Kleine Scheidegg

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Kleine Scheidegg

Kleine Scheidegg
Elevation 2061 m.
Location Flag of Switzerland Switzerland
Range Alps
Coordinates 46°35′06″N, 7°57′40″ECoordinates: 46°35′06″N, 7°57′40″E
Traversed by Trail

The Kleine Scheidegg (el. 2061 m.) is a high mountain pass below and between the Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. It connects Grindelwald with Lauterbrunnen. The name means "minor watershed", even though it is actually higher than the neighbouring Grosse Scheidegg. Possibly this is because Kleine Scheidegg is a watershed between the two arms of the Lütschinen river, while Grosse Scheidegg divides the Lütschinen valleys from the Reichenbach.

On the Kleine Scheidegg are hotels, as well as the station of the two rack railways, the Wengernalpbahn (since 1893) and the Jungfraubahn (since 1896). The Wengernalpbahn has two branches; one begins at Grindelwald; the other commences at Lauterbrunnen and climbs to the pass via Wengen. The Jungfraubahn travels within the Eiger and Mönch and up to a terminal at the Jungfraujoch.

In winter, the Kleine Scheidegg is the centre of the ski area around Grindelwald and Wengen. In summer it is a popular hiking destination, and is one of the passes crossed by the Alpine Pass Route.

The Jungfrau Marathon, a mountain race that takes place every year in early September, ends in Kleine Scheidegg.

[edit] Trivia

Kleine Scheidegg features as the location of the "Eiger Nordwand" track in the Playstation 3 driving game, Gran Turismo HD.

[edit] Surroundings

Kleine Scheidegg is surrounded by mountains. The Wetterhorn, Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Gspaltenhorn peaks are easily visible, as shown in this panorama:

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