Kleine Scheidegg

Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass and settlement in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland at 2,061 metres, situated between the Eiger and Lauberhorn and serving as a key alpine transport and hiking hub.

The pass is best known for direct, close-up views of the Eiger’s north face and functions as a rail junction with platforms, hotels and trailheads; it is the usual transfer point for the Jungfraujoch railway. Walking routes of varying difficulty start from the pass and provide panoramic views across the Bernese Alps.

Kleine Scheidegg developed in the 19th century as mountain tourism and railways expanded in the Bernese Oberland; the Wengernalpbahn and subsequent Jungfraubahn established the pass as a permanent transport and tourist node. The area continues to serve hikers, skiers and rail passengers bound for higher alpine stations.

The pass lies between the villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Alps, reachable by mountain train from either valley and located within the Jungfrau region of central Switzerland.

• Elevation and views: The pass sits at 2,061 metres and is one of the best vantage points for the north face of the Eiger, making it a popular stop for photographers and hikers.
• Rail access: Regular mountain trains serve the pass year-round and provide easy access from both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen; the site is also the base for the Jungfraujoch rack-rail ascent.

What to See #

• Kleine Scheidegg station: The railway station at Kleine Scheidegg is a junction for the Wengernalp railway between Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfraubahn route to Jungfraujoch.
• Trails and viewpoints: Trailheads and mountain paths radiate from the pass, including routes that run below the Eiger north face and to nearby ridge viewpoints such as Männlichen.