Eiger Trail

The name “Eiger Trail” may conjure up images of spectacular summertime mountain hikes from the Eiger Glacier to the mountain’s world-famous north face. However, the winter version of this trail is nothing of the sort: it starts on snowshoes from the Holenstein middle station on the Männlichen railway line. The viewpoint there proves that the real magic is to be found in admiring the notorious north face from a safe distance. Also visible from this point are Grindelwald village, the Faulhorn, the Wetterhorn and the Finsteraarhorn, among other snowy peaks in the Bernese Alps.

This fun trail runs along the shady side of Grindelwald and is also suitable for beginners. Once under way, it descends along the edge of the wood and winds its way past the huts and cheese storehouses of Alp Rauft/Waldstafel. There are plenty of photogenic sights to capture on camera! After an initial stretch of open terrain, the forest path soon dives into the woodland. Over a small hill with a magnificent view of the Eiger, you will reach the Tschuggen ski slope, which you will have to cross. Tread carefully here. Looping to the left, the trail then leads to the Underer Brand area. From there, continue further along the forest road through the Intramenwald wood into the Vorsassi area.

Most of the walking is downhill, but the final stretch requires a bit of wind in your lungs again: an uphill section goes through the wood and up towards Wärgistalbach stream, which you cross via a snow-covered footbridge. Along the right-hand bank of the stream, the trail then climbs further to the edge of the wood. Once in the woods, the 1,800-metre tall north face of the Eiger vanishes from view, but will reappear again in all its glory on the home stretch. At this point, your destination will also already be in sight: Brandegg station on the Wengernalpbahn (WAB) railway and Restaurant Brandegg. Their legendary apple tarts are now only a few showshoe steps away.