Day 3 – August 18th, 2008 – At the Top of Europe
Morning came early, and what a morning it was. Birds chirped, waterfalls flowed, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees. After showering in the communal facilities and preparing a hearty breakfast, we sat under the awning enjoying the crisp mountain air and panoramic views.
Today’s plan was nothing short of extraordinary—we were headed to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Constructed between 1896 and 1912, the rail line is an engineering marvel.
Bundled up in warm clothes, hats, gloves, and sunglasses (a must in the snowy glare), we walked to Lauterbrunnen station and caught a scenic train to Kleine Scheidegg, a 45-minute ride through the valley. From there, another train took us through a series of tunnels, climbing to an altitude of 3,454 metres (11,300 feet).
Despite the cost—around 190 Swiss Francs per person—the experience was priceless. We felt the altitude almost immediately; shortness of breath and light-headedness set in, but the excitement kept us going. Jungfraujoch houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and an entire underground complex carved into the mountain.
We skipped the restaurants—our cravings for fafda and jalebi would remain unsatisfied here—and instead immersed ourselves in the Alpine Sensation exhibit, the Ice Palace with its intricately carved sculptures, and the jaw-dropping views from the Sphinx Terrace, perched at 3,571 metres. The icy chill was bone-deep, but we were well prepared, thanks to advice from our campsite hosts.
After a playful snow fight and a long walk through tunnels and glacier paths, we returned to the main station and made our descent. Back at the campsite, we lit the barbecue once again, enjoyed light snacks, and later prepared a comforting fish curry and vegetable curry with boiled rice. It had been an unforgettable day—both awe-inspiring and humbling.
