August  2013

Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau

The train to Jungfrau from Interlaken is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland.  it resembles a third world country railroad system.  You see poeple of all colors and shapes pushing and shoving as if they were at home.  It was an effort to find a seat for Johanna, but I brought out my knowledge of the Middle East and pushed and shoved to find one and succeeded.  The train ride took us to Kleine Scheidegg via Wengen where we stayed for the day.  We had lunch, did a spectacular hike, were close and personal with nature and then took the train down via Grindelwald.

 

   

Wengen

This small mountain village with alpine chalets and hotels is also known for its winter sports.

 

   

From Wengen onto Kleine Scheidegg the train got a little less crowded and more quiet.

Kleine Scheidegg train station - Heiner checking the trains, engines, horse powers etc....

  

 

This is a picture taken in 2002.  As I remember, with all the crowds there was no pushing then.
 


Restaurant Eiger Nordwand - below right, with a lovely terrace and a breathtaking view of the mountains.  We had lunch, and then we left Johanna there for a little hike.



Going to Rinderhütte from the train station.


Kleine Scheidegg train station as seen on our hike.




   

My favorite picture of the day.  The Swiss cows were wondering who we were and came by to investigate.
 
On our last day at Interlaken we went all the way up to the Jungfrau train station and hiked to

Mönchsjochhütte at 3,650 m.

The Jungfraujoch is a pass between Mönch and Jungfrau ,  At 3,466 m.  it holds the highest train station in Europe.  By a tunnel it is connected to the Top of Europe building and the Sphynx Observatory.

 

     

and finally here comes the hut.  Nothing spectacular, very practical ....  but was a nice break. We had  a very traditional cheese based lunch and hiked back feeling invigorated.

  

Back to Switzerland