After ten months of construction, the Glacier Restaurant at the Jungfraujoch – Europe's highest rail-served point, high above Grindelwald and Wengen - has reopened.
Jungfrau Railways have invested approximately 11 million Swiss francs (£7.4m) in upgrading their 'Top of Europe' excursion destination which also offers skiing in summertime.
The Jungfraujoch is next to the Aletschglacier and there is one lift on the glacier. It's a big attraction for beginners and those who can't wait until next winter.
The centrepiece of the renovation is the newly created glass façade that offers two storeys with an unobstructed view of the Aletsch Glacier.
The Eiger group restaurant and Bollywood Restaurant offer a total of 360 seats. The completely new interior with multimedia equipment, a new toilet facility on the lower level and two independent modern kitchens increase the quality standard and offer guests greater comfort.
The full-surface glass façade extends from floor to ceiling on both floors, and it combines the cuisine with a view of the glaciers. Thanks to a sophisticated climate system, the building can be heated as well as cooled by the façade.
Intensive snow removal in June 2013 was required before the renovation work could begin and service at the Glacier Restaurant was discontinued at the end of the summer season on 23rd September 2013. Despite the difficult climatic conditions at 3,454 metres above sea level, the project was finished ahead of the tight schedule. Both restaurants opened earlier than originally scheduled. Although work was carried out while the restaurants were in operation, there were hardly any restrictions for guests.