Jungfrau

Jungfrau is a prominent peak in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. It rises to 4,158 meters above sea level and forms part of the Jungfrau massif, together with the Eiger and the Mönch. The name Jungfrau means maiden in German, a reference to its graceful, glaciated silhouette. The surrounding region is characterized by high Alpine terrain and extensive glaciation.

Geography and accessibility are closely linked to the Jungfraujoch, a saddle between the Jungfrau and the Mönch. The area is home to a major transport hub and severalVisitor facilities at high altitude, including viewing platforms, an ice palace, and research installations. A cogwheel railway runs from Kleine Scheidegg through tunnels to the Jungfraujoch, making the site a popular destination year-round and earning it the moniker Top of Europe.

Conservation and significance are underscored by its inclusion in the Jungfrau–Aletsch Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2001. The area protects one of the largest and most studied glaciated regions in the Alps, including the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks.

Tourism and recreation are central to the Jungfrau region. The area attracts hikers, climbers, skiers, and casual visitors who come to experience panoramic alpine views, glacier scenery, and access to the surrounding towns of Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen. The Jungfrau remains a symbol of the Swiss Alps and a focal point for mountaineering history, scientific research, and alpine tourism.