Jungfrau - The Best of Switzerland
Fresh, Spring air is crisp in the morning as you ride the three-part journey from Interlaken to Jungfrau. The Lauterbrunnen Valley opens into a vast expanse of pine forests, dusted in a covering of snow. Waterfalls flow from the rocky mountainsides as the sun melts away the signs of Winter. And this is just the beginning.
A visit to the Jungfrau is marketed as 'The top of Europe', however it is actually the highest train station in Europe, there are other higher points on the continent. Nonetheless, the journey is worth the cost.
From Interlaken, the journey to the Jungfrau can be made as a roundtrip journey, which can work in either direction via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. Switzerland offers some of the most spectacular views I have ever experienced, and the day falls nothing short of amazing.
You will travel through the town of Wengen, where ski runs line the train tracks and pine trees are dusted with fresh white powder. Chalets are sprinkled across the mountains, one of the few signs of human activity in the otherwise untouched valleys.
Upon arrival at Kleine Scheidegg, you will feel the energy that buzzes from everywhere. The hum of chatter cuts through music that plays from bars and a teepee as skiers spill out before they return to the slopes. The train pulls in for the final and steepest leg of the journey to the Jungfrau. The windows will open, so be sure to secure yourself a window seat to get a few more shots before you head into the tunnel.
When you finally reach the top, it will take your breath away (perhaps even literally). The air is significantly colder up here despite the sun blazing down upon you. This is only exacerbated by the wind as you step onto the viewing platform. Gloves, scarf and beanie are all a must up here. The view of the expanse before you though will be worth near-freezing for. You can walk about an hour out into the snow, and visit the various attractions at the Jungfrau, including the Ice Palace and a walk-through history of the Jungfrau railway. All of which are included in your entry price.
As you make your way down toward Interlaken again, I could not recommend spending a few hours in Grindelwald enough. This was definitely the highlight of my entire time in Switzerland, and I intend on spending more time there.
A ski town set against a picturesque mountain range, Grindelwald is quite literally alight as the sun slips behind the valley for the evening. Take a walk around town before treating yourself to a Swiss speciality of cheese fondue.
The day trip to the Jungfrau may seem costly at first glance, however between the million dollar views and buzzing atmosphere of the villages you will pass through on your journey, it is not one to be missed when visiting the Swiss Alps.
