The Eiger Trail at a glance
The Eiger Trail is the closest most hikers get to the Eiger north face. It starts at the Eigergletscher station at 2,320 metres and leads down to Alpiglen, a stop on the Wengernalpbahn railway above Grindelwald. For most of the way, the wall rises straight above the path.
The classic way to do it: take the Eiger Express gondola from the Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher, walk down to Alpiglen in about 2 hours and take the train back to Grindelwald. The whole outing fits comfortably into half a day.
Route data
The figures below are for the usual direction, from Eigergletscher down to Alpiglen.
| Start | Eigergletscher, 2,320 m (Eiger Express and Jungfraubahn station) |
|---|---|
| Finish | Alpiglen (Wengernalpbahn station) |
| Distance | 6.1 km |
| Walking time | about 2 hours downhill, about 2 hours 30 minutes in reverse |
| Ascent and descent | 78 m up, 779 m down |
| Highest point | 2,346 m |
| Difficulty | medium |
| Season | depends on snow and weather |
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Getting up with the Eiger Express
The Eiger Express is a tricable gondola from the Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher. The ride takes 15 minutes and covers 6,483 metres. Its 44 cabins have 26 seats each and carry up to 2,200 people per hour. The Terminal has its own Berner Oberland-Bahn station, 29 minutes from Interlaken Ost, and a car park with 1,032 spaces.
A return ticket from the Terminal to Eigergletscher cost CHF 81.20 for adults on a sample date in August 2026, and CHF 75.60 in December 2026. For the Eiger Trail you only need the ride up. Ask for the one-way fare at the ticket office or check it in the official ticket shop.
Discounts: 50 % with a Half Fare Card. The Swiss Travel Pass and the Berner Oberland Pass give around 25 %. The Eiger Express is included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass, and so is the train back from Alpiglen. With that pass, the whole trip costs nothing extra.
From Eigergletscher, trains also continue to the Jungfraujoch, about 45 minutes from the Terminal in total. That is a separate outing with its own tickets, and from 1 May to 31 October 2026 a seat reservation (CHF 10) is required.
Getting back from Alpiglen
Alpiglen is a station on the Wengernalpbahn, the railway between Kleine Scheidegg and Grindelwald. From here, trains run down to the valley.
Train fare
A one-way ticket from Alpiglen to Grindelwald cost CHF 18 for adults in August 2026. It is included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
Back to your car
The train runs down to Grindelwald. If you parked at the Grindelwald Terminal, check the timetable for the stop that suits you best before you board.
Getting to Grindelwald →Or up to Kleine Scheidegg
In the other direction, trains from Alpiglen climb to Kleine Scheidegg, where the panorama trail from Männlichen ends. Useful if you want to combine both walks over two days with one pass.
Männlichen →Which direction to walk
Most people walk downhill from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen. You climb only 78 metres and drop 779 metres, which takes about 2 hours. The gondola does the hard work, and you keep the north face above you all the way down. The downside is the long descent: if your knees are sensitive, walking poles help.
Walking uphill from Alpiglen takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. You gain almost 800 metres, but it is easier on the knees. At the top, ride the Eiger Express back down to the Terminal.
| Direction | Time | Ascent / descent | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eigergletscher to Alpiglen | about 2 hours | 78 m up, 779 m down | most hikers, a relaxed half day |
| Alpiglen to Eigergletscher | about 2 hours 30 minutes | 779 m up, 78 m down | fit hikers who prefer climbing to long descents |
Season: it depends on the snow
There are no fixed opening dates for the Eiger Trail. The trail opens once the snow has melted at this altitude and closes again when it returns, so the season changes every year. Check current conditions at the Grindelwald Terminal or the tourist office before you go, especially early or late in summer.
Also check the revision dates of the lifts. In autumn 2026, the Wengernalpbahn between Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg is closed from 26 October to 6 November, and the Eiger Express from 9 to 20 November. During these weeks the usual combination of gondola up and train down does not work.
Difficulty and what to bring
The Eiger Trail is rated medium. It is a mountain path, not a promenade, and you start above 2,300 metres.
Shoes
Wear hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes with good grip. Trainers or sandals are not suitable for a mountain path of medium difficulty.
Clothing
It is colder and windier at Eigergletscher than in the village. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket, even on a sunny morning.
Food and water
Carry enough water for at least 2 hours and a snack, so you can take breaks wherever the view is best.
Sun and weather
Use sunscreen and sunglasses. Check the forecast before you set off and turn back if fog or a thunderstorm comes in.
Männlichen
The gentle panorama trail to Kleine Scheidegg, a good warm-up before the Eiger Trail.
Grindelwald First
The cliff walk and the easy trail to the Bachalpsee on the other side of the valley.
Hiking in Grindelwald
The best trails around the village, from short walks to full-day hikes.
Eiger Trail: frequently asked questions
How long is the Eiger Trail?
The trail from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen is 6.1 kilometres long. Downhill it takes about 2 hours, uphill from Alpiglen about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Is the Eiger Trail difficult?
It is rated medium. You need sure footing and proper shoes, but no climbing skills. The main effort is the descent of 779 metres if you walk the usual direction.
How do I get to the start of the Eiger Trail?
Take the Eiger Express from the Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher. The ride takes 15 minutes. The trail starts near the station.
When is the Eiger Trail open?
There are no fixed dates. The trail opens when the snow has melted and closes when snow returns, so it varies from year to year. Ask locally for current conditions.
Is the Eiger Trail included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass?
The trail itself is free. The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers both the Eiger Express up to Eigergletscher and the Wengernalpbahn back from Alpiglen, so the whole trip is included.