Jungfrau — M&J

Starting out from the Grindelwald train station, we reach the Jungfrau and the highest railway station in Europe. This location also boasts the highest-altitude post box in Switzerland, the highest-altitude chocolate shop in Europe and the highest-altitude watch shop in the world. In need of a watch? There is a $30,000 one available here in case you forgot yours at home. Other interesting facts: the Jungfrau Railway has its own fire brigade, generates electricity with its trains traveling downhill, and has its own hydroelectric power station. In addition, a tennis, football, cricket, basketball, and boxing match have been held here.

The walk through the main facility tells the history of the train station construction which began in 1896 and took 16 years to complete, and the history of the development of the Sphinx observatory and the research conducted here. Stepping out of the observatory and onto snow, we began our half mile walk across the Aletsch glacier, Europe's longest glacier. While only a half mile footpath, it is uphill and at nearly 12,000 feet. Needless to say we were hot- with the bright sun's reflection on the snow and the physical exertion, it was difficult to obtain the balance of not over sweating and not allowing yourself to get cold.

With a few moments before the sun went down behind the peaks, we snapped photos on the Glacier Plateau surrounded by selfie taking tour groups. Going back inside we walk through the Ice Palace which is a maze of tunnels artificially cut into the glacier and displays of ice sculptures.