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- Jungfrau
13,642 ft · Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Jungfrau
Jungfrau is a 13,642 ft peak in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Rottalsattel: 7 mi, 2,953 ft of gain, PD.
Jungfrau at a glance
- Elevation13,642 ft4,158 m
- RouteNormal Route via RottalsattelPD
- Distance7 mi2,953 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeBernese AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Normal Route via Rottalsattel
Take the Jungfraujoch railway to 3,454 m, Switzerland, then walk to the Monchsjochhutte and summit the most famous of the Bernese giants. The Normal Route via the Rottalsattel (PD) crosses glacier terrain to the col, then finishes on a steep, exposed summit ridge. Do not let the train mislead you: the upper slopes are avalanche-prone, the summit ridge is corniced, and the mountain has a substantial accident record. Rope up for the crevassed glacier and start early. Budget two days for the outing, with the railway shortening the approach dramatically.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Carabiners
Belay Device- Prusik Cord
- Ice Screw
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Glacier Glasses
Sunscreen
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Water
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Heavyweight Gloves
Goggles
Offline Maps
Power Bank
Whistle
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Cornices
- Steep exposure
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Jungfrau
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Jungfrau
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Jungfrau?
Jungfrau is 13,642 feet (4,158 m) tall. It is in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland.
How does Jungfrau rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,642 feet, Jungfrau is the 41st highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Jungfrau?
The Normal Route via Rottalsattel is graded PD on the alpine scale, meaning slightly difficult: some scrambling, steeper snow or simple glacier travel. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 2,953 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Jungfrau?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Normal Route via Rottalsattel, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Jungfrau dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Jungfrau?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via Rottalsattel for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Jungfrau?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Jungfrau reaches 13,642 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Jungfrau?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Jungfrau with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list