Switzerland - Kirchhofer

20 | INFORMATION
d’astrophysique (avec un accent particulier sur
le rayonnement cosmique) tout en représentant
également une des attractions touristiques les
plus appréciées pour son point de vue exceptionnel.
Jungfraujoch–Top of Europe
Wide range of attractions
The Jungfraujoch is a fairy-tale world of ice
and caves in itself. Visitors enjoy a unique
view of the Aletsch Glacier, with a length
of 22 kilometres and an area of over 80 square
kilometres, the largest ice stream in the Alps.
On clear days you can see over the borders of
Switzerland to the Vosges Mountains in France
and the Black Forest in Germany. Further attractions
are the Sphinx vantage terrace, the Ice
Palace, the Ice Gateway and the glacier plateaux.
In summer the choice of attractions is
even greater. Then you can have a great time in
the Snow Fun – Top of Europe and show spirit
and skill on a Top of Europe adventure. The
Jung fraujoch building complex houses five
restaurants, several shops and its own post
office – the highest-altitude post office in
Europe. There are even conference rooms
available for summit meetings.
Alpine Sensation, the latest attraction
In 2012, as part of its centenary celebrations,
Europe’s highest-altitude railway station was
given a 250-metre-long tunnel between the
Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace and two halls providing
space for presentations. In the Sphinx
Hall a 360° cinema takes visitors into the
high-Alpine world around the Jungfraujoch.
In a hall decorated with edelweiss lights, a giant
snow globe depicts life in the Jungfrau Region
and Switzerland, constantly alternating between
night and day. Standing on a moving
walkway, visitors glide past a 90-metre-long
mural illustrating the development of tourism
in the Alps. The theme also includes Adolf
Guyer-Zeller, the ingenious builder of the Jungfrau
Railway, and his ground-breaking vision.
Historic photos commemorate the construction
workers, most of who came from Italy.
A memorial commemorates the names of the
30 workers who lost their lives during construction
of the railway. As a finale to the round tour,
visitors cross a bridge through Europe’s highest-altitude
karst cave.
The research station
The idea of Adolf Guyer-Zeller, the builder of the
Jungfrau Railway, of installing a research station
on the Jungfraujoch was also realized. Highaltitude
research began on the Jungfraujoch in
1925. The International Foundation High-Altitude
Research Stations Jungfraujoch and
Gornergrat was established in 1930 and scientific
research was recommenced, this time on
the Sphinx ridge (so called because of its similarity
with the figure from Greek and Egyptian
mythology). Between 1936 and 1937 a two-storey
building was erected on the Sphinx rock: the
Sphinx observatory. This was extended with a
third floor in 1956. The next step followed in
1967 with the addition of a six-metre-diameter
astronomical dome. In 1996 the Sphinx observatory
was given its present look with a total
renovation and the construction of a new vantage
hall. Since then, visitors have been able to
enjoy the fantastic panoramic view in all weathers
and at all times of year, from either inside or
outside the 290-square-metre observation hall.
In 2008 an own solar power station was put into
operation on the Jungfraujoch to research solar
energy at 3500 metres above sea level.
A large terrace and walkway (total area 350
square metres) around the building afford a
360° view of the high-Alpine scenery. Access is
gained by a 111-metre-high lift. The double lift
has a capacity of 1200 persons per hour and is
the fastest in Switzerland. The Sphinx serves
research on meteorological, glaciological, astronomical
and astrophysical issues – with particular
emphasis on cosmic radiation – and is also a
popular tourist attraction.
Wanderung zur Mönchsjochhütte
Mitte März bis Mitte Oktober 2013
Auf dem perfekt präparierten Wanderweg
können Sie mit geeigneter Kleidung und
solidem Schuhwerk unbeschwert die
hochalpine Umgebung erleben.
Verpflegungsmöglichkeit in der Hütte.
Snow Fun –Top of Europe
Mitte April bis Mitte Oktober 2013.
Bei geeigneter Witterung.
(Alle Preise ohne Bahnbillett /All prices
without railway ticket.)
Tageskarten /Prix d’entrée /Admission
Erwachsene / Adultes / Adults CHF 45.–
Kinder / Enfants / Children CHF 25.–
Tyrolienne
Erwachsene / Adultes / Adults CHF 20.–
Kinder / Enfants / Children CHF 15.–
Ski und Snowboard
Erwachsene / Adultes / Adults CHF 35.–
Kinder / Enfants / Children CHF 25.–
Schlittelpark / Sledge Park
Erwachsene / Adultes / Adults CHF 15.–
Kinder / Enfants / Children CHF 10.–
Alpine Sensation, die neue Attraktion