How to See an Ice Palace in Switzerland

Switzerland, a land synonymous with breathtaking landscapes and pristine alpine beauty, offers a unique winter spectacle that captivates the imagination of travellers from around the globe: the ice palaces. These magnificent structures, carved out of ice and snow, provide an ethereal experience, taking you into a world where nature’s artistry and human creativity converge. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring an enchanted ice palace, Switzerland offers this magical experience, combining adventure with the awe-inspiring beauty of its winter landscapes. Let’s embark on a journey to discover how you can see an ice palace in Switzerland, making your winter travel dreams a reality.

The Ice Palace in Switzerland is located at the top of the Jungfrau mountain in the Swiss Alps. The Jungfrau is the highest mountain peak in Switzerland and can only be reached by railway. This article will show you how to see the Ice Palace.

Step 1: Reach Switzerland

If you are travelling from overseas or another country outside of Europe, you can take a flight to Switzerland. The best airport to fly into is Zurich, because there are more nonstop flights and the flights are less expensive. Geneva would be your second choice.

Step 2: Get to the Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland

Once you get to either Geneva or Zurich, you can take a train to Interlaken. Interlaken is a town at the base of the mountains and is a good starting place for making excursions to the Jungfrau. You can also reach other mountain peaks in the region, such as the Schilthorn, where the Piz Gloria Restaurant is located (used in the filming of a James Bond Movie, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”).

To travel by train from Zurich or Geneva to Interlaken, you can take the scenic Golden Pass line or another route. If you will be in the area for more than one or two days, your best bet is to purchase a Swiss Rail Pass for unlimited rail travel for a certain number of days. (It costs extra to visit Jungfrau, but it is half off with a Swiss rail pass.) Use the Rail Europe site listed to purchase a Swiss Rail Pass and/or train ticket from Interlaken to Jungfrau.

Note: You can travel free with a Swiss Rail pass from Interlaken to Grindelwald or Wengen. It is only there that you need the ticket to Jungfrau.

Step 3: Determine if you will stay overnight in the region

If you are going to make this trip more than just a one-day excursion, you’ll need somewhere to stay. You could stay in Interlaken so that you are at the bottom of the mountains at night and near the lakes. Interlaken is close to Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, which offer boating excursions and more during the summer. One great hotel choice is the Hotel du Lac in Interlaken. It is owned by the Hofmann family, and everyone is extremely friendly. The hotel is right across from the train station, giving you easy access to reach Jungfrau. (The website is listed in the resources.)

Step 4: Train Trip to Jungfrau

Once you reach Interlaken, you can begin your train trip to the Ice Palace on the Jungfrau. You can hop on a train that is going towards the Jungfrau. You first need to reach Grindelwald. If it’s a nice day, you could stop and hike around in the Lauterbrunnen Valley on your way to the Jungfrau. Just realize that it takes 2.5 hours by train to reach the top of the Jungfrau one way. Make sure to give yourself enough time for everything.

Step 5: Purchase your rail ticket to Jungfraujoch

You don’t need to do this until reaching Grindelwald. This is the point at which you will be asked for your specific Jungfrau ticket. Before that, you will be asked to display your Swiss Rail Pass.

Step 6: Get on the Jungfraubahn

With your purchased ticket, enjoy the ascent to the Jungfrau mountain peak. You will go through tunnels, with scenic five-minute stops that allow you to get off the train and look at the valley below.

Step 7: Arrive at the top of the Jungfrau

You will get off the train and then follow the directions through the tunnels to reach the Ice Palace. When you first walk into the Ice Palace, you will see that the ceilings, floors and walls are all made of ice. There are railings to help you from falling.

Once inside, you will find many different ice sculptures, such as one of Mickey Mouse. There are two sculptures without faces, allowing you to get behind the sculptures and poke your head through for some interesting photos. It doesn’t cost an extra fee to go into the sculpture once you’ve paid your rail ticket to Jungfrau.

Step 8: Explore the rest of Jungfrau

Once you see the Ice Palace, you can visit the souvenir shops or eat in one of the restaurants. One great dish to try is the Goulash soup, a hearty soup with beef and vegetables, available at many dining places in the area.

Step 9: Take the elevator up to the Sphinx Observatory

From here, you will get a great view of the valley below. On clear days, you can see the whole way down to the town of Interlaken and the two lakes, Brienz and Thun. You can stay inside and view it from through the glass, or you can walk outside. You can leave the Observatory and walk across the snow to see the rest of the top of the mountain peak. Just make sure to stay in areas marked as being safe for visitors to walk through.

Switzerland’s Ice Palaces

Switzerland’s ice palaces are not found in just one location; they are scattered across various regions, each offering a unique experience set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. One of the most renowned places to start your quest is in Zermatt, at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Here, the Glacier Paradise offers an ice palace that sits amidst the highest peaks of the Alps, accessible by a scenic cable car ride that is an adventure in itself.

Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe, where visitors can explore an ice palace carved deep within the Aletsch Glacier. The journey to Jungfraujoch is a remarkable experience, combining a train ride through the Eiger and Mönch mountains with the breathtaking beauty of the ice palace awaiting the summit.

Each location provides not just the chance to see an ice palace but also an immersive journey through some of Switzerland’s most stunning landscapes.

Preparing for Your Adventure: Tips and Insights

Visiting an ice palace in Switzerland is an adventure that requires some preparation to fully enjoy the experience. First and foremost, dress warmly.

The weather gets much colder as you head up into the Swiss Alps. It may be 60 degrees Fahrenheit in Interlaken but only 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit on top of the Jungfrau.

The temperature inside the ice palaces can be well below freezing, even in summer, so layers, thermal wear, gloves, and a warm hat are essential. Footwear is equally important; choose boots with good grip to navigate the icy floors safely.

Timing your visit can enhance the experience. Winter and early spring offer the most authentic ambience, with the surrounding landscapes cloaked in snow, adding to the magic of the ice palaces. However, these attractions are generally open year-round, allowing for flexibility in planning your trip.

Try to pick a day that is clear. Often, there will be a cloud cover that hangs right below the mountain peaks, blocking your view of Interlaken and the Lauterbrunnen Valley below. Although the sights are still beautiful, you will miss out if you can’t see everything.

Bring your hiking boots or snow boots. You will want adequate footwear if you will be hiking in the valleys. If you care to hike on the top of the Jungfrau, you want waterproof boots with traction.

Purchasing tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many ice palaces are part of larger attractions, such as ski resorts or mountain excursions, and offer various ticket options that can include transportation, entry to the ice palace, and other experiences. Check online for combo deals and discounts to make the most of your visit.

An ice palace visit in Switzerland is not just about the structure itself but also about the journey and the surrounding landscapes. Whether you’re in Zermatt, Jungfraujoch, or another location, take the time to explore the area. Each region offers its own set of winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and sledging. The Swiss Alps are a playground for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Moreover, the towns and villages near the ice palaces are worth exploring. Swiss alpine towns offer a charming blend of tradition and modernity, with cosy cafés, historical sites, and boutique shops. Sampling local cuisine, such as raclette or fondue, adds a delightful dimension to your adventure, allowing you to savour the flavours of Swiss culture.