×

Switzerland🇨🇭 | hikesEiger Trailnorth face, moraine paths, alpine wildflowers | things to do and best time to go

Explore Fête de la PommeExplore Five Lakes Walk

Backpacking in Eiger Trail
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated June 5, 2026

Most people hear “Eiger Trail” and picture a brutal alpine suffer-fest for experts only; it isn’t. It’s a half‑day, highly accessible traverse under a legendary north face, not a summit assault. The trail runs above Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland, between Eigergletscher and Alpiglen stations, and you can step off a train and be on dirt within minutes. The path rolls more than it climbs, but loose rock, exposure to weather, and a few steeper pitches keep it from being a casual flip‑flop stroll. You earn constant, in‑your‑face views of the Eiger’s wall, plus long looks down to the valley and across to the Wetterhorn, yet compared with nearby Schynige Platte–Faulhorn or the Hardergrat, it’s shorter, less committing, and more crowded. I remember dodging selfie traffic jams, but also finishing with legs buzzing and a beer in Alpiglen that tasted like a trophy.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Switzerland Travel Guide.
Best time to go: June - October
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Distance: 6 kilometers
Total ascent: 400 meters


Get your Switzerland guide
121 ranked highlights, routes & tips, works offline (449 pages)
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL
💡 Help me find the best route

✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 hike in SwitzerlandReasons people choose to hike the here

The Eiger Trail in Switzerland is a magnet for backpackers craving a mix of challenge and reward. Picture this: you’re trekking along the base of the iconic Eiger North Face, feeling the chill of the mountain air and the thrill of the towering rock face looming above. The scenery-to-effort ratio here is off the charts. You get jaw-dropping views without needing to scale the heights.

Access is a breeze, thanks to public transport that whisks you right to the trailhead. Hop on a train to Grindelwald, and you’re just steps away from the trail. Plus, it’s budget-friendly; no pricey permits or guides needed.

You can tailor your hike to fit your vibe, whether you’re up for a quick jaunt or a full-day adventure. The trail offers flexible distances, allowing you to soak in the sights at your own … read more 👉
The Eiger Trail in Switzerland is a magnet for backpackers craving a mix of challenge and reward. Picture this: you’re trekking along the base of the iconic Eiger North Face, feeling the chill of the mountain air and the thrill of the towering rock face looming above. The scenery-to-effort ratio here is off the charts. You get jaw-dropping views without needing to scale the heights.

Access is a breeze, thanks to public transport that whisks you right to the trailhead. Hop on a train to Grindelwald, and you’re just steps away from the trail. Plus, it’s budget-friendly; no pricey permits or guides needed.

You can tailor your hike to fit your vibe, whether you’re up for a quick jaunt or a full-day adventure. The trail offers flexible distances, allowing you to soak in the sights at your own pace.

As you navigate rocky paths and lush meadows, the payoff is palpable. The moment you reach a viewpoint, with the valley sprawling below and the peaks piercing the sky, you’ll know every step was worth it. Grab that first cold beer at a nearby hut, and let the day’s effort wash over you.
Want to include Eiger Trail in your Switzerland route?
Create a personalized Switzerland itinerary that includes Eiger Trail and the places that fit your trip — based on your travel style, budget, and available time. Get your route in seconds.

Generate my trip

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while hiking the Eiger Trail

  1. The Eiger North Face up close — The trail runs right along the base of one of the most notorious big-wall faces in the Alps, so you get an almost theatrical sense of scale: sheer rock rising nearly 1,800 m, visible climbing routes, and the history/rescue memorials that remind you why this face is legendary.
  2. Panoramic sweep of the Jungfrau-Mönch ridge — Unlike many single-peak walks, the Eiger Trail frames a classic alpine trio: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The continuous ridge views plus glaciers and valley drops give a proper, postcard-level panorama without extra detours.
  3. Eigergletscher and glacial moraine scenery — Parts of the walk skirt the glacier’s lower reaches and old moraine fields, so you’ll see raw glacial geology, polished rock and ice remnants — a stark, high-alpine landscape
… read more 👉
  1. The Eiger North Face up close — The trail runs right along the base of one of the most notorious big-wall faces in the Alps, so you get an almost theatrical sense of scale: sheer rock rising nearly 1,800 m, visible climbing routes, and the history/rescue memorials that remind you why this face is legendary.
  2. Panoramic sweep of the Jungfrau-Mönch ridge — Unlike many single-peak walks, the Eiger Trail frames a classic alpine trio: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The continuous ridge views plus glaciers and valley drops give a proper, postcard-level panorama without extra detours.
  3. Eigergletscher and glacial moraine scenery — Parts of the walk skirt the glacier’s lower reaches and old moraine fields, so you’ll see raw glacial geology, polished rock and ice remnants — a stark, high-alpine landscape that changes a lot with season and melt.
  4. Alpine wildlife and wildflower pockets — Quiet sections are great for spotting marmots, chamois or alpine birds, and in summer the slopes light up with gentians and other high-alpine blooms. It’s small, close encounters rather than big safaris, but memorable.
  5. Kleine Scheidegg/Eigergletscher stations and mountain culture — The trail begins/ends near old mountain railway stations and huts, so you get that Swiss mountain-railway vibe, historic plaques about early climbs, and easy access to cafes or trains if you want to bail or celebrate.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Eiger Trail

Canyon Swing with OUTDOOR

Canyon Swing with OUTDOOR

4.9(103) 1h 30m
✓ Free cancellation
From €154
per personViator
Mount First Gondola Ride from Grindelwald

Mount First Gondola Ride from Grindelwald

4.1(218)
✓ Free cancellation
From €80
per personViator
Jungfrau Travel Pass 3-8 days

Jungfrau Travel Pass 3-8 days

4.0(67)
✓ Free cancellation
From €233
per personViator
Cheese and chocolate on mountain summit

Cheese and chocolate on mountain summit

4.8(32) 2h 30m
From €143
per personViator
Jungfraujoch Day Visit from Grindelwald

Jungfraujoch Day Visit from Grindelwald

4.8(11) 5h
✓ Free cancellation
From €166
per personViator
Glacier Canyon Grindelwald

Glacier Canyon Grindelwald

4.0(14)
✓ Free cancellation
From €23
per personViator
Attraction Ticket: Grindelwald First Cableway & Cliff Walk

Attraction Ticket: Grindelwald First Cableway & Cliff Walk

3.6(14)
✓ Free cancellation
From €133
per personViator
Private Transfer from Grindelwald to Zurich Airport

Private Transfer from Grindelwald to Zurich Airport

4.8(6) 2h 10m
✓ Free cancellation
From €538
per personViator
Waterfall Lauterbrunnen CLOY Pier Iseltwald Interlaken Private

Waterfall Lauterbrunnen CLOY Pier Iseltwald Interlaken Private

5.0(5) 3h
From €215
per personViator
Grindelwald Guided Day Hike

Grindelwald Guided Day Hike

5.0(5) 7h
✓ Free cancellation
From €626
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
Stop researching. Start exploring.
Discover all 121 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.

Get instant access

🌤️ When to go?Best time to hike the Eiger Trail


  • Weather: The Eiger Trail opens mid-June through mid-October. Early summer can still hold patches of snow, making footing tricky. By July and August, the trail dries out, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early.

  • Temperature: Daytime highs range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) in peak summer, perfect for hiking without overheating. Nights dip to 5°C–10°C (41°F–50°F), so pack layers for chillier moments.

  • Daylight Hours: Long summer days stretch up to 16 hours, giving you plenty of daylight to savor the trail’s rugged terrain and jaw-dropping views without rushing.

  • Crowds: July and August bring the most hikers, especially weekends. For a quieter trek, aim for late June or early September when the trail thins out but conditions remain solid.

  • Seasonal Activities: Summer
… read more 👉

  • Weather: The Eiger Trail opens mid-June through mid-October. Early summer can still hold patches of snow, making footing tricky. By July and August, the trail dries out, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early.

  • Temperature: Daytime highs range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) in peak summer, perfect for hiking without overheating. Nights dip to 5°C–10°C (41°F–50°F), so pack layers for chillier moments.

  • Daylight Hours: Long summer days stretch up to 16 hours, giving you plenty of daylight to savor the trail’s rugged terrain and jaw-dropping views without rushing.

  • Crowds: July and August bring the most hikers, especially weekends. For a quieter trek, aim for late June or early September when the trail thins out but conditions remain solid.

  • Seasonal Activities: Summer opens alpine huts and cable cars, easing access and offering spots to refuel. By late September, some services start closing, so plan accordingly.

  • Price Fluctuations: Peak summer sees higher prices for accommodation and transport. Booking early can lock in better rates, while shoulder months offer more budget-friendly options.


Pro-tip: Hit the trail early in the shoulder season—cool mornings, fewer people, and that sweet spot where the mountain feels all yours before the afternoon storms roll in.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: below average for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
switzerland-hike-eiger-trail
© Google | Gleb

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutSwitzerland Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Switzerland
The digital guide (449 pages) contains:
✅ 121 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Save weeks of stressful planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.


By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in Switzerland


Best quality hotels in Switzerland

🥾 Hike detailsEverything you need to know before hiking Eiger Trail

Total Distance: The Eiger Trail stretches about 6 kilometers (around 3.7 miles) from the Eigergletscher station to Alpiglen.

Estimated Duration: Most hikers take around 2 to 3 hours to complete the trail, depending on pace and how often you stop to soak in the views or snap photos.

Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. It’s accessible for most hikers, but there are some steep sections and rocky paths that might challenge beginners.

Starting Point: You can kick off your adventure at the Eigergletscher train station. To get there, take a train from Interlaken to Kleine … read more 👉
Total Distance: The Eiger Trail stretches about 6 kilometers (around 3.7 miles) from the Eigergletscher station to Alpiglen.

Estimated Duration: Most hikers take around 2 to 3 hours to complete the trail, depending on pace and how often you stop to soak in the views or snap photos.

Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. It’s accessible for most hikers, but there are some steep sections and rocky paths that might challenge beginners.

Starting Point: You can kick off your adventure at the Eigergletscher train station. To get there, take a train from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg, then switch to the cogwheel train heading up to Eigergletscher. The journey is scenic, so keep your camera handy!

Major Landmarks Along the Route:
  • North Face of the Eiger: The iconic, towering face is a highlight that will leave you in awe.
  • Gletscherschlucht: A stunning gorge that you can see from the trail, showcasing the power of glacial erosion.
  • Alpiglen: The endpoint of the trail, where you can grab a bite at the cozy mountain restaurant.

Type of Terrain and Scenery: Expect a mix of well-maintained paths and rocky sections. The trail offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains, lush meadows, and the dramatic Eiger North Face. You’ll also encounter some alpine streams and the occasional waterfall.

Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: The trail is adorned with wildflowers in summer, including alpine roses and gentians. Keep your eyes peeled for chamois and ibex, as they often roam the rocky slopes. Birdwatchers might spot golden eagles soaring above, adding to the alpine experience.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The Eiger Trail is a feast for the senses, but it demands respect. Weather can shift in an instant. One moment, you’re basking in sunshine; the next, clouds roll in, bringing rain or even snow. Check forecasts before you head out, and be ready to adapt your plans.

The trail itself is a mix of well-maintained paths and rocky sections that require focus. Steep drops can catch you off guard, so keep your footing steady and your eyes peeled. Navigation is straightforward, but don’t underestimate the altitude; it can sap your energy faster than you think.

Wildlife is part of the charm. You might spot chamois or marmots, but keep your distance. They’re not your hiking buddies.

Pack layers, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water. Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the trail in peace. The reward? … read more 👉
The Eiger Trail is a feast for the senses, but it demands respect. Weather can shift in an instant. One moment, you’re basking in sunshine; the next, clouds roll in, bringing rain or even snow. Check forecasts before you head out, and be ready to adapt your plans.

The trail itself is a mix of well-maintained paths and rocky sections that require focus. Steep drops can catch you off guard, so keep your footing steady and your eyes peeled. Navigation is straightforward, but don’t underestimate the altitude; it can sap your energy faster than you think.

Wildlife is part of the charm. You might spot chamois or marmots, but keep your distance. They’re not your hiking buddies.

Pack layers, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water. Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the trail in peace. The reward? A breathtaking view of the Eiger’s north face and that first cold beer at the end.
Check Country Safety

Other Swiss hikes near Eiger Trail

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Switzerland including Eiger Trail and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all hikes

Or checkout all Switzerland has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Switzerland
Country photo of Switzerland
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on hiking the Eiger Trail

The Eiger Trail is a pulse-quickening adventure. You’ll feel the burn in your legs as you tackle those steep sections, but the payoff? Standing beneath the towering Eiger, with its jagged peaks slicing through the sky, is nothing short of electric. Just know that the weather can flip on you. One moment you’re basking in sunshine, the next you’re dodging raindrops. Embrace the unpredictability; it’s part of the thrill.

✈️ When did I visit Switzerland?
Being so close to my home country, and me loving mountains, I have visited Switzerland many times in my childhood during summer holidays for hiking in the Alps. One of the most beautiful countries in the world, though expensive.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Switzerland, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story
Get full country guide •
Instant download • 121 highlights • Full Offline guide