Hiking the Eiger Trail in Grindelwald, Switzerland: Complete Guide
Beginning at the Eigergletscher train station, the 3.7-mile Eiger Trail ends at the Alpiglen train depot. As you traverse this beautiful path beneath the iconic north face of the Eiger, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Eiger’s north face towering above and lush green valleys below.
Basic Hike Info and Difficulty
- Trail Operation: Mid-June through October
- Trail Map: AllTrails Map
- Arrival By Car: 30 minutes from Interlaken | 2 hours 30 min from Zurich | 3 hours from Geneva
- Arrival By Train: 30-40 minutes from Interlaken | 3 to 3.5 hours from Zurich | 3.5 hours from Geneva
- Tickets – Eiger Express: 75 CHF (Adults) | 50% Discount w/Half Fare Card | 25% Discount with Berner Oberland Pass | 54 CHF with Swiss Travel Pass | Free with Jungfrau Travel Pass
- Tickets – Alpiglen to Grindelwald: 12 CHF (one way) | 50% Discount w/Half Fare Card | Free with Jungfrau Travel Pass
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate. Mostly downhill if starting at Eigergletscher.
- Hike Distance: 3.7miles (5.9 km) total
- Hike Time: 2-2.5 hours
- Elevation Change: 2,350 ft (715 m) descent from Eigergletscher
- Weather: Eigergletscher Web Cam | Weather Forecast
Eiger Trail Jungfrau Region Map
Getting to The Eiger Trail from Grindelwald
The trailhead begins at the Eigergletscher station. There are two ways to get there from Grindelwald:
- Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher station departs from the newly constructed Grindelwald Terminal. This is the quickest option with a 15-minute ride time.
- Kleine Scheidegg Train: This route takes 50 minutes, but it’s more scenic. The train goes from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, then continues to Eigergletscher.
Eiger Express Gondola
Since you will be taking the train from Alpiglen at the end of this hike, you only need to purchase a one-way ticket on the Eiger Express. At the time of writing, a one-way ticket for adults costs 37.60 CHF, 18.80 CHF for those with a Half Fare Card or Berner Oberland Pass, and 27.20 CHF with a Swiss Travel Pass. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks in the terminal or online.
Train to Eigergletscher via Kleine Scheidegg
From the Grund station in Grindelwald, you’ll take a train to Kleine Scheidegg, then continue to Eigergletscher Station. As before, you’ll only need a one-way ticket since you’ll take a separate train from Alpiglen back to Grindelwald. A one-way ticket to Eigergletscher for adults costs 37.60 CHF, 18.80 CHF with a Half Fare Card or Berner Oberland Pass, or 27.20 CHF with a Swiss Travel Pass. Tickets may be purchased at the terminal or online.
Arrival at Eigergletscher Station
We chose to ride the Eiger Express since it was faster and it was getting a little late in the day. We were the only passengers on the gondola making for a very quiet and peaceful ride. On the other hand, the scene at Eigergletscher Station was crowded and noisy! Most of the people were arriving from the Kleine Scheidegg station to make their connection to the Jungfrau Top of Europe. Once we were out on the trail, it was peaceful again.
There is a restaurant at Eigergletscher Station with an outside seating area. Unfortunately, there was a large cloud hanging over the restaurant, but otherwise the views from the restaurant are spectacular on a clear day! We were hungry and decided to scarf down some food before hitting the trail. The food was decent but nothing to write home about.
Hiking from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen
The beginning of the trail runs parallel to the gondolas arriving at Eigergletscher station. When you exit the station, look for the yellow signs that say “Eiger Trail – Alpiglen”. On a clear day, you can also enjoy a scenic view of the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley from the grassy area on the side of the train station.
Once you’re on the trail you will see a vertical wall portion of the Eiger on your right and the lush green valley down to your left. Our hike began in heavy cloud cover, but conditions in the Swiss Alps can change quickly. So don’t get too bummed out if clouds are present. Plus, the clouds hanging over the Eiger created a mystical sort of beauty.
In the first mile, you’ll encounter a couple of areas with 150 to 200 feet (45 to 60 meters) of elevation gain, but once you’re past this, you can coast until the last mile, where the trail descends into Alpiglen.
For the first mile, you won’t be able to see the north face of the Eiger or its peak as there is a vertical wall section that blocks the view. Once you pass this section, the north face comes into view. You may even spot mountain climbers.
One of the things I loved about this hike is how the views of the Eiger and surrounding landscapes open up as you go. The further you hike, the better it gets!
As you approach the end of the trail you will come across a waterfall, which is about .8 miles (1.28 km) from the Alpiglen train station. It’s also at this point that the trail begins to descend more quickly. From here, you will descend 750 feet (228 m) along some semi-steep switchbacks, making it the most difficult part of the hike.
The train at Alpiglen station runs every 30 minutes, and the ride back to Grindelwald takes 18 minutes. If it is late in the day, be careful to not miss the last train down to Grindelwald which departs at 6:45 PM. If missed, it will be another 90-minute hike to Grindelwald. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk in front of the station. You also have the option to take the train to Kleine Scheidegg from here if you want to hike the Panorama Trail.
Our total time on the trail was 2.5 hours, but we stopped for photos and a drone flight, which added about 30 minutes. At a leisurely pace, most people should be able to complete the hike in around 2 hours.
Best Time to Hike The Eiger Trail
The trail is open from July through mid-October. The peak hiking season in the Jungfrau region is in August when the skies are generally clear, but it’s also the hottest and most crowded time. We hiked the Eiger Trail during the third week of September when the weather and cloud cover could be hit or miss.
Other Activities Near the Eiger Trail
Panorama Trail – Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
The Panorama Trailis one of the most popular and easiest trails in Grindelwald. After arriving at Mannlichen Station, you will hike 2.9 miles to Kleine Scheidegg (or in reverse) along a path that descends 550 ft (167m).
When you arrive at Kleine Scheidegg, you can take the train or walk up to Eigergletscher. The walk from Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher adds another 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
Kleine Scheidegg to Alpiglen
Similar to the Eiger Trail, this hike will also end at Alpiglen. The trail runs mostly parallel to the Eiger Mountain but does not hug the base of the Eiger as closely. The total length is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) and has a steady elevation decline of 1,470 ft (448 m).
Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen via Bigernalp
Starting at the Kleine Scheidegg station, this 6.7 mile (10.8 km) downhill hike will take you above the Lauterbrunnen valley into the beautiful town of Wengen. The trail tends to be one of the less crowded trails in the area. Once you arrive in Wengen, you can catch a train to Lauterbrunnen or take a cable car from Wengen to Mannlichen. From Mannlichen you can easily get back to the Grindelwald Terminal.
Jungfrau Top of Europe Tour:
The Jungfrau Top of Europe tour is one of the top attractions in Switzerland. After arriving at the Eigergletscher Station, you will take a mountain train up to the highest railway station in Europe, located at the Jungfrau peak. From the top, you’ll have spectacular views of the longest glacier in the Alps, surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Best Travel Pass
There are several travel pass options and honestly, it was overwhelming when planning our first trip to Switzerland. One of the most straightforward choices is the Swiss Half Fare Card which offers 50% discounts for all trains, buses, and ferry boats in Switzerland for one month and includes most mountain railways and gondolas.
- Swiss Travel Pass: The Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited travel in Switzerland by train, bus, or boat with options available for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 consecutive days. Panoramic routes and 50% discounts on most mountain railways and gondolas are also included. Additionally, the pass grants free admission to over 500 museums in Switzerland. Children under 16 travel for free with an accompanying parent.
- Swiss Travel Pass Flex: The Swiss Travel Pass Flex offers the same travel benefits as the Swiss Travel Pass, but it’s valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 non-consecutive days. This added flexibility comes at a slightly higher cost.
- Swiss Half Fare Card: With the Swiss Half Fare Card, you’ll receive 50% off all travel within Switzerland by train, bus, and boat. This includes panoramic routes, gondolas, and mountain railways. The card is valid for one month from the activation date.
- Jungfrau Travel Pass: The Jungfrau Travel Pass provides unlimited travel on trains, boats, buses, and gondolas in the Jungfrau region only. If you’re going to be basing your travel out of Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, or Wengen areas, this may be a great travel option for you. Passes can be purchased for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 days. Summer season passes are also available, which could be a great choice if you are stay longer than a week.
- Berner Oberland Pass: The Berner Oberland Pass is often overlooked but can be the best choice for travelers planning to explore the Bernese Oberland region (Interlaken, Bern, Lucerne, Brig, and Spiez). It offers unlimited travel by train, bus, boat, and most mountain railways and gondolas. The Eiger Express and Jungfrau Top of Europe are not fully covered but receive a 50% discount.
The Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, and Berner Oberland Pass receive discounts to certain popular attractions such as the Jungfrau Top of Europe and Schilthorn-Piz Glora.
Best Place to Stay
- Grindelwald: A fantastic base for exploration, Grindelwald offers a range of hotels, hostels, restaurants, shops, and convenient access to numerous hiking trails.
- Interlaken: The main hub of the region, providing the largest variety of accommodations and amenities. It’s about a 30-minute drive or train ride from Grindelwald.
- Lauterbrunnen: Often considered the most picturesque town, Lauterbrunnen is tucked away in a stunning valley, with cliffs and waterfalls on either side. While smaller than Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, it still offers plenty of amenities.
Background Info on the Eiger
Climbing the Eiger’s North Face
Mountaineers from around the world come to brave the Eiger’s 5,900 ft (1,800 m) north face. It is considered one of the “trilogy” of north faces in the Alps, along with the Matterhorn and Grandes Jorasses. Unfortunately, since 1935, at least 64 climbers have died attempting to climb the north face.
Eiger Ultra Trail Marathon
Each summer, long-distance runners from all over the world participate in races ranging from 8 miles (12.8 km) to extreme distances of over 155 miles (250 km). More information on the races can be found on the organization’s website.
FAQ
How difficult is the Eiger trail?
For most, it should be easy. Aside from a few hundred feet of incline spread over the first mile, the trail from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen is mostly level until you reach some downhill switchbacks in the last mile.
Are dogs allowed on the Eiger Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed and can even be unleashed. There are also a few small waterfalls along the way for hydration.
How do I get to Eiger Trail from Lauterbrunnen?
There are two main options:
- By car or train: The fastest way is to drive from Lauterbrunnen to the Grindelwald Terminal, where you can take the Eiger Express to Eigergletscher. Alternatively, you can take a train from Lauterbrunnen to the Grindelwald Terminal.
- By train and cable car via Wengen: Take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, then the cable car to Männlichen. From there, you can take either another cable car back to Grindelwald and catch the train to Eigergletscher (with a stop in Kleine Scheidegg), or hike from Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher. This option is longer and more expensive, but it allows you to visit the beautiful town of Wengen.
Should I Hike the Eiger Trail or the Panorama Trail?
The Panorama Trail is shorter, with a wider path and fantastic panoramic views. Starting from Männlichen, it’s more of a downhill walk than a hike, making it a better option for those with small children or the elderly. The Eiger Trail is longer and slightly more challenging, but still manageable for most. If we had to recommend one, it would be the Eiger Trail, as the close-up view from the base of the Eiger is one of the most impressive sights in Switzerland!
What Should I Wear?
Wear layers and sunscreen. The start of the hike at Eigergletscher is often chili and the trail has no shade.
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