I was standing at 13,642 feet above sea level, and staring out at the panorama of an alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock. The peaks of Swiss alps rose through the sea of clouds in front of me, and glacial valleys covered in the purest white snow lay out ahead.

I was standing at the top of Europe atop the summit of Jungfrau; easily my favorite Ice Cold Adventure to date!

Photos From the Top of Europe:

Jungfrau

At the top of Europe!

Swiss Alps rising through the clouds.

The view over stunning glacial valleys.

The clouds rolling in over the mountain.

Hiking atop Jungfrau

Intimidating peaks rising through the cloud cover

Jungfrau is reached via train from Europe’s highest train station, and the train journey to the top is part of the experience. Cogwheel trains take you from Interlaken at an altitude of 570 m all the way up across several climate zones to the Jungfraujoch (summit) at 3454 m. There are two routes to get there, one via Lauterbrunnen and one via Grindelwald.

It’s not a cheap excursion, (between $160-$250 depending on which rail pass you purchase) but is very unique and definitely worth the money.

Train tickets are available at any Swiss rail station. Make sure you have a rail pass as the tickets are quite expensive without.

Jungfraujoch Railway. Photo CC by Rennett Stowe

Once at the top, there is an observatory offering 360° panoramic views, ice cave with many ice sculptures to admire, multiple restaurants, and accessibility to go out in the snow and enjoy the view of the Grosser Aletsch glacier and the surrounding mountains.

Those who travel in summer can pay extra for sledging, skiing or snowboarding in the Snow Fun Park, and chocolate lovers will enjoy Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s made. You can’t visit Switzerland and not indulge in chocolate!

Meg Jerrard is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure!  Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

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