Travel on the Jungfrau Express train

Discuss this wonderful rail trip with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182.

Day 1
Starting with the Eurostar, we head by train through the hills and forests of the Ardennes to Luxembourg, where we stay at the Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa, close to Luxembourg's lovely historic centre and main station.

Day 2
We travel from Luxembourg to Basel and on through the celebrated scenery of the Bernese Oberland to Meiringen. We travel past the dramatic mountain peaks and deep blue glacial lakes Switzerland is famous for en route to our hotel, the Park Hotel du Sauvage, which is close to the station and set amidst verdant Alpine meadows.

Day 3
Unspoilt Meiringen was much loved by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - he set the death of Sherlock Holmes in the Reichenbach Falls close to the town. We visit various Holmes-related sights, including the platform where the final duel between Sherlock Holmes and his nemesis Moriarty took place and the town's Sherlock Holmes Museum; but there'll also be plenty of free time to relax and explore the town yourself.

Day 4
Today we travel to Lucerne, where we cruise on the lake and admire the backdrop of the snow-capped Alps, as well as time spent exploring the sights of this beautiful, historic city.

Day 5
Today we'll travel up a steam mountain railway that climbs to over 5,000 feet (1,524m), to the summit of Rothorn, which offers stunning views over the aquamarine lakes and jagged peaks of the area, including the Jungfrau. We then head to Brienz, where there's a range of things to do on offer.

Day 6
The Jungfrau Railway, which tunnels through the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch, leads to Europe's highest railway station at 11,333 feet (3,454m). Today, you get the chance to sit beneath the summit of Jungfrau and take in the spectacular panoramas, as well as visiting the glacier with its ice caves and sculptures.

Day 7
With plenty of free time to wander and explore the beautiful meadows and scenery around the Alpen tower, we take a cable car to a viewpoint where you can view over 400 Alpine peaks.

Day 8
Today you're at liberty to explore the region using your Swiss Half Fare card or relax in Meiringen.

Day 9
Today we leave Switzerland and head through Germany, past the fairytale scenery of the Rhine Gorge, en route to Cologne, where we spend the night - with the chance to visit its famous cathedral.

Day 10
Today we enjoy complimentary food and drink aboard the Eurostar back to St Pancras.

Discuss this wonderful rail trip with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182.

More about the trains

The journey to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station

The wonderful train journey up to Jungfraujoch is the highlight of a number of our holidays and includes travel on the Bernese Oberland Railway, the Wengernalpbahn and the Jungfrau Railway. Providing visibility is good, passengers not only enjoy spectacular views from Jungfraujoch, but also throughout the journey itself. For customers starting in Meiringen, our journey begins as we travel along the valley to picturesque Lake Brienz, before closely following the lake's northern shore through the village of Brienz to Interlaken.

Interlaken – Lauterbrunnen on the Bernese Oberland Railway

At Interlaken Ost station we change for the distinctive blue and yellow carriages of the historic Bernese Oberland Railway (operating since 1890). From Interlaken, the train crosses the Bödeli and heads up a narrowing valley to Zweilütschinen. Next, the train follows the White Lütschine River valley to Lauterbrunnen, a village flanked by two sheer walls of rock. We leave the Bernese Oberland Railway at Lauterbrunnen to connect with the Wengernalpbahn.

Lauterbrunnen – Kleine Scheidegg on the Wengernalpbahn

Two changes of trains during our journey up to Jungfraujoch, giving us the opportunity to stretch our legs and take in the magnificent Alpine scenery. As we leave Lauterbrunnen, the views are outstanding. To our right, above the White Lütschine River valley, are the Staubbach Falls and to our left is the massif of Männlichen, Tschuggen and Lauberhorn. We pass through the car-free resort of Wengen and continue towards Allmend. Just after Allmend we cross the tree line and pass through peaceful Wengernalp and travel onwards to Kleine Scheidegg, where we can take in some wonderful views of Grindelwald, Mürren and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Kleine Scheidegg – Jungfraujoch on the Jungfrau Railway

Work on the Jungfrau Railway from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch began in 1896 and completed in 1912. From Kleine Scheidegg the Jungfrau Railway takes us to Eigergletscher, home to the husky dogs that pull sledges up the summit of the Jungfrau. Shortly after leaving Eigergletscher we enter the 4.43-mile (7,122m) tunnel that ends underneath Jungfraujoch. During our journey through the tunnel we make a short stop at Eiger Wall to enjoy the view through the picture window from the north face of the Eiger down to Grindelwald. We also stop briefly at Eismeer to enjoy the views over the Grindelwald and Fiescher glaciers before arriving at our destination: Jungfraujoch's underground station.

Where you’ll stay

Best Western Grand City Hotel Cologne, Cologne

The modern Best Western Grand City Hotel Cologne (formerly called the Four Points Hotel) is located immediately opposite Cologne's railway station and a short walk from the impressive Gothic Cathedral. The hotel houses a bar and restaurant. Rooms feature modern amenities including a minibar, television, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and air conditioning.

Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, Cologne

The 4-star Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre is situated just a short walk from Cologne's main railway station and the Cathedral. Services at the hotel include a bar, lounge, and sauna. Room facilities include a telephone, television, hairdryer and a safe.

Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa, Luxembourg

The 4-star Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa is located opposite the railway station in the heart of Luxembourg's business and shopping district. The hotel has a restaurant serving French and Luxembourg-inspired cuisine, and a bar offering a range of drinks and light snacks. The rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a telephone, television, minibar, safe and a hairdryer. Winner of Great Rail Journeys' Silver Award in the category of best overall hotel in the France and Benelux region in 2010.

Park Hotel du Sauvage, Meiringen

The 3-star Park Hotel du Sauvage is situated in the heart of Meiringen, just a short walk from the railway and cable car stations. Built in the Belle Epoque era of 1880, the hotel stands in generous gardens and is a subtle blend of period grace and modern amenities. Most rooms have views over the surrounding mountains. Winner of Great Rail Journeys' Silver Award in the category of Best Hotel in Switzerland in 2010

See also Greentraveller's Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train and the video of our trip: Video of Switzerland by rail