The Eiger Trail is a UNESCO Heritage hike that runs along the North Face of the Eiger mountain, in the heart of the Swiss Alps. This hike is easily accessible from some of the most popular Swiss mountain villages including Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald. It’s a trek perfect for any fitness level, so families with children can hike it too.
Avid trekkers can attempt to climb the Eiger face, or pair the Eiger Trail with a second day-trek from Grindelwald to Faulhorn, to Schynige Platte. Read about it in my Switzerland Circuit Trek!
Getting to the Start of the Eiger Trail - Kleine Scheidegg
The most popular start to the Eiger Trail is from Kleine Scheidegg, which is a mountain pass and train station located near Jungfraujoch and Eiger mountains.
- Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg costs 30.80 CHF one-way
- Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg costs 24 CHF one-way
- Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg, via Lauterbrunnen, costs 41.40 CHF one-way in second class
See the ticket fares here.
Getting to the Start of the Eiger Trail - Grindelwald/Alpiglen
If you want to trek the Eiger Trail from the bottom up, or if you are already based in Grindelwald, you can start the Eiger Trail from Alpiglen Station. Alpiglen is the official ending point of the Eiger Trail when coming down from Kleine Scheidegg.
For an extra two hours of hiking, you can also hike from Grindelwald to Alpiglen as well! Check out the costs of the trains here.
- Interlaken to Grindelwald costs 11.20 CHF in second class
- Grindelwald to Brandegg costs 12 CHF
- Grindelwald to Alpiglen costs 16 CHF
Duration of the Eiger Trail Hike
- Trekking up the Eiger Trail (Alpiglen to Kleine Scheidegg) – 2.5 hours
- Trekking down the Eiger Trail (Kleine Scheigedd to Alpiglen) – 2 hours
When I hiked the Eiger Trail backwards, from Alpiglen to Kleine Scheidegg, it took me 2.5 hours. Adding an additional 1.5 hours from Grindelwald to Alpiglen, it took me 4 hours to reach Kleine Scheidegg.
Trekking the Eiger trail the more traditional way, from Kleine Scheidegg down, budget 2 hours.
Be sure to schedule in some rest breaks and enjoy the scenery.
Highlights of the Eiger Trail Hike
Clothing, Packing List, Budget
What to wear to prepare (for the summer):
- Sneakers are ok
- Shorts or long pants
- T-shirt
- Light jacket or long-sleeve to layer
- Walking sticks (not needed but not a bad idea)
Packing List:
- Snacks/Lunch
- At least 1 liter of water
- Camera
- Cash (see budget below)
Budget:
- Train costs there: 30.80 CHF from Lauterbrunnen OR 41.40 CHF from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg
- Snacks/Meal costs at Kleine Scheidegg: ~20 CHF (Optional)
- Train costs back: 16 CHF from Alpiglen to Grindelwald, 11.20 CHF from Grindelwald to Interlaken
Finding Your Way on the Eiger Trail
There is a good amount of signage along the Eiger Trail so you shouldn’t worry about getting lost. From Kleine Scheidegg, follow the yellow signs up past a small water reservoir, then the signs will point you down towards the trail.
Where to Stay Near the Eiger Trail
There are many accommodation options in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Grindelwald, which are the villages that are closest to Kleine Scheidegg.
If you would like, there are also a few hotels at the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass and train station!
Here are my accommodation recommendations for those on a budget. Beware though, nothing is really “budget” in Switzerland, and hostels/hotels fill up quickly! Be sure to book ahead.
- Grindelwald – Hotel Alpenblick
- Lauterbrunnen – Valley Hostel
- Interlaken – Balmers Tent Village
Now it's your turn!
If you have more time to trek in Switzerland, I recommend the hike from Schynige Platte to First. There is a lot more to the Interlaken and Grindelwald region than just the Eiger trail, so make the most of your time in Switzerland by exploring this region.
Love mountains? Check out my other posts about trekking in Nepal, Myanmar, Georgia, and Japan!
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