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Quick comparison – Jungfraujoch vs Matterhorn
Feature
Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
Matterhorn (from Zermatt)
1
Location
Above Interlaken/Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps
Above Zermatt in Valais
2
Price (adult)
Dynamic; seat reservation CHF 10 recommended in peak months; typical day tickets ~CHF 159-239 depending route/season.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise sightseeing tickets vary by season/route; afternoon and seasonal pricing available. Gornergrat sold separately.
3
What is it?
High-alpine station & attraction at 3,454 m with tunnels, ice palace, glacier plateau, Sphinx lift & terrace
A 4,478 m free-standing peak; experiences are viewpoints like Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883 m) or Gornergrat (3,089 m) facing the mountain
4
Built / Age
Railway completed 1912; site continually upgraded
Mountain itself; cableways/railways added over 20th century
5
Height / Elevation
Station at 3,454 m; Sphinx terrace higher
Matterhorn 4,478 m; Klein Matterhorn/Glacier Paradise 3,883 m; Gornergrat 3,089 m
6
Timings
Year-round; fastest route via Eiger Express gondola + train (Grindelwald Terminal → Jungfraujoch ~45 min)
Year-round lifts (weather/maintenance permitting); Glacier Paradise open 365 days restaurant; Gornergrat Bahn runs daily.
7
Duration needed
4-6 hours from Interlaken, incl. rides & time on top
Glacier Paradise or Gornergrat: 3–5 hours from Zermatt depending on stops
8
Queues / Waits
Can be long in summer; timed seat reservations advised (CHF 10)
Morning queues at valley lifts on bluebird days; spread across multiple viewpoints
9
Best time to visit
Clear-sky mornings; check webcams/forecasts; shoulder seasons quieter
Clear-sky mornings after fresh snow or in stable summer; check webcams
10
Accessibility
Step-free routes, lifts, accessible toilets at the summit complex
Glacier Paradise building wheelchair-accessible; mountain transport supports reduced-mobility access (check specific lifts)
11
Kid-friendly
Yes—Ice Palace, snow plateau; altitude caution for young kids
Yes-viewpoints, tunnels, ice cave at Glacier Paradise; altitude caution
12
Highlights
Eiger Express ride, Sphinx Terrace views, Ice Palace, Alpine Sensation, Aletsch Glacier panorama
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise viewing platforms/ice cave; Gornergrat ridge views over glaciers & the Matterhorn
13
Dining options
Multiple eateries at the summit & stations
Restaurant at Glacier Paradise (3,883 m) open 365 days; mountain eateries on Gornergrat route
14
Nearby attractions
Grindelwald First, Harder Kulm, Lauterbrunnen valley
Five Lakes Walk, Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gorner Gorge
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Travel link between both
Interlaken Ost ↔ Zermatt about 2–2.5 hrs by train (via Spiez/Visp)
Interlaken Ost ↔ Zermatt about 2–2.5 hrs by train (via Spiez/Visp)
Major differences between Jungfraujoch and Matterhorn explained
History & engineering
Jungfraujoch: Reached by a pioneering cog railway completed in 1912, now paired with the modern Eiger Express gondola.
Matterhorn: The peak itself is untouched; access is via surrounding lifts/rails like Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat to admire it from opposing ridges.
Altitude & viewpoints
Jungfraujoch: Summit complex at 3,454 m with indoor/outdoor terraces and the Ice Palace—great in mixed weather.
Matterhorn: Multiple lookouts—Glacier Paradise at 3,883 m (closest, highest) and Gornergrat at 3,089 m with sweeping glacier views.
Getting there & time
Jungfraujoch: Grindelwald Terminal → Eigergletscher (15 min gondola) → Jungfraujoch (train), ~45 min from the terminal; ~1.5–2 hrs from Interlaken.
Matterhorn: From Zermatt, cableways to Glacier Paradise (allow ~40–45 min incl. changes) or cog railway to Gornergrat (multiple stops, scenic).
Costs & passes
Jungfraujoch: Dynamic pricing; seat reservation CHF 10 during peak months. Regional passes (e.g., Jungfrau) and Swiss Travel Pass discounts apply.
Matterhorn: Separate tickets for Glacier Paradise/Gornergrat; seasonal/afternoon pricing and saver offers via Zermatt Bergbahnen.
Atmosphere & weather hedge
Jungfraujoch: Indoor exhibits and tunnels soften bad-weather days; still monitor wind/cloud.
Matterhorn: Pure “view-chasing”—if the peak is in cloud, consider switching to Gornergrat/Rothorn for better angles.
Accessibility & facilities
Jungfraujoch: Lifts, step-free access, accessible restrooms at the top station.
Matterhorn: Glacier Paradise building is wheelchair-friendly; restaurant open 365 days.
What you’ll see at Matterhorn (from Zermatt)
See all photos
Visiting Jungfraujoch and Matterhorn
Tickets and Tours
1-Day itinerary
Getting there
Timings
Visitor tips
Day in the Jungfrau Region (8:30 am–4:30 pm)
- Morning – Jungfraujoch (8:30–12:30): Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald Terminal train, Eiger Express to Eigergletscher, train to the top. Do Sphinx Terrace, Alpine Sensation, and the Ice Palace.
- Lunch (12:30–1:15): Warm up at summit eateries; hydrate and take it slow at altitude.
- Afternoon – Valley time (1:15–4:30): Descend; stroll Grindelwald’s main street or ride to First if weather holds.
Day in Zermatt (8:30 am–5:30 pm)
- Morning – Glacier Paradise (8:30–12:00): From Zermatt take the gondola chain to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise; enjoy the viewing platforms/ice cave.
- Lunch (12:00–1:00): Eat at the 3,883 m restaurant (wheelchair-accessible).
- Afternoon – Gornergrat (1:30–5:30): Ride the cog railway to Gornergrat for golden-hour Matterhorn angles if skies are clear.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jungfraujoch vs Matterhorn
Can you visit both in one day?
Not realistically. Interlaken and Zermatt are about 2–2.5 hours apart by train, and each summit experience needs several hours. Plan separate days and use the clearer forecast for each region.
Which is more budget-friendly?
Usually Zermatt viewpoints can be optimized with seasonal or afternoon pricing. Jungfraujoch uses dynamic fares and often benefits from advance deals, but peak-season prices are higher overall.
Which is better for first-time visitors to Switzerland?
For a guaranteed high-alpine complex with exhibits, pick Jungfraujoch. For the postcard pyramid and multiple vantage points, choose Matterhorn (Glacier Paradise or Gornergrat) from Zermatt.
Which is better for kids?
Both work. Jungfraujoch’s Ice Palace and tunnels entertain in any weather; Zermatt’s viewpoints are simpler ride-up, look-out experiences. In both cases, monitor altitude effects on young children.
How far is Jungfraujoch from the Matterhorn area?
Base towns are Interlaken/Grindelwald for Jungfraujoch and Zermatt for the Matterhorn. The rail journey between Interlaken Ost and Zermatt is roughly 2–2.5 hours via Spiez/Visp.
What if I only have time for one?
Pick Jungfraujoch if you want an all-in indoor/outdoor summit visit with glacier access. Choose Matterhorn if you want flexibility to chase the mountain’s profile from different decks.
Which offers the better “top” experience?
Jungfraujoch is a genuine summit station with attractions at 3,454 m. Matterhorn experiences are viewpoints facing the peak—Glacier Paradise (3,883 m) is the highest and closest; Gornergrat delivers wide glacier panoramas.
Are both included in Swiss rail/city passes?
City passes generally don’t cover these. The Swiss Travel Pass offers reductions; regional passes (Jungfrau or Zermatt) help—always check current terms.
How long do you need at Jungfraujoch vs Matterhorn?
Jungfraujoch: Around half a day door-to-door from Interlaken. Matterhorn viewpoints: About 3–5 hours from Zermatt depending on which deck(s) you choose.
Which is higher/bigger?
The Matterhorn is higher (4,478 m) as a mountain. Among visitor decks, Glacier Paradise (3,883 m) is higher than Jungfraujoch station (3,454 m), while Gornergrat sits at 3,089 m.