5 Easy Winter Hikes in the Jungfrau Region for Beginners

By Vaishali Bhatore · 2026-09-29

Winter transforms the Jungfrau Region into a beautiful landscape of snow-covered mountains, traditional Alpine villages and peaceful walking trails. The region includes popular destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald, with dedicated winter-walking areas available during the winter season. If you are visiting the Swiss Alps for the first time, winter hiking can be a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery without skiing. However, winter conditions can change quickly, so always check the current trail status and weather conditions before setting out. Here are five options to consider when planning an easy winter walk in and around the Jungfrau Region.

1. Mürren – Gimmelwald

Distance: 2.01 km

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Ascent: 270 m

Descent: 0 m

The Mürren–Gimmelwald route is one of the shorter winter walks listed in the official Mürren winter information guide. At approximately 2 km, it is a relatively short route for visitors who want to experience the mountain landscape without committing to a long hike. The route connects the car-free mountain village of Mürren with Gimmelwald, another traditional mountain village in the Lauterbrunnen area. Mürren itself sits above the Lauterbrunnen Valley and offers impressive views towards the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Good for: Visitors looking for a short winter walk and an opportunity to explore two traditional mountain villages.

Important: The official guide classifies this particular route as easy, but the 270 m ascent means it is not completely flat. Families should consider the fitness and age of everyone in their group.

2. Mürren – Winteregg: Lichtlliweg

Distance: 2 km

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Ascent: 46 m

Descent: 13 m

The Lichtlliweg between Mürren and Winteregg is another short route listed in the official Mürren winter guide. At around 2 km with relatively little elevation change, it can be an appealing option for visitors looking for a slower winter outing. The official guide classifies it as an easy winter-hiking route.The route is located in the Mürren area, where visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding Alpine landscape and the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.

Good for: First-time winter walkers who prefer a shorter route with limited elevation gain.

3. Grütschalp – Mürren Winter Hike

Distance: 4 km

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes

Ascent: 190 m

Descent: 40 m

Difficulty: Easy

For visitors who want a slightly longer walk, the Grütschalp–Mürren winter hike is an excellent route to consider. Switzerland Tourism officially lists this as a 4 km winter hike with a duration of approximately 1 hour 35 minutes and classifies the physical requirements as easy. The trail follows the route of the Lauterbrunnen–Mürren mountain railway and passes through light mountain forest and meadows. One of its main attractions is the view towards the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau throughout much of the route.The route is mostly gentle, although there is an elevation gain of 190 metres.

Interestingly, Switzerland Tourism notes that when there has been no snowfall for some time, sections of this route can also be suitable for pushchairs.

Good for: Beginners who want a proper mountain walk while keeping to an officially classified easy route.

4. Winter Walking Around Lauterbrunnen

Location: Lauterbrunnen

Difficulty: Depends on the selected marked route

Lauterbrunnen is one of the best-known destinations in the Jungfrau Region. The valley is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, while the nearby villages of Wengen and Mürren provide access to higher mountain areas. Lauterbrunnen is also listed by Switzerland Tourism among the Jungfrau Region's winter-walking destinations.

Rather than treating the entire valley as one specific "easy hike," beginners should select an officially marked winter-walking route based on the conditions on the day of their visit. This makes Lauterbrunnen a flexible option for families who would prefer a relaxed winter walk rather than a longer mountain excursion.

Good for: Families and visitors who want to combine a winter walk with sightseeing around Lauterbrunnen.

5. Winter Hiking in Wengen

Location: Wengen

Difficulty: Choose according to the marked route and current conditions

Wengen is another well-known mountain village in the Jungfrau Region and is included among the region's winter-walking destinations.The village is located above the Lauterbrunnen Valley and is surrounded by spectacular Alpine scenery. Switzerland Tourism describes Wengen as a car-free mountain village and highlights its views and access to the surrounding mountain area. For beginners, the important point is to choose a currently open and appropriately graded winter-walking trail rather than assuming every hiking route in the area is suitable in winter.

Good for: Visitors who want to explore a traditional Swiss mountain village and combine sightseeing with an easy winter walk.

Important Tips for Winter Hiking

Even an easy winter hike requires some preparation.

Check the trail conditions

Winter trails can be affected by snowfall, ice and changing weather. Switzerland Tourism specifically advises hikers to check local information about the route and weather conditions because routes can be blocked or interrupted depending on the season and weather.

Wear proper footwear

Wear waterproof shoes or hiking boots with good grip. Snow and ice can make a route considerably more difficult than it would be during summer.

Dress in layers

Temperatures can vary considerably between Interlaken, the valley and higher mountain villages. Warm layers, gloves and a hat are particularly useful.

Check daylight hours

Winter days are shorter than summer days. Plan your walk so that you have plenty of daylight and avoid starting a route too late.

Follow marked winter trails

Stay on designated winter-hiking routes and follow local signs. Do not assume that a summer hiking trail is automatically open or safe during winter.

Families should check the route carefully

"Easy" is an official route classification, not a guarantee that every person or child will find the walk effortless. Snow depth, ice, elevation gain and weather can all affect the experience.

Why Winter Hiking in the Jungfrau Region Is Special

One of the great attractions of the Jungfrau Region is the variety of landscapes available within a relatively compact area. You can start your day in the valley, travel up to a mountain village such as Mürren or Wengen, walk through a snowy landscape and enjoy views of some of Switzerland's most famous peaks.The region's highlights include Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald. For visitors who don't ski, winter hiking is a wonderful alternative way to experience the Swiss Alps. And you don't necessarily need to spend an entire day on the trail. Some of the region's officially listed winter routes are only around 2–4 km, making them suitable for visitors who prefer shorter outings.

Planning Your Winter Visit to Interlaken

Interlaken is a convenient base for exploring the Jungfrau Region and its surrounding mountain destinations. From the area, visitors can travel towards places such as Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald using the region's extensive public transport and mountain-railway network. After a day exploring the snowy mountains, returning to a warm and comfortable accommodation in Interlaken is the perfect way to relax. Whether you're travelling with children, as a couple or with friends, winter hiking gives you the opportunity to experience a quieter side of Switzerland and enjoy the mountains at your own pace.

Before you leave, always check the latest local trail status and weather conditions. Winter routes are seasonal and conditions can change.