A Perfect Winter ❆ Switzerland : PerfeKt winter at 3,454 meters on a fine Thursday

A Perfect Winter ❆ Switzerland :PerfeKt winter at 3,454 meters on a fine Thursday

Special thank you to Jungfrau Railways (Top of Europe)
Thursday seems the perfect weather I’ve been told, for it has been cloudy skies with snow fall of course. But this day was the best comparatively . . .

Started our journey from Interlaken Ost train station(Ost meaning west), after changing two trains, a coach full with little Charlie Chaplin’s (complete with bowler hats and the trademark moustache), many skiers and two hours later, we finally reached Jungfraujoch at 3454 meters, the first thing we did was to head out to the highest tip.

Stepping out onto the snow covered mountain tip, experiencing a visually shocking sight to the senses, the contrast of vivid blue skies, cold air and the bright reflection from the white powdered snow which covers the Alps. From the north to the south, and from the east to the west the view of the snow capped Bernese Alps is amazingly beautiful and breathtaking. Imagine closing your eyes, feeling the cold at – 10 degrees while in-hailing a deep breath of Jungfraujoch pure fresh air, one of the best feeling in the world.

Here we met the little Charlie Chaplin’s once more! They are here for an important mission . . . The inauguration of Charlie Chaplin Ice Sculpture at 3,454 feet by sculptor Sir John Doubleday. No easy feet sculpting at an altitude of 11,332 feet.

In memory of Charlie Chaplin the movie giant, Jungfrau Railways, in collaboration with the Chaplin’s World museum, unveiled Chaplin immortalized in the Ice Palace on Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe with the presence of both Sir John Doubleday and Eugene Chaplin (fifth son of Charlie Chaplin and his wife Oona). Keeping his memories alive even after 40 years since his passing on 25th December 1977.

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Exploring Jungfraujoch from Interlaken Ost is one of the most beautiful journeys of perfect powdery white snow like frosting on cakes, as the train whisk past little towns high-up in the mounts, turning the area into a winter wonderland. Made even easier with the many offerings of Jungfrau Railways Passport. I now know that Japan is not the only country whose train is punctual!

Stopping at Eismeer Station:
Just right before we reach the last stop at Jungfraujoch, we got off at the Eismeer station to view the jagged edged snow covered bluish ice blocks at 3,160 meters backed by a panoramic view of the four thousand metre peaks. The train will stop for 5 minutes and will then continue to the top. Eismeer also means a Sea of Ice in German language.

Many avenues to explore at the TOP OF EUROPE
Besides the panoramic views of Jungfraujoch plateau and Sphinx Observation Deck the highest point, there are also choices of restaurants, Ice Palace to explore, Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, Alpine sensation ( A shudder runs down the spine of whoever enters the 250 metre long corridor between the Sphinx Hall and Ice Palace), MÖNCHSJOCHHÜTTE, Snow Fun Park (from mid-May to mid-October), Top of Europe souvenir shops where you can purchase and write postcards and mail them to yourself (it is exciting upon returning from your trip to receive a postcard which reminds you of your awesome travels to the Top Of Europe) or to your loved ones back home.

Finally it is time to head back to the beautiful town of Interlaken as the sun wanes to night. During winter, sunset is much earlier. We took a different route instead from the way-up. Affording us the beautiful view of Eiger’s tip lighted by the Swiss sunset view.

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Additional Info: Route Map from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch and back.
The route going up to Jungfraujoch Top Of Europe which we explored. You may also do it the other way around. Depending on your preference. The route going up was approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes.

The route on the way down to Interlaken Ost station. The route down took approximately 2 hours stopping at Grindelwald to change trains

Jungfraujoch Train Tickets:
Jungfraujoch Top Of Europe Ticket : From CHF 91.00
Jungfraujoch Round Trip : From CHF 100.80
Seat Reservation : From CHF 5.00

Too many choices? How many days should I purchase for? Can I hope off and hope on?
Call APPLE WEST at 03-2143 3939 for best advice on ticket type to purchase.
Click: APPLE WEST Enquiry

Interesting Facts:
Switzerland is a country you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Unique with four national language spoken here are Swiss German taking up a bigger pie, French, Italian and a smattering of Romansh. The location of the spoken language is very much influenced by the countries bordering Switzerland. Being a landlocked country by France in the west, Germany in the north, Austria and the principality of Liechtenstein in the east (which also speaks German), Italy in the south. Where as Romansh language is spoken in Graubunden in the east side.

Be sure to visit Interlaken, located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, north of Switzerland where the Swiss-German language is widely spoken here. Interlaken is one of the most prettiest fairy-tale resort town, in between two lakes (hence the town’s name – Interlaken) and surrounded by breathtaking Swiss Alps. Winter season here is the peak with lots of fun filled activities taking place.

Read More on A Perfect Winter ❆ Switzerland:
1) Having Charlie Chaplin in Vevey
2) Welcome TO CHAPLIN’S WORLD by Grevin
3) Heading up to Grindelwald-First (pronounce as ‘Fierst’)

Apple West, europe, Interlaken, Jungfrau Railways, Jungfraujoch Top Of Europe, switzerland