Kleine Scheidegg
A high mountain pass at 2,061 meters and transfer station for the Jungfrau Railway, with the north face of the Eiger right beside it. The panoramic trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is the region's classic hike.
Kleine Scheidegg is a saddle at the foot of the Eiger, where the Grindelwald line and the Wengen/Lauterbrunnen cog railways meet, and it is the starting point of the Jungfrau Railway. It faces the Eiger's 1,800-meter north face, a legendary site in mountaineering history, and there are telescopes and information boards beside the station. The most recommended activity is to hike the panoramic trail from Männlichen (reached by cable car from Wengen or the Grindelwald terminal) to Kleine Scheidegg. The route is 4.5 km and takes about 1.5 hours, almost level, and faces the three peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau the entire way. It is suitable for families. The trail may still have snow before mid-June. From Kleine Scheidegg you can also hike down to Wengernalp or to the Eigergletscher station (about 1 hour uphill), where you can get a close look at the Eiger Glacier. The station restaurant and the century-old Bellevue des Alpes hotel are classic photo spots. In winter, this area is part of the Lauberhorn ski region, where the World Cup downhill race is held every January. Getting there: take the cog railway from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, about 40 minutes. The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers the full fare, and the Swiss Travel Pass gives a 25% discount. The pass is windy, so bring a jacket even in summer. Crowds are heavy at the Jungfrau transfer on weekend mornings.
Opening hours
All day (trains approx. 06:30–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Männlichen
- Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
- Wengen
- Trümmelbach Falls
- Lauterbrunnen
- Staubbach Falls
- Eiger Express
- Mürren