Day 4: Jungfraujoch, Switzerland - The Top of Europe

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

We started the morning with an early 10-minute walk to the Mürren Train station.

We noticed some beautiful edelweiss along the way.  This is one of many names Europe has for this unique mountain flower:

“The flower's common name Edelweiß is German, and is a compound of edel "noble" and weiß "white". Slovenian name is planika, meaning mountain girl. In Romania, it is known as floare de colț, which means 'cliffhanger's flower.' The flower is referred to as Stella Alpina in the Italian-speaking Alps and étoile des Alpes in the French Alps, meaning 'star of the Alps.'” Wikipedia

We took the train, then a cable car ride down to Lauterbrunnen, and then took a train to Kleine Scheidegg.

At Kleine Scheidegg, we transferred to a train that would take us up to the Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Tour.  

The Viator website describes the experience:

“Climb aboard a cog railway to the UNESCO-listed Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe.” After a scenic coach ride through the Bernese Oberland, travel to Europe's highest train station, which is 3,454 meters/11,332 feet above sea level. From the Sphinx Observatory you have a view of the Aletsch Glacier and across the snow-capped mountain peaks to France and Italy.” (Viator)

The views up the mountain were spectacular. The Eiger Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains were on full display. 

Once at the top, we left the train into the Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Tour bunker. 

We looked out over the Aletsch Glacier, saw the world’s highest mailbox, and looked at the 9 different experiences this mountaintop had to offer. 

Above you can see the different features to experience Jungfrau.

We walked through Panorama with displays of fun and history. 

We took an elevator up to the Sphinx, an observatory and panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Next, we left the compound and went onto the snow!  We had a snowball fight and I got to fly my drone.   

After our tour, we boarded the cogwheel train again and descended the mountain and stopped at Eigergletscher Restaurant for lunch. 

We shared potato soup, roasted chicken, and Swiss toast with cheese and egg— so good.

We finished with coffee and a Swiss desert called, “Rahmschnitte”— which is similar to the Romanian desert, “Krensmit”. 

We took a quick hike while waiting for our next train. 

The descent down the mountain on the train gave us incredible views of the valley and villages along the way. 

After arriving back at Lauterbrunnen, we ascended back up to Mürren via cable car and train. 

It was a tiring and memorable day.  We were exhausted and ready for a break.