Hiking the Panorama Trail from Männlichen in the Lauterbrunnen Valley

Looking to hike beyond the Panorama Trail?
Those up for a challenge can hike the Gemsenweg from Wengen to Männlichen to start their hike. For an easy hike from Wengen, follow the trail to Leiterhorn.

CURRENT INFO

Maps and other information about the Panorama Trail are available on AllTrails. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland that includes the Lauterbrunnen Valley, I recommend Rick Steves’ Switzerland guidebook.

I HIKED IT

most recently in July 2023 and August 2024, about 60 minutes* of hiking time, plus a leisurely lunch stop

*I recommend allowing 1.5 to 2 hours for the hike

A QUICK TRAIL SIGNAGE TUTORIAL

Switzerland has excellent trail signage, but it can get confusing when there are so many options. Here’s what to know when hiking the Panorama Trail:

• Follow the trail from Männlichen in the direction of Kleine Scheidegg. Notice that the sign includes the average time it takes to hike to the destination (1 h 30 min). The term “Höhenweg” means this is a ridge trail, and the elevation at Kleine Scheidegg is 2100 meters.
• Look also for signs with a green square that says “Panorama-weg”. This is the trail you want. There ia another trail that leads to Kleine Scheidegg, but don’t take it! Stay on the Panoramaweg.
• Want to take the “Royal Way” to the summit of Männlichen? Follow the sign pointing left toward Männlichen that shows a hike time of 20-minutes. The small icon on the sign indicates a viewpoint.
• Sign icons may also indicate where train and cable car stations are located, as well as nearby restaurants.

GOOD TO KNOW

• The Panorama Trail (Panoramaweg in German) works well as a one-way hike. Start in Männlichen and end in Kleine Scheidegg for an easy, downhill hike and the best mountain views.
• The trail is open during the summer season. Specific opening and closing dates vary each year with the weather. Also, this is a ridge trail, and temporary closures can happen due to mud or rock slides.
• To reach Männlichen, take the cable car from either Wengen or Grindelwald. Check schedules online in advance.
• Live cam footage at the cable car stations show the current view from Männlichen. If it’s socked in with clouds, you may prefer to wait.
• From Kleine Scheidegg at the end of the Panorama Trail, trains connect back to Wengen or Grindelwald. Check the schedule ahead of time to know how late they run.
• Once at Männlichen, look for yellow trail signs that point toward Kleine Scheidegg as well as signs showing a green square that says “Panorama-weg”. See my “trail signage tutorial” above for further information. There is another trail that leads to Kleine Scheidegg, and you want the one labeled “Panorama-weg”. If you find yourself on a narrow trail leading down into the valley, turn around — that’s the wrong one!
• To lengthen the hike and make it a little more challenging, start with a short but steep climb up the “Royal Walk” to the summit of Männlichen. Plan that it will take 20 minutes or more to reach the viewpoint from the either of Männlichen’s cable car stations.
• It’s also possible to include the Panorama Trail as part of a much longer hike. Hikers looking for some serious elevation gain can hike the Gemsenweg from Wengen. From Kleine Scheidegg, numerous routes connect back to Wengen or Grindelwald. The Eiger Trail to Alpiglen is a great option on the Grindelwald side. I generally stay in Wengen or Lauterbrunnen, and one of my favorite routes connecting Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen is this one via Bigernalp.

• Although this is an easy trail, good shoes are a must. Expect some mud and rocks. If you plan to extend your hike along more difficult trails, hiking poles are recommended, and some appreciate having poles on the Panorama Trail as well. Hiking poles are available for rent at local sports shops.
• Bring layers, including a rain jacket. The weather can change quickly in the Swiss Alps.
• Bring water. The local tap water is safe to drink, so you can fill your water bottle at your hotel. You may find places to refill at Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg.
• Restrooms are available in the restaurant at Männlichen. There is also a port-a-potty along the trail, and more restrooms at Kleine Scheidegg.
• There are restaurant and quick-service food options available at both Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg.
• My favorite lunch stop along the Panorama Trail is Restaurant Grindelwaldblick. Their rösti can’t be beat!
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Panorama Trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is one of the most popular trails in the Lauterbrunnen Valley region of Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why. Few trails offer such stunning views for so little effort. Throughout the hike, the North Face of the imposing Eiger Mountain points the way, and the majestic Mönch and Jungfrau come into view as you near Kleine Scheidegg. In summer, wildflowers dot the meadows, and cowbells ring out across the ridge.

With such an idyllic, easily accessible setting, it should come as no surprise that the Panorama Trail sees a lot of foot traffic. On a clear day, head up as early as possible to beat the crowds. Hiking in the late morning or early afternoon has its own reward, however, with the opportunity to stop for lunch at the wonderful Restaurant Grindelwaldblick above Kleine Scheidegg.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

Switzerland is top-notch when it comes to creating kid-friendly experiences in the outdoors, and Männlichen is no exception. If you have young kids, be sure to stop by the playground at the start of the Panorama Trail. The Lieselotte Trail is another family focused trail starting from Männlichen, and includes some fun attractions, like alphorns, along the way.

The Panorama Trail itself has the advantage of being easy and short — both positive traits for many families with youngsters. And with the option to stop for a hearty Swiss meal at Restaurant Grindelwaldblick near the end of the trail, well, I’m salivating just thinking about it! And yes, I know I’ve referenced this place three times now, but it’s just that good.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

If you’re approaching Männlichen from the Lauterbrunnen Valley (the Wengen side of the mountain, and, in my humble opinion, the best side), don’t miss the chance to stroll the valley floor and visit Trümmelbach Falls. For a full day of fun, include a trip up the other side of the valley to Gimmelwald and Mürren, and take a cable car to the top of the Schilthorn for 360-degree views. For more information about how to visit these places as part of a longer loop hike, check out my post on Hiking in Switzerland’s Beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley.

In Wengen, the Coop grocery store near the train station is the place to stock up for picnics. They offer sandwiches, prepared salads, local fruit (when in season), and much more. For dining in Wengen, I recommend the pizza at Ristorante Da Sina.

Looking for another hike from Wengen? Take the trail to Leiterhorn, a lesser-known hike to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Interlaken.

I’m no stranger to the Panorama Trail. I’ve hiked it in fog and rain, on cloudy days and sunny ones. Most recently, I enjoyed (yes, enjoyed) a foggy hike in August. But for most of what you see below, I’m going to wind the clock back one year, to a beautiful cloudy July day. Despite the grey skies, the mountains were out in full force, and the views were breathtaking.

My hike began in Wengen, where I made the decision to follow the Gemsenweg (literally the “way of the chamois”) from town up to the summit of Männlichen. Needless to say, I was feeling the burn by the time I reached the cable car station at Männlichen. Nevertheless, I was determined to hike up the Royal Walk before starting the Panorama Trail. For this short but steep detour, turn left with the cable car station at your back, and prepare to climb.

It was a surprisingly tough 20-minute climb to reach the viewpoint. Either that, or I was just worn out from my trek up from Wengen with nearly 3,500 feet of elevation gain. I mean, after a hike like that, I deserve a break, right? But first, I had to make it back down the Royal Walk. Normally, this would be a quick jaunt, but today my knees were shaking. Still, the views were absolutely worth it.

As I passed the cable car station and the trail flattened, my knees stopped their quaking. Ahhh! I could do this. My goal was to keep going until I reached my favorite lunch stop. If I made good time, I’d arrive in about an hour, with non-stop views urging me on the entire way.

Now, those who are familiar with the mountains will know that views of these soaring peaks are never guaranteed. The following year, I hiked the Panorama Trail through dense fog. It was a little disconcerting hearing the sound of ghostly cowbells clanging in the mist with nary a cow in sight. But the fog also brought its own unique beauty to the experience. And if you’re lucky enough to see the fog suddenly clear to reveal a glimpse of a towering mountain peak at close range, it will take your breath away. The Swiss Alps are incredible in any weather.

But back to this earlier hike; I was taken in by the mountain views, but I couldn’t stop glancing down. A riot of colorful wildflowers blanketed the ground at my feet, and soft green grass carpeted the austere ridge above. Midway along the trail, I came to a placard offering an ode to the mountains:

“Green meadows,
high treetops,
snow-topped
never-ending peaks
rising up in
noble beauty,
praising God’s
great works,
that the people
will not neglect,
to give God
praise and honor”

Indeed, the mountains are among God’s greatest works. I looked up in awe, then back down at my feet, watching for mud. Expect to encounter a few slick spots on the Panorama Trail if there has been any recent rain. Overall, the trail is wide and well-maintained, but there are a few brief rocky sections, and you may pass some water running across the trail once or twice. On any ridge trail, rain can lead to mud or rock slides, which sometimes cause temporary trail closures. Fortunately, the cable car stations post trail updates, as does the signage that marks the start of the trail.

As I drew nearer to my destination, I noticed a shelter near the trail. The hillside wasn’t as steep here, and hikers took the opportunity to enjoy a break and sit on a nearby bench or the ground. There was even a port-a-potty, should nature call.

I was glad to see the port-a-potty there for those who need it (this is definitely not a hike where you should relieve yourself alongside the trail!), but also glad that I would soon arrive at Restaurant Grindelwaldblick, where I could use a real restroom and enjoy a hot meal.

Grindelwaldblick means “Grindelwald view”, and indeed the views are sublime from this lofty spot. There’s even a wooden stairway leading from the restaurant deck to a slightly higher vantage point over the Grindelwald Valley. Many hikers gathered around the outdoor tables, while others sought the warmth of the indoor seating. Keep in mind that in Switzerland and many other European countries, it’s common to share tables when sitting outdoors.

Now I could finally take a break! I ordered my favorite dish, rösti topped with local alpine cheese and fried eggs. Mmm… what heaven after a hard day’s hike! Or hard morning’s hike in this case. I still had a full afternoon of hiking to go!

For now, I took my time to enjoy both my meal and the view. After lunch, I made the short trek down the final stretch of the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg. Here, trains lead back down to the towns of Wengen and Grindelwald, or up to the mighty Jungfrau Mountain. Most hikers take the train back into town (unless you have pre-booked an expensive ticket to the Jungfraujoch), but not I. That’s right — I was hiking back to Wengen!

But for those ending their hike in Kleine Scheidegg, I hope you enjoyed the Panorama Trail and the indescribable magic of hiking in the magnificent Swiss Alps.