Wengen and Grindelwald provide easy access to Männlichen, a mountain with stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Jungfrau region. As you stand on the top of Männlichen at 2,343 meters above sea level, you can see breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
There are a lot of hiking trails here in the summer, and in the winter, it is amidst the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area.
Hikes from Männlichen
Hiking trails in this region offer panoramic and romantic views of the Jungfrau region’s mountains with their snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you will see the Eiger, Schreckhorn, and Wetterhorn.
Following your arrival at Männlichen, you might consider some of the following hikes:
| Hiking Trail | Trail Length (kilometers) | Trail Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lieselotte Trail (Lieselotteweg) | 3.5 km | You can do the Lieselotte Trail from Männlichen to Holenstein if you have children or you want a themed hike. It follows the story of Lieselotte and her adventures in the Swiss Alps. The Lieselotte Trail Map can be obtained from the valley station before ascending to Männlichen. |
| Apple Fritter Trail (Öpfelchüechliweg) | 4.7 km | From Holenstein, you can follow the Apple Fritter Trail to Brandegg. It is an easy 90-minute trail where you learn about apples. |
| Panorama Trail | 4.5 km | The panorama trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg has amazing views of the steep rock faces and glaciers. Highly recommended. |
| Chamois Trail | 5 km | From Wengen, you hike through the mountain forest to Parwengi and Mossenegg before reaching Männlichen. The route takes you to the Chamois. It is possible to do the route both ways (1 hour 45 minutes going down, 2 hours 45 minutes going up). |
Family-friendly Activities on Männlichen
Männlichen has one of the most beautiful playgrounds you can imagine for children. Featuring a giant wooden cow, balancing beams, slides, and a breathtaking view of the mountains, it’s a treat for all the visitors of the Jungfrau Region.
A plastic, modern playground is not what you see here. Rather, you see a playground that has wooden elements, a giant cow, and a natural setting.
Younger kids will love coming here and playing in the big, beautiful playground, and the adults can enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
The various posts of themed trails, such as the Lieselotte Trail and the Apple Fritter Trail, can be enjoyed while hiking.
Family meals can also be enjoyed in a mountain restaurant nearby.
Royal Walk at Männlichen
Bernese Oberland’s Männlichen is one of its most picturesque mountains. There’s more though. You can see even more spectacular panoramic views of the region if you walk further up the Royal Walk. Not only will you get magnificent views, but you’ll also learn about the Jungfrau Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical Tips for Männlichen
- If you have a guest card, you can get 30% off the trip up to Männlichen from either Grindelwald Terminal or Wengen.
- You can also get a discount with some travel cards. For instance, the Swiss Travel Card, Half Fare, and Group discounts. More info is available on the website.
- If you wish to ascend to the summit in a unique way, you can go to the open air balcony of the Wengen-Männlichen cable car. Adding 5 francs to the ride will allow you to enjoy the views from the top without being obstructed by the windows. During the journey you will see the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen Valley, as well as the snowy mountains and lush meadows. There is even a possibility of seeing some chamois if you’re lucky.
- When you are staying for a few days in Wengen or Grindelwald, schedule a day for going up to Männlichen on one of the best days weather-wise. Hiking on a clear day will give you incredible views of the Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau. We have already visited twice, but have always been blocked by clouds.
- A Jungfrau Travel Pass gives you unlimited rail travel for 3 to 8 days on the most scenic routes in this region. If you plan to travel around the region as much as you wish, the pass will be worth the upfront fee. Children under the age of 15 can purchase the travel pass for only 30 francs per day
- If you’re looking for interesting events, they do a sunset barbecue every Tuesday (mid-July to mid-August) and a brunch every Sunday (early June to late October). For both events, you should check the website for more updated info.
How to Get to Männlichen
Aerial cableways connect Grindelwald Terminal and Wengen with Männlichen.
| By Train (Wengen) | – Train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen – Short walk to Wengen Valley Station – Wengen to Männlichen Cable Car |
| By Car or Train (Grindelwald Terminal) | – Train or Car to Grindelwald Terminal – Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen Gondola |
Final Thoughts: Männlichen
Männlichen is a fascinating place to visit. With its gorgeous views, it is well worth the trip from Wengen or Grindelwald. Come here on a clear day, and you won’t regret it.
While most hikes will be fantastic, I believe that you might want to check out the Männlichen Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg. On this scenic trek, you’ll see the popular triad of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. You can then decide whether to go to Jungfraujoch after reaching Kleine Scheidegg.