Guide to Hiking the Royal Walk, Männlichen, Switzerland
The Royal Walk is a short yet rewarding hike in the Swiss Alps, starting from the Männlichen cable car station and leading to the Männlichen summit. This well-maintained trail is perfect for families and those looking for a leisurely hike with maximum views. As you ascend, you'll be treated to stunning panoramas of the Jungfrau Region, including iconic peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, as well as the lush valleys below. At the summit, a royal-themed viewing platform awaits, offering a spectacular 360-degree perspective of the surrounding alpine landscape, the essence of Switzerland.
Midway along the Royal Walk - View of Tschuggen
Hike Overview and Map
Trailhead: Follow signs from the Männlichen cable car station “Royal Walk” | Google Maps
Total Hiking Distance: 1.7 km
Total Hiking Duration: 45 minute hike | round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Price: The hiking trail is free
Highlights: Views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, along with Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys. Distant views of the town of Interlaken and its surrounding lakes.
Getting There
From Wengen:
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
From Grindelwald:
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
From Lauterbrunnen:
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 on the website
Get off the train at Wengen and catch the cable car as per directions from Wengen
Lauterbrunnen Valley
General Tips
This hike is best paired up with 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.
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. It went from clear skies to snowing in a matter of minutes while we were up there.
Either dine at the Männlichen Mountain restaurant or bring some snacks to eat at the top of the Royal Walk lookout.
Start of the Royal Walk
Viewpoint of Tschuggen
Viewpoint of Lauterbrunnen Valley
Arrival Männlichen Gipfel
Männlichen Gipfel offers stunning 360-degree views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, as well as the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys.
At the top is the crown viewing platform a perfect location for photos however I would encourage you to follow the path over the top of the summit.
There are no facilities at the top of the Royal Walk
This alpine area serves as a gateway to the wider Jungfrau Region.
Viewpoint of Männlichen Gipfel
Where To Next
Staying in Wengen or Lauterbrunnen: walk back down to the Männlichen cable car station and from here follow the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg, from here continue on a descent along he Mendelssohn Path.
Staying in Grindelwald: either catch a cable car directly back down to Grindelwald from Männlichen, opt to hike back to Grindelwald or continue your hike to Kleine Scheidegg along the Panorama Trail before taking a train back to Grindelwald.
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