Get ready for an epic day trip above the clouds of the Berner Oberland to Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe.
Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for the kind words and support about yesterdays post. I still can't believe I'm dealing with this, but you guys are amazing and always make me feel better.
One of the most memorable days on my trip to Switzerland was my day trip to Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe. I did this in the middle of my time in the beautiful Murren, but I had enough pictures to make it a post of its own. Plus, it was pretty enough to justify its own time to shine. If you are just joining me, feel free to catch up here with the rest of my trip including my Switzerland Travel Guide! --->
- Let's go to Switzerland!
- Back from Switzerland
- 10 Must Do Things in Lucerne Switzerland
- Mt. Pilatus Day Trip
- One Day in Bern, Switzerland
- Why Murren is the Most Beautiful Place in the World
- An Epic Day Trip to Jungfraujoch
- An Enchanting Encounter with the Matterhorn
- What to Do & Eat in Lausanne
Junfraujoch, the Top of Europe
The Berner Oberland is a stunning part of the Swiss Alps where green meadows are flanked by stark white-capped snowy mountains. It's the home of many cute alpine villages including the one I stayed in, Murren. One of the biggest tourist attractions in the area is going to Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe, where there is snow and glaciers year round. The journey involves taking a train through the Eiger Mountain to the saddle of Jungfrau and Monch mountains at 11,333 feet. While it's not technically the highest point in Europe it is the highest train station... so it's probably the tallest point I'll ever get to!
The day started off by taking the train and gondola down from Murren and then picking up the larger Jungfraujoch train in the valley of Lauterbrunnen. Once again just getting to the destination was just as fun.
The Hubs and I changed trains again and started to gain some elevation.
The train then went into a tunnel that took us through the Eiger mountain. It seemed like such a feat to build a rail line like this, but I was dumbfounded to learn that it was constructed in late 1800's and finished in 1912.
After several hours we get out of the train and are at the tunnel at the top of the mountain. Since the elevation is so high, the air feels heavy. I have asthma I have to move pretty slow to keep from feeling faint.
We leave the tunnel and find ourselves in a building with a restaurant, shops, and bathrooms.
But our attention is quickly drawn outdoors to the views. Holy SNOW in June!
That is actually a glacier in between the mountains too.
There is a platform to walk around and take photos.
It's cold and windy... but oh so magical.
The mountains are so close you feel like you can touch them.
After spending some time on the platform we go back in the building and follow the crowd through the ice palace.
They had some cute ice sculptures, but after seeing nature show off outside it wasn't that interesting.
Past the ice palace is an exit that took us right out onto the mountain and snow.
This was even cooler because I felt like I was a real adventurer. I was telling myself here... DON'T SLIP!
It literally felt like we were on top of the world!
The sun was just warm enough and we stayed outside as long as we could before we got too cold. It takes a bit of effort to get here, but it was worth the work. I can't ever imagine seeing something as crazy as this again.
After taking ALL THE PICTURES we went back inside and stumbled on another swiss treat... the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven. It was as cheesy and ridiculous as it sounds, but they did have some amazing chocolates. There is nothing like real Swiss chocolate. It really is in a class of its own.
We picked out a few favorites and had a snack before catching our scheduled train back down the mountain.
On our way down we decided to stop in another well-known mountain village, Wengen.
It is a little larger and more developed than where we stayed, Murren... but still really cute and charming.
They had a few more hotel, restaurant and shopping options...
... but I still loved the quaint feeling of Murren.
You can't deny these awe-inspiring views though!
To cap off our perfect day we relaxed at a local restaurant with a Spritz...
... and a vegetarian swiss specialty - Rosti. It's hashbrown, potatoes and fresh vegetables topped with cheese. It was so good!
After dinner, we caught the last train back to Murren for the day. Exhausted... but oh so happy about the trip.
Thoughts about Jungfraujoch, The Top of Europe
While Jungfraujoch isn't exactly the top of Europe, it is the highest train station, making this destination pretty remarkable. I had the best time during this entire journey seeing the green pastures turn to a winter wonderland. The snowy landscape is like something off a post card. If you can afford it and have the time, it's a must see for any trip in the area
Also, check out the rest of my trip including my Switzerland Travel Guide! --->
- 10 Must Do Things in Lucerne Switzerland
- Mt. Pilatus Day Trip
- One Day in Bern, Switzerland
- Why Murren is the Most Beautiful Place in the World
- An Epic Day Trip to Jungfraujoch
- An Enchanting Encounter with the Matterhorn
- What to Do & Eat in Lausanne
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Your turn!
Ever been on snow in June?
Lara Hensley says
Just ran across your blog via a Pinterest post about Switzerland! My husband and visited most of the same areas you did last April/May. I have a friend that lives in Biberstein (a little NW of Zurich) and we stayed with her family some of the time, but when we arrived, she let us borrow one of their cars and a GPS and literally let us roam the country for 2 wks!! We are sooooo ready to go back....at least once a week (or more) we see something that "reminds us of Switzerland"....we are planning a trip Summer of 2019, so I will definitely be saving your Switzerland info for reference!! Your pics are amazing, and yes, Murren was our favorite place too!!
Mary Beth Jackson says
Wow! Your photos are so good they don't look real! What an adventure! You two are definitely making the most of this trip!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Chocolate, incredible views and an ice palace? Sounds pretty awesome to me! I REALLY need to convince Jesse that we need to travel throughout Europe!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
I love living vicariously through your pics of this trip! Such a beautiful place! I hope that your elbow feels better each day.
Mary Jean Henson says
Great photos. Enjoyed seeing them. I, too, had a problem with the altitude there. A sudden move and it felt like I would topple over on my face. Like you said, it was worth it all to see such a beautiful country up close.Hope the arm is beginning to feel better.
Looking forward to the rest of your trip..
Lisa Ballantyne says
Never seen snow in June, but I do remember when Mt. Pisgah got 60" on May 7th 1991 (I believe it was 1991 anyway!). Lovely photos Julie!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
OH the photos are just stunning!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Chocolate, clouds, and penguin ice sculptures... what more do you need? Oh and those views. I literally cannot get over them!