We stood spellbound 3,454 metres above sea level on one of the highest points in the Swiss Alps as a cold breeze swept over our faces. Mesmerized by the majestic views that surrounded us, we immediately understood why Jungfraujoch, Switzerland is called “The Top of Europe”!

Grindelwald/Eigergletscher/Jungfraujoch

The three Swiss German-speaking villages of Grindelwald, Eigergletscher, and Jungfraujoch (pronounced yuhng-frau-yuhk) are located in the Junfrau region of the Bernese Alps. One of Switzerland’s most popular destinations, the Bernese Oberland is famous for its spectacular natural beauty and alpine charm.

Grindelwald

Situated at the foot of the 3,967 metre Eiger Glacier, the charming, post-card perfect village of Grindelwald is considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Featuring traditional wooden houses surrounded by majestic Alpine views, it is a nature-lovers dream come true. Skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, hiking are all available as well as mountain climbing (the Eiger is regarded as a highly technical climb requiring at least a 5.7 rock climbing grade).

However, getting to Jungfraujoch is not particularly easy. We had to first make our way from Grindelwald up the mountain to Eigergletscher. Luckily, the Eiger Express Cable Car, a gondola opened in 2020, makes the trek easier and faster. Once in Eigergletscher, we then transferred to a cog wheel train for the final leg up to Jungfraujoch. The total trip takes a little more than 45 minutes including the transfer.

Eigergletscher

The Eigergletscher Railway Station sits 1,647 meters above Grindelwald and is the end-point of the Eiger Express. Opened in 1898, the station is the transfer point to the Jungfrau railway’s cogwheel train that goes to the summit. For those not wanting to complete the trip all the way to Jungfraujoch, the town of Eigergletscher provides magnificent views in addition to restaurants, such as the Restaurant Eigernordwand offering traditional Swiss cuisine, the Skibar Schreinerei located at the top of the Eigernordwand chairlift, as well as hiking trails, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding.

 Jungfraujoch

Not only is Jungfraujoch the Top of Europe, but it also hosts the highest railway station. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jungfraujoch is a winter wonderland with 365 days of snow and ice guaranteed. Jungfraujoch’s 211km of perfect pistes offers something for skiers and snowboarders at all levels. And, there is a lot more to see and do …

Experience Breathtaking Views From The Sphinx Observation Deck

In addition to skiing, Jungfraujoch offers a myriad of sightseeing opportunities. Take the lift to the Sphinx Observation Deck where you can view Italy, France and Germany as well as the amazing Aletsch Glacier. The observation deck is located at the Sphinx Observatory, an astronomical observatory and international research station, it is one of the highest in the world. Although the observatory is closed to the public, the observation deck is open.

Be Overwhelmed By The Aletsch Glacier

Eleven billion tons of ice flow along the Aletsch Glacier, a literal “river of ice”. The largest glacier in the Alps, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly a wonder of nature. Rising 4,160m above sea level, it winds along a 23km path, 1.6km wide and half-kilometer thick.

Tour The Ice Palace

Created in the 1930s, the Ice Palace is built 30m below the Aletsch Glacier. Consisting of mirror-smooth aisles and hallways, the attraction showcases ice sculptures of arctic scenes, bears, eagles and other wildlife.

Have Fun At Jungfraujoch Snow Fun Park

The official name for the area that includes the ski slopes, Jungfraujoch Snow Fun Park also offers a wide range of other activities including the Tyrolienne, a zipline that reaches speeds up to 84km per hour, sledging and snow tubing.

Even though a little difficult to reach, the effort is well worth it. For an exhilarating, unforgettable, fun-filled winter getaway with breathtaking views, Grindelwald, Eigergletscher, and Jungfraujoch should be on your bucket list of places to travel!

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