What a perfectly marvelous trip: A great workout every day, the luxury of no responsibilities, good company, and amazing landscapes - C.H. - Washington
This tour is classified as a Moderate hiking tour. Daily hikes typically cover 4–6 miles (6–10 km) with moderate elevation changes. Participants should be comfortable walking 4–5 hours at a gentle pace, including breaks, on well-maintained trails.
Each day offers one primary hiking route, though longer or shorter alternatives may be available. In addition, many hikes are optional, allowing you to skip a hike if you prefer. Note that these are day hikes from the village of Grindelwald and Zermatt, so you only need to carry a backpack with essentials (water, rain gear, snacks) that you need for each day's hike.
We keep our group sizes small and personal, with a maximum of 12-13 participants. This allows for a more relaxed pace, individualized attention, and smoother logistics. Please note that a minimum of 6 guests is required for the tour to be confirmed.
The tour begins in Grindelwald and ends in Zermatt. We include a 1-day rail pass to get you to Grindelwald and another 1-day rail pass from Zermatt to your departure airport (GVA or ZHR). We’ll provide detailed instructions and recommendations on train schedules. You do not need to book seats on the train as Switzerland does not require reservations. Your 1-day rail passes are good only on the dates of travel, but can be used anywhere within Switzerland all day long.
In addition, you will have a Swiss Half-fare Card that will provide discounts on additional train tickets, buses, and mountain excursions that you can use for any pre- or post-tour days you may have in Switzerland.
We can accommodate guests with allergies and special dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and lactose-free options. Vegan choices are limited but often available.
No technical hiking experience is necessary, but it is beneficial. Keep in mind that this is a hiking tour, so you can expect to be out on the trail every day during the tour. The terrain is gentle to moderate, and our expert guides tailor the pace to the group’s ability. If you’re in good health and enjoy walking, you’ll do great.
Yes—bedding in Switzerland is a bit different than what you might be used to in the US. In most hotels, a standard double room includes two European single beds (each 90cm x 200cm) placed side by side to form a large bed—roughly the size of an American king. Some of these beds can be pulled apart, but not all of them. Most beds are topped with their own fluffy eiderdown comforter inside a duvet cover. It’s warm, cozy, and typical across the country. Keep in mind that if you run warm at night, you can always open a window.
Please note:
Most hotels don’t have air conditioning, though windows can usually be opened for ventilation.
Bathrooms usually offer deep tubs equipped with hand-held showers rather than walk-in showers.
We rate this trip as moderate. Our guides typically offer one hiking option per day, usually around 6 miles. Because this tour features day hikes, you can choose to skip a hike if you’d like a rest day. Please note that the itinerary’s listed distances and elevation gains may vary depending on the guide and the group’s preferences. You should be comfortable walking 4 to 6 hours per day on well-maintained, graded trails at elevations up to 8,000 feet. One day, a mountain railway will carry you to the Jungfraujoch at 11,400 feet.
The Best of the Swiss Alps is offered as a small group guided tour, allowing guests to enjoy a more personal and engaging travel experience. Smaller groups provide greater flexibility on the trail, more interaction with your expert guide, and the opportunity to build lasting friendships with fellow travelers who share a love of hiking and the outdoors.
Both the guided and self-guided versions of the Best of the Swiss Alps showcase the incredible beauty of Switzerland, but they offer different travel experiences. On the guided tour, you'll hike alongside an experienced Alpenwild guide who shares local history, culture, and insights throughout the journey. Your guide handles the logistics, helps navigate the trails, and introduces you to the region in a way that's difficult to experience on your own. You'll also enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with a small group of like-minded hikers, making the journey as memorable as the destinations themselves.
The self-guided tour offers more flexibility and independence while still providing Alpenwild's carefully planned itinerary, accommodations, route notes, and luggage transfers. It's a great option for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace.
You don't need to be an expert hiker, but you should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable hiking for several hours a day on mountain trails with moderate to strenuous elevation changes. Many guests prepare by hiking regularly before their trip so they can fully enjoy the experience. If you enjoy active travel and are ready for rewarding days in the mountains, this tour is an excellent fit.
One of the advantages of traveling in Switzerland is its outstanding transportation network. On many days, guests have the option to shorten or skip portions of a hike by using mountain railways, gondolas, cable cars, or trains, depending on the day's itinerary. If you prefer a more relaxed day, your Alpenwild guide can often suggest alternative sightseeing opportunities or help coordinate the best options available.
Yes. The excursion to the Jungfraujoch—Top of Europe is included as part of the Best of the Swiss Alps tour.
We rate this trip as moderate. Our guides typically offer one hiking option per day, usually around 6 miles. Because this tour features day hikes, you can choose to skip a hike if you’d like a rest day. Please note that the itinerary’s listed distances and elevation gains may vary depending on the guide and the group’s preferences. You should be comfortable walking 4 to 6 hours per day on well-maintained, graded trails at elevations up to 8,000 feet. One day, a mountain railway will carry you to the Jungfraujoch at 11,400 feet.
