Hiking the Jungfrau Region

1o things not to miss in the Swiss Alps

I was lucky to be able to spend much of my childhood in the picturesque village of Wengen, nestled in the stunning Jungfrau region of Switzerland. This captivating area is renowned for hosting the longest downhill skiing race in the world, The Lauberhorn Race, a challenging course which you can try out for yourself during the ski season! Broadly, the region boasts various fame, from Jungfraujoch, the highest accessible point in Europe, to the Schilthorn, film location in James Bond’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.

From snow-dusted pine trees to glistening glacier pools, the mountains beckon adventurers, no matter the season or the sport. During winter, a white, powdery blanket welcomes skiers, snowboarders, climbers, and skaters, while the summer months reveal a crisp, green bed for base jumpers, whitewater rafters, hikers, canyoneers, and even grass-skiers – one of my favourite examples of the latter is Audi’s 2015 “Candide Thovex” ad, which you can watch here. If extreme sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of walking trails and safer attractions to keep you occupied!

This year, I headed to the mountains with one goal in mind: hiking. It was the thought of the breathtaking views, the tumbling waterfalls and the alpine air that persuaded me back to the alps. Having explored much of the region over the years, I feel equipped to offer my hiking suggestions, rainy day retreats and evening hideaways – with trails for both beginners and experts!

What do you need to know?

The best months for hiking are July and August – the weather is usually the most stable at this time!
Swiss National Day: Taking place on the 1st August of every year, Swiss National Day is a lovely occasion, with traditional Swiss entertainment and regional events. If you can, try to coincide your trip with this wonderful celebration!
Swiss Mountain Pass: unlimited travel throughout the Jungfrau region for 3-8 days (CHF 190 – CHF 310). Jungfraujoch is not included in the pass, but can be purchased from + CHF 65. For more details on range and prices, please head here.
Traditional Food: Switzerland is famous for its cheese and chocolate; however, there are many other Swiss mountain meals to keep your belly full for hiking! Potato Rosti is a popular choice, as well as charcuterie boards, raclette, and bratwurst. My personal favourite, however, is the chocolate cake, which you can order from nearly every restaurant in the mountains – trust me, it’s the best!

10 Trails & Recommendations

1. Dine with a View

After a long day of hiking, there is nothing quite like eating dinner beneath the stars and the mountains! There are plenty of beautiful restaurants dotted around the Jungfrau region, but there’s one that stands out: the Maya Caprice in Wengen. This chalet-style hotel is perched on a hill that overlooks the snow-capped Silberhorn and the depths of Lauterbrunnen Valley. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful place to dine in the region. With a delicious à la carte menu, a hot tub and spa overlooking the mountains, and 5-Star service to match (specific thanks to Danny & Sanja) Maya Caprice is definitely one to put on your Jungfrau itinerary!

Here are some alternative options within the region that also boast magnificent views:

Hotel Jungfrau – Wengenalp
Hotel Bellevue des Alpes – Kleine Scheidegg
Restaurant Eigernordwand – Kleine Scheidegg
Bergrestaurant Alpiglen – Alpiglen

2. Explore the Valley of the Waterfalls

The picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen is a postcard-perfect representation of Swiss beauty. With 72 impressive waterfalls lining the valley and a charming snow-turret church adorned by a maroon and gold clock face, it is no wonder that this little village has recently come to the attention of Instagram and TikTok. However, inspiration to Tolkien’s “Middle Earth,” as well as Goethe’s “Song of the Spirits over the Waters,” Lauterbrunnen’s beauty has been of cultural significance long before the likes of social media. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Jungfrau range, it is unsurprising that this astounding location has long been held in high acclaim.

The valley itself has plenty to offer, welcoming family campers, adrenaline junkies, and peace seekers alike. There are plenty of hiking options, either up to Mürren, along the valley to Stechelberg and Gimmelwald, or down to Interlaken (I prefer this last route on a bike). The valley walk is great for beginners and will give you the opportunity to browse the plethora of waterfalls and to spot the bat-winged base jumpers overhead. During the summer, you will undoubtedly spot a thrill-seeker or two, as the towering valley walls invite extreme athletes…make sure to head to Hornerpub in the evening to catch a few of their hair-raising tales!

Here are some sights you are sure to (water)fall in love with!

Staubbach Falls: Staubbach is one of the tallest falls in the valley and one of the first you will see as you disembark from the train. You can hike up to the waterfall and enter its ‘splash zone’, which has been carved into the rock face. The climb is suitable for beginners and well worth it. It’s one of the few opportunities to get up close and personal with one of nature’s phenomena!
Trummelbach Falls: Hidden from the valley path is an extraordinary glacial waterfall, which has carved its way into the mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage site features thunderous water plummeting from the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau. You can take a lift to the top for just CHF 14, before descending from fall to fall – a truly magnificent sight!

3. Fly Through the Mountains

WARNING: High speeds & heights!

Ever imagined you’d fly through the mountains at 55 miles an hour? No, neither did I! From Grindelwald, you can travel up to First and try out their 675 ft drop “First Fleiger” zip wire. As someone who is terrified of heights, this was honestly my idea of hell, however in true blogging spirit, I gave it a go.

The zip line is open in both the summer and skiing seasons and has become one of the most popular attractions in the region. Make sure to get up here early if you want to avoid the queues. The zip line alone costs CHF 31. However, you can purchase a multi-attraction ticket which includes the trottibikes and carts for a reduced rate. The latter are both great fun, allowing you to experience the mountains in a unique and exhilarating way – the trottibikes are TERRIFYING to begin with, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly!

Of course, this wouldn’t be a hiking post if I didn’t mention the beautiful hikes available from First as well. There’s a short panoramic hike and viewpoint at the top, a moderate climb to Bachalpsee, a tranquil lake set against beautiful mountain scenery, as well as an all-day hike to Schynige Platte. First offers a totally new perspective of the region and plenty of fun-filled activities!

4. A Day at the Lake

One to save for a sunny day (or an achy day). Head down to Interlaken and hop on the bus to Neuhaus, towards Thun. Here, you can bask in the sun beside a rippling blue oasis – relax on the lakeside, enjoy a delicious lunch with a view, or take a paddleboat out for a couple of hours. With breathtaking mountain scenery lining the lakeside, you’ll never want to leave this magical spot!

Interlaken is also a great place to explore, with a beautiful Old Town and plenty of paragliding hotspots to sky gaze! It is also the perfect spot for a bite to eat. My Little Thai is a popular, family-run restaurant offering delicious food and friendly service. Opposite, you’ll find Barracuda Bar, an Aussie-owned hub for evenings and weekends! For something a little more traditional, head over to Hotel Interlaken for a cheesy fondue and Swiss meats. Whatever you fancy, you’re likely to find it here!

From July to September, look out for a parade of decorated cows and goats marching through the streets. On Thursdays and Saturdays, this enchanting tradition marks Tellspiele, a celebratory play about William Tell, the Swiss folklore hero – he is the Swiss equivalent to Robin Hood! Make sure to dine outside if the evening allows it, and listen out for the rumble of bells.

There’s plenty more to do in and around the town if you have enough time to explore. Here are a few more of my favourites!

The St. Beatus Caves are a renowned attraction known for being one of the largest caves in Switzerland, and for the picturesque waterfalls that guard the entrance. It is considered one of the most idyllic destinations in the region and is definitely worth a visit.
Schynige Platte is a stunning destination, home to over 600 species of vibrant alpine flowers, breathtaking mountain vistas, and a variety of hiking trails. The cog railway provides a unique experience as you ascend to the top, where you can also learn about Swiss history and traditional transportation methods.
Harder Kulm offers panoramic views of Interlaken and is accessible by gondola until sunset. A traditional Swiss restaurant awaits you at the top, as well as folklore performances and extensive hiking trails. You’ll be able to spot Harder Kulm from its foot, recognizable by its poignant turret that overlooks the valley and Lake Thun!
Ballenberg – Step back in time and explore a historic village, home to old houses and cabins, beautiful gardens, and traditional Swiss activities, such as cheese-making. Ballenberg is truly an otherworldly experience, as if time has stood still!

5. A Royal Hike

Level – Beginner

Will and Kate may have been spotted tubing London’s Elizabeth line, but Switzerland has its very own Royal Ride. From Wengen to Männlichen, you can pay just CHF 5 to glide up the mountain al fresco-style – yes, you heard it right, a gondola with a rooftop terrace! Enjoy fresh alpine air and breathtaking scenery from the best seat in the house. You’ll be sure to catch a few rogue hikers, herds of chamois and possibly, some lone mountain goats as you ascend, so make sure to bring your binoculars!

The royal treatment doesn’t stop once you get to the top. No, once you reach your destination, there’s a short hike to the real crown jewels: a view over the region. From the station to the crown viewing point, there’s a short half-hour walk up, and the views from the top are brilliant. Though it may be tempting, I suggest taking walking boots in favour of glass slippers!

After the descent back to reality, there are a couple of hiking options to occupy the rest of your day – here are a few of my favourites:

Felix Trail – Beginner / Family. This lovely little trail is packed full of fun and games along the way. Tyre swings, alpine horns, and floating reservoir cows will keep you on the right track all the way down to Grindelwald. This is a great one for the whole family!
Männlichen to Wengen (via Kleine Scheidegg) – Beginner. This is a crowd favourite, due to its impressive views and friendly, furry visitors. Yes, iconic Swiss cows will guide you all the way down to Wengen, jingling and jangling to the beat of your stride! It’s a relatively easy route, perfect for day one of your hiking trip and suited to young families. There’s the option to make the hike more difficult, taking a right turn at Grindelwaldblick and up to the start hut, the beginning of the Lauberhorn race.
Männlichen to Lauterbrunnen (via Trummelbach) – Moderate/Difficult. This trail follows the same route as above, with a slight twist past Wengenalp. Look out for the signposts that will direct you to Lauterbrunnen (on your left). If you manage to find yourself on the right trail, you’ll need to cling on to rope rails as you descend the steep border of Trummelbach falls.

6. Eye of the Eiger

Level – Difficult

The Eiger is one of the most renowned mountains in Switzerland, notorious for its north face, which is one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Along the base of this mighty mountain, you’ll find the Eiger Trail, a fierce route that extends from Eigersgletcher to Grindelwald. Trek across tumbling waterfalls and snow caverns, graze past remarkable glaciers, and find yourself deep in dense alpine woodland. As you enter the fairytale pines, look out for speckled toadstools, plump blueberries, and fuzzy mosses – this magical trail is an adventure like no other and will give you a taste of every season in a singe day!

7. Visit a Chocolate Box Village

Switzerland is not short of quaint, picturesque villages, speckled with thatched houses, beautifully pristine gardens, and characterful gnomes. Whether you intend to or not, you’ll likely stumble upon a handful along most of the trails I’ve listed in the post. However, if I had to narrow it down to my favourites, I’d recommend heading to Mürren or Wengen.

Mürren is a “chocolate-box” village in the classical sense, particularly after a fresh dump of snow! Seated above Lauterbrunnen at 1650m above sea level, this small village is accompanied by an impressive view of the valley and the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau. Dotted with wood-panelled chalets, brightly decorated with flowers and Bernese flags, you’ll be sure to wander through the streets in awe of this quintessentially Swiss village. With cafes, gift shops, hiking trails, and viewing platforms, it’s certainly worth taking a trip to the top. My favourite thing to do here is sit outside with a hot chocolate overlooking the valley, watching the paragliders curl through the clouds and pass the valley walls!

Wengen has a slightly different appeal, with a vibrant and modern centre, surrounded by hills of “chocolate-box” chalets. There are some gorgeous walks around the village, up towards the church and into the alpine woods, as well as a beautiful outdoor pool which has views of the Jungfrau. Wengen is beautiful all-year round and is a great evening or base destination, with plenty of restaurants, bars and hotels.

Tanne Bar – a popular spot throughout the week and my personal favourite.
On the Rocks Bar – great for watching the sports and grabbing a pint.
Restaurant 1903 – £££ – beautiful interior, which is like stepping back in time.
Hotel and Restaurant Baren – £££ – One of the highest rated by locals, the Baren has a lovely atmosphere in the evenings.
The Eiger – ££ – brilliant for fondue and traditional Swiss food.

8. Find the Honesty Shop

Level – Moderate (Up) / Beginner (Down)

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, then I’ve got the perfect hidden gem for you! If you head up or down between Mürren and Stechelberg, you’ll find signposts pointing you to ‘the honesty shop‘ around halfway. This slight diversion to your hike is incredibly charming and unlike anything else in the area.

As the name suggests, the unstaffed shop welcomes customers to pay the “honest” price of the products you wish to take home – even if you leave empty-handed, it is a magical little rest stop and unknown to most passersby. Conveniently located next door is a gorgeous alpine pub serving the highest-rated schwarzbier, so pick up a keepsake, leave some cash, and treat yourself to a refreshing mountain beer!

9. Trip to the Top of Europe

Overlooking the majestic Swiss Alps, Jungfraujoch is a place of remarkable beauty, steeped in a rich history of innovation and exploration. At an altitude of 3,454m, this soaring apex is the highest accessible point in Europe by rail, hence its nickname, “The Top of Europe“.

From the Sphinx Observatory, you can gaze down at the mystifying glacier from above or hike across its icy plains to a snowy cabin. You can wander through a myriad of crystal sculptures carved in ice, through the maze-like corridors of the Ice Palace, or hop on a donut sled and shoot down the ice slide. So whatever the season, make sure to wrap up warm.

Jungfraujoch has no shortage of beauty and panoramic peaks, but it is also an example of the vast history of the region, highlighting the remarkable engineering feats that made the construction of the Jungfrau Railway possible. A testament to ingenuity and perseverance that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

10. Live Life on the Edge (Literally)

The Moraine Trail – Eigersgletcher to Wengen

Level – Moderate / Difficult

To start the Moraine trail, you can hike up to Eigersgletcher from Kleine Scheidegg or take the train. The scenic route will take you past the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes to a mountain mirrored reservoir, and a natural foot spa – this route is about a 40-minute hike to the top, but utterly worth it!

After a refreshing Rivella or a hot cup of chocolate, you’ll need to walk slightly higher than the restaurant to get onto the moraine path. If you manage to get a seat on the restaurant terrace, you’ll be able to watch hikers skimming the lip of the moraine, against the imposing backdrop of the Eiger glacier and rock face. It’s one of the most impressive views (& slightly terrifying)!

The descent is incredible, leading you along a narrow, winding path before entering the lush alpine forests. The entire hike is overshadowed by the towering presence of the Eiger and Jungfrau, so be sure to pause and capture plenty of photos. Just before entering the woods, there’s a splendid viewpoint, marked by a rocky pyramid. From here, follow the signage down to Wengen, and make sure to stop for lunch at Wengeralp along the way!

The Via Ferrata – Mürren

Level – Difficult

The Via Ferrata is the most exhilarating hike in the region. At 2 km long, this hike will take you along the Lauterbrunnen valley walls, strapped to the rock face by carabiner and harness… yep, this one isn’t for the faint hearted!

It’s recommended to travel with a guide due to steep ladders, a suspension bridge, and the metal pegs attached to 90-degree drops. You can rent a helmet and hiking gear from the Intersport in Mürren for CHF 30, and a guide will cost an additional CHF 160. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – breathtaking in more ways than one!

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