Updated on 25/11/2025 ｜ Published on 14/10/2025
Switzerland is home to two of its most iconic peaks: Jungfraujoch and the Matterhorn. One is an engineering marvel that takes you to the “Top of Europe,” while the other stands as a natural symbol of the Swiss spirit. This article compares the two across five key aspects — transport, scenery, cost, seasonality, and cultural significance — to help you decide which one deserves a place in your itinerary.
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Swiss Articles：Scenic Train Comparison｜Glacier Express｜GoldenPass Express｜Swiss Mountain Comparison｜Jungfraujoch｜Matterhorn｜Harder Kulm
Passes：
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Jungfraujoch vs Matterhorn｜Key Comparison Table
| Item | Jungfraujoch | Matterhorn (Gornergrat) |
| Location | Bernese Oberland (above Interlaken) | Zermatt |
| Altitude | 3,454 m (station) | 4,478 公尺（主峰）
觀景點 Gornergrat 約 3,089 公尺 |
| Transport | Direct Jungfrau Railway to the observation deck | Gornergrat Bahn |
| Journey Time (one way) | Approx. 1.5–2 hrs (from Interlaken Ost) | Approx. 45 mins (from Zermatt) |
| Highlights | Aletsch Glacier, Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace | Matterhorn reflection, Gornergrat ridge, ski resort |
| Best For | First-time visitors to Switzerland, families | Photographers, hikers, couples |
| Budget Range | Regular price: CHF 200–250 With Swiss Travel Pass: approx. CHF 168 With Half Fare Card: approx. CHF 114 |
Regular price: CHF 132 (summer 2025) With Swiss Travel Pass / Half Fare Card: approx. CHF 66 |
| Best Season | Accessible year-round; most spectacular in winter | Best in summer and autumn; ideal for mountain reflection shots |
| Swiss Travel Pass | Free up to Grindelwald 25% discount on the final section |
50% discount |
Landscape and Experience Differences
Jungfraujoch: The Pinnacle of Human Engineering
Jungfraujoch is often called the “Top of Europe,” and its biggest highlight is that it houses the world’s highest railway station at 3,454 metres above sea level.
The entire ascent is a unique journey — the cogwheel train winds up from the valley, passes through mountain tunnels, and offers sweeping views of the vast Aletsch Glacier along the way.
At the summit, beyond the famous Ice Palace and year-round snow trails, lies the Sphinx Observatory, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Alpine range.
Overall, the facilities are well-developed and tourist-friendly, though the atmosphere feels somewhat lively and man-made, lacking the quiet solitude of untouched mountain terrain.
Matterhorn: The Quintessential Symbol of Nature
The Matterhorn’s iconic triangular silhouette is undeniably Switzerland’s most classic natural landmark — even the Toblerone chocolate packaging was modelled after it.
Located in Zermatt, the mountain can be easily admired from the Gornergrat ridge or the Schwarzsee cable car station.
On clear days, the reflection of the peak in Lake Riffelsee is one of Switzerland’s most famous sights, often drawing photographers who rise early to capture that perfect moment.
The Matterhorn region has few man-made attractions, offering instead the pure, unspoiled beauty of the Alps. The atmosphere is tranquil yet majestic, often making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a postcard — an ideal destination for travellers who seek the quiet serenity of nature.
How to Get There and Prices
The Jungfraujoch main route (recommended via Grindelwald Terminal and the Eiger Express) involves more transfers and stops. The journey is longer and more expensive, yet the combination of a modern cable car and classic mountain railway makes it an iconic experience.
The Matterhorn route is simpler. From Zermatt, the Gornergrat observation platform can be reached directly in about 45 minutes. With minimal transfers and breathtaking alpine views, the visual impact on clear days is remarkable.
Jungfraujoch
Suggested Route：
- From Interlaken Ost, take the train to Grindelwald Terminal, then transfer to the high-speed Eiger Express cable car for a 15-minute ride to Eigergletscher. From there, board the Jungfrau cogwheel train for another 25 minutes to reach Jungfraujoch station and the observation deck at 3,454 m above sea level.
- The entire journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- This route combines breathtaking alpine scenery with Switzerland’s most classic mountain railway experience — a must for any traveller.
Prices
- Adult round-trip fare: CHF 227–250 (2025; varies by departure point and season)
- Swiss Travel Pass : around CHF 168
- Swiss Half Fare Card : around CHF 113–120
- During peak season (May to August), visitor numbers are high — reserve your time slot in advance on the Jungfrau Railways Official Website is recommended.
- Reservation fee: CHF 10 per person (mandatory)
- If you prefer not to purchase tickets yourself, consider joining: a day tour to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken
Matterhorn (Gornergrat)
Suggested Route：
- From Zermatt, take the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train directly to the Gornergrat viewpoint at about 3,089 m.
- The one-way journey takes roughly 33 to 45 minutes.
- This straightforward route is one of the most popular ways to admire the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Prices
- Gornergrat Bahn adult round-trip fare
- May – October: CHF 132
- November – April: CHF 96
- With Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card: 50 % discount
- Summer ≈ CHF 66; Winter ≈ CHF 48
- The Gornergrat Bahn operates year-round (closed 3–9 November 2025 for maintenance). During high season, trains run every 20–35 minutes.
- It is recommended to Book Online to have seats reserved
Seasons and Weather
| Month | Jungfraujoch | Matterhorn |
| Dec–Feb | Most spectacular winter scenery; temperatures can drop to –15°C | Peak ski season; stunning on clear days |
| Mar–May | Still snowy in spring; some trails remain closed | Snowmelt period; harder to capture clear reflections |
| Jun–Sep | Stable weather and clearest views | Reflection season (especially July–August) |
| Oct–Nov | Low season, windy, visibility often unstable | Some mountain restaurants and cable cars close for maintenance |
Cultural Notes
Jungfraujoch: A Swiss Engineering Marvel and the Spirit of Tourism
The Jungfrau Railway was completed in 1912 and remains one of the few mountain railways in the world reaching an altitude of over 3,400 metres.
The project was conceived and led by Swiss industrialist Adolf Guyer-Zeller in 1893. Stretching about 9 kilometres, its main tunnel cuts through the Eiger and Mönch mountains. The construction faced multiple challenges, including financial difficulties and fatal accidents, yet it ultimately became an indispensable symbol of Swiss Alpine tourism.
The Jungfrau Railway not only represents Switzerland’s extraordinary engineering skill but also reflects the nation’s harmony with its majestic mountains. Today, it continues to attract over a million visitors annually, each seeking to experience the breathtaking view from the “Top of Europe.”
Matterhorn: Switzerland’s Natural Symbol and Tragic Legend
Standing at 4,478 metres, the Matterhorn is one of Switzerland’s most famous and recognisable peaks.
Its distinctive pyramid shape even inspired the iconic Toblerone chocolate design. For centuries, its beauty and the spirit of challenge it embodies have made it a lasting symbol of Swiss resilience and natural grandeur.
On 14 July 1865, British mountaineer Edward Whymper led a seven-man team to achieve the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn. The climb marked a milestone in the history of Alpine mountaineering but ended in tragedy when four team members fell to their deaths during the descent — a story that forever gave the mountain an aura of both heroism and sorrow.
Jungfraujoch vs Matterhorn: How to Choose?
If it’s your first time visiting Switzerland or you’re travelling with family and elderly companions, Jungfraujoch is undoubtedly the classic must-see. Its snow remains stable all year round, combining magnificent glacier views with well-developed facilities — the perfect introduction to the full charm of the Alps.
For photography lovers, the Matterhorn is a dream destination. The reflection of its peak on Lake Riffelsee at sunrise looks like a painting, with ever-changing light and shadow. The area also offers numerous scenic hiking trails, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring the mountains on foot.
That said, Switzerland’s transport system is so efficient that — as long as you have the budget and time — it’s entirely possible to visit both in one trip and experience two very different mountain atmospheres.
Personally, I first visited Jungfraujoch to admire its engineering marvels and grand snowy scenery, stayed overnight in Grindelwald, then took the train straight to Zermatt the next morning — capturing both of Switzerland’s legendary peaks in one unforgettable journey.
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Jungfraujoch｜Top of Europe Route, Tickets, Weather & Things to Do
