Kleine Scheidegg and How to Get There

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Kleine Scheidegg, an alpine pass in the Bernese Alps at an elevation of 2,061 meters, connects the villages of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. It is famous both for its impressive views and its location between the mountains of Eiger and Jungfrau. Furthermore, it is one of the highest mountain passes in Bernese Oberland. From Kleine Scheidegg, you can enjoy the stunning alpine scenery, hike to Wengen or Männlichen, ski, or climb the mountains. The Jungfraujoch railway stops at Kleine Scheidegg as well, taking you all the way to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station.

Image of Kleine Scheidegg Railway Station
Image of the Kleine Scheidegg Railway Station by TouringSwitzerland.com

Where is Kleine Scheidegg?

Image of Kleine Scheidegg
Image of the mountains from Kleine Scheidegg Brigitte from Pixabay

At an altitude of 2,061 meters above sea level, Kleine Scheidegg is located above the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys. 

In the foothills of the snowy trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Kleine Scheidegg is nestled between the Eiger and Lauberhorn mountains. On this saddle behind Lauberhorn, you can see the north face of the Eiger, one of the most difficult mountain faces to climb. At the top of this mountain pass is the Kleine Scheidegg railway station. 

The Eiger North Face

Image of the Eiger North Face from Kleine Scheidegg
Image of the Eiger North Face by TouringSwitzerland.com

The spectacular and challenging Eiger North Face is visible from Kleine Scheidegg. The Eiger North Face is a renowned climbing route on Eiger Mountain rising to a height of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). Although there have been several fatalities on this face in the past, it continues to attract many skilled mountaineers and climbers.

The climbers find it incredibly fascinating as it is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous climbs.  First of all, it is steep. Secondly, unpredictable weather conditions, ice, and rockfall make it quite difficult to climb. The Eiger North Face will never run out of people who want to test their skills. Climbers attempting the Eiger North Face need to be highly skilled in technical mountaineering and high-altitude climbing.

Hotel Bellevue des Alpes

Image of Kleine Scheidegg Hotels
Image of the Kleine Scheidegg Hotels by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay

Also in Kleine Scheidegg is Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, where you can choose whether to have a meal or spend the night. The Bellevue and the Des Alpes were built in 1842 and 1896 respectively. Despite its location in the mountains, this is an elegant and stylish hotel. 

Kleine Scheidegg Railway Station

Image of Kleine Scheidegg Railway Station Sign
Image of the Kleine Scheidegg Railway Station by TouringSwitzerland.com

Kleine Scheidegg railway station is where Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen trains meet. It is also the downstream terminus of the Jungfrau railway, which climbs steeply through tunnels in the Eiger and Mönch mountains to the Jungfraujoch. 

Jungfraujoch

Image of Jungfraujoch
Image from Jungfraujoch by aranha from Pixabay

Jungfraujoch is the highest point in Europe reachable by train. Travelers often list taking the train from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch among their things to do in Switzerland. However, I must admit that this ride with breathtaking mountain views is one of the most expensive in the world. 

If you decide to head to Jungfraujoch, please note two things. First, wear warm clothing and sunglasses, even in the summer. Secondly, you might feel uncomfortable once you reach the highest altitude when traveling on the Jungfraujoch train.

Hiking around Kleine Scheidegg

Image of Kleine Scheidegg
Image taken on Kleine Scheidegg by TouringSwitzerland.com

Hiking in the Jungfrau region offers spectacular views of high alpine peaks, romantic waterfalls, glaciers, and more. Consequently, hiking is very popular at Kleine Scheidegg. 

Here are some hikes that you can do from Kleine Scheidegg:

Hiking TrailDistance (in kilometers)
Kleine Scheidegg to Allmend (Lauberhorn Trail)6.1 km
Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen via Lauberhorn8.16 km
Kleine Scheidegg – Männlichen6 km
Kleine Scheidegg – Männlichen – Grindelwald (Panorama Trail)20.8 km
Kleine Scheidegg – Biglenalp – Wengernalp4.2 km
Kleine Scheidegg – Eiger Glacier2.47 km

It’s possible to hike from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg via Parwengi and Männlichen, or vice versa. This hike will give you a great view of Jungfrau mountain, a compact forest, and waterfalls in Grütschalp. The path in Parwengi goes up until Männlichen, which has fantastic views of the region.

It is best to go to Kleine Scheidegg on a clear day in order to see excellent views of the Bernese Alps.  On a good day, Kleine Scheidegg offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. 

Image of Männlichen near Kleine Scheidegg
Image of Grindelwald from Männlichen, a short hike from Kleine Scheidegg by TouringSwitzerland.com

From Mannlichen, you can easily reach Kleine Scheidegg. The Panorama Trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg has amazing views of the steep rock faces and glaciers and is highly recommended.

Other options from Kleine Scheidegg include the Lauberhorn ski race site, the Eiger Gletscher train station, or Wengeneralp through Wixi (around two hours).

How to Get to Kleine Scheidegg

Image of Kleine Scheidegg by TouringSwitzerland.com
Image of Kleine Scheidegg by TouringSwitzerland.com

There are several ways to get to Kleine Scheidegg from Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Grindelwald. If you’re in Interlaken, you will have to go to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald first before getting to Kleine Scheidegg.

Here are some of the ways how to get to Kleine Scheidegg:

How to Get to Kleine ScheideggDuration
Take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg38 minutes from Lauterbrunnen
Take the train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg22 minutes from Wengen
Take the train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg32 minutes from Grindelwald
Take the Eiger Express from Grindelwald Terminal to Eiger Gletscher
Take the train from Eiger Gletscher to Kleine Scheidegg
43 minutes from Grindelwald Terminal
How to Get to Kleine Scheidegg

You can ride a comfortable bus from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen if you want an organized day trip. From there, you can take the cogwheel railway to Kleine Scheidegg Pass. Book this trip via GetYourGuide here: Zurich: Bus and Train Day Trip Through Kleine Scheidegg Pass

Final Thoughts: Kleine Scheidegg

Image of Kleine Scheidegg by TouringSwitzerland.com
Image of Kleine Scheidegg by TouringSwitzerland.com

Kleine Scheidegg is a fantastic destination in Bernese Oberland and one of the best things to do if you are in the region. Whether you are staying in Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Wengen, visiting Kleine Scheidegg and enjoying its scenic hiking trails is a must.

Those who wish to do so can take the scenic train journey from Kleine Scheidegg all the way up to Jungfraujoch, which is the highest railway station in Europe.

If you are coming in winter, Kleine Scheidegg is transformed into a skier’s paradise with its many ski slopes. Mountaineers will also find it interesting to visit Kleine Scheidegg, as it is the starting point to going up the challenging Eiger North Face.

If you love breathtaking alpine scenery, outdoor activities, and adventure, Kleine Scheidegg is a must-see.

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