Lauterbrunnen - Day 2

This morning we had one goal - and that was to take the train up to the "Top of Europe" - Jungfraujoch.  It is the highest mountain in Europe and it has been on our list to see for awhile.  11,300 feet (over 4000 meters) in the air - this mountain is something to behold.

The train leaves right from Lauterbrunnen, and we could walk to the train stop from our Airbnb.

Normally I would recommend getting tickets for this adventure in advance becuase it is so popular.  However - in the time of Coronavirus - Switzerland is not allowing tourist really in the area.  So all that are traveling right now are the Swiss and maybe a few people who drove from surrounding countries.  So no advanced tickets were needed.

This is a pricey adventure, but 100% worth it.  The train ride is about 75-80 minutes to the top of the mountain and requires two trains.  The first train takes you to the beautiful mountain town of Wengen - a lot of people got off here to explore.  We got off and had to hop on the second train that took us the rest of the way.  The second train is the true mountain climber - it was so steep - and the reason for the high ticket price.  Kids were cheap, but if you are coming with a group of adults, be prepared to pay for it.

We saw a lot of Swiss cows on the way up and down.  There were even some of the train tracks!

 The view from the train was incredible

 I took this one of the train coming down the mountain - see it in the grass area?  Just to give you an idea of how big these mountains are

 We stopped near the top and they had a picture spot

 At the top!  I love this picture where these enormous mountains are on either side of this deep valley

Once we were at the top, we entered the mountain itself had a few tunnels that lead to various activities we could do.  There are restaurants and cafes, an ice palace, a movie, a Lindt chocolate shop and of course - the outdoor observatories.  We decided to head right for the views first.  No pictures could ever do it justice.  It is magnificent.

 This is Jungfrau

 Looking down in the valley

 Wearing our masks even at a high elevation.  The two July birthday girls taking in the scenery

The temperature was 30F

The air is very very thin.  We were all breathing hard, and even developed headaches while we were there due to the thin air.  We kept our walking to a minimum.  After exploring outside we had fun walking around the ice palace.  And then we had lunch while admiring the gorgeous view of the alps.

 

 That is Jungfrau behind them

 The ice palace

 We found this funny - a stuffed animal of the Squirrel from the movie "Ice Age" was trapped in the ice

We were there about 3 hours.  I think this was plenty of time to do everything we wanted.  Unless your plan is to snow shoe or hiking around the snow a bit - you don't need much more time.  The train rides down were just as spectacular as the way up.  What a trip.

Today is my 45th birthday so this was a special treat.  I loved that I got to spend my birthday with my family in the Swiss Alps.  A dream come true.

One Last Swiss Hurrah - Lauterbrunnen

We are less than 2 weeks from our move back to the United States, and we decided we needed to have one more get away before we go.  We are getting sadder and sadder about leaving Switzerland (especially with Coronavirus raging out of control in the states) so I am glad we planned two Swiss trips before we left.

This evening we drove 2 hours south of Basel to Lauterbrunnen.  Deep in the Swiss Alps, we picked this spot due to what is in the backyard of our Airbnb.  Just gorgeous.

We took a short walk through the cute town of Lauterbrunnen this evening after settling in.  Tomorrow we begin to explore.

We took a short walk through the cute town of Lauterbrunnen this evening after settling in.  Tomorrow we begin to explore.

Lake Brienz - Day 4 - Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there.  And especially to Mat.  I am glad we were able to take a weekend away as a family and treat him to a special trip.  He deserves it for how hard he works for our family.

Today was our last excursion in the Lake Brienz area before heading back to Basel.  We are not home and unpacked and relaxing. 

This morning we went to the Gelmer Fenicular - which is the highest open air fenicular in Europe.  I am not going to lie - riding it was scary.  Arlington and Cainan loved it.  Finley was not a fan - even a little bit, but she was a trooper.  IT was a straight up, open car  - what a thrill!  If you are not afraid of heights, then this is a must for you.

You can see the track in the background.  It goes straight up

 Arlington is extemely excited.

 Up we go!

 I tried not to look

 Up into the clouds

I was not able to take a video of the ride (Because I was too busy hanging on), so if you want to see it in motion - check out this video HERE

After our ride up, we walked around a beautiful lake and rocky cliffs among the mountains.  It was beautiful there.  There was also a dam where they hydroelectric power the towns below.  A great last stop before heading home.

 The dam

 Where the traumatized teenager parked herself after the ride up.  She did eventually recover

 She was sad I wouldn't let her climb down the rocks to the water.  She has problems

There was a suspension bridge we discovered on our walk down, so Mat, Arlington and Cainan went to check it out

It was a great weekend.  I am glad we decided to fit in a few more trips before we moved.  This was something not to be missed.