Jungfraujoch is known as the highest point in Europe – and naturally attracts a high tourist footfall. Most people head to Jungfraujoch via a train to Kleine Scheidegg; however, why not do a couple of extra hikes while you’re at it? The Mannlichen Royal Walk is a pretty easy hike to take on – you’ll quite literally feel like royalty at the top! – and top it off with the scenic Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail.

Here’s how to go about this journey:

First, you’ll want to start as early as possible by hopping onto the first few trains to Wengen from either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. The train’s final destination will be Kleine Scheidegg but you’ll want to disembark at Wengen. The journey from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen will only take you around 12 minutes, while the train from Grindelwald to Wengen will take about 50 minutes.

Read: Top Things to Do at Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland; Go On an Adventure at Grindelwald-First, Switzerland

Tip: Check the live webcam for Mannlichen's weather to avoid making a wasted trip.

You might want to take a little time to wander around Wengen; the shops may not be open yet but there’s a certain serenity in being able to witness the town slowly waking up.

Once you’re done, start making your way to the cable car station, which can be found up the main street. This will just be a short 5-minute walk! The first cable car starts operating at 8.30am, so do time yourself properly. This timing might vary with season – it’s best to check the official operating hours before your trip.

One unique thing about this cable car is that you have the option to ride on the open-air balcony! This balcony is above the carriage itself, giving you unobstructed views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. 

The 10-minute trip will cost approximately CHF24 (SGD34) one-way, with an additional CHF5 (SGD7) top-up for the open-air balcony. 

Depending on the season, you’ll see the surrounding greenery slowly give way to a sea of white – just as the sun touches down on the snowy white peaks.

I was lucky to visit after a night of fresh snowfall, made even better by clear azure skies.

The starting point of the Mannlichen Royal Walk is located near the cable car station, where you’ll have to ascend an inclined slope. This might be slightly tiring but persevere and you’ll soon be at the top!

You’ll pass through these royal gates before reaching the summit. Do be careful when ascending the last part – it can be rather steep and slippery.

And once at the top, you’ll be greeted with a crown to royally mark the end of the hike!

Soak in the views from the summit, as well as on your way down. The one-way journey should take about 30 minutes; the return journey will take you an hour (or more if you can’t stop taking pictures along the way!)

After you complete the Mannlichen Royal Walk, start making your way to the start point of the Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail. 

Read: Journey to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland: Hike from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg