Before going to bed last night we talked about what would do today. We had planned to have a lazy day around the caravan depending on the weather but when we got up and found that today was possibly going to be the last day with clear blue skies for a while we made the decision to go up the Eiger and Jungfrau (one of the tallest mountains in Europe at 4158m) We quickly threw together some sarnies, grabbed some jumpers and water and set off for the day.The drive to Grindelwald was impressive enough as we drew closer to the mountains. We did have to bite the bullet when it came to the price but it's not every day you get to go to the top of europe!! (It is the highest point a person can commute in europe!) The journey starts with a couple of train rides which gradually climb higher and higher into the mountains. At each stage we were blown away by the views and though it can't get any better than this... only to go on a bit further and be even more blown away! This photo is of the North face of the Eiger! 
The ride took us through a few tunnels that had been build to protect the track from the snowfall and then we changed trains for a third time for the final ascent through a tunnel for perhaps 3/4 of an hour. Total journey time approx. 2 1/2 hours. We were a little concerned that we had come underdressed as the large family next to us donned many layers, wolly hats and gloves and we were the only people in shorts too! We arrived at the top and emerging from the train immediately got a lift to the ice caves. We have debated since as to weather the caves were carved out of the glacier or if the ice was in the rock, but whichever it was a chilly experience being surrounded entirely by ice. 
There were ice sculptures too which were cool too (get the pun!!)
We then made our way outside onto the viewing platform... wow! It was an awesome sight to be looking down on many mountains, at the same level as a couple of others with just the Jeungfrau and the Monch above us. By this time we were rather peckish and managed to find a quiet corner to sit down and have our lunch. Revived somewhat although still feeling a little lightheaded from the altitude we set off for the Sphynx viewing point which was more impressive again if that is possible being even higher. 
The Aletsch glacier.
Jeugfrau
Unfortunatley by this point the altitude was getting to Ben and Alex and where we could have stayed a bit longer for their sake we made a quick visit outside again to actually walk on the glacier and then we made our way back down from the mountains, ears popping all the way and the children becoming more their normal selves as we descended. Mind you here at the campsite we are at around 1000m above sea level so we aren't exactly low here! On getting back to the campsite the boys dissapeared to continue their dam building whilst we threw together some dinner. A second night in the awning for the boys tonight as it is cooler out there for them. This is a day that will certainly remain with us as one of the most amazing experiences ever... or should I say yet!?!
The ride took us through a few tunnels that had been build to protect the track from the snowfall and then we changed trains for a third time for the final ascent through a tunnel for perhaps 3/4 of an hour. Total journey time approx. 2 1/2 hours. We were a little concerned that we had come underdressed as the large family next to us donned many layers, wolly hats and gloves and we were the only people in shorts too! We arrived at the top and emerging from the train immediately got a lift to the ice caves. We have debated since as to weather the caves were carved out of the glacier or if the ice was in the rock, but whichever it was a chilly experience being surrounded entirely by ice. 
There were ice sculptures too which were cool too (get the pun!!)
We then made our way outside onto the viewing platform... wow! It was an awesome sight to be looking down on many mountains, at the same level as a couple of others with just the Jeungfrau and the Monch above us. By this time we were rather peckish and managed to find a quiet corner to sit down and have our lunch. Revived somewhat although still feeling a little lightheaded from the altitude we set off for the Sphynx viewing point which was more impressive again if that is possible being even higher. 
The Aletsch glacier.
Jeugfrau
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