The Eiger Trail is said to be the most rewarding trails of alpine hiking. The hike is easy, but the scenery is spectacular taking you along the foot of Europe’s most renowned and challenging mountain, Eiger. The Eiger peak is 4000 metre in altitude and the north face of Eiger is the one of the most sought after climb for Alpine mountaineers. The north face of Eiger also happens to be one of the most challenging and difficult alpine climbs and has killed over 100 mountaineers.
We are not talking about the difficult Eiger North Face climb, but the easier Eiger Trail that will take you below the Eiger so that you can get a glimpse of what the climbers face. The sweeping view of the valley of Grindelwald is another reason to do this trail. And for those who are not quite fond of hiking uphill, this trail can be done downhill too. Infact the downhill trail is the more popular one.
The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are the three most famous mountain peaks in the Jungfrau region and attracted tourists and mountaineers alike. There is an interesting folklore that says long ago there were two monasteries at the top of the world. They were located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The women folk would stay on the one on a peak called the Jungfrau (the maiden) and the other one known as Eiger (the ogre) was the home of the men. In the middle stood the most formidable of the three peaks called Mönch (the monk). It used to keep both the sexes apart. These three peaks tower over the village of Grindelwald.
To reach the Eiger Trail, you have to take a train from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg. From there, change change trains, taking the Jungfrau train to Eigergletscher. The Jungfrau Railways are also quite impressive. You have to then follow the Eiger Trail sign heading towards Alpiglen, the place where the hike ends. From there, you can take a return train to Grindelwald.
The Trail
The first thing that you will notice when you alight from train at Eigergletscher is the massive glacier. The valley that has been carved out of the glacier lies below. But you will also see how much the glacier has retreated in recent years due to global warming.
After you are accustomed with this view, the next you see the breathtaking view of the Grindelwald village far below. No wonder it is known as the fairyland. The tall mountains will be all around. The Swiss Alps stretch endlessly on the three sides encircling the village of Grindelwald. It is easy to find the trailhead too and once you are there, you can see the trail waiting for you. The Eiger trail is well marked and it is impossible to get lost there. The trail is however quite busy on weekends in both the directions.
The North face of the Eiger will be your constant companion for almost one third of the 6 km long trail. It will feel so close, just within your reach. If you have binoculars with you, take a look at the massive structure. You might find some climbers trying to scale the Eiger.
Trail conditions
The trail can be done both downhill and uphill. The downhill one is taken by most. The trail has some narrow rocky paths. It descends 800 m within 6 km. Even the downhill trail has some sections that are quite steep. There are ropes installed at places to help the hikers. The trail is full of loose rocks and gravels, so be careful as you hike. Also, a good hiking boot is recommended for the Eiger trail. There are also a couple of sections with steep stairs. So if you are taking children with you, they might require some assistance at these junctures.
Some Important Information about the Eiger Trail
Hike Time: 2 to 3 hours
Distance: 6 km
Altitude Loss: 800m
Start at: Eigergletscher station
End of Trail: Alpiglen
There are toilets and cafes at the start and end of the trail, but nothing in between. So carry enough water for the trail and anything that you might need.
Getting There
You have to reach the Grindelwald-Grund train station, which is below the main town of Grindelwald.
By train: This is one stop past Grindelwald on the train coming from Interlaken. From there, take the train to Kleine Scheidegg. Here you have to change a train to reach Jungfraujoch. While return, you will get trains from Alpigen to Grindelwald-Grund.
By car: Just before reaching Grindelwald, take the first right in the traffic circle onto Grundstrasse, following signs to Grund or Kleine Scheidegg. Park in the large metered lot next to the Grindewald Grund/Kleine Scheidegg train station.
