Ultimate 5-Day Jungfrau Region Hiking Travel Itinerary and Map, Switzerland
Eiger North Face and Mönch
Discover the ultimate 5-day itinerary for exploring the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland, featuring stunning alpine scenery, thrilling outdoor adventures, and charming Swiss villages. Highlights include the Männlichen Royal Walk, the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheideff, 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
-
Aim to travel in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to benefit with lower prices, less crowds and great weather conditions.
Book your accommodation well in advance to ensure you can get into desirable locations and avoid price hikes. A desirable timeframe would be around 6-months out minimum.
Book tickets for high profile activities including Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn well in advance as they can sell out. Aim to book most things at least 3 months in advance.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Depart: Mannlichen Cable Car Station I Google Maps
Arrive: Return to cable car
Trailhead: Follow signs from the cable car stations at Mannlichen to the start of the “Royal Walk”
Trail Turn Point: Männlichen Gipfel I Google Maps
Total Hiking Distance: 1.7 km steep hike I round-trip
Total Hiking Duration: 45-minute hike I round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,343 meters above sea level
The Männlichen Royal Walk is a short but quite steep walk offering incredible views down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley below.
Cows in the Snow along the Royal Walk
Panorama Trail
Depart: Mannlichen Cable Car Station I Google Maps
Arrive: Kleine Scheidegg I Google Maps
Trailhead: Follow signs from the Mannlichen cable car station towards “Kleine Scheidegg”
Total Hiking Distance: 4.9 km downhill hike I one-way
Total Hiking Duration: 1.5 hour hike I one-way
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,229 meters above sea level
The Panorama Trail is a short but quite steep walk offering incredible views down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley below.
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.
Viewpoint of Kleine Scheidegg on the Panorama Trail
Mendelssohn Path
Depart: Kleine Scheidegg I Google Maps
Arrive: Wengen I Google Maps
Trailhead: Follow “Eiger Ultra Trail” or “Wengen” signs near the Kleine Scheidegg train station
Total Hiking Distance: 6.8 km downhill hike I one-way
Total Hiking Duration: 2.5 hour hike I one-way
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,061 meters above sea level
The Mendelssohn Path is an easy down-hill path that returns back down to Wengen, offering views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley along the way.
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. 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 Hiking Distance: 11.6 km
Total Hiking Duration: 6 hours
Highlights: Views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls, Wengen and Leiterhorn
Day 2 Overview:
Lauterbrunnen Village and Valley Trail
Depart: Lauterbrunnen I Google Maps
Arrive: Trümmelbach Falls I Google Maps
Trailhead: Follow signs from the cable car station towards Staubbach falls
Total Hiking Distance: 7.6 km flat hike I round-trip
Total Hiking Duration: 2 hour hike I round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 802 meters above sea level
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”
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
Location: Trümmelbach Falls I Google Maps
Activity Duration: 2 hours
Price: Entrance fee is 15 CHF per adult
Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 17:00 PM
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
Wear sensible foot wear and bring a rain jacket
Wengen and Leiterhorn Hike (Optional)
Depart: Wengen I Google Maps
Arrive: Leiterhorn I Google Maps
Trailhead: Follow signs towards “Männlichen“ as your are leaving town to the North, signs will eventually then appear of guiding you towards “Leiterhorn”
Total Hiking Distance: 4 km steep hike I round-trip
Total Hiking Duration: 4 hour hike I round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 1,526 meters above sea level
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”
I would suggest only completing this hike if you are staying in Wengen.
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 two 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
Depart: Mürren I Google Maps
Arrive: Gimmelwald I Google Maps
Trailhead: Meeting point is at Intersport Mürren-Schilthorn.
Operator: Booked online through Outdoor Switzerland AG
Price: Cost is approximately 169 CHF per person
Time: Two session options per day 9:10 AM or 14:10 PM
Activity Duration: 2 hours
Total Hiking/ Climbing Distance: 2 km very steep I one-way
Difficulty: Extremely challenging
Altitude: 1,650 meters above sea level
The Mürren to Gimmelwald Via Ferrata is an extreme adrenaline pumping activity and a great way to put your fear of heights to the test.
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.
All required technical equipment is provided although you should wear sturdy shoes with grip as the rungs often get wet, wear pants rather then shorts.
Recommended to take the morning session for a better chance of having clearer skies.
Mürren Via Ferrata
Gimmelwald to Mürren
Depart: Gimmelwald I Google Maps
Arrive: Mürren I Google Maps
Trailhead: Follow signs towards “Mürren“
Total Hiking Distance: 3.1 km steep up-hill hike I one-way
Total Hiking Duration: 1 hour hike I one-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 1,650 meters above sea level
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.
Schilthorn Visit (Optional)
Depart: Mürren I Google Maps
Arrive: Schilthorn Observatory I Google Maps
Price: Cost is approximately 51 CHF per person one-way for the cable car
Time: The Mürren to Schilthorn Cable Car (PB 2460) runs from Mürren every 30 minutes from 7:30 AM and latest 16:30 PM
Activity Duration: 2 hours
Altitude: 2,970 meters above sea level
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.
This is optional given the price of the cable car and it offers comparable views to other areas already covered.
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)
Depart: Mannlichen Cable Car Station I Google Maps
Arrive: Grindelwald I Google Maps
Trailhead: Follow signs from the cable car stations at Männlichen directing you towards “Grindelwald”
Total Hiking Distance: 14.2 km down-hill hike I one-way
Total Hiking Duration: 3.5 hour hike I one-way
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,343 meters above sea level
Due to the distance and the fact that the view remains relatively consistent along the way I have listed this hike as optional.
Alternatively you can catch a cable car directly from Männlichen to Grindelwald Terminal
Suggest getting lunch in Grindelwald to recharge prior to the rest of the day.
Walk from Grindelwald Terminal to Grindelwald Firstbahn which will take approximately 10 minutes
First Cliff Walk
Depart: Grindelwald I Google Maps
Arrive: First Cliff Walk I Google Maps
Price: Cost is approximately 36 CHF per person I one-way for the cable car
Time: The Grindelwald (Firstbahn) - First (Grindelwald) (GB2440) runs every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM and latest 18:00 PM
Activity Duration: 1 hour
Altitude: 2,200 meters above sea level
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.
Bachalpsee Hike
Depart: First Cliff Walk I Google Maps
Arrive: Bachalpsee Lake I Google Maps
Trailhead: Follow signs from the First Cliff Walk directly towards “Bachalpsee". It follows “Eiger Ultra” signs.
Total Hiking Distance: 6.1 km undulating hike I round-trip
Total Hiking Duration: 2 hour hike I round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,265 meters above sea level
Bachalpsee Lake, is a picturesque alpine lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
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
Depart: Wengen I Google Maps
Arrive: Jungfraujoch I Google Maps
Price: Cost is approximately 249 CHF per person round-trip (Half-fare card gives you 50% off this price)
Time: The Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch train journey takes 1.5 hours and runs every 30 minutes from 7:30 AM to 15:00 PM
Operator: tickets can be purchased online
Activity Duration: 5 hours
Altitude: 3,463 meters above sea level
This unforgettable high-altitude adventure, accessible via the world’s highest railway station, promises breathtaking scenery and unique attractions.
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.
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 and ensure you take some warm weather gear in case of a last minute change in conditions.
Note that you will catch the Wengernalp line to Kleine Scheidegg before changing over trains to a Jungfrau Railways connection.
Jungfrau Plateau The Top of Europe
Related Posts:
Experience the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, a spectacular hike in the Valais region of Switzerland, near the charming town of Zermatt. Nestled in the Pennine Alps, this trail offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, alpine meadows, glaciers, and surrounding valleys. Discover the heart of Switzerland’s mountain heritage with this unforgettable adventure!