Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip from Zurich
Gray Line from Zurich: the cogwheel up from Lauterbrunnen, the gondola down, and about 3 hours at the Jungfraujoch with a guide.
From $356 per person
Check AvailabilityJungfraujoch Winter Tours
The Jungfraujoch does not close for winter. The trains run, the Ice Palace and the Sphinx are open, and the snow is deep. Winter changes the cold, the light and who is on the trains with you. Here is what to know before you choose a Switzerland Jungfraujoch tour between November and April.
Open all year, at −13 °C in February
MeteoSwiss's figures for the Jungfraujoch station put February as the coldest month, with a mean of −13.3 °C and average daily lows of −16.3 °C. January and December are close behind. The Sphinx terrace is exposed, so the wind makes it feel colder still.
What winter gives back is clear air. Cold, dry days can bring long views from the Sphinx terrace, and the Plateau looks out over the Aletsch Glacier under fresh snow. When the valley is grey, the top is often above the cloud: Jungfrau Railways notes that you can often see the clouds from above. Dress for the cold: a warm jacket, a hat, gloves, closed shoes and sunglasses. Month-by-month figures are on the weather page.
What changes from November to April
- Seat reservations: optional from November to April, but recommended on busy days.
- The Snow Fun Park: closed; in 2026 it ends on 18 October.
- The Mönchsjoch Hut path: closed in the cold months; the trail opens from mid-May to mid-October.
- The Good Morning Ticket: sold only from 1 May to 31 October.
- Daylight: December has the fewest hours of sun at the top, about 101 in the month, so start early.
The Ice Palace, Alpine Sensation, the Sphinx terrace and the Plateau make up the visit in any month. A winter visit is shorter on activities, but the main circuit is the same.
Maintenance weeks and the other route up
The mountain railways close sections in turn for maintenance. There are two ways up to Eigergletscher, one by the Eiger Express and one through Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg, so a closure changes your route rather than cancelling your day. The guided days warn that their routing can change during maintenance work, and they still keep their time at the top. Check the operating information on jungfrau.ch for your date before you travel.
If you travel in November, allow for a longer day. The two ways up are compared on the routes page.
Ski season on the Eiger Express
The Jungfrau Ski Region season runs from 21 November 2026 to 25 April 2027, with 211 kilometres of slopes around Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren. The Eiger Express is the ski area's lift from Grindelwald Terminal as well as your way to the Jungfraujoch, so in the ski season you share the cabins with skiers. The terminal has ski lockers and a sports shop for them.
If you would rather not ride with ski boots and boards, go up through Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg instead. A seat reservation on the last railway still gives you a fixed time from Eigergletscher.
Which departures suit a winter day
Winter days are short, so a start close to the mountain buys you daylight. A private day lets you choose the hour.
| Tour | Starts at | Time at the top | At the top | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From Interlaken: Guided Tour to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe | Interlaken, operator's shop | At least 2 hours at the top, guaranteed by the operator | Guide with you at the top | From $313 per person |
| Jungfraujoch: Roundtrip to the Top of Europe by Train | Interlaken Ost station | 3 hours at the Top of Europe: the return train is booked 3 hours after you arrive | Unguided: ticket only | From $327 per person |
| From Zurich: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe | Sihlquai bus station, Zurich | At least 2 hours at the top, guaranteed by the operator | Guide with you at the top | From $319 per person |
| From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe | Alpenquai coach park, Lucerne | At least 2 hours at the top, guaranteed by the operator | Guide with you at the top | From $313 per person |
| Jungfraujoch (Private Tour) | Pickup in Zurich | About 2 hours at the Jungfraujoch, plus about 30 minutes each at the Sphinx and the Ice Palace | Your own guide all day | From $925 per person |
Want a guide on a winter day?
The 7-hour guided day from Interlaken starts close to the mountain, and it cancels free up to 24 hours ahead if the forecast turns.
Winter questions
Is the Jungfraujoch open in winter?
Yes. The Jungfrau Railway runs all year, and the summit sights are indoors or on the Plateau. What closes in winter is the Snow Fun Park and the path to the Mönchsjoch Hut.
How cold is the Jungfraujoch in winter?
February is the coldest month, with a mean of −13.3 °C and average lows of about −16 °C. Wind on the Sphinx terrace makes it feel colder.
Do I need a seat reservation in winter?
It is mandatory only from 1 May to 31 October. In winter it is optional, but Jungfrau Railways recommends it on busy days, and without one you may wait for a later train.
Do Jungfraujoch tours run in winter?
Yes, the guided days run through the winter. Their free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead lets you move your day if the forecast turns.
Where these facts come from
- MeteoSwiss: homogeneous monthly series, station Jungfraujoch (JUN)
- Jungfrau Railways: prices and tickets
- Jungfrau Railways: the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area
- Jungfrau Railways: the Snow Fun Park
- Jungfrau Railways: hike to the Mönchsjoch Hut
- Jungfrau Railways: the Good Morning Ticket and its first two connections
- Jungfrau Railways: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Guided days with the travel arranged
Zurich: Private tour to Interlaken, Grindelwald & Jungfrau
Hotel pickup in Zurich and a private guide, with time on the Höheweg in Interlaken on the way home.
From $932 per person
Check Availability
From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
From the Lucerne coach park, with a guide, the Eiger Express up and at least 2 hours on the summit.
From $313 per person
Check AvailabilityNext: see the summer season on summer tours, check what the ticket costs on tickets and prices, or compare every tour on Jungfraujoch Tours.