Ski Year Round in Jungfraujoch
For mountain lovers, seeking the highest points in the world is a goal many people hope to accomplish. One of the top mountain ranges in the world is the Alpine Mountains. Here, powder snow remains thick most of the year and visitors get an immediate natural high just from being in the fresh mountain air.
But if you are a mountain lover, there is one point in this range that should be added to your bucket list. Best known as ‘The top of Europe’, Jungfaujoch is a thrill not to be missed. Located 3,454 meters up in the air, visitors flock to the highest railway station in Europe to take in incredible scenery, snow, ice and rock.
When you arrive, your journey will begin with transport up the mountain on one of the most spectacular railway trips you will ever experience. By train, you will journey through the rocks of the Eiger and Monch mountains.
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The construction of this historic railway station began all the way back in 1896. After fast work, the Jungfaujoch station opened up only 2 years later in 1898. Over the coming years more stations were added to give visitors vista points where they could take in the scenery on the mountain. By 1931 a research station had been opened at the end of this railway, and by 1937 the Sphinx Observatory also opened. By 1975 tourists were able to take the railway and experience the thrill of traveling so high in the air by railway. Now, visitors come here each year, and it is known as a must-see for any trip to Switzerland.
As your journey begins, you will step on board the historic train. On the way up, the train will stop twice to give you the opportunity to take in this breathtaking scenery. The first stop will be at the Eigerwand, or translated Eiger Wall and is 2,865m high. Here, panoramic windows have been installed to give visitors a full view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The second stop is the Eismeer, or sea of ice which is located 3100m up the mountain. Here, visitors get even more spectacular views of the mountain and glacier.
Once at the top, Jungfraujoch has a lot to offer its visitors. There is an area of snow for visitors to walk on, and an ice cave that visitors can navigate through. For the less outdoorsy types, a restaurant and shop also await those who disembark the train. A must-see is a trip up a lift to the Sphinx Observatory. This gives visitors the best view of the Aletsch Glacier.
The summer months tend to be the best time to go. Not only will it fulfill your quest for powder during months where it’s harder to find, but it will also give way to sunnier conditions letting you take in more of the scenic views.
One tip consistently given by visitors is to allow your body to adjust once you reach the top. The change in altitude is great, but not unbearable. Once you have arrived at the rail station, sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate before venturing out for your activities on top of the mountain. If you arrive early enough in the day, you will have plenty of time to take everything in without feeling rushed. Also, do not forget the sunscreen as the sun intensifies the higher you go on the mountain. While this is well-known by most mountaineers, it is easy to forget.
Jungfraujoch is a must see excursion for any visitor to the Alps. Get your Alpine high by visiting the highest railway in Europe.
Tess Pajaron is part of the team behind Open Colleges. She has traveled to many different countries and loves to discover new and exciting places. She can be also seen on her social media profile at Google+.
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