Testimonials

We booked a self-guided hiking trip in Switzerland with Alpenwild and loved every minute of it. They were very knowledgeable and easy to work with, paying attention to what we wanted to do and what level of hiking we were looking for. Different options were offered for hiking each day, with tips and advice that was always helpful. The hotels they booked for us were family-run and excellent. Everything unfolded smoothly with no surprises - a truly fabulous vacation. - C.R., Vancouver B.C.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Train travel to Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is nestled in one of the world’s most breathtaking glacial valleys, surrounded by 72 cascading waterfalls. You’ll be staying near the base of Staubbach Falls, Switzerland’s highest waterfall, plunging over 1,000 feet. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Trümmelbach Falls, where powerful torrents of water have sculpted a series of caves and underground waterfalls.Overnight in Lauterbrunnen.

Distance: 2 - 4 miles | level walk (may vary)

Day 2 – Mürren Hking: Mountain View and Northface Trails

Today, take a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, where you can start your hike along the Mountain View Trail leading up to Allmendhubel, situated high on a mountain shelf with stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Enjoy a lunch break and explore the circular flower walk before continuing your journey along the Northface Trail down to the car-free village of Mürren. From Mürren, you can catch a train back to Grütschalp and then take the cable car down to Lauterbrunnen. Overnight in Lauterbrunnen  (B)

Distance: 7 miles | Ascent: 1825 feet | Descent: 1350 feet (may vary)

Day 3 – Lauterbrunnen to Berghotel Obersteinberg

From Lauterbrunnen, you’ll head to Stechelberg and embark on a mountain trail leading to the remote Berghotel Obersteinberg, offering postcard-perfect views of Schmadri Falls and the picturesque head of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. In the afternoon, consider taking an extra hike up to the upper glacial bowl of Oberhornsee, where you'll be rewarded with even more stunning vistas of the Jungfrau region before making your way back to Obersteinberg. Overnight at the Berghotel Obersteinberg. (BD)

Distance: 3.5 - 8 miles | Ascent: 2850 - 3792 feet | Descent: 942 feet -if you do an optional Oberhornsee hike (may vary)

Day 4 – Obersteinberg - Männlichen Royal walk - Grindelwald

This morning, you’ll hike back down from Obersteinberg to Stechelberg as you continue your journey to Grindelwald. You can make a quick stop in the car-free village of Wengen before taking the cable car up to Männlichen. The spectacular hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg along the Panorama Ridge Trail (also known as the Royal Walk) offers sweeping views of the entire Jungfrau region, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks. From Kleine Scheidegg, you can catch the train to Grindelwald. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)

Distance: about 7 miles | Ascent: 50 feet | Descent: 3700 feet (may vary)

Day 5 – Jungfraujoch excursion - Eiger Trail

Ride the Eiger Express V-Bahn cable car up to Eigergletscher. From there, a thrilling cogwheel train journey takes you through a tunnel inside the Eiger, ascending to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, where you'll have stunning views of the longest glacier in the Alps. At Eigergletscher, you can also choose from several hiking options, including a scenic walk down to Kleine Scheidegg along the Eiger Walk or a longer hike along the Eiger Trail, at the base of the Eiger Mountain. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)

Distance: 4-6 miles | Ascent: 75-775 feet | Descent: 2400-3000 feet (may vary)

Day 6 – Faulhorn - Bachalpsee - First - Grindelwald

Take the cable car up to "First" and stroll to Bachalpsee, set against the stunning backdrop of the Jungfrau region's snowcapped peaks and glaciers. Continue your journey along the picturesque Faulhorn Panorama Trail, where you'll enjoy views extending into Germany, and climb to Faulhorn for lunch at Switzerland's oldest mountain hotel. Afterward, return to the First cable car station, where you can choose to descend back to Grindelwald by cable car, zipline, mountain cart, or trottibike. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)

Distance: 3.7-7.4 miles | Ascent: 500-2900 feet | Descent: 500-1760 feet (may vary)

Day 7 – Hiking through the Rosenlauital to the picturesque town of Meiringen

Crossing the Grosse Scheidegg has been regarded as a highlight of any journey to Switzerland since the 18th century. Make your way over the Grosse Scheidegg, where you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and other iconic peaks in the Bernese Alps. After enjoying the views at Grosse Scheidegg, you’ll descend into the picturesque Rosenlauital Valley. This part of the trail takes you through enchanting forests and along rushing streams. You’ll follow the Romanticweg, a path that weaves through the valley and showcases the serene beauty of the region and on to the charming town of Meiringen. Overnight in Meiringen. (B)

Distance: 7-8.3 miles | Ascent: 0-233 feet | Descent: 2664-3030 feet (may vary)

Day 8 – Onward Departure

After breakfast, you can depart for onward destinations. We can give you more options if you choose to extend your trip. Note: it is a 2.5-3 hour train ride to Zürich airport and the first train departs Meiringen at 5:41 am, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can recommend hotels in Zürich if needed. (B)

Activity Level

Alpenwild Adventures are designed for people who are energetic, active and filled with a spirit of adventure. We rate this trip as moderate. Please note that the stats listed on the itinerary can vary depending on the desires of our hikers. Many of the hikes are easily adaptable and can be lengthened or shortened. You should be a strong and experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 4 to 7 hours per day on good trails, ascending up to about 3,000 vertical feet per day, at an elevation up to 9,000 feet above sea level.

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