It has been a lifelong dream of mine to hike in the Alps, ever since I read Heidi as a girl. Thank you for helping make that dream come true so spectacularly. Your knowledge and attention were greatly appreciated . - C.C., California
Upon arrival, take a train to Lauterbrunnen, set in one of the world’s most spectacular glacial valleys, surrounded by 72 cascading waterfalls. We’ll stay near the base of Staubbach Falls, Switzerland’s tallest, plunging over 1,000 feet. The group will meet in the hotel lobby at 2:00 pm for a visit to Trümmelbach Falls, where powerful glacial waters have carved a series of caves and underground waterfalls. The afternoon concludes with a group orientation and a welcome dinner. Overnight in Lauterbrunnen. (D)
Distance: 2 - 4 miles | level walk (may vary)
Today, we take a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, where our hike begins along the Mountain View Trail up to Allmendhubel, perched on a high mountain shelf overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. We’ll pause for lunch and enjoy some time on the circular flower walk before continuing along the Northface Trail down to the car-free village of Mürren. From Mürren, we will take the train back to Grütschalp and descend by cable car to Lauterbrunnen. Overnight in Lauterbrunnen. (BSD)
Distance: 7 miles | Ascent: 1825 feet | Descent: 1350 feet (may vary)
From Lauterbrunnen, we travel to Stechelberg and follow a mountain trail to the remote Berghotel Obersteinberg, offering postcard-perfect views of Schmadri Falls and the head of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. In the afternoon, there’s the option to continue hiking to the upper glacial basin of Oberhornsee, where more breathtaking vistas of the Jungfrau region await, before returning to Obersteinberg. Overnight at the Berghotel Obersteinberg. (BSD) NOTE: Obersteinberg does not have electricity, WiFi, or showers. You will get a private room, but there are shared bathrooms on the floor.
Distance: 3.5 - 8 miles | Ascent: 2850 - 3792 feet | Descent: 942 feet - if you do the optional Oberhornsee hike (may vary)
This morning, we’ll hike down from Obersteinberg to Stechelberg as we continue our journey toward Grindelwald. We’ll make a brief stop in the car-free village of Wengen before taking the cable car up to Männlichen. From there, a magnificent hike along the Panorama Ridge Trail—also known as the Royal Walk—leads to Kleine Scheidegg, offering sweeping views of the entire Jungfrau region, including the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Kleine Scheidegg, we take the train onward to Grindelwald. Overnight in Grindelwald. (BSD)
Distance: about 7 miles | Ascent: 50 feet | Descent: 3700 feet (may vary)
This morning, we’ll experience firsthand the art of Alpine cheesemaking and the time-honored traditions of life as a mountain farmer. At Senntum Michel Farm, set high in the meadows above Grindelwald, we can gaze at the towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau while watching cheese being crafted in a cauldron over an open fire.
After breakfast, we’ll hike from Bussalp to Bachalpsee Lake, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains to the south. The day concludes at the top of “First,” where we can return to Grindelwald by cable car. Overnight in Grindelwald. (BSD)
Distance: 5.5 miles | Ascent: About 2300 feet | Descent: about 850 feet (may vary )
We will ride the Eiger Express V-Bahn cable car up to Eigergletscher. From there, a dramatic cogwheel train climbs through a tunnel in the Eiger, reaching the Jungfraujoch—the highest railway station in Europe—overlooking the longest glacier in the Alps. For those seeking more adventure, hiking options from Eigergletscher include the Eiger Walk down to Kleine Scheidegg or a longer Eiger Trail hike, bringing you face-to-face with the legendary Nordwand, the iconic North Face of the Eiger. Overnight in Grindelwald. (BS) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own in Grindelwald tonight.
Distance: 4-6 miles | Ascent: 75-775 feet | Descent: 2400-3000 feet (may vary)
Since the 18th century, crossing the Grosse Scheidegg has been regarded as a highlight of any journey through Switzerland. In 1779, Goethe traveled from Grindelwald over this stunning pass, writing, “No thoughts, no description or memory can equal the beauty and magnitude of this site.” We will follow in his footsteps to the Grosse Scheidegg before descending through the picturesque Rosenlauital along the Romanticweg, arriving in the charming town of Meiringen. Overnight in Meiringen. (BSD)
Distance: 7-8.3 miles | Ascent: 0-233 feet | Descent: 2664-3030 feet (may vary)
As we spend the day in Meiringen, there are a variety of hikes to choose from. Overnight in Meiringen. (BSD)
Stats will vary depending on the hike chosen by the guides
After breakfast, you can depart for onward destinations. 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)
Daily distance measurements may vary depending on the device you use to track them. If a range is provided for the statistics, it is possible to hike closer to the lower end, and we’ll include options in your detailed daily directions. Use the listed figures as estimates and reference points while preparing and training for this tour.
We rate this trip as moderate. Please note that the stats listed on the itinerary can vary depending on the guide and desires of our hikers --- as many of the hikes are easily adaptable. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 5 to 7 hours per day on well-groomed and graded trails at an elevation up to 9,000 feet above sea level. On one day a mountain railway takes you to an elevation of 11,400 feet to the Jungfraujoch.
