Lifestyle, TRAVEL

Mannlichen Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg: A Complete Hiking Guide

Sep 15, 2026

I’ve traveled and hiked across the globe, but the hiking trails in Switzerland are different. The trails are wide and clearly marked. The viewpoints come with restrooms, coffee shops, or restaurants waiting around the corner. From the valley, to the base of the mountains, to the highest trail heads, these views are world-class.

One of the most memorable hikes during our time in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland was the Mannlichen Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg, a scenic route with wide-ranging views of the Swiss Alps.

In this guide, I’m imparting some of the information I learned while hiking from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg—including how we got there from Lauterbrunnen, what the trail was like, what we wore, and what I’d recommend for your time there.

royal walk mannlichen switzerland

Mannlichen Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg: Quick Facts

Location: Jungfrau Region, Switzerland

Route: Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg

Starting point: Mannlichen summit

Access: Cable car from Wengen

Difficulty level: Easy/beginner

Distance: 3 miles

Estimated hiking time: 2 hours

Elevation: Mannlichen sits at 7313, ft and Kleine Scheidegg sits at 6,762 ft.

Best time to hike: mid-June through October

Our visit: September

Weather: 72°F during our visit

Getting to Mannlichen from Lauterbrunnen

My husband and I boarded a regional train from Lauterbrunnen station to the luxurious village of Wengen for a scenic ride that lasted approximately 15 minutes through the valley.

Taking the Cable Car from Wengen

We exited the Wengen train station and walked a short six-minute distance through the village to the Wengen-Mannlichen aerial cable way station. We rode the cable car for a striking 5-minute ride straight up to the Mannlichen summit station.

You can pay a small extra fee for the “Royal Ride” to stand on the upper deck.

A round-trip ticket from Mannlichen to Wengen costs around CHF 52. Our costs were covered because we purchased the Jungfrau Travel Pass. This pass is helpful to have if you want to hike multiple trails in the Jungfau region, because it also covers train costs. It’s worth it! You can buy one here.

The Royal Walk

After we landed, we walked along a path called “The Royal Walk.”

This is a picturesque hiking trail that leads from the Mannlichen mountain station to the summit. The short walk ends at a crown-shaped viewing platform providing a comprehensive panorama of the gorgeous sights of the famous Eiger, Monch, and Jungrau peaks. This was my husband’s favorite spot. We could have stayed there all day, soaking in the sights and sounds, as it provided an awe-inspiring overlook above Mannlichen mountain.

It’s a slightly steep gravel path up so consider wearing shoes with good traction. We spent 30 minutes hiking each way, and about an hour just staring at the views from the top.

This walk can also be reached via the gondola from Grindelwald if you’re coming from that direction instead of Lauterbrunnen.

Hiking Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg

Upon finishing our “Royal Walk”, we stopped to use the restroom in Mannlichen before our hike.

There are restaurants and playgrounds available at Mannlichen (and Kleine Scheidegg) but there are none directly in the middle of the hike.

The Panorama Trail from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is a lovely 3-mile walk with stunning views of the Monch, Eiger, and Jungfrau mountains. This one-way hike took us two hours to complete (we like to relish the sights and sounds fully before moving on). The trail is open anytime from mid-June through October when the snow has melted. We went in September and thoroughly enjoyed the fewer crowds and clear skies.

After your hike is complete, the train station in Kleine Scheidegg can take you back to Wengen and/or Lauterbrunnen.

What the Trail Is Like

The trail is mostly a descending walk along a gravel path with constant panoramic views. It’s suitable for most people, even beginners and older hikers. The views are nonstop, epic sights of alpine faces and pale blue glaciers that seem to jut out in front of you. The cheerful sounds of distant cowbells echo at every angle.

Even though the trail is an easy one, it’s wrapped around the side of the mountain overlooking Grindelwald and the Eiger so you never have to compromise the view. Starting at Mannlichen and heading down to Kleine Scheidgegg is the best option because it keeps the biggest mountain views directly in your line of sight.

We ate lunch at Berghaus Grindelwaldblick. The food was fine, but the location is the reason we stopped here. Make sure to climb the tower for an added viewpoint.

What to Wear

We woke up early each morning to hike and the weather was around 50°F at 7am. I brought layers with me on the trail each day—including base shirts, shorts, a warm fleece, short-sleeve shirts, a puffy coat and a thick rain jacket—along with wool hiking socks and hiking boots.

We needed shorts or short-sleeve tops during the afternoon hikes (because there’s very little shade anywhere) and coats for those crisp mornings and rain shower pockets. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hooded sun shirts were a helpful reprieve from the strong UV rays.

These are Paul’s current favorite hiking pants because they aren’t too hot, but they protect him from the sun and they’re waterproof.

hiking in september

September in Switzerland has its pros and cons. The waterfalls aren’t as full as they would be in the summer months. But the weather is perfect hiking weather and the trails aren’t as crowded.

What to Know Before you go

Start at Mannlichen and walk to The Royal Walk. Then hike down to Kleine Scheidegg. This keeps the big mountain views in front of you.
The path is easily accessible and great for people of all different fitness levels. This trail is normally open from mid-June to October, depending on snow conditions.
Take a cable car up to Mannlichen from either Wengen or Grindelwald.
From Kleine Scheidegg at the end of the hike, catch a train down to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen/Wengen.
Arrive early in the morning to avoid large crowds and to secure a train seat.
Wear hiking shoes because parts of the path have loose gravel and mud.
Layer your clothing and pack for changes in the weather.
Tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink. It was thrilling to refill our water bottles at the local pumps with the most refreshing, pure water we’ve ever tasted!

Worshiping god on the trail

While I was sitting at this incredible viewpoint on the Mannlichen Panorama Trail, enjoying the sounds of cow bells, other languages from tourists like me, and the breeze, I couldn’t help but worship God. This verse came to mind, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

What to Pack for a Switzerland Hike

Local currency (we exchanged at the airport upon arrival).
Moisture-wicking clothing to regulate temperature.
Insulated jackets for cooler temps.
Reusable water bottles. My hydration pack is linked at the bottom of this post if you want a recommendation.
Sunscreen.
I don’t like trekking poles, but I saw several people using them.
First aid kit.
Snacks (and a way to store your trash).

Final Thoughts on the Mannlichen Panorama Trail

It’s the best minimal-effort, high-reward walk in the Swiss Alps! The unobstructed views of towering mountains were breathtaking.
It’s great for all fitness levels and non-hikers who still want a true alpine experience.
Because the hike is accessible, the path can get crowded during peak hours and peak seasons.
Always check the weather before your hike to make sure the views will be clear.
We relied heavily on the SBB Mobile App during our time hiking in Switzerland and we can’t recommend it enough. We “told” the app where we wanted to go and it gave us a few options of how to get there, with live updates in real time.

What to Know Before Hiking the Mannlichen Panorama Trail

Download the SBB Mobile App.
Start in Wengen.
Take the cable car to Mannlichen.
Give yourself time for the Royal Walk.
Check mountain weather before you leave as conditions can change depending on the elevation.
Bring layers because mountain temperatures aren’t necessarily representative of valley temperatures.
Don’t rush the views.

Mannlichen Panorama Trail FAQ

How long does it take to hike from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg?

It takes about 1.5-2 hours to hike the famous Panorama Trail.

Do I have to be an experienced hiker?

No, it’s an easy walk that suits almost all fitness levels.

How do you get to Mannlichen from Wengen?

You can travel from Wengen to Mannlichen by taking the direct aerial cable car from the edge of the village.

Can you hike Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg in September?

Yes, the trail is fully open through September as the normal season runs from mid-June to October.

What should you wear hiking in Switzerland?

Wear moisture-wicking layers, waterproof boots, and a rain jacket because the weather can be unpredictable.

Is Mannlichen worth visiting if you aren’t an experienced hiker?

Yes, it is well worth visiting even if you are not an experienced hiker. You can ride up via cable car from Grindelwald or Wengen without any walking. There are stunning views everywhere you look, plus playgrounds and restaurants.

The Mannlichen Panorama Trail was one of those surreal travel experiences that reminded me why I hike in the first place. The views were ideal, but I think what I’ll remember most is how peaceful it was to take them in.