strongly influenced by the unique Alpine landscape that can be witnessed via the traditions of the Swiss people who live in the surrounding towns and villages.

One of Jungfraujoch’s cultural distinctivenesses is its tradition of Alpine farming, for centuries farmers in the area have raised livestock and cultivated crops in the challenging mountain terrain. An important aspect of local cuisines and culture is situation around the Alpine pastures that are used for grazing cattle and of course locally produce cheese. As for other local cuisines in Jungfraujoch, it is heavily influenced by the region’s agricultural traditions that features dishes which include cheeses, meats, and seasonal vegetables. To name a few popular local dishes, we would have to include raclette, fondue, and rösti, which are all often served with regional wines and spirits.

Anyone familiar with the basics of Switzerland, often finds themselves day dreaming about living in a traditional Swiss chalet. Swiss chalets are distinctive by their wooden architecture and decorative motifs, an important aspect of the local culture in Jungfraujoch. Swiss chalets are found throughout the region and are often decorated with flowers and other colorful decorations, reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Today, the Jungfraujoch region is home to a handful of historic churches, museums, and cultural landmarks that includes the Jungfraujoch railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Interlaken’s Local Culture

Interlaken is a picturesque town located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland that is greatly known for its exceptional natural beauty e.g., surrounding mountains and lakes that all offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Thus, it’s not hard to see how the local Interlaken culture is greatly influenced by the town’s history, geography, and traditional Alpine lifestyle.

One notable aspects of the local culture in Interlaken is the traditional Swiss folklore e.g., local folk music and dance performances are popular in the area. Today, there are plenty of local festivals and events celebrating this aspect of Swiss culture. And for the more inquisitive, the town is home to several museums that showcase the region’s history and culture, as well as a beautiful Alpine Garden.

Interlaken town also has a deeply seeded agricultural culture, the Alpine meadows and pastures are used for grazing livestock and producing cheese and other dairy products. This means, that the local restaurants and shops offer these regional products, there is nothing like farm-to-dish cuisines!

If you do plan to visit Interlaken, you should know well in advance that the town is well known for its vibrant outdoor culture e.g., hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding are all popular activities in the region, and many local businesses offer equipment rentals, tours, and lessons… so if you ever dreamed of picking up a new hobby, what better place to learn! This is probably the reason why Interlaken is a popular destination for adventure tourism, and subsequently its lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs offering a range of entertainment options… every one loves to enjoy pint after a long day of the great outdoors!