Jungfrau - Switzerland Highlights - Day 9

We spent most of day nine in Europe exploring the Jungfrau on the opposite side of the valley from our hotel in Murren.  To get there we cable carred down to Lauterbrunnen.  Then we hopped on a train equipped with special teeth that grip a center rail for extra traction.

The train first stopped in the resort town of Wengen.  Then we climbed higher and higher up the Jungfrau.

Jungfrau means mean young frauline or lady.  The Jungfrau stands besides two other peaks.  A Swiss fable says the Jungfrau is protected by a center peak called the Mönch or in English monk.  This monk protects the Jungfrau from the Eiger (or in English ogre) on the opposite side of the Mönch.

Also of note, we passed a Chinese couple taking their wedding pictures out on a ledge.  Chinese couples frequently travel here for wedding photos even though their ceremonies takes place elsewhere.

Then we switched trains at Kleine Scheidegg for a 30 minute climb up the Jungfrau.  The train grinded below the Eiger and Monch until we stopped at the Jungfrau station.

This complex in and on the mountain spans nine floors.  Outside visitors gaze at an 11 mile long glacier.  A restaurant on the other side of a hill serves coffee.  Inside we viewed historical models of the complex, a Lindt chocolate exhibit, and the Ice Palace.  The Swiss cut a hole in the glacier and named it the Ice Palace.  They installed handbars and lights in the glacier walls so people like us can strut, spin and slide in comfort.

Then we headed back down to Kleine Scheidegg.  We lunched then hiked set out on a hike.  The town of Gridelwald lay in the valley below.

Cows clanged their bells in the distance below us.  I wanted to get up close and personal with a cow.  I found a path down to some cows nearby.  A leader-cow I approached had no desire for a close human encounter.  I walked a little closer and that cow advanced toward me pushing me away with it’s head.  I got the message.

Our hike ended at the Mannlichen cable car station.  From there we headed down to Wengen, caught a train to Lauterbrunnen then ultimately returned to Mürren.

It began to rain.  We met up with my mom and had dinner across the road from our chalet.  After dinner we hopped over to a nearby vista to savor the last moments of daylight.

Stay tuned for our next episode when we explore the Murren side of the valley.  We’ll head up to a former James Bond movie set, hike to a waterfall and more.