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Ring in 2024 on the Jungfrau Express: A Swiss New Year's Rail Adventure
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 7:34 GMT by Travel + Leisure- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Interlaken and the Jungfrau Express at New Year: A Rail‑Based Swiss Celebration
Travel + Leisure’s latest feature takes readers on a scenic journey through Switzerland’s alpine heart, spotlighting Interlaken as the perfect springboard for a New Year’s escape. The article, published as part of the “Vacations by Rail” series, pairs practical travel advice with evocative snapshots of snow‑capped peaks, glittering lakes, and the electric buzz of a Swiss town in winter. It weaves together itinerary suggestions, behind‑the‑scenes details of the Jungfrau Express, and insider tips on booking through Vacations by Rail, making it a one‑stop guide for anyone looking to ring in the new year on rails.
Why Interlaken?
The article opens by explaining why Interlaken – perched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and overlooking the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – is a “must‑visit” for winter travellers. The town’s charm lies in its blend of alpine adventure and relaxed lakeside ambience. In December, Interlaken’s streets are festooned with lights, and the central square hosts a lively New Year’s Eve market where local artisans sell craft‑made candles, chocolates, and hot mulled wine. The author highlights that, despite its relatively modest size, Interlaken offers easy access to a constellation of activities: skiing on the nearby Grindelwald slopes, sledging in the Fiesch‑Piz Gloria area, or simply strolling along the Aare River for spectacular snow‑filled reflections.
The Jungfrau Express – A Scenic Ride to the “Top of Europe”
Central to the feature is the Jungfrau Express, the high‑altitude train that ferries passengers from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch – the so‑called “Top of Europe.” The article gives readers a step‑by‑step tour of the route. Starting on a classic Swiss “Toboggan”‑style carriage, the train climbs through tunnels, over iron bridges, and past glaciers, offering panoramic views of the Bernese Alps. As the carriage ascends, the author notes that the windows are framed by a frosted glass that turns the ride into a living postcard. The train reaches a 3,454‑meter (11,344‑foot) station where the sun shines on a 3‑km‑long glacier, and the “Sphinx Observatory” stands as a beacon of scientific research amid the icy expanse.
While the Jungfrau Express is famed for its scenery, the article stresses its practical value: the ride takes roughly 2 hours one‑way, making a day trip from Interlaken entirely feasible. The author quotes a local guide who says the train’s “in‑car dining service offers a tasting menu of Swiss cheeses and regional wines, so you can indulge without leaving the carriage.”
New Year’s Eve in the Alps
The feature pivots to the unique experience of ringing in 2024 from Interlaken. The author describes a “two‑part celebration” that blends a daytime excursion to Jungfraujoch with a nighttime New Year’s Eve gala in the town. During the day, travellers can soak in the high‑altitude vistas and, if they’re lucky, spot snow‑covered peaks glimmering in the afternoon light. In the evening, Interlaken’s main square transforms into a festive stage. The author notes that fireworks launch from the shores of Lake Brienz, creating a shimmering display that is visible from many of the surrounding hotels.
Travel + Leisure also highlights a local tradition: “New Year’s Eve on the Aare.” Guests can board a guided boat ride on the river, which circles the lake while a live DJ plays an eclectic mix of Swiss folk and international hits. The boat crew, according to the article, serves traditional Swiss snacks such as “Zürcher Geschnetzeltes” and “Rösti” to keep the energy high until the midnight countdown.
Vacations by Rail: The All‑Inclusive Swiss Package
A key part of the article is the “Vacations by Rail” promotion that allows travellers to book a package that bundles the Jungfrau Express ticket, a Swiss Travel Pass, and a stay at a boutique Interlaken hotel. The author explains how the Swiss Travel Pass grants unlimited travel on the country’s extensive rail network – including the scenic cog‑wheel trains that feed into the Jungfrau region – and includes free admission to over 300 museums and attractions. By opting for Vacations by Rail, the article notes, guests also receive “priority boarding” on the Jungfrau Express and a complimentary 10‑minute city tour of Interlaken on the day before New Year’s Eve.
The article includes a “How to Book” sidebar, which directs readers to the Vacations by Rail website. Here, users can pick their travel dates, choose between single‑day or multi‑day passes, and select accommodation options ranging from cozy family‑owned inns to luxury hotels with spa services. The author emphasises that booking early is essential, as New Year’s Eve is a peak travel period and trains can fill up quickly.
Practical Tips for the Winter Trip
Travel + Leisure rounds off the feature with a handful of pragmatic recommendations:
Pack Warm, Layered Clothing – The article underscores that daytime temperatures near Jungfraujoch can be as low as –10 °C (14 °F) during December, whereas Interlaken’s valley is milder. Waterproof boots and a wind‑proof jacket are essential.
Reserve Your Tickets in Advance – The Jungfrau Express offers a “Jungfrau Pass” that provides a flexible return ticket for a set period. Booking the pass ahead of the travel date ensures you’re not left scrambling for seats on the crowded New Year’s trains.
Enjoy the Swiss Holiday Calendar – The piece reminds readers that December 24th is a public holiday in Switzerland, so many shops will close early. Planning a relaxed morning before the evening festivities will allow you to soak in the town’s holiday decorations.
Try Local Foods – The article’s food section invites readers to sample fondue, raclette, and the famed Swiss chocolate truffles that are produced by local chocolatiers in Interlaken’s markets.
Consider Travel Insurance – Given the variable winter weather, the author suggests adding a “weather‑related cancellation” clause to your insurance to cover unexpected delays on the Jungfrau Express.
Conclusion
In sum, the Travel + Leisure article paints a vivid picture of a New Year’s adventure that blends the thrill of alpine vistas with the intimacy of a small Swiss town’s celebrations. By spotlighting Interlaken as a hub, the Jungfrau Express as a logistical and visual masterpiece, and the Vacations by Rail as a convenient all‑in‑one solution, the piece offers both the inspiration and the practical tools needed to plan a memorable winter escape. Whether you’re a seasoned rail enthusiast, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a family seeking child‑friendly activities, the article reassures readers that Switzerland’s winter magic is accessible – and that the best way to experience it is aboard a train that carries you from the glistening shores of Lake Brienz to the snow‑kissed peaks of the Jungfrau Region, all while celebrating the promise of a brand new year.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/interlaken-and-the-jungfrau-express-at-new-year-with-vacations-by-rail-11860836 ]
