Best of the Swiss Alps

Best day hikes and mountain excursions in Zermatt and the Jungfrau Region

Kleine Scheidegg pass, in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland. Photo by Tom Dempsey

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.

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The itinerary was awesome. One of our family members described it to his friends as "epic." - G.C. - Utah

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Switzerland’s Top Hikes in Zermatt and the Jungfrau

Jungfrau Region and the Eiger - Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Plan now for your coming summer vacation! Explore the two most picturesque corners of the Alps— The Jungfrau and Zermatt. Hiking in the Jungfrau and Zermatt gives you the best the Alps have to offer. Zermatt lies at the base of the Matterhorn, the most recognizable peak in the world, while the Jungfrau region is dominated by the North Face of the Eiger, one of the most spectacular and formidable mountain landscapes on earth. The ideal spots for the perfect hiking tour in the Swiss Alps.

Breathtaking Day Hikes and Mountain Excursions

Cable ascents and cogwheel railroads will take you from the valley floor in Zermatt, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen to breathtaking alpine settings. Invigorating day hikes and excursions lead you past glistening lakes and underground waterfalls.

Traditional Alpine Charm with Superb Cuisine

We’ve thought of every detail to make this a perfect trip. You’ll stay in charming local inns, dine on scrumptious meals, and enjoy the services of an expert hiking guide throughout this tour.

Is This Trip for You?

If you've always dreamed of enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Swiss Alps, on adaptable day hikes and mountain excursions (using trams and cogwheel railways for the steepest ascents), and then returning each night to a charming chalet style hotel with eiderdown comforters and jaw-dropping mountain views from your balcony, then Best of the Swiss Alps is just for you.

How difficult is 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.
What is the group size of the Best of the Swiss Alps tour? 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.
How does this compare to Alpenwild's self-guided Best of the Swiss Alps tour? 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.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker for this tour? 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.
What if I don't want to hike every day? 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.
Is the Jungfraujoch excursion included in the price of the tour? Yes. The excursion to the Jungfraujoch—Top of Europe is included as part of the Best of the Swiss Alps tour.

Trip Videos

Overview Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Zürich - Train to Grindelwald

Day 2 – Grindelwald, with a visit to Lauterbrunnen and Mürren

Day 3 – Grindelwald - Alpine Farm Cheesemaking - Hike from Bussalp to Bachalpsee

Day 4 – Grindelwald - Jungfraujoch excursion

Day 5 – Grindelwald to Zermatt

Day 6 – Zermatt - Gornergrat

Day 7 – Zermatt – Sunnegga and the Matterhorn

Day 8 – Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Trail

Day 9 – Onward Departure

View Detailed Itinerary

Tour Price

$7,295 USD per person double occupancy

$1,295 single supplement

Reserve your place on this tour with a $500 per person deposit

Trip Dates

03 July 2027 - 11 July 2027

27 July 2027 - 04 August 2027

12 August 2027 - 20 August 2027

23 August 2027 - 31 August 2027

Or, book a private departure

Trip Highlights

Ascend snowy Jungfrau by cog railway to Europe’s highest railway station overlooking the Alps’ longest glacier
Hike lush Lauterbrunnen Valley where 72 waterfalls plunge over high cliffs
Explore mountain trails around Zermatt with stunning views of the Matterhorn