Day 18 - Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe

 Day 18: Jungfraujoch, The Top of Europe


One of my favorite lifetime memories is visiting Jungfraujoch back in 2003 when I studied abroad. When we decided to take the kids to Switzerland, I knew it was a must do and must see. One of the most beautiful and iconic places in the alps, Jungfraujoch sits at the top of Europe, and today did not disappoint. 


We took the Eiger Express gondola over to Eigergletscher terminal to catch the train to the top. This was a whole new experience for me, as this gondola opened only two years ago, and takes you directly up the mountain over Wengen and nearly to the peak. Once on the train, the entire ride was through a large tunnel that goes directly through the mountain. 


While at Jungfraujoch, we completed the entire tour and it took us a five full hours. We arrived by 9am, and summited up to the Sphyinx to take in the panoramic views of Monch and Jungfrau peaks. We then visited the Ice Palace, a tunnel of ice sculptures and gateways that the boys just loved. That took us to the newly added Lindt Chocolate Shop, where they each picked out ten small items to enjoy throughout the trip. We got a few ourselves!  At this point, it was 11am and the crowds had begun to join us. So we grabbed the final table open alongside the mountains in the Jungfrau restaurant.  When I was in college I couldn’t afford to eat here, so this was a real treat!  The men all had chili and sandwiches, and I ordered an excellent chicken curry! YUM. 


After lunch, I was feeling a little altitude sickness, so we slowly made our way to the final stop on the tour, walking across the glacier. The boys made a pit stop at the gift shop, buying the souvenir they’ve most looked forward to: an authentic Swiss Army Knife. Now, we will definitely have to check a bag on the way home!


Once we got down to the glacier, I felt a little better just being outdoors. We immediately saw the zipline. Since Aaron had his fun yesterday, the boys and I decided to do it, and it was both terrifying and exhilarating. We literally ziplined directly in front of the Jungfrau, with the expansive views of mountains all around. It was a crystal clear day, and an unbelievable experience.


While climbing the steps to takeoff, Zach began to feel the effects of the altitude.  Once we got done ziplining, he was in rough shape and the group got a little emotional after that. We took a little breather, and then did some walking along the glacier before catching the train back down the mountain. 


We came home for a steak and potatoes dinner, a long rest, and recalibration.  As if the day wasn’t full enough, Aaron learned there was an outdoor concert at 7pm in downtown Grindelwald, free to the public. So we freshened up and drove into town, grabbing a picnic table to watch a cover band perform. The couple played hits we knew well and could sing all the words to, and it was an idealic setting watching live music with the alps as our backdrop. The boys dallied between the outdoor playground and the concert, and eventually we were all on our feet dancing.


Tonight, as a family, we reflected on the creativity and generosity of God, giving praise to Him for all we saw today.  God could have made a place for us to exist that was black, white, grey. Flat. Unexciting. Mute. Instead, because He is a majestic creator, He gave us more than we could ever ask for: glorious views, melodious music, technicolor nature. Our devotional tonight expresses our thanks and praise for such a magnificent day: 

“Great is the Lord! 

He is most worthy of praise! 

No one can measure his Greatness.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;

 let them proclaim your power.

I will meditate on your majestic, 

glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.”

Psalm 145















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