The Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB
A Majestic Test of Human Endurance at the foot of the Eiger North Face.
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Grindelwald: A Starting Point Like No Other
Nestled deep in the heart of Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, beneath the shadow of the fabled Eiger North Face, lies the glacier village of Grindelwald. Each summer, this land of alpine legends, natural wonders and raw physical endurance plays host to one of the world’s most demanding and awe-inspiring trail running events: the Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB. Since its inception in 2013, the event has achieved iconic status within the global trail running community, offering participants the opportunity to challenge themselves against terrain that has tested mountaineers for generations.
Grindelwald, sitting at an elevation of 1,034 metres above sea level, is not just a race village; it is a sacred base camp for alpine dreams. With panoramic views of the 3,970-metre peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the area is a year-round destination for adventure seekers. In summer, over 300 kilometres of trails wind through this majestic valley, offering elevation gains of up to 3,000 metres and providing an almost endless playground for trail runners.
Set against this backdrop, the Eiger Ultra Trail (EUT) transcends the mere confines of a competition, becoming a rite of passage and a personal pilgrimage through one of Earth’s most scenic and storied landscapes.
The Legacy of the Eiger
To grasp the spirit of the Eiger Ultra Trail, it is essential to understand the legend of the Eiger itself. Its North Face, known as the ‘Mordwand’ or ‘murder wall’, has lured and defied climbers for over a century. It was first summited in 1938 by a four-man team led by Anderl Heckmair, whose famous words, “What counts is the experience”, still resonate throughout the event.
As a tribute to the mountain’s legacy, every Eiger Ultra Trail finisher receives a stone medal crafted from authentic Eiger limestone, hand-selected and prepared by local mountain guides. These symbolic trophies represent not only a finisher’s physical achievement, but also their emotional and spiritual connection to the mountain.
UTMB World Series: A Global Stage for Elite and Amateur Runners
The Eiger Ultra Trail is part of the prestigious UTMB World Series, a network of elite trail running events held in extraordinary locations around the world. It is a stepping stone for those aspiring to compete in the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc, often referred to as the Olympics of trail running. With over 50 races worldwide, the UTMB Series brings together a global community of runners united by a passion for high-altitude endurance.
The Eiger Ultra Trail stands out within this circuit thanks to its stunning UNESCO World Heritage routes, extreme vertical challenges and deep cultural significance.
The Races
E250: The Ultimate Alpine Expedition
Introduced in 2022, the E250 is not just a race — it’s an odyssey. Designed for teams of two or three for safety, the course encircles the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region, home to the largest glaciated area in the Alps.
Runners tackle a punishing 250 km route with a staggering 18,000 meters of elevation gain. The trail meanders through high passes such as Sefinafurgga, Hohtürli, Lötschepass, and across Aletschgletscher and Fieschergletscher. It ventures through secluded valleys like Goms and Haslital, culminating at Grimselpass and Rosenlaui. Competitors must navigate with partial autonomy, carrying mandatory equipment and managing their own food and safety between aid stations known as Life Bases.
The E250 is more than a race — it is a brutal, beautiful journey across one of the most pristine and challenging landscapes on the planet.
E101: The Crown Jewel
The E101 is the flagship race of the Eiger Ultra Trail. It is both a grueling challenge and a visual feast. Covering 101 km and climbing over 6,700 meters, the course includes:
- Grosse Scheidegg
- First
- Bachalpsee
- Faulhorn (2,680 m)
- Schynige Platte
- Wengen
- Männlichen
- The base of the Eiger North Face
This route is not just physically demanding — it’s emotionally overwhelming. The E101 takes runners through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery imaginable, where every summit rewards with sweeping vistas, and every descent is earned through toil.
As with all major distances in the Eiger Ultra Trail, runners must be partially self-supported, carrying their own nutrition and emergency gear.
E51: The Panorama Trail
Don’t let the “Panorama” name fool you — the E51 is a beast in its own right. The race begins with a daunting climb to Grosse Scheidegg, then traverses a cinematic route past First, Bachalpsee, and Faulhorn. The reward? A 360° view at 2,680 meters, encompassing a mountain horizon that stuns even veteran trail runners.
Available in solo or couples format, the E51 emphasizes shared endurance and mutual support — a unique way to experience pain and triumph as a team.
E35: North Face Trail
The E35 is a rugged yet rewarding journey that brings runners face to face with the Eiger North Face. The course ascends through Wengen, climbs steeply via the Gemsenweg (Chamois Way) to Männlichen, and traverses beneath the Eiger before descending along the famed Eiger Trail to Grindelwald.
This route offers an intimate, humbling encounter with the mountain’s sheer vertical might — a fitting choice for those seeking a shorter but emotionally powerful race.
E16: Pleasure Trail
Ideal for beginners and short-distance enthusiasts, the E16 is an accessible but still adventurous route. Starting towards the Wetterhorn, runners reach Wittegg (1,600 m) early on, then enjoy a varied descent through forests, meadows, and alpine paths.
Although shorter, the E16 is a microcosm of what the Eiger Ultra Trail stands for — beauty, community, and a deep respect for the natural environment.
“What counts is the experience.”
At its core, the Eiger Ultra Trail is about connection — to the mountains, to the community, and to oneself. Whether it’s climbing past ancient glaciers, feeling the wind beneath the Eiger, or simply finishing and holding a piece of limestone in your hand, each runner leaves Grindelwald changed.
Trail running here is not just a physical endeavor. It is a spiritual one. It honors history, celebrates personal grit, and fosters a global community brought together under the towering gaze of the Eiger.
To run the Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB is to join a living legacy of explorers, mountaineers, and endurance athletes — each leaving their mark, each adding their story to the glacier village of Grindelwald.
“What counts is the experience.” — Anderl Heckmair, 1938 Eiger North Face Pioneer And in Grindelwald, at the foot of the Eiger, the experience is everything.
Courses:
E250 – Distance: 250 km Elevation: +/- 18 000 m
E101 – Distance: 101 km Elevation: +/- 6700 m
E51 – Distance: 51 km Elevation: +/- 3100 m
E35 – Distance: 35 km Elevation: + /- 2500 m
E16 – Distance: 16 km Elevation: + /- 960 m
Event website: eiger.utmb.world
Photography: Organizer gallery