So an Ogre, a Monk and a Virgin walk into a bar...

I've been so excited to see the Jungfrau (virgin) mountain and Grindelwald region of Switzerland and it did not disappoint!  We drove early Monday morning since Chris had the day off for Swiss National Day to Lauterbrunnen train station. We jumped on the "Jungfrau Express" and started our 1.5 hour train ride to the "Top of Europe". 

This is the North Face of the Eiger (Ogre) from the Kleine Scheidegg train station.  I didn't get great pictures in the morning and the afternoon was too cloudy hence the b&w. 



Kleine Scheidegg bahnhoff between Grindelwald and Wengen/Lauterbrunnen.

So this is a glacier!  It is viewed from Eismeer (sea of ice) Station between the Eiger and Mönch (Monk). 

 As you ascend in a cog-wheel train through the interior of the Eiger and Mönch to Jungfraujoch there are two stops and view points.  The Eiger Wall Station is directly on the north face and is an escape route for climbers in danger.  It is also where rescue missions depart.  The second stop is at 10,364 feet at Eismeer.

 

 

Inside the Sphinx observation deck.  The complex also has a high altitude research station.
 

Spot the helicopter?  Just a little perspective...

Top of Europe and the Mönch.  Fantastic views in every direction.  Got a little freaked out when I walked across a metal grate and looked down only to see nothing for 1000 ft. 

View of Aletsch Glacier and tent camp from Sphinx. 

On the glacier throwing snow balls at each other. 

Inside the Ice Palace. 

Chris and Jungfrau in the distance back at Kleine Scheidegg. 

Tell me again where happy cows come from?