Top of Europe

Not the top of the world, but we stood at the top of Europe today. Unfortunately we were AT the top, but could not SEE it. This was Jungfraujoch and today there was a heavy cloud cover and it was snowing. It is, after all, at 11,362 feet so snow wasn't a surprise.

We got there via a cable car, starting at Grindelwald, then got a cog railway through the mountain to the top. We took elevator up another ~400 feet to the Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world. The viewing platform at the observatory is at 11,719 feet.

We brought another cog railway down the mountain. Even though rain limited the view, it was kind of amazing. Earlier in the day when we went up in the cable car, it was reasonably clear so I can't complain.

I have to add that after watching the paragliders this morning (the sky was full of them), I enquired about what it takes to do that. It looked like fun. There were no openings today, only a few left for tomorrow. But it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow, too -- plus we have another full day planned. Next time?? I told Doug I need to do it with my sister Jenelle who's always up for adventure!

(Viewing platform at the Sphinx Observatory)
(Sphinx Observatory)


(cable car ride going up)
(ice cave on Jungfraujoch)

(Early morning paragliders)

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