Kleine Scheidegg - Starting point to the Jungfraujoch

6 Highlights on the Kleine Scheidegg

• Kleine Scheidegg is located at the foot of the Eiger north face and allows an impressive view of the wall.
• Via Kleine Scheidegg you can reach the Jungfraujoch in about 40 min with the Jungfrau Railway.
• At Kleine Scheidegg is the station for two cogwheel railroads: the Jungfrau Railway and the Wengernalp Railway.
• Hikes to the Eiger North Face or the Lauberhorn start at Kleine Scheidegg.
• More than 100 km of ski slopes can be reached from Kleine Scheidegg in the ski area "Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen - Grindelwald/Wengen".
• The Kleine Scheidegg is known for its special panorama with Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as well as various glaciers.

What to Expect at the Kleine Scheidegg

The Kleine Scheidegg is not just the gateway to the Jungfraujoch. From here, you can access the vast ski area of Kleine Scheidegg/​Männlichen – Grindelwald/​Wengen. The Lauberhorn is also nearby and easily reachable on foot. If you're looking to hike the Eiger Trail, you can also start your journey from the Kleine Scheidegg.

At the Kleine Scheidegg, you’ll also find the meeting point of two cogwheel trains:

• Wengernalpbahn
• Jungfraubahn

Important routes of the rack-and-pinion railroads on Kleine Scheidegg

Cogwheel railway	Tal station	Height (m above sea level)	Mountain station	Height (m above sea level)	Route (km)
Wengernalpbahn	Lauterbrunnen	797	Kleine Scheidegg	2061	10.47
Wengernalpbahn	Wengen	1275	Kleine Scheidegg	2061	6.65
Wengernalpbahn	Grindelwald	1003	Kleine Scheidegg	2061	8.64
Jungfraubahn	Kleine Scheidegg	2061	Top of Europe Jungfraujoch	3454	9.34

Wengernalpbahn The Wengernalpbahn travels from Lauterbrunnen via Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg. From here, it continues on to Grindelwald (and vice versa). This narrow-gauge cogwheel railway was opened in 1893 and remains the longest continuous cogwheel railway in the world. It runs along a distance of 19.2 km.

Jungfraubahn The Jungfrau Railway starts its journey at Kleine Scheidegg. The total distance to Jungfraujoch is 9.3 km, and it goes through four tunnels. Along the way, the Jungfrau Railway ascends nearly 1400 meters in elevation. For your first visit to Jungfraujoch, we've put together some tips for you.

Since the implementation of the V-Project, the Wengernalpbahn has lost importance as a feeder from Grindelwald to the Jungfraujoch. The Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal halves the journey time to the Top of Europe. In this case, you change to the Jungfrau Railway at the Eigergletscher station and do not travel via Kleine Scheidegg.

Activities at Kleine Scheidegg

In summer, you'll find both pleasant and more challenging hiking trails at Kleine Scheidegg. Some of them are also great to explore in winter.

If you're spending an extended period in the Jungfrau Region and want to discover various parts of it, the Jungfrau Travel Pass might be worth it for you. You can combine train, boat, cable car, and bus rides in any way you like.

Jungfrau Eiger Walk

On this mountain hike you walk directly along the foot of the Eiger north face. It is also possible for non-experienced hikers. The path is designed for a comfortable hike. On the way you can enjoy the view of the Lauberhorn, the Kleine Scheidegg and the Grindelwald valley.

From Kleine Scheidegg you walk up to the Eiger glacier. In the opposite direction, the trail is even easier to walk. It is pleasantly wide and always has something different to offer along the way. The stations take you back in time and tell you about earlier events.

• Start: Kleine Scheidegg
• Destination: Eiger glacier station
• Distance: 2.5 km
• Duration: 1:00 to 1:30 hrs.
• Altitude gain: 275 hm↑, 17 hm↓
• Season: May to October

Lauberhorn Trail

During the World Cup, the Lauberhorn race is an absolute highlight. 2.the world-class athletes need 5 min for the 4.5 km long Lauberhorn downhill run. They overcome more than 1000 meters of altitude. The backdrop with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is also spectacular.

In summer you have the opportunity to watch this dangerous ski descent and hike down in peace. The trail takes you over these stages: Lauberhornschulter, Hundschopf, Wickibort, Bort and Allmend. Some parts of the descent are very steep. On the way, 12 boards inform you about the facts of the route.

• Start: Kleine Scheidegg railroad station
• Destination: Wengen railroad station
• Distance: 9.9 km
• Duration: 3:25 hrs.
• Altitude difference: 307 hm↑, 1098 hm↓
• Season: June to October

Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald

On this hike, you'll be going downhill a lot. We therefore recommend that you use hiking poles to protect your knees. The hiking trail is otherwise very easy to walk.

• Start: Kleine Scheidegg train station
• Destination: Grindelwald Grund train station
• Distance: 8.6 km
• Duration: 2:00 hrs.
• Altitude difference: 49 hm↑, 1168 hm↓
• Season: June to October

Ski Area Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen and Grindelwald/Wengen

This winter sports region spans altitudes from 944 to 2400 m above sea level and is the largest ski area in the Bernese Oberland. While skiing, you can enjoy views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

You can reach the ski area using the cogwheel trains Wengernalpbahn and Jungfraubahn. The cable cars from the V-project take you from Grindelwald Terminal to the Eigergletscher and Männlichen.

Additionally, the ski area features 9 modern four-person and six-person chairlifts, along with 8 ski lifts that get you conveniently to all the slopes. There are practice lifts for kids and adult beginners at Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, and Männlichen. You’ll also find several ski schools in Grindelwald, some of which operate on Kleine Scheidegg.

The slopes at Kleine Scheidegg are open from late November to mid-April, depending on snowfall.

sledding paths at Kleine Scheidegg

Around Kleine Scheidegg, you'll find some beautiful and well-maintained sledding runs.

The most well-known sledding runs at Kleine Scheidegg include:

• Eigergletscher - Kleine Scheidegg (No. 68)
• Kleine Scheidegg - Wengernalp (No. 66)
• Kleine Scheidegg - Brandegg & Männlichen-Holenstein (No. 61)
• Eiger Run (No. 64)

Events at Kleine Scheidegg

Among the most important events is the Lauberhorn race held annually in January. In September, it was also formerly the destination of the Jungfrau marathon. During this mountain marathon, 1953 meters of elevation gain were tackled. Since 2021, the marathon finishes at the Eiger Glacier.

Restaurants at Kleine Scheidegg

Kleine Scheidegg is a tourist magnet. Therefore, there is also a large traditional hotel here. As early as 1840, it started as the inn "Zur Gemse" to host guests at Kleine Scheidegg. Mule trains pulled up the 1000 meters of elevation, bringing guests and goods.

Kleine Scheidegg Mountain Restaurant

At 2061 m above sea level, the Kleine Scheidegg mountain restaurant features a large sun terrace. The associated lodge offers dormitory accommodations, as well as single and double rooms. In the outdoor bar, you can find goulash soup, bratwurst, or delicious sandwiches. In total, there are 210 seats available.

Eigernordwand Restaurant

The Eigernordwand restaurant is located at 2070 m above sea level at Kleine Scheidegg. The restaurant also includes a self-service area. In addition to Swiss cuisine, Asian specialties are also offered. The restaurant has 150 seats.

Berghaus Grindelwaldblick

The Berghaus Grindelwaldblick is situated at 2116 m above sea level and features a restaurant, dormitory, and single and double rooms. You can enjoy Swiss dishes here such as Älplermagronen or cheese fondue. The restaurant has 50 seats.

Hotel Bellevue des Alpes

The traditional Hotel Bellevue des Alpes is located at 2070 m above sea level and offers 100 beds. The attached day restaurant has 120 seats including the terrace.