Only by crossing a century-old railway can you reach the must-visit European rooftop — the "Jungfrau" (Maiden Peak).

▲Jungfrau.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You [Name]/Switzerland

If you’re wondering where the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world are, the “Jungfrau (Maiden Peak)” in Switzerland is definitely a must-see. As the highest peak in Europe, the Jungfrau has a majestic and almost sacred presence. Travelers heading to the Jungfrau can take a bus from the mountain town of Interlaken. They first board a regular train to Kleine Scheidegg at 2,061 meters above sea level, and then transfer to the Jungfrau Railway, which tunnels through the mountains to reach the summit station.


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One of the most astonishing aspects of traveling in Switzerland is its high-altitude mountain railways. The Swiss railway engineering is truly remarkable. The journey from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfrau Station at 3,454 meters above sea level covers a distance of approximately 9 kilometers and takes about an hour to complete. The train drills through the cliffs of the Eiger and Mönch peaks, with two stops along the way. The first stop, Eigerwand, offers views of the north face of the Eiger. The second stop, Eismeer, provides a view of the Ice Sea glacier landscape. Passengers can gaze out the windows at the vast snowy expanse.

The Sphinx Observatory at the Jungfrau Station sits at an elevation of 3,571 meters. When our reporter visited, it was the transition between autumn and winter, and the temperature on the platform was around freezing. Everything in sight was pure white. Although the Jungfrau may not be as strikingly dramatic as the Matterhorn, it still displays a magnificent and expansive view. Many visitors stop here to take photos and observe rare geological features not commonly seen at lower altitudes. In addition to the observation deck, the Jungfrau Station also houses an ice cave for visitors to explore.


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▲An ice cave is set up beneath the viewing platform for visitors to walk through.


▲As the Jungfrau Railway celebrates its centennial, many specially designed decorations are on display.

During this trip, our reporter visited high-altitude destinations such as the Matterhorn, Titlis Mountain, and the Jungfrau. Only the Jungfrau caused noticeable symptoms of altitude sickness. Yang Zhenfa, General Manager of Yiyang Travel Agency, reminds travelers that while visiting the Jungfrau, besides allowing free time for exploration, it is essential to head back down the mountain promptly after lunch. Engaging in overly strenuous hiking or staying too long can easily lead to severe altitude sickness. Our reporter did indeed experience a noticeably increased heart rate and shortness of breath after the meal during the ascent.

As the rooftop of the Alps and the highest peak in Europe, the Jungfrau reveals its pristine beauty after emerging from the dark, century-old tunnels carved by previous generations. Under a clear sky, it unveils a pure visage, as if lifting the veil between heaven and earth. The true beauty of the Jungfrau is truly beyond words — without seeing it with your own eyes, it’s hard to fully grasp the vastness of the world.
 

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