Jungfraujoch, Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau, Switzerland - 5 October 2007

The early morning ascent to Jungfraujoch at 6:30 AM was worth every minute - and every franc. A return train ticket cost CHF 152.60 (€98.45) per person, but the reward was priceless. As the train climbed higher into the Bernese Alps, I caught my first sight of a glacier spilling down from the mountains. Not long after, the train made a brief stop at Eismeer (3,160 meters / 10,368 feet), where I stepped into a manmade tunnel carved deep into the mountain. The cavernous space was coated in ice from the glacial chill. It was my first foray into an ice palace - glimmering ice sculptures surrounded me, and I was wide-eyed with wonder. Wearing only hiking shoes, I had to tread carefully across the slick floor.

Upon arriving at Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe” at 3,571 meters (11,782 feet), I was greeted by an endless expanse of untouched snow. It was divine. I met two fellow travelers (Mike from Pittsburgh and Lily from Shanghai), and we were lucky to have a clear day to hike from the Jungfrau plateau to Mönchsjochhütte, which stands at 3,650 meters (11,976 feet). Even as a seasoned hiker, I could feel the altitude immediately; the trail’s gentle inclines demanded several pauses to catch my breath. But the reward was sweet - literally. At the hut, we each warmed our hands around a generous bowl of coffee (CHF 3.50; €2.26), and in that moment, nothing felt better than sipping something hot and steamy high in the Alps, surrounded by crisp air and snow-draped peaks. Pure bliss.

Jungfraujoch truly offered one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life. Standing alone in the silence, surrounded by a vast sea of white, it felt heavenly. My fears and problems suddenly seemed so minute - shrinking into the immensity around me, quieted by the pure, alpine air. I was happy, at peace, and completely content.

The trio of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger form the majestic core of the Jungfrau region - recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Being up there was nothing short of revitalizing. I’m ready to take on the rest of the journey, even if I’m a little sad to leave this magical place. Something tells me I’ll be back - there’s still so much waiting to be explored.

Above left: The Eiger is the easternmost of the famous trio.

Above right: Jungfraujoch, the glacial saddle (a high-altitude pass) nestled between the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.

Above right: Behind me is the Mönch, rising to 4,107 meters (13,474 feet) ~ it's the central peak in the iconic Bernese Alps trio, flanked by the Eiger to the east and the Jungfrau to the west.

Above left: On the hike to the Mönchsjochhütte, a high-altitude mountain hut.

Above: At 3,650 meters (11,976 feet), perched on a ridge just beyond the saddle, Mönchsjochhütte is the highest serviced hut in Switzerland.

Above left: The Sphinx Observatory is one of the highest observatories in the world, sitting at around 3,571 meters (11,716 feet).

Above right: A taste of home ~ Mom's cooking at Walters B&B

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