North Face Trail Mürren: A Local's Complete Guide

I've walked the North Face Trail more times than I can count. And every single time — every single time — I watch people come around a corner, see the Eiger North Face right across the valley, and just stop.

Nobody keeps walking in that moment. Everyone stops.

That's what the North Face Trail does. It isn't the hardest walk in the Jungfrau Region, or the longest. But it might be the most spectacular. It also starts right on my doorstep in Mürren, which is why it's become my signature guided hike.

Here's everything you need to know.

What is the North Face Trail?

The North Face Trail (Nordwandweg) is a themed mountain walk above Mürren. It links Allmendhubel, Blumental, Schiltalp and Spielboden, and along the way information boards tell the stories of the climbers who took on the great north faces across the valley — the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

You walk through flower meadows, past waterfalls and working alpine farms where you can buy fresh cheese, and along the cliff edge with the Lauterbrunnen Valley hundreds of metres below. It works as a relaxed half-day, or you can stretch it into a full day.

How hard is it?

Beginner friendly. The classic route is mostly downhill on good mountain paths, with a few short uphill sections. If you can walk for a few hours, you can do this trail.

• Distance: about 6 km for the classic route from Allmendhubel back to Mürren
• Climb: about 140 m up and 470 m down
• Time: around 2.5–3 hours, plus photo stops (there will be lots)
• Swiss hiking grade: T2 — a marked mountain path

It's great for families, couples, first-time hikers and anyone who wants the big views without a big climb. Kids who are happy walking a few hours love it — there are cows, cheese huts and waterfalls to keep them going.

A few things to know: wear proper walking shoes or boots (I've seen people try it in flip-flops — they always regret it), and some sections have open views down into the valley, so if you're very nervous about heights, message me and I'll tell you honestly whether it suits you. It isn't suitable for pushchairs.

The route

The classic way: Allmendhubel to Mürren

This is the direction most people choose, because the climbing is done for you and the views open up as you go.

1. Ride the Allmendhubel funicular up from Mürren (or walk up — about 45 minutes).
2. Follow the Northface signs through Blumental, Schiltalp and Spielboden. Stop at the information boards — the climbing stories are fascinating.
3. Wander back down to Mürren. Grab a coffee at a mountain restaurant on the way if it's open.

Add the Sprutz waterfall

This is my favourite extra, and it's part of my guided hike. A short detour drops through the forest to the Sprutz waterfall — and then the path goes right behind it. It's loud, wet and completely unforgettable. It adds about 30–45 minutes, and the ground can be slippery, so good shoes matter here.

More ways to extend it

• Continue down to Gimmelwald (30–45 minutes) for one of the quietest, most authentic villages in the region, then take the cable car back up to Mürren.
• Start higher at Birg, one cable car below the Schilthorn, and walk down to join the trail. Longer, more views, bigger day.
• Feeling fit? The trail passes below Bryndli, Mürren's local peak — a steeper climb with a 360° view at the top.

When to go

Best months: June to September.

• June is magical — the meadows are full of wildflowers and it's quieter than mid-summer.
• July and August are busier, but the weather is the most reliable.
• September is my personal favourite: cooler air, golden light, fewer people.

Best time of day: morning. The peaks are usually clearest early, and clouds often build in the afternoon. I like to start around 9–10am.

In spring and autumn the Allmendhubel funicular closes for a few weeks for maintenance, and there can still be snow on the trail in early summer, so check before you go.

What to bring

• Walking shoes or boots with good grip
• Layers — it's warm in the sun and cool in the shade
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Plenty of water and some snacks (huts aren't always open)
• A little cash for cheese and drinks at the farm huts
• Your camera — it'll be out the whole time

Want lunch with a view? Take a Fondue Picnic Backpack and have a Swiss fondue in the meadows.

Getting there

Start in Mürren — here's my step-by-step guide on How to Get to Mürren. From the village, walk to the Allmendhubel funicular (about 5–10 minutes) and ride up. The funicular isn't included in every pass, so check your ticket.

If you're driving, park in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg — you can't drive to Mürren.

Hike it with a guide

The North Face Trail is beautiful on your own. But with someone who's walked it hundreds of times — who knows which bench has the best view, which hut makes the best coffee, the story behind every peak, and how to fit in the Sprutz waterfall — it becomes something else entirely.

Join me on a guided North Face Trail hike. You can join a small group or book a private hike just for your family or friends.

Frequently asked questions

Is the North Face Trail a loop?
It depends where you start. Most people ride the funicular to Allmendhubel and walk back down to Mürren. If you walk up from Mürren instead, it becomes a loop.

Can I do it without the funicular?
Yes. Walk up from Mürren to Allmendhubel — it adds about 45 minutes and some climbing.

Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, for kids who are happy walking a few hours. There's plenty to keep them interested: cows, cheese huts, waterfalls and the funicular ride.

Is there food on the trail?
There are mountain restaurants and farm huts along the way in summer, but opening times vary, so bring your own snacks and water.

Can I take a pushchair?
No — the paths are uneven and not suitable for wheels. The Allmendhubel Flower Trail is a better option with little ones.

Will I see the Eiger?
On a clear day, yes — right in front of you, almost the whole way. It's jaw-dropping.

Want more ideas? Grab my free guide to the 6 best hikes around Mürren, or send me a message and I'll help you plan your perfect mountain day.

See you on the trail,
Laura