Photo: Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Via Alpina: Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg – Lauterbrunnen
About this guide
Stage 11 of the Via Alpina, Switzerland's national hiking route 1, crosses from the Grindelwald valley to the Lauterbrunnen valley over Kleine Scheidegg. On the way up the Eiger North Face towers above you; from the pass you look across the Eiger Glacier to the Mönch, the Jungfraujoch and the Jungfrau. Then a sunny high-level path leads to Wengen before the route drops into the Lauterbrunnen valley with its vertical walls and waterfalls.
- Difficulty
A signed hiking trail all the way, but a long day with a big climb and an even bigger descent, so it needs very good fitness. The descent from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen is steep.
- Season
Until 31 December 2026 the section Wengen Allmend – Wengernalp is closed for a major event; a detour is signed.
- Getting there
By train to Grindelwald; back from Lauterbrunnen by train. Kleine Scheidegg can be reached by train from both.
Map, routes and places
Trails
Route data checked: October 2026 ·
Places
Getting there & parking
Plan your trip
Station below the Eiger North Face on the way up to Kleine Scheidegg.
Pass at the halfway point; trains to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfraujoch.
From the station the last good hour runs steeply down to Lauterbrunnen.
Related guides
Sources (2) · last checked October 2026
Route data checked: October 2026