Jungfrau Hiking Trails
via Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal
3 Family-Friendly Jungfrau Hiking Trails Starting from Grindelwald Terminal / via Eiger Express
The Jungfrau Region has some of the most beginner-friendly hiking in Switzerland, and the Eiger Express makes it easy to reach. From Grindelwald Terminal, one cable-car ride drops you at the trailheads below the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau — no long approach, no route-finding. Below are three easy-to-moderate trails, all reached via the Eiger Express with stops at Eigergletscher and Kleine Scheidegg, plus exactly how your Swiss Travel Pass fits in.
Eiger Express: Your Launchpad to Jungfrau Hiking Trails
The Eiger Express is one of the most modern cableways in the world, climbing nearly 1,400 meters over 6.5 km in just 15 minutes. Starting from Grindelwald Terminal, this state-of-the-art gondola features spacious cabins with panoramic windows, heated seats, and breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks—making the ride fast, comfortable, and scenic in any season.
More than just a cable car, the Eiger Express connects travelers directly to two key mountain stations: Eigergletscher and Männlichen. It bypasses older, slower routes and offers a unique close-up of the Eiger’s legendary North Face. The Grindelwald Terminal itself is a modern transport hub, seamlessly linking trains and mountain lifts—making it the ideal starting point for your hiking day.
With this in mind, let’s explore three beginner-friendly trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Jungfrau Region and are easily accessed via the Eiger Express.
1. Jungfrau Eiger Walk: A Gentle Journey from Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg
- Distance: 1.6 km (1 mile)
- Elevation Change: Gentle, mostly downhill
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Best Season: June to October
Starting at the Eigergletscher station, reached by the Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal with a 50% discount available to Swiss Travel Pass holders, this trail presents a peaceful walk with stunning views of the Eiger’s north face. Ideal for those seeking a short yet rewarding hike, it concludes at Kleine Scheidegg, where local cuisine awaits.
2. Panorama Trail: Scenic Wonders from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.79 miles)
- Elevation Change: 120 meters up, 170 meters down
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1h 20 min (Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg)
- Best Season: Mid-June – October
The journey from Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen via cable car, made more accessible with a 50% discount on the Swiss Travel Pass, sets the stage for this trail. Now, you can take the cable car from Grindelwald Terminal, the same station as the Eiger Express, making the trip even more convenient. The trail meanders through alpine meadows, offering panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, making it perfect for family outings.
Want to keep going? The Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg stretch adds more open ridge walking without much extra effort. We’ve written a full route guide with distances, timings, and how to use your Swiss Travel Pass — you can read it from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg.
3. The Eiger Trail: A Descent from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen
- Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
- Elevation Change: 800 meters down
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Best Season: July to September
For those up for a moderate challenge, the Eiger Trail from the Eigergletscher station offers a closer view of the Eiger. The descent to Alpiglen reveals ever-changing landscapes, ensuring a memorable hiking experience.
For those up for a moderate challenge, the Eiger Trail from the Eigergletscher station offers a closer view of the Eiger. The descent to Alpiglen reveals ever-changing landscapes, ensuring a memorable hiking experience.
You Take the Eiger Trail.
Your Bags Take the Valley Road.
Same-Day Door-to-Door Luggage Delivery
While you hike, your bags travel: collected from your hotel in the morning, delivered to the next one by afternoon — one dedicated vehicle per booking, up to 6 bags, across Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and the whole Bernese Oberland.
Zurich Airport → Grindelwald from CHF 392 per vehicle, same day. September hikers: autumn weekends book out — reserve at least 24 hours ahead.
Enhance Your Jungfrau Hiking Experience with the Swiss Travel Pass
Here’s how the Swiss Travel Pass works on these trails. It covers your ride up to Eigergletscher and Männlichen and gives you 50% off the Eiger Express. A few sections beyond Kleine Scheidegg aren’t fully covered and can cost extra, so check those before you set out. For most first-time hikers the Pass still pays off — it turns the whole day, trains and cable car included, into one ticket.
Trail Preparation Tips:
- Sun Protection: High-altitude sun can be intense; sunscreen and hats are essential.
- Hydration: Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike.
- Picnic Ideas: Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery, with numerous spots offering perfect settings.
Reach Jungfraujoch Faster with Eiger Express
The Eiger Express cableway offers a quicker, more scenic route to Jungfraujoch. Starting from Grindelwald Terminal, this modern gondola takes you up to Eigergletscher in just 15 minutes. From there, continue your journey by cogwheel train straight to the Top of Europe. It’s one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to reach the summit.
👉 Learn more here: https://www.swissasap.com/mountain-excursions/jungfraujoch/
We send a lot of first-time hikers to the Jungfrau Region, and the Panorama Trail is the one our own team keeps coming back to — it’s the route our colleague Pichayanee points people to for their first Swiss hike. Easy underfoot, wide-open views, hard to get lost.
Between them, the three trails cover the range: the gentle Eigergletscher–Kleine Scheidegg walk, the open Panorama Trail to Männlichen, and the steeper Eiger Trail descent. Pick by how far you want to walk — none of them need experience.
With the Eiger Express doing the climbing and the Swiss Travel Pass covering most of the transport, the planning stays simple. For more routes nearby, see our other hiking near Interlaken guides.
Nearby Stays to Complete Your Grindelwald Hiking Escape
Looking for a cozy place to rest after your Eiger Express Grindelwald Terminal adventure? Here are two highly recommended options that combine comfort, style, and breathtaking alpine surroundings:
Hotel Glacier Grindelwald
Just a short walk from the station, this boutique hotel blends authentic Swiss design with modern luxury. Enjoy panoramic views of the Eiger, relax in the spa and outdoor whirlpool, and indulge in seasonal cuisine in a welcoming alpine atmosphere.Grindellodge Grindelwald
Newly renovated with a fusion of alpine warmth and Japanese-inspired elegance, Grindellodge offers cozy family rooms and private lofts (like the Yama Loft) with balconies facing the Eiger. It also features a quiet spa perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking in Jungfrau Region.
These stays are ideal complements to your Jungfrau hiking adventures, especially after trails like Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg or Männlichen–Kleine Scheidegg. Relax, recharge, and take in the stunning alpine scenery.
Jungfrau Hiking via Eiger Express — FAQ
Are the Jungfrau hikes via the Eiger Express suitable for beginners?
Yes. Two of the three trails are rated easy. The Jungfrau Eiger Walk from Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg is 1.6 km, mostly downhill, about 1 hour. The Panorama Trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is 4.5 km and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. The Eiger Trail from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen is moderate — 6 km with an 800 m descent, 2 to 3 hours.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the Eiger Express?
Swiss Travel Pass holders get a 50% discount on the Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal. The Pass covers the journey up to Eigergletscher and Männlichen; some sections beyond Kleine Scheidegg may cost extra. You can buy your Swiss Travel Pass here.
How long does the Eiger Express take from Grindelwald Terminal?
The Eiger Express climbs nearly 1,400 meters over 6.5 km and reaches Eigergletscher in about 15 minutes. From there you can continue by cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe.
When is the best time to hike the Jungfrau trails?
The two easy trails — the Jungfrau Eiger Walk and the Panorama Trail — are best from mid-June to October. The Eiger Trail is best from July to September, once the higher route is clear of snow.
Which Jungfrau trail is best for families?
The Panorama Trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. It's 4.5 km of easy walking through alpine meadows with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and is reached by cable car from Grindelwald Terminal.
Can I hike without carrying my luggage?
Yes. Our same-day luggage transfer collects your bags from your hotel in the morning and delivers them to your next hotel by afternoon — one dedicated vehicle per booking, up to 6 bags, across Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and the Bernese Oberland. Zurich Airport to Grindelwald starts from CHF 392 per vehicle. Send your bags ahead here.
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