Mendelssohn Path: Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen, Switzerland
The Mendelssohn Path is a scenic hiking route in the Swiss Alps that runs from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen, providing breathtaking vistas of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Jungfrau massif, and lush, tranquil forests.
Eiger north face and Mönch
Hike Overview and Map
Trailhead: Follow signs from Kleine Scheidegg train station towards “Eiger Ultra Trail” or “Wengen” | Google Maps
Total Hiking Distance: 6.8 km
Total Hiking Duration: 2.5 hour hike | one way
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,230 meters above sea level
Highlights: Views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks initially as you leave Kleine Scheidegg. The views then move into the Lauterbrunnen valley with Mürren and Gimmelwald in the distance. The last descent into Wengen passes by a number of traditional Swiss chalets and a seasonal waterfall.
Getting There
From Lauterbrunnen via Wengen:
Train - Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg (CC 63)
38-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Price: 44.40 CHF per person one-way
Earliest around 7:30 AM and latest 18:00 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app in person or online
Segment if coming directly from Wengen 31 CHF one-way per person
From Grindelwald:
Train – Grindelwald Grund to Kleine Scheidegg (CC 64)
24-minute duration one way
Runs once every hour
Price: 39 CHF per person one-way
Earliest around 8:00 AM and last 18:00 PM
Book in advance using the SBB app, in person or on the website
Traditional Swiss houses along the path into Wengen
General Tips
This hike is best paired up with the Royal Walk near Mannlichen, followed by the Panorama Trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. The best way to start is to get the cable car to Mannlichen from either Wengen or Grindelwald to have a consistent downhill descent back to Wengen.
The initial section of the hike between Kleine Scheidegg and Wengernalp offers a number of locations for an incredible picnic with a range of mountains as the backdrop. This area also has typically less crowds then around Kleine Scheidegg and along the Panorama Trail.
Start the hike as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to improve the likelihood of favourable weather conditions.
The views are weather dependent so be flexible with your timing. Try and arrange the hike for a day where the weather looks the most promising. The weather can change at short notice so ensure that you pack clothing for all conditions.
Train parked at Wengernalp Station
Viewpoint - Across the Valley
Arrival Wengen
Wengen is a picturesque, car-free village known for its traditional swiss chalet architecture and stunning mountain scenery.
The alpine town serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region, providing easy access to iconic sites like Jungfraujoch and the Eiger. This includes the Wengernalp railway, which transports passengers between Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg, as well as a direct cable car up to Mannlichen.
Popular location for paragliding and hiking.
Where To Next
Staying in Lauterbrunnen: catch the train directly from Wengen back to Lauterbrunnen.
Staying in Grindelwald: suggestion would be to get the cable car from Wengen up to Männlichen and then catch another cable car down to Grindelwald. Alternatively catch a train from Wengen back to Kleine Scheidegg before switching over trains leading back to Grindelwald.
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