Jungfraujoch from Basel: Private train tour with observatory

Basel to the Top of Europe by train, with a guide and the highest railway station on the continent

A private train tour from Basel to Jungfraujoch (the "Top of Europe") with a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Russian, all rail tickets and mountain passes included. The route runs through Interlaken and Grindelwald, then climbs by cogwheel train to the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace and snow terraces at 3,454 meters, with a stop in Lauterbrunnen's valley of waterfalls on the return. The tour takes nine to twelve hours and covers all transportation, so no extra bookings or fees apply.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen tour

• Meet guide at Basel SBB station
• Train ride to Grindelwald
• Transfer at Eigergletscher station
• Cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch
• Guided walk at Jungfraujoch highlights
• Visit Sphinx Observatory
• Visit Ice Palace
• Free time and lunch at Jungfraujoch
• Travel to Lauterbrunnen valley
• Return train to Basel SBB station

The experience

Basel SBB is where your guide meets you at the start. From there, the train carries you through Swiss landscapes toward Grindelwald: a two-and-a-half-hour run that sets the rhythm for the day. At Eigergletscher station, you switch to the cogwheel train that climbs the final stretch to Jungfraujoch, where the Alps open up in all directions and the eternal ice fields come into view.

Once at Jungfraujoch, your guide leads you through the highlights: the Alpine Sensation exhibition, the Sphinx terraces where you step out onto the snow, the Sphinx Observatory itself, and the Ice Palace carved into the glacier. You get free time here to move at your own pace, grab lunch if you want, and stand on the viewing platform at the highest railway station in Europe. The route back takes you through Lauterbrunnen, the valley known for its 72 waterfalls, before the train returns you to Basel.

All rail tickets, cable cars and mountain passes are built into the price, so there's no hunting for separate bookings or worrying about extra costs. Your private guide handles the route and the stops. You just follow along and take in the day.

What’s included

• Private live guide in your chosen language.
• all train tickets from Basel to Jungfraujoch and back.
• all cable car and mountain pass fees.
• entry to the Sphinx Observatory and Ice Palace.
• access to the Alpine Sensation exhibition and snow terraces.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Switzerland Viva Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you prefer a private guide leading you through the high-altitude sights (Sphinx Observatory and Ice Palace) rather than exploring independently or joining a group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Romanian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5).

How long does the train ride from Basel to Grindelwald take?

The train from Basel to Grindelwald takes around two and a half hours, passing through Swiss landscapes the whole way.

What is the Sphinx Observatory and can I visit it?

The Sphinx Observatory sits at Jungfraujoch and is one of the guided stops on the tour. Your guide will lead you through it as part of the day.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included, but you get free time at Jungfraujoch to eat at your own pace at the restaurants and cafés there.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces at the sites are accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible as well.