Kleine Scheidegg is a famous name in the Bernese Oberland sitting high amongst giants and offering easy access to some stunning alpine scenery.
Where is Kleine Scheidegg?
The Kleine Scheidegg railway station is located in the heart of the Bernese Alps just below the three peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Located in the center of the Jungfrau region, Kleine Scheidegg railway station is also a stop on the famous Jungfraujoch railway. It is a great mid-point stop on a tour up to the Jungfrau offering spectacular views of the Grindelwald valley below.
The railway station is also part of the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area and the junction of two mountain railways from Grindelwald and Wegen. This ski resort also forms a smaller part of the overall Jungfrau region ski area and is just downhill from the new Eiger Express cable car.
How To Get To Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg can only be reached by train either from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. Both train lines converge at the Kleine Scheidegg railway station and continue further to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.
From Grindelwald
There is a direct train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg at 45 minutes past every hour. It takes 32 minutes. There is another connection via Lauterbrunnen, but it is significantly longer at around 1 hour 20 minutes
From Lauterbrunnen
The train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg runs every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour, starting at 7.30 am and finishing at 5.30pm. The trip passes through Wengen and takes 38 minutes in total.
From Wengen
The train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg is a continuation of the train from Lauterbrunnen. It takes 22 minutes and passes through Wengen at 16 and 46 past the hour.
From Interlaken
The train journey from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg takes one hour and 3 minutes. There is a change of train in Lauterbrunnen, with a 5-minute gap. The trains leave from Interlaken Ost at 5 and 35 past every hour, starting at 7.05 and ending at 17.05.
Cable Cars
There are also two cable cars that run to Kleine Scheidegg called Arven and Lauberhorn. However, it is not possible to get there directly if you are not skiing or hiking to those cable cars.
What to do in Kleine Scheidegg?
With stunning panoramic views right on the doorstep, it may be hard to leave Kleine Scheidegg once you have arrived. However, if you are looking for activities in the area here are a few suggestions.
Hikes To And From Kleine Scheidegg
Of course, you can also reach Kleine Scheidegg on foot via one of the many hikes in the area. Or start a hike at the railway and head down the mountain into town.
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Panorama Trail: Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
One of the more popular trails in the area is the panorama trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. This trail offers amazing views of the Bernese Oberland including all of the top mountains like the infamous Eiger mountain.
And, it is a relatively easy hike by Swiss standards with a climb of only 230m, and it covers a total distance of around 9km. On
Lauberhorn Trail
If you have not heard of it, the Lauberhorn Ski Race is one of the highlights of the Ski World Cup tour. It is a jaw-dropping decent on a run that passes very close to Kleine Scheidegg. There is actually a specific walking trail that runs from the Kleine Scheidegg railway station down to Wengen where can follow the path of the ski run and experience the insanity for yourself.
The Eiger Trail
Another famous hike in the Grindelwald area is the Eiger Trail. It starts more or less at the train station of Kleine Scheidegg, running right below the Eiger north face where you can see exactly where and how the crazy climbers ascend this dangerous mountain.
The hike meanders down the mountain into the Grindelwald valley and leads right into town.
Skiing In The Jungfrau Region
Kleine Scheidegg is at the heart of the Grindelwald-Wegen part of the Jungfrau region, so you can ski to your heart’s content here. There are also two other parts to the ski resort – Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn. So, you certainly have options if you are spending a week or more here.
Head To The Jungfraujoch
One of the highlights of any trip to the Swiss alps is to visit the Jungfraujoch. The train carves its way through the Eiger, literally, and passes by glaciers and mountains you will not believe. It drops you right at the highest railway station in Europe with loads of activities to keep you busy for the day.
Eat & Drink On Kleine Scheidegg
If you want to just relax and take in the epic scenery, you can also visit some restaurants located right by the train station. Options include:
- Restaurant Eigernordwand
- Bergrestaurant Kleine Scheidegg
- Chaletbar
- Grindelwaldblick a little further up the hill
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Kleine Scheidegg by car?
It is not possible to reach Kleine Scheidegg by car since it is in the heart of the Bernese alps and only reachable by train.
Is Kleine Scheidegg worth visiting?
Kleine Scheidegg offers jaw-dropping views of the Swiss Alps and some of Switzerland’s most famous mountains. It also takes you to the start of some of the best activities in the Interlaken and Grindelwald region. As such, I highly recommend a visit to this railway station and maybe even a further train ride to Jungfraujoch.
How do I get from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch?
From Kleine Scheidegg there is a train that takes you to the Jungfraujoch. This is the only way to the Top of Europe from this point.
What does Kleine Scheidegg mean in English?
In English, Kleine Scheidegg means minor or “small watershed” and is named as such because it is a watershed located between the two Lütschinen valleys above Grindelwald.
How long is the walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg?
The panorama trail from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is 4.7 km one way and will take you around 2 hours walking time.
How to get from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg?
From Lauterbrunnen there is a direct train to Kleine Scheidegg every 30 minutes on the half hour and hour. The train passes through Wengen and takes around 38 minutes to reach Kleine Scheidegg.
How high is Kleine Scheidegg?
Kleine Scheidegg sits above Grindelwald at an altitude of 2,061 m. It is a plateau below the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch and a stop on the famous railway to the Jungfraujoch train station.