8-Day Dolomites Hiking and Road Trip Itinerary, Italy
Discover the ultimate 5-day itinerary for exploring the Jungfrau Region, featuring stunning alpine scenery, thrilling outdoor adventures, and charming Swiss villages. Highlights include the Männlichen Royal Walk, Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls, Mürren’s Via Ferrata, Grindelwald’s First, and a breathtaking train ride to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe."
Overview:
General Tips for travelling in the Jungfrau Region:
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Aim to travel in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to benefit with lower prices, less crowds and great weather conditions.
Book your accommodation (6 months) well in advance to ensure you can get into desirable locations and avoid price hikes.
Book tickets for high profile activities (3 months) including Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn well in advance as they can sell out.
Plan your days aiming to start all hikes as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to improve the likelihood of favourable weather conditions.
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This itinerary has been designed with a preference of basing yourself in Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, but ideally in Wengen. These are all great hubs with easy access to most of the region.
Wengen is smaller than the other two and being car-free gives you a sense of being remote and completely submersed into Swiss culture so I would suggest trying to stay there if possible.
Note also that the accommodation is typically heritage listed and for this reason there are likely to be no elevators or air-conditioning, so make sure you pack only to a weight that you would be comfortable hauling up multiple flights of stairs.
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With regards to transport a series of trains and cable cars will connect you practically everywhere you could want to go.
The cable cars are typically far more expensive then the trains so if you want to save money you can prioritize trains to get you so far and then hike the cable car section.
There are also a number of discount options (Half fare card or Swiss Travel Pass) which should be assessed to see which would be the most suitable based on your planned activities and duration of travel. The Half-Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased on this website.
The half-fare card costs around 137 USD giving you a 50% discount on all trains and some cable cars for a month.
Meanwhile the Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited use of transport for a specified period of time, 3 days for example costs approximately 278 USD. It really depends on how long you intend to stay to merit its worth.
The SBB mobile phone application is brilliant for pre-booking trains/cable cars and checking prices. It also allows you to have a digital ticket.
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Switzerland is extremely expensive on all fronts, including accomodation, food and transport. Note that they use the Swiss Franc (CHF).
If you want to try and save money and are on a budget, a great tip is to purchase food from supermarkets like Coop and then have picnics along the way. It doesn’t only save you money but encourages more time outdoors.
If you have plenty of time and are able, opt to hike between locations rather than paying for cable cars which can be extremely expensive.
There are a few hostels within the region if you would like to save on accomodation but it is important to get in and book early.
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Public taps with clean drinking water are available practically everywhere so make sure to take a reusable bottle with you.
Bring well worn reliable runners / hiking shoes that are comfortable to wear for long periods of the day.
Always bring a rain jacket in your back pack as the conditions within the mountains can change frequently and without warning.
Due to the lack of elevators in accommodation a backpack will likely be advantageous over a suitcase.
Make sure to take your camera or empty your phone storage prior to arriving.
Lauterbrunnen Valley - Murren and Gimmelwald
Day 1: Männlichen Royal Walk, Panorama Trail, Kleine Scheidegg and the Mendelssohn Path
Summary: begin with the Männlichen Royal Walk for panoramic views, before embarking on the scenic Panorama Trail which leads to Kleine Scheidegg. Stop for lunch in Kleine Scheidegg at a Swiss Mountain Restaurant with the backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks before continuing your descent down to Wengen on the Mendelssohn Path.
Total Hiking Distance: 14 km
Total Hiking Duration: 5 hours
Highlights: Views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and Grindelwald, Interlaken, Gimmelwald and Murren.
Day 1 Overview:
Royal Walk:
Follow signs from the cable car stations at Mannlichen to the start of the “Royal Walk”
Duration: Approximately 45-minute hike round-trip
Distance: 1.7 km steep hike round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
End: Trail ends back at the Mannlichen cable car station
Panorama Trail:
Follow signs from the Mannlichen cable car station towards “Kleine Scheidegg”
Duration: Approximately 1.5-hour hike
Distance: 4.9 km flat/downhill hike one way
Difficulty: Easy
End: Trail ends at the Kleine Scheidegg railway station
The alpine town of Kleine Scheidegg is a great central location to get lunch at a Swiss Mountain Restaurant. An alternate to buying lunch is to have a picnic between Kleine Scheidegg and Wengernalp station along the Mendelssohn Path.
If staying in Grindelwald, potentially return from Kleine Scheidegg and skip the Mendelssohn path. Time can be spent in Wengen on Day 2. Still ensure that you walk a small section of the Eiger Ultra Trail on the south side of Kleine Scheidegg to get some incredible views of the Eiger.
Mendelssohn Path:
Trail Head: Follow “Eiger Ultra Trail” or “Wengen” signs near the Kleine Scheidegg train station
Duration: Approximately 2.5-hour hike
Distance: 6.8 km downhill hike one way
Difficulty: Easy
End: Trail ends back in Wengen
Day 1 Getting There:
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Cable Car - Wengen to Männlichen Luftseilb (PB 2455)
11-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 20 minutes
Price: 29 CHF per person one-way
Earliest around 8:30 AM and last descent 17:30 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app, in person or on the website
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Cable Car – Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen Gondelbahn (GB GGM)
25-minute duration one way
Continuously runs every minute
Price: 29 CHF per person one-way
Earliest around 8:30 AM and last 17:30 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app, in person or on the website
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Train - Lauterbrunnen to Wengen (CC 63)
13-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Price: 7.20 CHF per person
Earliest around 5:00 AM and latest 23:00 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app in person or online
Get off the train at Wengen and catch the cable car as per directions from Wengen
Viewpoint - Kleine Scheidegg on the Panorama Trail
Day 2: Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Trümmelbach and Staubbach Falls
Summary: start in Lauterbrunnen, one of the most iconic towns in all of Switzerland. The village literally means “Many Fountains” due to the 72 waterfalls that cascade from the sheer limestone cliffs into the valley below. Once down, embark on a beautiful walk through the valley stopping at the iconic Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls. You will start to understand why J.R.R. Tolkien used the incredible landscape as inspiration for Rivendell in "The Lord of the Rings." Enjoy lunch in Lauterbrunnen before getting the train back up to Wengen later in the afternoon a walking through the car-free, picturesque alpine village and out to the Leiterhorn lookout.
Total Walking Distance: 11.6 km
Total Walking Duration: 6 hours
Highlights: Views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls, Wengen and Leiterhorn
Day 2 Overview:
Lauterbrunnen Village and Valley Trail:
Follow signs from the cable car station towards Staubbach falls
Along the way stop at the iconic view point (marked on map) that captures the church of Lauterbrunnen with the falls in the background
Continue to follow signs from Staubbach Falls towards “Trümmelbach Falls”
Duration: Approximately 2 hour walk
Distance: 7.6 km flat round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
End: Walk to the falls spend time at the falls, then hike returns back to central Lauterbrunnen Trail.
Stop for lunch in Lauterbrunnen, perfect opportunity to try a traditional Swiss dish such as Fondue, Raclette, Rösti or simply some swiss chocolate.
Trümmelbach Falls:
A spectacular series of glacier-fed waterfalls cascading inside a mountain in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for its powerful flow and unique subterranean passageways
The falls are part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage site
Series of 10 glacier waterfalls located inside of the mountain
Spend approximately 2 hours at the falls
Open from 9:00 AM to 17:00 PM
Entrance fee is 15 CHF per adult
Wear sensible foot wear and bring a rain jacket
Further information on the website
Wengen and Leiterhorn Hike (Optional):
After exploring Lauterbrunnen, catch a quick train ride up the hill to Wengen.
Walk through the main streets of the village taking into the traditional Swiss Chalets and the Wengen Parish Church which offers a great viewpoint down into the valley.
Walk to the Leiterhorn observation deck, which offers more stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Wengen and the surrounding mountains.
Trail Head: Follow signs towards “Männlichen“ as your are leaving town to the North, signs will eventually then appear of guiding you towards “Leiterhorn”
Duration: Approximately 4-hour hike round-trip
Distance: 4 km steep undulating hike roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
End: Trail ends back in Wengen
I would suggest only completing this hike if you are staying in Wengen.
Day 2 Getting There:
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Train - Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (CC 63)
13-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Price: 7.20 CHF per person
Earliest around 5:00 AM and latest 23:00 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app in person or online
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Train – Grindelwald Terminal to Zweilütschinen Bahnhof (R 61)
18-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Earliest around 5:30 AM and last 21:30 PM
Train – Zweilütschinen Bahnhof to Lauterbrunnen (R 62)
9 -minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Earliest around 6:30 AM and last 23:18 PM
Total Price: 8.60 CHF per person one-way
Note there is the option to go via the cable cars from Männlichen - Wengen - Lauterbrunnen but this will cost around 5x the amount
Swiss Chalets in Wengen
Day 3: Mürren, Gimmelwald and Via Ferrata
Summary: meet in Mürren for the start of the Via Ferrata, a thrilling high-altitude climb and hike that ventures all the way to Gimmelwald. The 2 kilometer route traverses along vertical cliffs and passes over suspension bridges taking in some epic but mostly terrifying views of the Lauterbrunnen valley 400 meters below. Once in Gimmelwald get your breath back at one of the many mountain restaurants before commencing the much more peaceful return hike to Mürren.
Total Hiking Distance: 5.1 km
Total Hiking Duration: 3.5 hours
Highlights: Visit Mürren and Gimmelwald, complete a Via Ferrata, and get views off the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Day 3 Overview:
Via Ferrata Mürren to Gimmelwald
Via Ferrata means “Iron Path” in italian. This is because of the network of steel cables, metal rungs, ladders and bridges that are attached to the side of a cliff forming the path.
At times you will be standing on metal rungs with nothing but fresh air between you and the valley floor 400 meters directly below you.
This is an extreme adrenaline pumping activity and a great way to put your fear of heights to the test.
Can be booked online through Outdoor Switzerland AG
Duration: 2.5 hours one-way
Distance: 2 km very steep, climbing
Difficulty: Challenging
Cost approximately 169 CHF per person
Two session options per day 9:10 AM or 14:10 PM
Meeting point is at Intersport Mürren-Schilthorn (marked).
All required technical equipment is provided.
Recommendations - take the morning session for a better chance of having clearer skies, wear sturdy shoes with grip as the rungs often get wet, wear pants rather then shorts and bring snacks and water with you. Just do it, you won’t regret giving it a go.
Gimmelwald to Mürren:
Prior to departing Gimmelwald make sure you go for a walk around the tiny town and take in the views.
The Mountain Hostel is situated right next to the finish of the Via Ferrata and is a great place for a celebratory drink before you start the hike back.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour hike one-way
Distance: 3.1 km uphill hike one way
Difficulty: Easy/ moderate(energy depleted post Ferrata)
End: Trail ends back in central Mürren
Schilthorn Visit (Optional):
Sitting as a backdrop to Mürren and Gimmelwald is the impressive Schilthorn Mountain
Its renowned for its panoramic revolving restaurant Piz Glora, breathtaking views across the Jungfrau region, but most prominently for its role as the filming location for James Bond - On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
I have put this as optional because the cable car price is extremely expensive and it offers comparable views to other areas already covered.
Getting There: Cable Car - Mürren to Schilthorn (PB 2460)
32-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Price: 51.80 CHF per person
Earliest around 7:30 AM and latest 16:30 PM
Day 3 Getting There:
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Train - Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (CC 63)
13-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Price: 7.20 CHF per person
Earliest around 5:00 AM and latest 23:00 PM
Cable Car - Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp (PB 2461)
4-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Price: 9.40 CHF per person
Earliest around 6:00 AM and latest 20:30 PM
Train - Grütschalp to Mürren BLM (R66)
14-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 15 minutes
Price: 3.80 CHF per person
Earliest around 6:30 AM and latest 20:45 PM
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Train – Grindelwald Terminal to Zweilütschinen Bahnhof (R 61)
18-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Earliest around 5:30 AM and last 21:30 PM
Train – Zweilütschinen Bahnhof to Lauterbrunnen (R 62)
9 -minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Earliest around 6:30 AM and last 23:18 PM
Total Price: 8.60 CHF per person one-way
Then follow “Wengen” instructions as per from Lauterbrunnen
Mürren Via Ferrata
Day 4: Hike to Grindelwald, First and Bachalpsee Lake
Summary: if staying in Wengen or Lauterbrunnen begin with a downhill hike from Männlichen to Grindelwald, walking through pastures lined with grazing cows and small pockets of forrest all set with views of the Eiger North Face in the background . From Grindelwald get a cable car up to the First Cliff Walk. Spend sometime here before completing the out and back hike to Bachalpsee Lake.
Total Hiking Distance: 20.3 km
Total Hiking Duration: 5 hours
Highlights: Complete the First Cliff Walk, and get views of the Eiger North Face, and Bachalpsee Lake.
Day 4 Overview:
Hike Männlichen to Grindelwald (Optional):
The hike path itself is extremely quiet comparative to other areas of the Jungfrau region. This makes you feel really emersed within the surrounds, just you, some happy cows and the mountains. However purely due to the distance and the fact that the view remains relatively consistent along the way I have listed this hike as optional.
Follow signs from the cable car stations at Männlichen directing you towards “Grindelwald”
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hour one-way trip
Distance: 14.2 km moderate/flat downhill hike one-way
Difficulty: Easy
End: Trail ends at Grindelwald Terminal.
If you are not feeling up to this hike alternatively you can catch a cable car directly from Männlichen to Grindelwald Terminal
If you have just completed the hike down from Mannlichen I would suggest getting lunch in Grindelwald to recharge. There is a Coop supermarket store at the terminal station and a number of beautiful grassy areas around town to have a nice picnic lunch before commencing the next part of the day.
Walk from Grindelwald Terminal to Grindelwald Firstbahn - approximately 10 minutes
First Cliff Walk:
The Frist Cliff Walk features a 40-meter long suspension bridge that juts out over the cliff, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
At the end of the walk, there is an observation platform extending 45 meters over the void, offering unobstructed views of the valley below and the stunning alpine landscape.
There is a cost for the cable car up to the location but the First Cliff Walk is free otherwise.
Getting There: Cable Car - Grindelwald (Firstbahn) - First (Grindelwald) (GB2440)
25-minute duration one way
Runs every 2 minutes
Price: 36 CHF per person one-way
Earliest around 8:00 AM and latest 18:00 PM
Bachalpsee Hike:
Bachalpsee Lake, is a picturesque alpine lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Trail Head: Follow signs from the First Cliff Walk directly towards “Bachalpsee". It follows “Eiger Ultra” signs.
Duration: Approximately 2-hour return hike
Distance: 6.1 km downhill hike round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
End: Return trip ends back at the First Cliff Walk.
Day 4 Getting There:
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Cable Car - Wengen to Männlichen Luftseilb (PB 2455)
11-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 20 minutes
Price: 29 CHF per person one-way
Earliest around 8:30 AM and last descent 17:30 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app, in person or on the website
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Train - Lauterbrunnen to Wengen (CC 63)
13-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Price: 7.20 CHF per person
Earliest around 5:00 AM and latest 23:00 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app in person or online
Get off the train at Wengen and catch the cable car as per directions from Wengen
If staying in Grindelwald I would suggest you save double backing and skip the hike from Männlichen down to Grindelwald and instead get the cable car straight up to the First Cliff Walk.
Hike to Grindelwald from Männlichen
Day 5: Train to Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
Summary: catch a scenic train ride to 3,454 meters above sea level to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, commonly referred to as the Top of Europe. An outright incredible and unique experience and a perfect way to top off your Jungfrau Region adventure.
Highlights: Views of Aletsch Glacier, and Jungfraujoch.
Day 5 Overview:
Jungfraujoch:
This unforgettable high-altitude adventure, accessible via the world’s highest railway station, promises breathtaking scenery and unique attractions.
There is no doubt that it is incredibly expensive but I truly believe the experience stacks up and Its something that you need to see for yourself to fully comprehend.
When purchasing a ticket you can nominate how long you intend to spend up the top to determine which activities you will have time to do. 5 hours is sufficient to be able to see everything and spend some time outside in the snow.
The train journey alone is an incredible experience but once you have arrived the number of key attractions to visit is endless.
The Ice Palace which features intricate ice sculptures and tunnels that visitors can explore.
The Sphinx Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks including the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau as well as the Aletsch Glacier.
The Snow Fun Park has activities such as sledding, tubing and snowboarding with equipment rental onsite.
Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven center, the name says it all what a better place to try some local Swiss cuisine.
You can also walk outside onto the Jungfrau Plateau and get amongst the snow.
Make sure to pack sunglasses otherwise the reflection of the snow is so bright that you won’t be able to see anything. Also ensure you take some warn weather gear in case of a last minute change in conditions.
You may experience altitude sickness due to the sudden change in elevation make sure you stay vigilant
It can close due to severe weather conditions so it is wise to continually check the weather leading up to your journey.
Day 5 Getting There:
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Train – Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch
1.5 hours duration one way
Runs every 30 minutes
Price: 249 CHF per person round-trip (Half-fare card gives you 50% off this price)
Earliest around 7:30 AM and last 15:00 PM
Book on the website
Note: you will catch the Wengernalp line to Kleine Scheidegg before changing over trains to a Jungfrau Railways connection.
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Train – Grindelwald Terminal to Jungfraujoch
1.5 hours duration one way
Runs every 30 minutes
Price: 237 CHF per person round-trip (Half-fare card gives you 50% off this price)
Earliest around 7:15 AM and last 16:15 PM
Book on the website
Note: that you will catch the Eiger Express to Eigergletscher station before changing over to a Jungfrau Railways connection.
Jungfrau Plateau- The Top of Europe
Where to next:
Kandersteg Lake Oeschinen:
Just under 2 hours train ride away from Lauterbrunnen is the quaint Swiss mountain town of Kandersteg, home to arguably the most beautiful lake in all of Switzerland if not the entirety of Europe. I could not recommend this place enough and it is 100% worth the short journey across.
Zermatt:
Alternatively just under 3 hours train ride from the Jungfrau region is Zermatt, This town is famous for skiing in the winter time and incredible hikes throughout the summer all of which are centered around the Matterhorn.
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