Switzerland: At the top of Europe - Jungfraujoch

Laziness had taken over me. Had been spending a couple of days reading and playing Candy Crush Saga - yes, the game that literally got everyone hooked up and totally addicted.

Well, now that I had shaken off the lazy bug off me (hopefully. Fingers crossed), let me continue with the Switzerland trip posts.

It was one of the most exciting days.

Being at the top of...not the world, just Europe ;)

Here is the itinerary of Day 4:

Su 24.04.11    Jungfraujoch/Top of Europe

                            Swiss breakfast buffet at your hotel

                     Do NOT validate your Swiss Card today. Railtickets for Jungfraujoch

                     are provided in your documentation.

                     This unique excursion is the highlight of every Swiss Tour and takes full day.

                     By coghweel trains you reach the highest railway station of Europe 3454m

                     in a fantastic world of snow and ice. Aletsch, longest glacier in Europe, 22 km.

Excursion to Jungfraujoch/Top of Europe

10.05 h dep    Interlaken OST, platform 2

10.25 h arr      Lauterbrunnen

10.30 h dep    Lauterbrunnen

11.14 h arr      Kleine Scheidegg

11.30 h dep    Kleine Scheidegg

12.22 h arr      Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch/Top of Europe  UNESCO World Heritage

Visit of the attractions:

Sphinx-Terrace, Ice Palace, Plateau with walks in the eternal snow,

Toporama-Cinema opposite the Restaurant Crystal, for 10 minutes just music + pictures

Optional lunch at the Restaurant Crystal or self-service

14.30 h dep    Jungfraujoch

15.20 h arr      Kleine Scheidegg

15.33 h dep    Kleine Scheidegg

16.12 h arr      Grindelwald, overstop at the glacier village, optional, or 16.19h dep.I’laken

16.49 h dep    Grindelwald

17.24 h arr      Interlaken OST

Overnight in Interlaken

Jungfraujoch may be over-rated as it is a popular tourist attraction you must visit when you are in Switzerland. Anyway, you must experience it yourself before passing any judgement, mustn't you?

If it wasn't because there was signs showing it was Jungfraujoch, I probably couldn't tell if it was Jungfraujoch or was it Gornegrat, except probably the shape would be a good way to distinguish them apart.

Only if you are good with shapes :p I am kidding.

Similarities?

The cold that enveloped you as you moved up to higher altitudes. 

The glaring white snow that covered almost everything. Depending on the wind, you may have a better view of the surrounding or a misty scenery. 

We had the latter :(

But it didn't change the fact that Switzerland is still beautiful.

We took a picture of the train that brought us to the top of Europe.

And back to the alps.

Oh, do remember to eat well during breakfast and gear up for the walk.

At the far right, where there was a Swiss flag flying mighty against the wind, was a favourite spot for photography. We could hardly get a photo without having someone else in the background.

There were quite a few observation decks around. However, be cautious of the slippery surface. 

Then, we came to the favourite spot for tourists - to mark your presence at the top of the world...erm, I mean Europe:

The edge of a cliff, when viewing from the top.
At times, you just feel like you are walking in the clouds.
Everything around you is pure white, with a touch of mysterious mist.
If you are not a person that likes the cold, please dress yourself warmly. A scarf and a good pair of gloves are handy, in this case.
Also, a ear-muff is recommended to avoid the pain and numbness on your ears caused by the strong icy wind.

Having the habit of sending postcards to yourself, your family or friends while travelling?

Here is your chance to make it a memorable one. Send it from the "highest post office in the world" (so it was claimed but I read from the Internet, there were other post offices higher than the one in Jungfraujoch. Never mind about that. Just assume the claim is truthful)! Look out for the post office in the directory. I couldn't quite recall which floor it was.

Ah,....the Swiss version of "Love Passage", we thought when we saw the padlocks hanging on the wall in Jungfraujoch.

Apparently, it was just to commemorate the first China travel group that came to Switzerland! 

Ice Palace is highly recommended in a tour to Jungfraujoch. Honestly, I wasn't overly impressed with it. Nothing was extraordinarily unique or catching my attention, as we took a quick tour in it.

Again, beware of slippery surface in the Ice Palace.

I didn't take many photos in the Ice Palace. Just casually strolled pass each of the sculpture displayed. 

Next destination, before heading back to Interlaken OST was Grindelwald.

There was a glacier village situated in Grindelwald and I was told, Grindelwald was a good place for skiing, should you want to add ski into your trip between Jungfraujoch and Interlaken OST.

I love the view of houses being built around the foot of the mountains, where people live in the heart of the nature. With train rides, you could see places from different angles, which otherwise could do only by foot.

Yes, another shot taken while I was in the train. The challenging part is always to get a clear picture (with no reflection from the window) and a straight picture.

Dining in the midst of the alps and glacier!
Do spend some time having your meal here, if you are not in a rush to meet train schedules. It is a rare occasion for city people to dine peacefully with nature around you.