Why Hike in the Jungfrau Region
The Jungfrau Region, between Interlaken and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, has one of the densest networks of marked trails and mountain transport in the Alps. Trains, gondolas and cable cars lift you to around 2,000 metres in minutes, so even short walks start high, with glaciers and north faces in view. The trails below range from gentle family walks to a long ridge day, and all of them start or finish at a public transport stop.
Swiss trails are signposted with yellow signs giving walking times. Yellow markers mean easy hiking paths, while white-red-white markers indicate mountain trails that need sturdy boots and a sure footing.
Easy Walks for Families
Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg (Panorama Trail). Ride the gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen, then follow the wide, mostly downhill path to Kleine Scheidegg, about 4.5 km and roughly 1.5 hours. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are ahead of you the whole way. Return by train to Grindelwald or Wengen.
Grütschalp to Mürren. Take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and walk to car-free Mürren along a near-level path with views across the valley to the big three peaks. Allow about an hour and a half. Children enjoy the farms and the playgrounds in Mürren.
Lauterbrunnen Valley floor. From Lauterbrunnen village, an easy path follows the river past Staubbach Falls toward Trümmelbach Falls, where glacier meltwater thunders through a series of waterfalls inside the mountain, accessible by a tunnel lift and walkways (entry fee, open roughly spring to autumn). Continue to Stechelberg and return by bus.
First to Bachalpsee and Beyond
From Grindelwald, the gondola to First opens up one of the region's most popular walks: a broad path of about an hour to Bachalpsee, a lake at around 2,265 metres that reflects the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn on calm mornings. Arrive early, as the trail gets busy by late morning.
Hikers wanting more can continue uphill from the lake to the Faulhorn summit at 2,681 metres, with a historic mountain hotel near the top and views over Lake Brienz on one side and the glaciers on the other. Allow roughly two and a half hours from First, and return the same way.
The Eiger Trail
The Eiger Trail runs along the foot of the Eiger's north face, from Eigergletscher station (reached by the Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal or the train from Kleine Scheidegg) down to Alpiglen, a distance of about 6 km taking around two to two and a half hours. It is mostly downhill on a rocky mountain path, with the face rising directly above you. Catch the train back to Grindelwald from Alpiglen. The trail is usually open from about July to early autumn, depending on snow; check before you go.
Schynige Platte to First: The Classic Ridge Hike
For experienced, fit walkers, the route from Schynige Platte to First via the Faulhorn is one of the finest day hikes in Switzerland. It covers roughly 16 km with a good deal of up and down and takes around six hours, following the ridge high above Lake Brienz with the Eiger and Jungfrau across the valley. Start early on the cog railway from Wilderswil and finish with the gondola down to Grindelwald.
The Schynige Platte railway only runs in summer, from mid-June to late October, so this route is a summer and early-autumn outing. Carry enough water, as there are only a couple of refreshment stops along the way.
When to Go and What to Bring
- Season: valley walks are possible from spring to late autumn. Higher trails are usually snow-free from late June or July to early October.
- Lift closures: many gondolas and cable cars close for maintenance between late October and December. Check timetables before planning autumn hikes.
- Weather: start early, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Check the MeteoSwiss forecast and turn back if the weather changes.
- Gear: proper hiking shoes, layers including a waterproof jacket, sun protection, water and snacks. Mountain restaurants and huts serve food in summer but not always in shoulder season.
- Passes: the Jungfrau Travel Pass covers many of the mountain railways and cable cars in the region for a fixed number of days. The Swiss Travel Pass gives discounts on most lifts here.
Where to Base Yourself
Grindelwald suits hikers who want the First and Eiger areas and has the widest choice of accommodation. Wengen and Mürren are car-free and close to the trails, though more expensive and quieter in the evening. Lauterbrunnen is central and convenient for the valley and Mürren side, while Interlaken has more budget options but means a train ride each morning before you start walking.
