How to Visit Männlichen [2025]
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If you’ll be spending time in Grindelwald or Wengen in Bern canton, then it’s well worth thinking about taking a trip to Männlichen. It’s easy to get there via one of the Männlichen cable car services from either of these destinations.
Of course the panoramic journey up and down the mountain is an integral, and essential, part of the experience!
Once you arrive at the summit, at 2,343 metres above sea level, you can spend some time hiking in summer, skiing in winter, dining out, or simply soaking up the incredible views.
A mountain excursion to Mannlichen is affordable, quick, and simple – as well as very worthwhile.
From the Männlichen weather to expect in summer or winter to everything you need to know about the Grindelwald or Wengen to Männlichen cable car routes, this guide will steer you through all the information you require when planning a day trip to Männlichen.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how to reach Männlichen, what the Männlichen Royal Walk is, what to do in Männlichen, and much more. Read on so you can start planning your perfect day out in the Swiss mountains!
Let’s begin with a quick summary of the Männlichen gondola options, followed by a little more about the mountain and its location.
What's in this Article
Quick summary of Männlichen ticket options
From Grindelwald
| Type of ticket | Price per adult | Where to buy |
| Regular ticket from Grindelwald | CHF 34 one way CHF 68 return | Buy here |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass holder | Free travel | Buy pass here |
| Berner Oberland Pass holder | Free travel | Buy pass here |
| Swiss Travel Pass holder | CHF 17 one way CHF 34 return | Buy pass here |
| Swiss Half Fare Card holder | CHF 17 one way CHF 34 return | Buy pass here |
From Wengen
| Type of ticket | Price per adult | Where to buy |
| Regular ticket from Wengen | CHF 29 one way CHF 58 return | Buy here |
| Jungfrau Travel Pass holder | Free travel | Buy pass here |
| Berner Oberland Pass holder | Free travel | Buy pass here |
| Swiss Travel Pass holder | CHF 14.50 one way CHF 29 return | Buy pass here |
| Swiss Half Fare Card holder | CHF 14.50 one way CHF 29 return | Buy pass here |
About Männlichen
Männlichen is a 2,343 metre-high mountain in the Swiss Alps, located between Grindelwald and Wengen. You may also see the name written as Mannlichen or Maennlichen.
The position and elevation of Männlichen means you can expect panoramic views from the peak. You can see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, plus the scenic Lauterbrunnen Valley spread out beneath you.
Hiking trails allow you to explore the area on foot in summer, while in winter the ski slopes are popular.
Other things to do at Männlichen in the Switzerland mountains include dining at the mountain restaurant, sledging in winter, and using the great children’s playground in summer.
Breathtaking views are also a major feature during any season.
Where is Männlichen?
Where is Mannlichen in Switzerland? Männlichen is a Swiss mountain within the canton of Bern. It lies close to the popular resorts of Grindelwald and Wengen, and you can get there by cable car from either town.
The Grindelwald and Wengen to Mannlichen cable car timetable operates throughout the day, and services take between five and 25 minutes. Männlichen is therefore quick and easy to get to from either of these popular Swiss towns.
How to get to Männlichen
There are two ways to reach Männlichen. You can take the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen, or the gondola from Grindelwald to Männlichen. Both Wengen and Grindelwald have regular train connections to Interlaken Ost.
There is a large car park at Grindelwald Terminal (from where the cable car departs) but Wengen is a car-free village and can only be reached by train.
You’ll find a large car park next to Lauterbrunnen train station and you can take the train from here to Wengen.
From Grindelwald
The Grindelwald to Männlichen cable car departs from the Grindelwald Terminal, which is just five minutes by train from Grindelwald main station. It stops at Holenstein en route, but a change of cable car is not required.
The journey time is about 25 minutes. There are continuous services running throughout the day.
From Wengen
The Wengen to Männlichen aerial cableway departs from the cable car station behind the Tourist Office. Luftseilbahn Wengen to Männlichen services depart every 20 minutes. The journey time is only around five minutes.
If you like, it is possible to pay a CHF 5 supplement to travel on the rooftop balcony when travelling to Männlichen from Wengen. This is known as the Royal Ride.
Timetables
- Summer season: Late May to late October
- Winter season: Early December to early April
Seasonal timetables apply to Mannlichen cable car services. They operate from late spring to mid autumn, and then again between early December and late April. Outside of these periods, there are no services to Männlichen from either Grindelwald or Wengen.
To check exact dates and times of operation, click the links at the bottom of this section of the article.
Grindelwald to Männlichen Timetable
Summer
Summer timetables operate between late May and late October. The first cable car of the day leaves between 8.15 and 8.45 am during these months.
Services commence at 8.15 am in peak season, between early July and late August. From late May to early July, and between late August and mid September, the first cable car leaves at 8.30 am. From the middle of September to the end of the summer season in late October, services commence at 8.45 am daily.
When you want to return from Männlichen to Grindelwald, the last service leaves at 5 pm between late May and early July, and from mid September to late October. From early July to mid September, the last departure is at 5.30 pm.
Winter
The winter season runs from early December to early April. Between early December and late January, services from Grindelwald to Männlichen depart between 8 am and 4 pm. The last service from Männlichen back to Grindelwald leaves at 4.30 pm.
From late January to early April, times are similar, but services run slightly later. The last cable car up the mountain leaves at 4.30 pm, with the last descent at 5 pm.
Wengen to Männlichen Timetable
Summer
Similar summer timetables are in operation between Wengen and Männlichen. Services commence at 8.30 am between late May and late October. The only exception is between early July and late August, when they start a little earlier, at 8.10 am.
For getting from Männlichen to Wengen, the last cable car of the day leaves at 5.10pm between late May and early July, and from mid September to late October. In the peak season between early July and mid September, you can depart slightly later, at 5.30 pm.
Winter
As with the Grindelwald cable car, the winter season for the Wengen gondola is between early December and early April. Between early December and late January, services depart every 15 minutes between 8.15 am and 4.15 pm. The last cable car down the mountain is at 4.30 pm.
From late January to early April, cable cars also commence at 8.15 am. The last service is a little later, though, at 4.45 pm, with the final descent at 5 pm.
Do note that inclement weather conditions and low traveller numbers can, at any time, lead to the reduction or suspension of services.
Männlichen Prices
The Mannlichen cable car price you’ll pay depends on your departure point. If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or regional pass, you may also pay less – or even travel for free.
Both the Grindelwald to Männlichen cable car price and the Wengen to Männlichen cable car cost are fully covered by the Jungfrau Travel Pass and the Berner Oberland Pass. Therefore, if you hold one of these regional Swiss passes, you can travel to and from Mannlichen for free.
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Half Fare Card, a 50% discount applies.
Where to buy Männlichen tickets
You can buy full price and discounted Männlichen cable car tickets online in advance or at the cable car station just prior to travel. The same prices apply for both options.
From Grindelwald
Full price cable car tickets from Grindelwald cost CHF 34 per adult one way, or CHF 68 per adult for a round trip fare.
> Click here to buy Grindelwald to Mannlichen cable car tickets
From Wengen
If you need to buy individual tickets, the cost from Wengen is CHF 29 per adult, one way. The return fare costs from CHF 58 per adult.
Things to do at Männlichen
So you’re headed to Männlichen. What to do when you reach the peak – apart from savouring those magnificent views, of course? Here are the top things to do at the summit of Mannlichen.
Royal Walk
Taking the Royal Walk is a must. The path leads you from the cable car station to the Männlichen summit.
En route, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the famous trio of peaks, comprising the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau. You can complete this ascent between May and October, in accordance with the summer cable car season.
The walk is around a kilometre long, and takes about 15 minutes each way. There’s a fairly steep ascent involved to reach the viewing platform but it’s well worth the effort.
Alpine Herdsman’s Playground
If you’re visiting Männlichen with kids, then a visit to the Alpine Herdsman’s Playground is unmissable!
This is no ordinary kids’ park. It offers an 8.5 metre high cow constructed from steel and wood that children can walk right into. Inside, they’ll find a slide and a viewing platform. As well as this mighty cow, the park has other play equipment including a swing, a seesaw, and mini trampolines.
There’s a sun-drenched terrace for adults to relax on while the kids play.
Mountain restaurant
Why not treat yourself to a dining experience to remember while visiting Männlichen? The Männlichen Mountain Guest House serves up a tempting selection of Swiss favourites, and forms part of the Berghaus Mannlichen hotel.
Simply stop for a chilled beer or cream-topped coffee if you like, or tuck into something more substantial. How about cheesy potato rösti, grilled specialities, or a warming bowl of goulash, for example?
We also highly recommend the delicious cakes!
The panoramic restaurant seats over 300, and there’s also a mountain view outdoor terrace offering almost 400 seats.
Fabulous views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks
One of the best things about visiting Männlichen is of course the magnificent views. You can see the famous three Swiss peaks from here – the Jungfrau, the Monch, and the Eiger.
In addition, you can enjoy sweeping panoramas over the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley and, on the other side, over Grindelwald.
These views are yours to enjoy throughout the cable car ride from Grindelwald or Wengen, as well as once you actually reach the summit. Make the most of them by taking a scenic hike, or tucking into a meal to remember at the Männlichen Mountain Guest House.
Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg – 1.5 hours
The most popular Männlichen hike, from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, is perfect for the summer season. See craggy cliff faces, towering peaks, and icy, glimmering glaciers throughout your walk.
The route is open between mid June and October. It’s around four-and-a-half kilometres long, and takes about an hour-and-a-half to complete.
The trail is mostly flat and is suitable for all ages.
Remember to carry your own water and snacks as there is nowhere to purchase these along the way.
Should you not wish to return to Männlichen, you can catch the train from Kleine Scheidegg to either Grindelwald or Wengen, with connections to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken.
You can also take the Jungfraubahn to Jungfraujoch Top of Europe from Kleine Scheidegg if time allows.
Lots of other hiking trails, including the Liselotte Trail for families
There are plenty of other hiking trails to choose from, too, should you wish to venture further while visiting Männlichen.
Other than the Panorama Trail, the Liselotte Trail is the most noteworthy, as there’s lots to see and do along the way.
This trail is ideal for families, but not suitable for strollers. Wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for a two-and-a-half hour descent of around 3.5 kilometres. The route leads between Männlichen and Holenstein intermediate station.
The Liselotte Trail is named after a celebrity cow from Germany, who kids can explore alongside.
En route they can try playing the Alphorn, look out for mountain crystals, and even scale a replica of the North Wall of the Eiger!
Treetop Path at Holenstation intermediate station
Once you arrive at Holenstein intermediate station – either on foot after following the Liselotte Trail or by cable car – you can take a wander along the Treetop Path.
This new wooden walkway offers four viewing platforms and even a twisting, enclosed slide for the kids.
Skiing, snowboarding, and sledging in winter
If you’ll be heading to Männlichen in winter, then it’s ski season. You can skim down the slopes on a snowboard or pair of skis, all against the most majestic of mountain backdrops.
There’s even an equipment rental centre on the mountain, which is very convenient indeed.
If you want to sample some Männlichen sledging as well, or instead, then you can also rent a sled from the same equipment centre.
It takes around an hour to descend to the intermediate station, or an hour-and-a-half to the bottom.
The route is mixed, with some steep sections, parts where you can glide downhill while drinking in the unparalleled scenery, and bends to keep things interesting.
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Can you stay at Männlichen?
There is only one Männlichen Hotel close to the summit, Berghaus Männlichen. This is at the same premises as the Männlichen Mountain Guest House restaurant. Here you can sleep at 2,225 metres above sea level.
Every room offers incredible mountain views. Though the decor is fairly simple, accommodation is comfortable, and comes with all you need for a relaxing stay.
The hotel only has 11 rooms, so you’ll have to book early. These consist of singles and doubles with shared or private bathrooms, plus a couple of family rooms.
Alternatively, there are lots of accommodation options in Grindelwald and Wengen.
> Click here to book a room at Berghaus Mannlichen
How long should you spend at Männlichen?
We recommend you spend at least two to four hours at Männlichen. Two hours in summer would give you time to take the Royal Walk and soak up the scenery.
A four hour time frame means you could also take another hike, have lunch at the restaurant, or visit the children’s playground.
If you want to ski, snowboard or sledge at Männlichen in winter, then simply allow as long as you’d like to spend doing this.
Best time to visit Männlichen
If you’re wondering when does Männlichen open, in short, there are two distinct seasons when you can reach Männlichen.
There are cable car services from Grindelwald and Wengen, and these operate in summer and in winter. However they do not operate all year round, but during two seasonal periods.
For both cable car routes, the summer season runs between late May and late October. The winter season is between early December and early April.
It’s not possible to visit Männlichen at all in November, at the end of October or at the start of December. The cable cars also don’t operate between the end of the winter season and the start of the summer season, typically between early April and late May.
The best time to visit Männlichen for winter sports is between early December and early April. For summer hiking, head there between late May and late October.
You can enjoy panoramic views all year round – when you can get there!
Practical tips for visiting Männlichen
Dress for the season
As it’s 2,343 metres above sea level, you can expect the weather at Männlichen to be colder than at lower elevations.
Winter season temperatures (from late December to early April) range between -14°C and 3°C (about 7°F to 37°F) on average. In summer, expect overnight lows of around -5°C, and daytime highs of up to 13°C (23°F to 55°F).
Layering is the best approach when you want to be able to adjust your clothing to suit the season. It’s likely to be a lot warmer by early afternoon than it will be in the morning or evening.
For skiing, the right cold weather clothing and equipment (you can hire the latter locally) is essential.
Wear hiking footwear
If you want to explore Männlichen properly, then wearing sturdy hiking footwear is essential. This particularly applies if you want to follow a longer trail, such as the family-friendly Liselotte Trail, which takes around 2.5 hours.
The popular Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg panoramic route also takes about an hour-and-a-half to complete.
Check out the Mannlichen webcam
To whet your appetite for your mountain excursion – while taking a look at the weather – check out the webcam in Männlichen. You can do this at any time, such as on the morning of your planned visit.
Is an excursion to Männlichen worth it?
So is Männlichen worth it? Very much so. Where else on earth can you enjoy breathtaking views of three famous Swiss peaks – with panoramas over the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley thrown in for good measure?
Whether you prefer hiking in summer or winter sports, Männlichen is a destination well worth visiting during the summer or winter seasons.
There’s also a great children’s playground, a mountain restaurant serving Swiss fare, a range of hiking trails, and a sports equipment hire centre.
FAQs about Männlichen
How high is Männlichen?
The summit of Männlichen is 2,343 metres – or 7,687 feet – above sea level. The mountain is in Bern canton, close to Grindelwald and Wengen, and can be reached by cable car from either.
How do I get to Männlichen?
You can get to Männlichen during the winter and summer seasons, when the cable cars operate. You can travel from Grindelwald via gondola, or from Wengen by aerial cableway.
Is Männlichen open all year round?
The cable car services you need to take to reach Männlichen are seasonal. There are two seasons – summer and winter. The former runs from late May to late October.
Winter is from early December to early April. Outside of these periods, you cannot get to Männlichen.
So yes, Männlichen is open in both winter and summer but you cannot get there unless you travel when the cable cars operate. Choose your travel dates carefully, if this is somewhere you really want to visit while in Switzerland.
In winter, Männlichen is ideal for winter sports, while in summer, hiking is popular. Panoramic views are a certainty during all seasons – subject to visibility, of course.
Final thoughts about Männlichen
Whether you have a morning, an afternoon, or a whole day to spare, Männlichen is so worth visiting. It’s easily accessible from Grindelwald, Wengen, or other nearby parts of Bern canton and the Jungfrau region.
Views of the Mönch, the Eiger, and the Jungfrau are yours to enjoy at any time of year. Depending on when you visit, you can also experience winter sports such as skiing, sledging, and snowboarding, all with a majestic mountainous backdrop.
In summer, you can follow a range of trails to see more of this incredibly scenic area.
Männlichen also offers a superb kids’ playground, a panoramic mountain view restaurant, and of course the thrilling cable car ride to get you there and back.
For an extra-special experience, you can also take the Royal rooftop terrace Ride from Wengen, for only a few extra Swiss francs.
If you plan far enough ahead, you might even get to stay over at 2,343 metres above sea level, too!
🇨🇭 For more information about visiting the Jungfrau Region, read our Interlaken and Jungfrau Region Travel Guide. If you need help choosing the best Swiss rail pass for your visit, read this guide.
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