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Imagine snow-capped peaks, crisp alpine air, and a landscape that sparkles under a blanket of fresh snow. A winter escapade to the iconic Swiss destinations of Schilthorn and Jungfrau is a magical experience unlike any other.
The Jungfrau Observatory, also known as the Sphinx Observatory, is a key highlight of the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe experience. Perched at an altitude of 3,571 meters (11,716 feet), it is one of the highest observatories in the world. (IMAGE: SOURCED/NEWS18)
A train journey from Geneva to Interlaken (Ost) is not just a visual treat but also a delightful study in the myriad hues of nature, as if painted on a romanticist’s canvas. The route unfolds with the vineyards of the Geneva region, postcard-perfect Swiss villages, and large piles of marshmallows for cow fodder announcing the arrival of winter. As the train chugs ahead, breathtaking mountains rise in the distance, their summits shrouded in mist, while frosty grass gradually surrenders to a white snow sheet.
By the time you reach Lauterbrunnen on a bus from Interlaken (Ost), the snow sheet has turned into a thick blanket. For you’ve entered a magical kingdom of snow, dotted with the solitude of dreamy Swiss villages and a magical monochrome. Finally, as a cable car lifts you to Birg, you can’t help but gasp: “How much snow is too much?”
Up In The Mountains
Gateway to some of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, the pristine village of Lauterbrunnen is known for its magnificent landscapes featuring towering cliffs, wondrous waterfalls cascading down from them, and lush meadows straight out of the pages of a fairytale. From here, a cable car, or gondola, takes you higher into the Bernese Alps—to the car-free village of Murren; then on to Birg, another mid-station famous for an exhilarating Thrill Walk and panoramic skyline views; and, finally, to Schilthorn, an iconic peak at 2,970 meters (9,744 feet).
At the summit stands Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant made famous by the 1969 James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Here, guests can enjoy a unique dining experience, complete with a 360-degree view of the Swiss Alps, including the majestic peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Perched on the edge of Birg mountain, the Thrill Walk offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and awe-inspiring nature-watching. On sunny days, the snow draped across the peaks, valleys, and glaciers glows with a brilliance so divine that no camera lens can truly capture it. During precipitation, the scenery transforms dramatically as snowflakes descend gently, enveloping the surroundings in a misty haze that exudes its own enchanting charm.
At an altitude of 2,677 meters (8,780 feet), the Walk is a narrow, open-air steel walkway designed to thrill and challenge. Highlights include a glass floor that gives visitors a vertigo-inducing view straight down to the snow world below, a rope bridge with a safety net, and a crawl tunnel for those seeking some extra adrenaline rush. Each section is meticulously maintained, with sturdy guardrails ensuring the safety of visitors while they take part in this breathtaking alpine experience.
Just one station down by cable car, the picturesque village of Mürren awaits visitors with its dreamy charm. The descent itself is mesmerising, offering a bird’s-eye view of matchbox-sized houses, crisscrossing roads, alpine trees, and clouds suspended like veils over the snow-covered landscape. Adorned with wooden chalets, coniferous trees and serene cottages, it sits on a plateau at 1,638 meters (5,374 feet) above sea level. This tranquil village, which exudes a special Swiss countryside charm, boasts a spectacular landscape; it is also a base for visitors who arrive for mountain sports such as hiking and skiing. On a snowy December day, Mürren is a white wonderland, exhibiting an unparalleled beauty in an otherwise muted monochrome.
Go around the village on foot—and you will pass by Mürren’s quaint chalets, a Catholic chapel, picturesque houses, small eateries, fine-dining restaurants, and cheerful Christmas decorations. As you trudge along, you will feel the soft snow cover below your feet and the cool snowflakes falling gently on your face. Layer up well, for the temperature could plummet to -10 degrees Celsius and beyond. As a magical evening sets in, the charming monochrome fades into a glittery landscape. Festive lights shine bright against a dark backdrop, casting a warm glow that makes the falling snowflakes shimmer. It’s an experience so captivating that words alone cannot do it justice.
Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe
Jungfraujoch is called “Top of Europe” not because it is the highest location in the continent but because it is Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet), which can be accessed from the charming villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. In the final stretch, the train travels through a tunnel carved into the heart of the Swiss Alps—a true engineering gem. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Eiger and Mönch mountains, with the train’s observation points offering stunning vistas.
At the very top, there is an open-air steel walkway serving as an observation point; it boasts a towering Christmas tree. Make your way to the gateway to the snow world and marvel at the magnificence of the mighty Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps stretching over 22 kilometers (14 miles). Immerse yourself in pristine nature, where the sky is so intensely blue that it almost feels unreal. Wear warm clothes and don a pair of sunglasses, for the cold air bites and the sun gleams fiercely. Look beyond the crowd jostling for selfies and take a pause. Here, in this majestic realm, snow stretches endlessly across mountains and glaciers. The scene is vast and breathtaking, a beauty so profound that you could lose yourself in its stillness for hours—far removed from the rush of everyday life, enveloped in a peaceful silence that exhibits nature’s purest form.
Another landmark here is the Sphinx Observatory, resting on a rocky peak and offering a 360-degree view as one of the highest observation platforms in Europe. It is accessible via an elevator. Last but not least, no visit to Jungfraujoch is complete without exploring the Ice Palace, another engineering wonder in the heart of the mountains. It houses fine ice sculptures—you will meet the famous squirrel from the Ice Age movie franchise here—frosty tunnels, and glowing ice walls that create a surreal atmosphere. After taking in the beauty of the place, treat yourself to a meal at one of Jungfraujoch’s restaurants, gazing at the panoramic mountain views that make every bite feel even more special.
Switzerland’s kingdom of snow basks in a majestic glory during winter. It’s a dreamy realm where magic and mundane collide in an energetic explosion of ecstatic experiences. You will have to live it to believe it.
- Location :
Jungfrau, Switzerland
