Region: Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg and Wengen, Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
This was the hardest day of our four-day hike through the Jungfrau Region: a 12.5-mile point-to-point walk from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg and down to Wengen. We then took the train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, where we were staying that night. We did not walk the final extremely steep section between Wengen and Lauterbrunnen.
The route recorded 3,888 feet of ascent and took us 8 hours 12 minutes of walking, or approximately nine hours including stops. We were carrying everything needed for a four-day hut-to-hut-style trip, with my pack weighing more than 13 kg, which made the sustained climb and long descent even tougher.
| Distance walked | 12.5 miles / 20.1 km |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 3,888 feet / 1,185 metres |
| Moving time | 8 hours 12 minutes |
| Time to allow | Approximately 9 hours with stops |
| Highest point | Kleine Scheidegg, approximately 2,061 metres / 6,762 feet |
| Route type | Point-to-point walk from Grindelwald to Wengen, followed by train to Lauterbrunnen |
| Difficulty | Hard: sustained ascent, long rocky descent and a full day on foot |
| Navigation | Well-signposted paths; GPX still recommended |
Places to stay: We stayed at the Sunstar Hotel & Spa in Grindelwald before the walk and the Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen afterwards. You can also compare accommodation in Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and across the Jungfrau Region.
Route map, GPX and transport
- Walking start: Grindelwald, where we had stayed the previous night.
- Walking finish: Wengen railway station.
- Final destination: Lauterbrunnen, reached by train from Wengen.
- Route: Grindelwald → Kleine Scheidegg → Wengen → train to Lauterbrunnen.
- GPX: Download the exact route we walked.
- Outdooractive: Follow the walk on my Outdooractive profile.
- Komoot: Follow the walk on my Komoot profile.
- Rail information: Check the official Jungfrau Railways timetable before travelling. Services and times can change.
Kleine Scheidegg is served from both Grindelwald and Wengen by the Wengernalp Railway, so the train provides several ways to shorten the day. Wengen station sits between Kleine Scheidegg and Lauterbrunnen, which made it the sensible place for us to stop walking.
Route overview
| Stage | Route | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grindelwald → valley and river crossing | An initial descent from town before crossing the river and joining the signed route. |
| 2 | Valley → upper Grindelwald slopes | Sustained climbing on roads and well-used mountain paths. |
| 3 | Upper slopes → Kleine Scheidegg | Long, steep approach beneath the Eiger with increasingly dramatic mountain views. |
| 4 | Kleine Scheidegg stop | Cafés, water, toilets, railway station and time to rest. |
| 5 | Kleine Scheidegg → Wengen | Long descent, with rocky and wooded sections that can be slippery. |
| 6 | Wengen → Lauterbrunnen | Train journey, not part of the recorded walking distance. |
Leaving Grindelwald
After a good sleep and breakfast at the Sunstar Hotel & Spa, we filled our bags with food, topped up our water and set off at around 10am. There was no need to rush, but we knew it would be a very long day and had worked through the timings before leaving.
Grindelwald sits above the river, while the trail begins on the opposite side. We crossed using the higher of the two bridges and followed the signs for Kleine Scheidegg. The route initially skirts around the houses before beginning the sustained climb into the mountains.
The paths were good and the route was consistently signposted. In clear weather, the green valley and surrounding mountains are spectacular, and looking back makes it obvious how much height you are gaining.
The sustained climb beneath the Eiger
After a couple of hours, the buildings begin to disappear and the route enters more open mountain scenery. You pass occasional barns and see the trains moving between Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg. Most walkers we met were coming downhill; carrying our full packs uphill made us appreciate every shaded rest.
The final third draws closer to the North Face of the Eiger. It becomes cooler and there may be snow remaining in places. Short flatter sections provide relief, but another steep climb is never far away. This is not technically dangerous in good summer conditions, but the length, ascent and pack weight make it a demanding mountain day.
The Eiger Trail is an optional diversion in this area, but it was not part of our completed route. We started towards it and then turned back because we did not have enough time. Anyone wanting to include it should plan that as a separate route rather than assuming it is covered by this GPX.
Reaching Kleine Scheidegg
The buildings at Kleine Scheidegg eventually came into view, with the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes one of the first landmarks we noticed. Reaching the pass after the long ascent felt fantastic. We found a table in the sun, removed our packs and stopped for an iced coffee while taking in the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau scenery.
Kleine Scheidegg has the railway station, cafés, restaurants, toilets and water, making it the natural place to rest and reassess the remainder of the day. It is also an escape point: you can take the train towards either Grindelwald or Wengen instead of continuing on foot.
Descending from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen
We continued down the Wengen side because the opening views were too good to miss. Benches below Kleine Scheidegg face the mountains, and we were lucky enough to see and hear a small avalanche in the distance. Even a modest avalanche was remarkably loud.
The descent to Wengen was much harder than it appeared. It is long and steep, with small loose stones and rocky woodland sections that can become slippery. After the ascent from Grindelwald and a full day carrying heavy packs, the downhill walking punished our feet, backs and shoulders.
There are railway stops before Wengen, so you do not have to commit to the entire descent. In hindsight, taking an earlier train would have been a perfectly sensible option. We continued to Wengen and reached the station with only two minutes to spare.
Why we took the train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen
We deliberately ended the walking at Wengen. The onward route drops extremely steeply into Lauterbrunnen, and after more than eight hours on foot we did not consider it a sensible or enjoyable way to finish. The railway completes the same geographical journey safely and conveniently.
After arriving in Lauterbrunnen, we checked into the Valley Hostel, dropped off our packs and went for food and a well-earned drink at the Horner Pub. We stayed overnight because Lauterbrunnen was the starting point for the next stage of our four-day journey.
Difficulty, conditions and suitability
- Difficulty: Hard. The route combines nearly 3,900 feet of ascent with a long descent and more than eight hours of walking.
- Terrain: Good signed paths and mountain roads on the ascent, followed by rocky and wooded paths towards Wengen.
- Conditions: Summer mountain weather can change quickly. Snow may remain high on the route, while rain can make the descent slippery.
- Beginners, children and dogs: I would not recommend this complete route for them. It is a demanding full-day mountain journey requiring fitness, experience and sensible preparation.
- Equipment: Wear proper walking footwear and carry layers, waterproofs, food, water, navigation and emergency equipment. We also carried everything needed for our multi-day trip.
- Escape options: Railway stations and stops around Kleine Scheidegg and on the Wengen descent allow the walking day to be shortened.
Walk this route in 3D
Watch my 3D walkthrough to understand the climb from Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg and the descent towards Wengen before setting off.
Watch the Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg and Wengen 3D route.