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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Jungfrau Express from Grindelwald

Five-day Alpine rail journey to Europe's highest train station from Grindelwald

Illustration of Jungfrau Express from Grindelwald

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day independent Alpine adventure based entirely in Grindelwald, a mountain village at the foot of the Jungfrau massif. You fly from London to Zurich, then travel by train to your hotel in Grindelwald, where you spend all four nights. The centrepiece is day three, when the Jungfrau Express carries you and a cogwheel train up to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station at 3,454 metres. En route the cogwheel train tunnels through the Eiger with carved-out windows overlooking glaciers. On day four you may hike the well-marked trails around Grindelwald or visit the Sphinx Observatory. This trip suits independent travellers who want a single base and time to explore at their own rhythm, as well as rail enthusiasts seeking the experience of Alpine cogwheel and mountain railways.

What to know before you look closer

  • This package uses a hotel base in Grindelwald for all four nights; you do not stay in other towns.
  • The itinerary includes two full free days (days 2 and 4) with no guided activities; you organise your own exploration.
  • Optional excursions and activities are not included in the base price; costs for these must be added separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Grindelwald

    Outbound Travel – Getting to Grindelwald

    Your alpine adventure begins today when you take your flight to Zurich. On arrival at Zurich Airport you'll take the train to Interlaken, and then another train from Interlaken, up into the majestic mountains, to the pretty village of Grindelwald. Nestled in the valley of the mountains, Grindelwald is a cosmopolitan destination and in winter the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau area. Alternatively, ride the rails all the way from London by catching the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord, then travel on from Paris Gare du Lyon to Basel, staying overnight in Basel before continuing to Grindelwald the next day.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Grindelwald

    Grindelwald and the Jungfrau Region

    Enjoy a free day in Grindelwald. This famous ski resort is actually a year-round destination with lots of great hiking routes, relaxing spas, and fine food and wine. Thrill seekers love the many mountain activities, but you can also take it easy with a game of mini golf or visit the Grindelwald Museum. Optional excursions available include the Schilthorn and Harder Kulm.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Grindelwald

    The Jungfrau Express

    Get ready for a journey to the 'Top of Europe' Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, as you take the Jungfrau Express. You can choose to ascend and descend by gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or by traditional cogwheel train. Enjoy the famous Sphinx Observatory, which sits atop a rock formation overlooking the Swiss Alps. From the Eiger Glacier you'll travel by cogwheel train through the final section of the route, into a tunnel which cuts through the Eiger, with carved-out viewing windows showing the scenery of majestic glaciers from inside the tunnel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Grindelwald

    Free Day in Grindelwald

    Today you are free to explore pretty Grindelwald or the surrounding Jungfrau region. You may wish to experience the exhilarating views from a hike on one of the many well-marked trails, or explore with another of our supplementary optional excursions including Grindelwald First and Schynige Platte.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5rail

    Grindelwald to the UK

    Today marks the end of your adventure as you transfer from Grindelwald to Zurich for your flight home. You'll travel from Grindelwald to Interlaken by train, from Interlaken to Ost-Bern and from Bern to Zurich where you'll catch your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, take the train all the way home via Basel, Paris Gare du Lyon and Paris Nord back to London St Pancras on the Eurostar.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Jungfrau Express carries you to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station at 3,454 metres. A cogwheel train climbs the final section from Eiger Glacier through tunnels carved with viewing windows into glaciers and rock faces.
  • Day 3Visit the Sphinx Observatory, a famous vantage point atop a rock formation overlooking the Swiss Alps from the summit of Jungfraujoch.

Included

  • 4 nights in 3-star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Standard Class Rail in Switzerland
  • Return ticket on the Jungfrau Express
  • Return flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes standard-class rail travel in Switzerland, the return Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, and the cogwheel train from Eiger Glacier.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Great Rail Journeys classes this as an independent tour. You have two free days to explore Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region on your own.
What are the hotel options?
Great Rail Journeys offers three hotels in Grindelwald: the Derby Swiss Quality Hotel (3-star), the Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel (4-star), and the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof (5-star), all for four nights.
What is included in the price?
Four nights in a Swiss Quality Hotel with breakfast, standard-class rail in Switzerland, a return ticket on the Jungfrau Express, and return flights between London and Zurich.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Optional excursions such as Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, and Grindelwald First are also extra.
Can I travel by Eurostar instead of flying?
Yes. The itinerary notes that you may take the train all the way home via Basel, Paris, and the Eurostar from Paris Nord to London St Pancras as an alternative to flying.

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