Jungfraujoch Ice Palace 🧊
Walk through tunnels hand-carved into the Aletsch Glacier since the 1930s. The Ice Palace is located inside the Jungfraujoch mountain pass.
Book the best Jungfraujoch ticket
From Grindelwald: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Round-Trip Tickets
Soar to the Top of Europe in under two hours from the charming village of Grindelwald. Glide up in a panoramic gondola to Eiger Glacier, then climb aboard a cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch saddle, where breathtaking alpine views and unique attractions await.
Includes:
- Round-trip gondola and cogwheel train from Grindelwald
- Up to 3 hours at Jungfraujoch
- Access to the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory
Best price:
CHF 211.20
From Interlaken: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Round-Trip Train Tickets
Two scenic routes, one unforgettable journey. Choose between the high-speed Eiger Express gondola via Grindelwald or the classic Wengernalp rack railway via Lauterbrunnen for your alpine adventure to Jungfraujoch.
Includes:
- Round-trip train and gondola or rack railway from Interlaken
- Access to Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, Plateau & Alpine Sensation
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Best price:
CHF 234.40
From Lauterbrunnen: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Round-Trip Train Tickets
Depart from Lauterbrunnen and ascend via the steep Wengernalp railway to the Top of Europe. Enjoy sweeping views of the valley, UNESCO-worthy landscapes, and the majestic Aletsch Glacier at 3,454 meters.
Includes:
- Round-trip rack railway and Jungfrau cogwheel train
- Access to Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, Plateau & Alpine Sensation
- Scenic views of Lauterbrunnen Valley and Eiger North Face
Best price:
CHF 223.20
From Zurich: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip
Experience a full-day alpine adventure from Zurich to Europe’s highest railway station. Travel by coach, gondola, and cogwheel train through spectacular Swiss scenery with a professional multilingual guide by your side.
Includes:
- Round-trip coach transfers from Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station
- Eiger Express gondola and cogwheel train with seat reservation
- Multilingual live guide (English, Spanish, or Mandarin)
Best price:
CHF 284
Choose the right Jungfraujoch Ice Palace ticket for you
Round-Trip Tickets
Your Jungfraujoch ticket includes full access to the Ice Palace and its frozen galleries. Walk through tunnels hand-carved into the Aletsch Glacier, admire intricate ice sculpture representations of alpine wildlife and experience temperatures of minus three degrees Celsius year-round. Access to the Ice Palace is easy and convenient for all visitors. Entry to the Sphinx Observatory and Alpine Sensation is also included.
Day Trip from Zurich
Start your journey from Zurich and arrive at the Ice Palace without the hassle of planning connections. Coach transfers, gondola rides, and cogwheel train travel are all included – plus a photo stop in Interlaken before ascending to 3,454 meters.
For the best panoramic views and a more memorable experience, try to visit on a day with good weather, as clear skies greatly enhance the scenery and outdoor activities at Jungfraujoch.
Travel Passes
Visiting multiple Swiss destinations? The Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, and Jungfrau Travel Pass slash your Jungfraujoch ticket price significantly. Combine glacier exploration with unlimited regional travel.
How to Buy Your Ice Palace Jungfraujoch Tickets
The Jungfraujoch Ice Palace is included with every standard Jungfraujoch ticket – no separate admission required. Once you book your railway journey through the Jungfraujoch tickets official website, you gain access to the frozen tunnels, sculptures, and all other Discovery Tour attractions at the summit.
The cogwheel train is the sole means of transportation to Jungfraujoch, and you can take the train from either Eiger Glacier station or Kleine Scheidegg. From Eiger Glacier, you switch to the cogwheel railway to reach Jungfraujoch.
Online booking guarantees your spot on the mountain, which is clutch during July and August when thousands of visitors ascend daily. Tickets can be reserved months ahead, locking in your travel date and preferred departure time. Prices vary based on where you begin your journey – departures from Grindelwald cost less than those from Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen due to the shorter distance.
Children under six travel free and enter all attractions without charge. Holders of Swiss Travel Passes score substantial discounts, often reducing the ticket price by 25% or more. Most booking platforms offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, protecting you against weather changes or unexpected schedule conflicts.
The journey itself is part of the experience. The historic Jungfrau Railway features cogwheel trains that climb through tunnels blasted into the Eiger’s north face, stopping at Eigerwand and Eismeer stations where panoramic windows reveal the glacier below. Alternatively, the Eiger Express gondola whisks you from Grindelwald Terminal to Eiger Glacier station in just 15 minutes, shaving significant time off the ascent.
Plan your trip and tour
The Ice Palace welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Opening hours align with train arrivals and departures – typically from 8:00 AM (08:00) until late afternoon, with the last entry approximately 30 minutes before the final train descends.
Exact times shift seasonally, so check your ticket for precise departure schedules.
The Ice Palace sits within the Jungfraujoch summit complex at 3,454 meters. Jungfraujoch is known as the “Top of Europe” and is the highest railway station in Europe. After exiting the cogwheel train, follow signs marked “Eispalast” through the Alpine Sensation corridor.
An elevator brings you down to glacier level where the frozen tunnels begin. The walk from platform to palace entrance takes roughly five minutes and passes through Sphinx Hall, which connects various attractions at Jungfraujoch.
Temperatures inside the Ice Palace hover around minus three degrees Celsius year-round – bring layers and a jacket even in summer. The floor of the Ice Palace is made of solid ice and can be very slippery, so wear sturdy, non-slip footwear with good grip to prevent slipping.
Photography is permitted and encouraged throughout. Peak crowds arrive between 10:00 AM (10:00) and 2:00 PM (14:00). Hit the palace early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Discover the Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch
Beneath the snow-covered plateau at Jungfraujoch lies a hidden world that few visitors expect. The Ice Palace, known locally as Eispalast, is a series of interconnected tunnels and chambers carved directly into the Aletsch Glacier – a frozen river of ice that has flowed through these mountains for thousands of years.
Mountain guides carved the first tunnels in 1934 using traditional hand tools, picks, and saws. Working in freezing conditions, they hollowed out passageways that today extend nearly 1,000 meters into the glacier’s heart. The work continues to this day, with artists adding new sculptures and expanding the frozen labyrinth each year.
The sculptures themselves capture moments frozen in time. A bear rears up on hind legs, fur texture visible in the ice. Penguins huddle together as if bracing against antarctic winds. An eagle spreads its wings across an entire chamber ceiling. Visitors can discover intricate artistry hidden in nooks and crannies throughout the tunnels, where each piece demonstrates remarkable skill – artists must work quickly before body heat begins melting their medium.
The interior of the Ice Palace is clean and well-lit, enhancing the sense of wonder and making it easier to immerse oneself in the experience. Blue-tinted lighting transforms the ice walls into something ethereal. Light penetrates the frozen surfaces, revealing air bubbles trapped centuries ago when snowfall compressed into glacial ice. The effect creates an otherworldly atmosphere – part natural wonder, part art installation, entirely unique.
Visitors can use their smartphone for audio-guided tours or interactive features within the Ice Palace, further enhancing their exploration.
Temperature inside remains constant at minus three degrees Celsius regardless of conditions outside. Summer visitors escape the plateau’s intense alpine sun into refreshing cold. Winter guests find the palace warmer than the wind-swept terraces above. This consistency preserves the sculptures indefinitely, though artists continuously refine and replace works throughout the year.
The palace sits within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, surrounded by peaks exceeding 4,000 meters. Above the frozen tunnels, the Sphinx Observatory offers views stretching to Germany and France.
Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Aletsch Glacier – Europe’s longest glacier and the longest glacier in the Alps – bordered by four-thousand-metre peaks, as well as panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks from the Sphinx Observation Terrace.
Frequently asked questions
01 What exactly is the Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch?
The Ice Palace is a network of tunnels and chambers carved directly into the Aletsch Glacier at 3,454 meters elevation. Created beginning in 1934, it houses dozens of ice sculptures depicting wildlife, cultural figures, and alpine scenes. The temperature inside stays at minus three degrees Celsius year-round.
02 Is the Ice Palace included in my Jungfraujoch ticket?
Yes. Every Jungfraujoch ticket includes access to the Ice Palace as part of the Discovery Tour. No separate admission or additional fee required. Your ticket also covers the Sphinx Observatory, Alpine Sensation, and Glacier Plateau.
03 How long should I spend in the Ice Palace?
Most visitors explore the Ice Palace in 20 to 30 minutes. The tunnels extend nearly 1,000 meters but the walking route moves efficiently past all major sculptures and chambers. Photography enthusiasts may want additional time to capture the unique lighting conditions.
04 What should I wear to visit the Ice Palace?
Dress warmly in layers. The interior temperature hovers around minus three degrees Celsius regardless of outside weather. Bring a jacket even in summer. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip – despite textured walkways, ice surfaces can be slippery. Gloves help if you plan extended photography.
05 Is the Ice Palace accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
The main pathways through the Ice Palace accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, though the ice surfaces require extra caution. Handrails line all corridors for additional support. Contact Jungfrau Railways directly for specific accessibility questions before your visit.
06 When is the best time to visit the Ice Palace?
Early morning or late afternoon offers the smallest crowds. The Ice Palace itself looks identical year-round due to constant sub-zero temperatures. However, exterior attractions like the Sphinx Terrace and Glacier Plateau benefit from clear weather – check forecasts before booking if panoramic views matter to your experience.
07 Can I take photos inside the Ice Palace?
Yes, photography and video are welcomed throughout the Ice Palace. The blue-tinted lighting creates dramatic images. Note that camera batteries drain faster in cold temperatures – bring spares or keep your device warm between shots.