Jungfraujoch
Above the clouds
On a study trip to Switzerland, one of the most important travel destinations should not be missed: the Jungfraujoch. Here, with the terminus of the Jungfrau Bahn, is the highest train station in Europe, known as the “Top of Europe”. 700,000 tourists get on and off here every year. The highest post office on the continent is also located here. And with 3801 it has its own zip code!
Surrounded by several four-thousand-meter peaks, the Jungfraujoch is located at 3,466 meters above sea level as the lowest point between the Jungfrau and Mönch mountains in the Bernese Alps. This is also the border between the Swiss cantons of Valais and Bern. On days with a clear view you have a view of the Black Forest and the Vosges. When taking the Jungfrau Bahn, you also pass the legendary Eiger Wall. You can walk from the terminus to the Mönchsjochhütte.
At the top of Europe
Tourist attractions have awaited visitors to the Jungfraujoch since the beginning of the 20th century. In addition to the observatory of the Sphinx, at 3571 meters a peak in the yoke, there is a corresponding viewing platform that can be accessed with a lift. The observatory itself has existed since 1937. Since 1950 it has had a dome for astronomical research. In any case, you should roam the Ice Palace, which is open all year round. The handcrafted hall was tackled as early as the 1930s. Here you walk through a labyrinth of ice and encounter sculptures such as penguins and polar bears. An experience for which you should wrap yourself up warm, even in summer! The work on the Ice Palace will never be completed, as the vault has to be constantly cut down due to the heat.
Of course, you don’t have to do without culinary delights on the Jungfraujoch. “Top of Europe”, which was opened in 1987 and was added to the hillside, and the associated “Crystal” offer excellent Western and Asian cuisine.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a municipality in the Engadin district in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. The region is considered to be one of the most famous health resorts and winter sports locations in the world. The place is named after Saint Mauritius, the patron saint of the army. St. Moritz not only offers a fantastic view of the Swiss mountains, but also of the famous Lake St. Moritz. Sport and culture are very important here.
Mixed cultures
Due to its Romansh past, its proximity to Italy and the predominantly German-speaking population, St. Moritz is a melting pot of European cultures. Today around 5,400 people live in the resort, but around 250,000 tourists visit St. Moritz every year – 140,000 in summer and 110,000 in winter. Apart from great sights and a wide range of sports, the best restaurants and hotels in the country are available.
Sports paradise
Skiing, bobsleigh runs, ice skating or horse racing on the frozen St. Moritzsee – you can do wonderful sports in the region not only in winter. In summer, mountain biking in the mountains, windsurfing and sailing on the lakes or golf and tennis are all on the program – St. Moritz is also a sports paradise in the warm months of the year. But culture enthusiasts also get their money’s worth. Top hotels, museums or unique sights such as the Olympic hill wait for new visitors all year round.
Monuments of the city
Probably the most famous sight of the place is the Leaning Tower, part of the broken down St. Mauritius Church. The tower is inclined at 5.5 degrees and belongs to St. Moritz like the Statue of Liberty to New York City. Also famous is the Olympic hill, built in 1926, on which national and international competitions were held. Today it only serves as a training hill. In St. Moritz there are other memorabilia from the 1928 Olympic Games, for example the Olympic Stadium or the Olympic Stone. But not only sports and culture are the city’s strengths, shopping is also possible here. Via Serlas offers a variety of boutiques that you would also find in Los Angeles or Milan.
St. Moritz is definitely worth a visit. The resort has honestly earned its reputation and is not a popular travel destination for nothing.
