Grindelwald “Eiger Run” sledding & winter hike

This beautiful winter trail in Grindelwald is for both sledding and hiking, descending the mountain below the impressive Eiger peak. Since this mild sledding route is not too steep or dangerous, it’s a good choice for beginners and families. Plus it’s accessed by a cogwheel mountain train, not a gondola, so good for those who don’t like heights.

Location

This winter trail is in the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area in Jungfrau Region, south of Interlaken. See Grindelwald on Google Maps. The trail is high up in the mountains, accessed by the Grindelwald-Kleine Scheidegg mountain train.

Trail overview

The Eiger Run winter trail (No. 64) starts at Kleine Scheidegg and goes down the mountain, with stops at Alpiglen, Brandegg, and Grindelwald. You can catch the mountain train at each of these locations to either go down the mountain or back up so you can sled again (requires a day pass).

This winter trail is multi-use for sledding and hiking. Depending on snow conditions, you may not be able to sled and/or hike some of these sections. If the section is open for hiking but not sledding, that means the trail may not have enough snow on that section to support sledding. Check trail status and ask at the sports shop for more detail about current status.

Trail map

The trail map below shows the sledding/hiking route from Kleine Scheidegg to Alpiglen, which is the section that we did. This section is an easy route, good for beginners. The downhill parts are not too steep or long, typically followed by a short uphill or flat section to help slow your speed.

View interactive trail map on Komoot • OutdoorActive

This trail is easy to follow and well marked with purple poles. The snow is groomed with machines, making it possible to walk without snowshoes. If you are walking, the downhill parts may be a bit challenging if the snow is icy. So best done with hiking sticks and traction cleats. 

Since the trail is shared between sledders and hikers, it’s important to listen for oncoming traffic and be courteous to other people on the trail.

See also the lower route from Alpiglen to Brandegg (2.7 km, steeper and more extreme), which is sometimes available for night sledding. See more sledding routes in this Jungfrau Region.

How to get there

This winter trail starts at the top of Kleine Scheidegg, reached by the mountain train from Grindelwald Grund.

By public transport

If you are staying in Grindelwald, you can take a local bus to the Grindelwald Grund, Bahnhof stop. 

If you are coming from Interlaken (or farther away), it’s best to take a train to the Grindelwald, Terminal station, then a 5 min walk over to the Grindelwald Grund station, as shown below. There isn’t a train connection between these two stations.

By car

Drive to Grindelwald and follow signs to Grindelwald Grund. There is a metered parking lot just past the station at Grundstrasse 67, 3818 Grindelwald.

Ticket prices

If you want to sled multiple times, you can get a full day sledding pass for the Jungfrau Region. In 2023, this pass costs CHF 58/adult, VHG 46/youth (16-19), CHF 30/child (6-15). This does not include the sled rental, which can be done separately at the sport shop at Kleine Scheidegg.

If you want to hike/sled this trail once, you only need a one-way ticket from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg. Then a one-way ticket down from Alpiglen or Brandegg to Grindelwald, depending how far you want to hike. 

One way tickets aren’t much cheaper than the full day pass if you are paying full price, about CHF 45 total if you are hiking to Alpiglen. But if you you have SBB GA, Half-fare and Swiss Travel Pass, you only pay about CHF 23 for the one way tickets. And for single rides, children with SBB Junior Card or under age 6 ride free with a paying adult. See current prices.

Dogs are allowed on the trail and may ride the Kleine Scheidegg train for free, as stated on the Jungfrau Region website. 

Sled rental

You can rent sleds at Wyss Sport & Souvenirs at Kleine Scheidegg (see on map). Depending on which kind of sled you rent, it costs CHF 15 – 20 for the day. We rented a two person wooden sled, which we found easy to ride and control.

You must provide a credit card for a deposit. You receive a ticket that you show at the Grindelwald Grund ticket office when you return your sled.

When to go

This winter trail is usually open from mid December through early April. Parts of the trail may open or close early, depending on snow conditions. Check the Grindelwald Wengen interactive map and trail status.

The Grindelwald-Kleine Scheidegg mountain train starts running at 7:53, last ride down from Alpiglen at 17:45. See current operating times.

Make sure to check the weather forecast and webcams before heading out. This trail is best done on a sunny day so you can see the views.

What to wear and pack

You should wear warm layers appropriate to the weather forecast and waterproof outer layers to stay dry in the snow. For sunny days, don’t forget bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat with a visor. 

For a winter hike, you should wear waterproof hiking shoes with good traction. I would suggest boots to prevent snow from falling into your shoes. You don’t need snowshoes, but if you have traction cleats, bring them just in case parts of the trail are icy. I would suggest bringing hiking sticks for balance. See also What to pack & wear on a winter hike.

If you are sledding, you should wear a helmet, gloves, and winter boots with good ankle support, because you will use your heels to control your speed. See also Sledding 101.

For sledding, you probably don’t need to bring any supplies with you, just your ticket, phone and wallet. For winter hiking, I suggest bringing a backpack with bottle of water, snacks and extra layers. There are no services between Kleine Scheidegg and Alpiglen.

Where to eat

There are multiple restaurants at Kleine Scheidegg including a self-service café with more affordable small meals. We like to eat at the end of the trail at Berghaus Alpiglen, where you can get drinks, desserts, and hot meals. 

Where to stay

This winter trail is closest to the Grindelwald village, which has many hotels. We have stayed twice at Boutique Hotel Glacier (one time sponsored), which is absolutely delightful. It has a modern chalet vibe, with great views of the Eiger from the restaurant, room balconies and spa pool. 

Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen are also good places to stay when exploring the Jungfrau Region during winter. 

Photo story of trail

Here is the cogwheel train from Grindelwald is dropping people off at Kleine Scheidegg.

There are a few restaurants near the Kleine Scheidegg station.

The winter hiking/sledding trail starts through this gate, right next to the train tracks. Your trail will fork to the right, away from the ski piste.

Follow the purple poles and Eiger Run signs. You’ll also see a few pink poles, which are for winter hiking. Go direction Alpiglen/Grindelwald.

The trail starts very flat next to the train tracks, a view of the Eiger directly in front. If you are sledding, you’ll need to pull the sled along the flat parts of this trail.

Keep following the purple poles.

The trail quickly leads away from the ski pistes and is very quiet through the forest.

Sledding below the train tunnel.

Such great views on this trail.

The trail has a lot of ups and downs, which is helpful in controlling your sledding speed. But it also means you have to drag your sled uphill sometimes.

Nice wide path.

While I was taking pictures, sledders were zipping around this curve. If you are walking, stay to the side of the trail to avoid collisions.

Gotta love the Eiger backdrop for this trail.

One of the steeper slopes on this route, but quite short and not too difficult. We appreciated the fence on the side to help you keep on track.

There’s only one place on the trail where you need to pick up your sled and cross the train tracks.

Looking back up the trail towards the ski slopes.

Ending the sledding at Alpiglen. We didn’t feel like braving the steeper hills below this to Brandegg. So we caught the mountain train here back to Grindelwald.

But first, we had an apero at the Berghaus Alpiglen, a great place to rest in the sun and enjoy the view. The train station is a 5 min walk from the restaurant. It leaves on the xx:15 and xx:45 down to Grindelwald. If you are riding back up to Kleine Scheidegg, it leaves on the xx:05 and xx:35.

We sat outside and had mulled wine, prosecco, and Öpfelchüechli, fried apples with cream.

What a great winter activity in the Jungfrau Region! I hope you like it.