Panoramic ridge
Faulhornweg
Look north towards Lakes Thun and Brienz and south towards the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Tour of Jungfrau Region
Plan your Tour of Jungfrau Region
Build a route around your hiking style, find mountain accommodation and prepare for a self-guided circuit beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The trail at a glance
What is the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
The Tour of Jungfrau Region is a flexible mountain circuit through Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, linking panoramic ridges, alpine lakes, mountain huts and villages around the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. There is no single signed “Tour of Jungfrau” trail, so your distance and daily stages depend on the route and overnight stops you choose.
Classic route106 km66 miles
Elevation gain6,623 m21,729 feet
Typical duration5–10 daysDepends on route and pace
CountrySwitzerlandBernese Oberland
Highest point2,969 mSchilthorn · 9,740 ft, if included
Main hiking seasonJul–SepConditions vary each season
Tour of Jungfrau Region route map
Circle the Jungfrau region
The classic itinerary begins at Schynige Platte and finishes down in Wilderswil. Between them, choose mountain paths around First, Kleine Scheidegg, the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the western ridges.
Use this map as an overview. Your itinerary in the platform shows the distance, ascent and hiking time for the stages you actually select.
Explore the itinerary planner
Start planning
Plan each part of your Tour of Jungfrau Region
Choose stages that suit your group, find places to stay and check conditions as your hiking dates approach.
The Hiking Club platform
See your complete Jungfrau region plan come together.
Build a circuit around your group, then bring your daily route, accommodation, preparation and navigation into one editable itinerary.
Build your itineraryCompare daily distance, ascent, hiking time, alternatives and transport.
Secure accommodationCheck booking status and live availability, then set opening-date or cancellation alerts.
Prepare confidentlyFollow trail updates, closures, warnings, snow information and recent images.
Navigate your routeDownload your personalised itinerary and GPS map files for offline use.
Platform access from €79 · One purchase covers your hiking group
The Bernese Oberland
Your itinerary determines how much time you have to enjoy each part of the circuit.
Choosing your itinerary
How long does the Tour of Jungfrau Region take?
A fuller Tour of Jungfrau Region circuit commonly takes 5–10 days. The right duration depends on your hiking pace, the route you choose and where you can stay.
Published templates range from 4–10 days. Shorter sections, alternative trails and mountain transport can all change your daily stages.
Accommodation on the Tour of Jungfrau Region
How do you book accommodation on the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
The circuit can combine mountain huts, mountain hotels and village accommodation. Where you stay determines the length and character of your daily stages.
Hut routes keep you high in the mountains, while alternatives through Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen or Mürren add village stays. Room types, booking methods and opening dates vary by property.
Mountain huts
High stays, often with shared rooms and meals.
Mountain hotels
Distinctive overnight stops such as Obersteinberg and First.
Hotels and guesthouses
Village stays with more private-room options and transport connections.
Campgrounds
Established sites in the valleys for suitable stages of a camping itinerary.
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Obersteinberg
A memorable mountain hotel above the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Availability changes as properties open bookings and hikers alter their plans. Check booking status and live availability for the overnight stops on your chosen route, then adjust stages around the places you secure.
Around the Jungfrau region
Tour of Jungfrau Region trail highlights
The circuit moves between lake-facing ridges, the Eiger’s north face and the high meadows above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Your route determines which highlights you include.
Alpine lake
Bachalpsee
A mountain lake above Grindelwald, especially striking when the surrounding peaks reflect in calm water.
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Viewpoint
First Cliff Walk
A metal walkway and viewpoint above Grindelwald; an optional stop on routes passing First.
Mountain pass
Schilthorn
A challenging climb that rewards hikers with stunning views of the Jungfrau and surrouding mountain ranges.
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Eiger north face
Eiger Trail
Walk beneath the mountain’s famous north face on an alternative near Kleine Scheidegg.
Remote mountain stay
Obersteinberg
A historic mountain hotel above the Lauterbrunnen Valley on a more remote route choice.
Choose your trailheads
Where does the Tour of Jungfrau Region start and finish?
A common clockwise itinerary takes the Schynige Platte railway up to the start and finishes in Wilderswil below. You can also join or leave the circuit at other connected villages and stations.
Classic high start
Schynige Platte
Ride the cog railway from Wilderswil and begin already high above the valley.
Trail access: Schynige Platte railway
Classic finish
Wilderswil
Complete the circuit with a descent to the valley and onward rail connections.
Trail access: Wilderswil railway station
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Flexible eastern access
Grindelwald
Join or leave around the Eiger and First area, with several mountain transport choices.
Trail access: Rail and mountain transport
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Flexible western access
Lauterbrunnen
Shape a shorter circuit around the valley and trails leading towards Mürren.
Trail access: Rail and valley transport
Which direction should you hike?
Clockwise is a practical starting point.
Beginning at Schynige Platte avoids a long first-day climb from Wilderswil. Choose your direction around railway operation, accommodation, daily effort and the alternatives you want to walk.
Personalise the route
The Tour of Jungfrau Region and its alternatives
The tour is a sequence of established Swiss hiking trails rather than one continuously signed route. Side trips and alternative valleys change your daily ascent, terrain and accommodation choices.
The foundation for your itinerary
The classic Jungfrau circuit
Follow a circuit beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, shaping your stages around your group, transport connections and the mountain stays you can secure.
- 106 km / 66 miClassic distance
- 6,623 m / 21,729 ftElevation gain
- 5–10 daysTypical duration
Hiking alternatives
Alternative routes to consider
Choose a panoramic ridge walk or a demanding ascent to a mountain hut. The hut trails involve steep, exposed terrain and change your daily effort and overnight plans; assess conditions and your group’s experience before adding them.
Demanding hut ascent · Grindelwald
Gleckstein Hut
Climb steeply through forest and rocky, sometimes exposed terrain to this historic hut at 2,316 m. Fixed chains and cables aid short sections, with views towards the Upper Grindelwald Glacier and Wetterhorn.
Exposed alpine trail · Bäregg
Schreckhorn Hut trail
Ascend from Bäregg to the hut at 2,527 m on a narrow, rocky route above the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. Loose stone, exposed traverses, ladders and fixed cables make this a serious mountain day.
Panoramic trail · Männlichen
Männlichen
Add a high viewpoint above Grindelwald and Wengen, with broad views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Shape the walk around the trails and mountain transport that suit your stages.
Build the route around your ability
See what each alternative changes.
Compare daily distance, ascent, estimated hiking time and accommodation when you add or remove routes in the planning platform. Check current conditions before choosing a high route.
Plan around authorised sites
Campgrounds in the valleys may require a different route from the high mountain circuit.
Sleeping under canvas
Can you camp on the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
You can use established campgrounds in some valleys, but they do not line up with every high mountain stage. A camping itinerary may need to combine designated pitches with nights in huts or other accommodation.
Wild camping and bivouacking are not permitted on this route. Plan to stay at an authorised campground or booked accommodation, and check the current rules for each overnight location.
Plan the complete journey
Build your itinerary around real overnight stops.
Compare campgrounds, huts and guesthouses with the distance, elevation and estimated hiking time between each stop in The Hiking Club platform.
Build a realistic budget
How much does it cost to hike the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
Your total depends on your itinerary length, room type, meals and how often you use the region’s railways, cable cars and gondolas. Allow separately for travel to Switzerland, insurance, equipment and personal spending.
A budget built around your route
CHF 900- 1,200
Per person for a nine-day self-guided hike.
Your overnight choices make the biggest difference.
Mountain-hut dormitories, private rooms and village hotels produce different totals. The length of your circuit and the lifts or trains you choose can also change the cost substantially.
This is a starting estimate, not a quoted trip price. Check rates for your dates and chosen itinerary.
Accommodation
Compare hut dormitories, mountain hotels and village rooms, including any solo or private-room supplement.
Food
Include half-board meals, lunches, snacks, village groceries and drinks.
Duration
Each additional hiking or rest day usually adds accommodation and meals.
Transport
Allow for the Schynige Platte railway and any other lifts, trains or buses you choose.
Include in your trail budget
- Accommodation for each night on or near the route
- Breakfast and dinner, including any required half-board
- Lunches, snacks and drinks during the hike
Remember to add
- Travel to and from Switzerland and the trailhead
- Insurance, equipment and personal spending
- Local transport and extra nights before or after the hike
Plan your own trip
Build a budget around your actual itinerary.
Choose daily stages and overnight stops in the planning platform, then check current accommodation, meal and transport prices for the places you intend to book.
The linked cost guide uses an older Bernese Oberland Traverse example. Prices vary by route, dates, availability, provider and personal choices.
Jungfrau region · Early season
Snow can remain on higher paths after lower trails become accessible.
Choose your hiking dates
When is the best time to hike the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
The usual planning window runs from late June to September. The right dates depend on conditions along your chosen high routes, accommodation openings and the transport services in your itinerary.
Use current conditions to make the final call. An open hut or railway does not mean every approach and high trail is suitable on your hiking date.
Plan around your dates
Match your stages to open accommodation.
Compare Jungfrau itineraries and overnight stops for your preferred dates, then adjust the route around conditions and the rooms you can secure.
Difficulty and preparation
How difficult is the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
This trail is a demanding multi-day mountain hike on marked Swiss trails. Repeated climbs and descents, rocky ground and the route you choose determine how hard each day feels.
The main circuit can be adjusted with different stages and mountain transport. Hut alternatives such as Gleckstein and Schreckhorn add steep, exposed terrain, fixed aids and a much more serious alpine challenge.
Trail typeMountain hiking
Classic ascent6,623 m / 21,729 ft
Typical duration5–10 days
Climbing and descent
Consecutive days of ascent and long descents call for endurance, careful pacing and recovery time.
Mountain terrain
Uneven and rocky paths require confident footing. Optional hut approaches can include exposed traverses, ladders and cables.
Changing conditions
Snow, rain, wind and thunderstorms can change the suitability of higher trails. Check the specific stage before setting out.
Your daily stages
Longer distances, pack weight, accommodation detours and transport choices all change the effort required.
Compare Bernese Oberland trails
Is the Tour of Jungfrau Region right for you?
The Bernese Oberland offers a flexible circuit and longer point-to-point journeys. Compare their length and character before choosing a route that suits your time and mountain experience.
Current trail
Tour of Jungfrau Region
A flexible circuit beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, linking panoramic trails, mountain stays and well-connected villages. Optional hut routes can add a harder alpine day.
Distance106 km · 66 mi
Typical duration5–10 days
Alpine village traverse
Bernese Oberland Traverse
Cross from Meiringen to Leukerbad through mountain villages, high passes and the Oeschinensee area. A linear journey with different start and finish logistics.
Distance102 km · 63 mi
Typical duration5–8 days
Longer Swiss traverse
Via Alpina Switzerland
Follow the supported Engelberg-to-Lenk section through a succession of Alpine passes, villages and glacial valleys. Choose a shorter section if the full traverse is too long.
Distance146 km · 91 mi
Supported sectionStages 8–15
Brendan
Bernese Oberland trail specialist
Expert Access
Plan your Tour of Jungfrau Region with someone who knows the trails.
If you would like personal help, work with Brendan to design an achievable circuit around your group, hiking dates, mountain accommodation and route priorities. You can then continue booking and preparing independently inside The Hiking Club platform.
60-minute consultationYour hiking companions can join.
Personalised itineraryDesigned collaboratively for your group.
Platform accessContinue planning, booking and preparing.
Planning questions
Tour of Jungfrau Region FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about planning a self-guided circuit around the Jungfrau region.
How long is the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
The classic circuit is approximately 106 km (66 miles), with around 6,623 m (21,729 ft) of ascent. Your stats change with the start and finish points, route alternatives, overnight stops and transport you choose.
How many days do you need for the Tour of Jungfrau Region?
Itineraries typically take 5–10 days. A shorter trip can focus on part of the circuit; more days allow shorter stages, side trips or extra time in the villages.
Compare Jungfrau itineraries before choosing your daily stages.
Is there one signed Tour of Jungfrau trail?
The circuit connects established Swiss hiking paths. Junction signs usually name local destinations rather than the full tour, so carry reliable navigation and know each day’s planned route.
Where does the route start and finish?
A common clockwise itinerary takes the railway from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte and finishes back in Wilderswil. Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen provide other practical access points for shorter or adjusted routes.
Which direction should you hike?
Clockwise from Schynige Platte is a practical choice because the railway reaches a high starting point. Accommodation bookings, operating schedules and your preferred stages may make another direction more suitable.
How difficult is the hike?
Expect consecutive mountain-hiking days with substantial ascent and descent. The difficulty depends on your stages and alternatives; the Gleckstein and Schreckhorn hut trails add more exposed, demanding terrain.
Can you hike without a guide?
Yes. Self-guided hikers need to choose suitable stages, arrange accommodation, carry reliable offline navigation and check current trail and weather conditions.
Learn how to prepare your route for offline navigation.
When is the best time to hike?
The usual planning window is late June through September. Check snow conditions on high trails, opening dates for each overnight stop and transport operation for your exact itinerary.
Can you camp along the tour?
Established campgrounds are available in selected valleys, but may not align with every high mountain stage. Combine authorised campsites with huts or guesthouses where needed. Wild camping and bivouacking are not permitted on this route.
Are there transport shortcuts?
Yes. Railways, gondolas, buses and trains can shorten a stage or provide an exit. Check current operating dates and schedules before relying on a connection.
When should you book accommodation?
Check booking dates and availability early, particularly for small mountain properties and popular summer nights. Build your stages around confirmed stays and keep a workable alternative.
Plan your self-guided Tour of Jungfrau Region
Bring your Tour of Jungfrau Region plan together.
Build stages around your group, find accommodation for your dates, prepare for current conditions and take your personalised route with you into the Swiss Alps.
- Compare routes and daily hiking stats
- Check accommodation availability
- Set opening and cancellation alerts
- Review current trail updates
- Plan transport connections
- Download your route for offline use