Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps lies a breathtaking journey known as the Männlichen Royal Walk. This extraordinary path, situated atop Männlichen, offers one of the most panoramic views over 20 mountains, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. After a mere 30 minutes of easy hiking, you’ll be rewarded with a grand sight of the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch – the largest glaciated region in Eurasia.
Embarking on the Adventure
Travelling to this extraordinary place is an adventure in itself, passing through Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine roads and valleys. Once you reach the top of Männlichen, the trail, named the “Royal Walk,” leads to a larger-than-life “crown,” a.k.a. a panoramic platform that has been treating visitors to mind-blowing views over the Alps since 2015. The easy, relaxing walk up to the peak is like a cherry on top.
The Royal Walk Experience
The Männlichen Royal Walk is a short but sweet journey, spanning only about 1 kilometre. It’s an easy hike that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, making it accessible for most fitness levels and families with kids. As you ascend to the crown, sitting at a lofty height of 2,343 meters above sea level, you’ll encounter seven information points. These points, including The King’s Gate and The Royal Court, tell fascinating facts about the Alps in the Jungfrau Region, Glaciers, and the knots used in Alpine climbing.
A Path Less Traveled
Surprisingly, this gorgeous place had very few visitors. In fact, this stunning path was as deserted as a Monday morning office! :) The view at the crown is nothing short of majestic, offering 360° panoramas and spectacular scenery of over 20 mountains. It’s a moment where you need to pause, breathe, and take it all in.
Planning Your Visit
To reach the Männlichen Royal Walk, you have a couple of options:
- If you’re coming from Grindelwald, you can take the aerial gondola directly to Männlichen. Alternatively, from Lauterbrunnen or Wengen, you can enjoy a scenic ride via the aerial cableway. The journey from Zurich to Männlichen by public transportation takes approximately 3 hours. The tickets, timetables, prices and special offers you can find on the official website.
- Travelling by car would take around 2h30min. You can check the Google map below.
Good to Know
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to check the weather conditions. The best views are under clear skies, but a bit of high cloud can add to the dramatic alpine atmosphere.
Avalanche Defenses
In the mountains, avalanches are the dragons of nature. Since 1970, the authorities of Wengen have been implementing projects of avalanche barriers, including snow bridges and nets, tree-leg mountings, and an avalanche protection forest. These structures are vital in protecting against the natural hazards of the region.
The Männlichen Royal Walk is a fantastic trip and a remarkable discovery, offering so much more than just a hike. The walk, the views, and the energy are incredible.
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And if your wanderlust isn’t satisfied yet, why stop here? Continue your regal journey through our trove of travel tales. Fancy a weekend of luxury in Arosa? Check out our royal review of the Tschuggen Grand Hotel. Or perhaps you’re itching for a closer look at the mighty Matterhorn? Zermatt and Gornergrat await your noble presence. And for those who prefer their adventures a bit more…gorge-ous, dive into our guide to the stunning Aare Gorge. Your next adventure is just a click away!