Jungfrau Railways continues to develop its destinations while preserving the natural environment, respecting local communities and embracing technology to enhance the visitor experience.
Jungfrau Railways is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism development, with plans to further enhance restaurants, hotels and visitor attractions while maintaining a strong focus on environmental conservation and community participation. The company is also advancing its digital transformation, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide personalized travel guidance, with the goal of gradually moving towards a fully online travel experience.
Mr. Oliver Hummel, CEO of Jungfrau Railways, said that for more than 100 years, Jungfrau Railways has been recognized as a symbol of Switzerland’s pioneering spirit and innovation. In 1912, the railway reached Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe for the first time, taking passengers to the highest railway station in Europe at an altitude of 3,454 metres above sea level. The spectacular railway journey passes through tunnels beneath the Eiger and Mönch mountains, while passengers can also experience breathtaking high-alpine scenery through the panoramic windows at Eigergletscher station.
“During the pioneering era, visitors began their journey to Jungfrau from Interlaken, connecting from boats to Switzerland’s main railway network. At that time, the different routes leading to Jungfrau were operated separately. Jungfrau Railways later integrated the routes and continued developing connections between destinations to make travel more convenient for visitors,” said Mr. Hummel.
One of the latest developments is the Eiger Express, part of the innovative V-Cableway system. Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eiger Express significantly reduced travel time to Jungfraujoch, taking just 15 minutes from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher.
Working Together with Local Communities
Community participation is an important part of Jungfrau Railways’ development approach. The company operates across nine municipalities in two cantons, and public consultation is conducted before new development projects are undertaken.
“Our responsibility covers nine municipalities across two cantons. Therefore, every development project must involve the local community through public consultation. If the community does not agree, we will not proceed with further development,” Mr. Hummel explained.
Among the projects currently being planned is the relocation of the access point to Grindelwald First closer to Grindelwald railway station, creating a more convenient connection for visitors. The project is being planned in cooperation with neighbouring communities, with the aim of preserving the beauty and character of the area.
Sustainability Built into Operations for More Than a Century
Jungfrau Railways’ sustainability efforts long predate the current global focus on climate change. Since its early years, the company has invested in renewable energy, including a hydropower plant that began generating electricity in 1912.
“Our hydropower plant was built more than a century ago to generate electricity for our railway operations. All of our trains are powered by electricity, with no fossil fuels used,” Mr. Hummel said.
During the summer, melting snow and ice from the mountains feed waterfalls that flow through two power-generation units located underground. The electricity generated is used to power trains and cableways, supplied to community infrastructure and, when available, sold back to the government. During winter, electricity is purchased from the government, while solar power is also being expanded, with one solar farm already completed and another under construction. Battery storage will also be installed to store electricity for use at night.
Jungfrau Railways also uses Braking Power Recuperation, a regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy generated when trains travel downhill into electricity and feeds it back into the grid. The system provides additional energy savings alongside the company’s hydropower generation. Three trains descending from Jungfraujoch can generate enough electricity to support one uphill journey.
Sustainability also extends to waste management. Waste is separated for recycling, while restaurants across the destinations monitor food waste carefully. When excessive leftovers are identified, serving portions are adjusted to better match visitor demand, helping to reduce food waste.
Digital Transformation and Personalized Travel with AI
In 2025, approximately 80,000 Thai visitors travelled to Jungfrau. As travel patterns continue to evolve, Jungfrau Railways is developing an increasingly digital travel experience, from booking across multiple platforms to using AI to help visitors plan their journeys.
The AI system is designed to create personalized itineraries based on individual interests. Visitors seeking excitement and adventure, for example, can explore Grindelwald-First – Top of Adventure, while those interested in hiking and mountain activities can discover areas around Eigergletscher and Kleine Scheidegg – Top of Hiking.
Future Developments Focused on Experience and Sustainability
Looking ahead, Jungfrau Railways plans to further develop its visitor facilities while maintaining a careful balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation.
Future projects include an upgrade of the 360° cinema, creating a new setting from which visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Jungfraujoch. A new restaurant with 400 seats is also planned at Eigergletscher, at the end of the Eiger Express route, providing visitors with more dining options while helping to reduce congestion at restaurants on Jungfraujoch.
In addition, a hotel development featuring approximately 200 rooms and 400 beds is planned in Interlaken Ost for 2028.
“We are trying to develop the area further, but always on the basis that development must not harm what already exists. This is not simply because the area is part of a World Heritage Site. From the first day we encountered this ‘little lady’ – Jungfrau – many years have passed, yet she remains much the same. Although climate change has caused the ice to recede by around one centimetre each year, we remain committed to protecting the surrounding areas of Jungfrau and Grindelwald so that their natural beauty can endure,” Mr. Hummel said.
Grindelwald: A Gateway to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Mr. Bruno Hauswirth, Director of Resort at Grindelwald Tourismus, said that Grindelwald is a mountain village in Switzerland located at the foot of the Eiger in the Jungfrau region. Its appeal lies in the combination of dramatic mountain scenery, mountain tourism accessible by railway and cableway, and a village shaped by agriculture and warm hospitality.
Grindelwald is one of 23 municipalities within the UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage area and serves as a gateway to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
“Grindelwald welcomes visitors throughout the year. Since 2014, tourism-related occupations have played an important role in the village community. In 2025, approximately 60% of visitors travelled during the summer season, while 40% visited in winter,” said Mr. Hauswirth.
Activities change with the seasons. Spring offers village walks and easy trails across the green meadows, with snow still visible on the mountain peaks. Summer brings hiking, trail running and mountain biking, while autumn remains ideal for hiking. During winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main activities, complemented by snow-covered mountain walks for travellers seeking a more adventurous experience.
About Jungfrau Railways
Jungfrau Railways is one of Switzerland’s iconic mountain railway operators, connecting visitors with the spectacular alpine landscapes of the Jungfrau region and Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. With a history spanning more than a century, the company continues to combine railway innovation, sustainable energy, environmental stewardship and community engagement in developing the destination for future generations.
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