The lodging you booked us into was fantastic. Every place was unique and charming. The people were all wonderful and the rooms always seemed to have such gorgeous views. - B.H., Hawaii
This self-guided tour is a version of our classic Best of the Swiss Alps guided itinerary, designed for you to experience independently. You’ll spend your time exploring two of our favorite Swiss destinations: Jungfrau and Zermatt. Both regions offer incredible hikes with stunning Alpine scenery. Since the hikes start from the villages of Grindelwald and Zermatt, you only need to carry a small backpack with essentials such as water, rain gear, and snacks for each day. All hikes are flexible, allowing you to choose how much or how little you want to walk.
The tour is split between staying in Grindelwald and Zermatt. Grindelwald, situated in the Jungfrau region, lies at the base of the famous mountain trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in the Bernese Alps. In Zermatt, you can admire some of the most iconic 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps, including the legendary Matterhorn, all set against the stunning alpine scenery of the Pennine Alps.
Yes, it is possible to start on any date, subject to accommodation availability. Please note that mid-July is a busy time in Grindelwald due to the Ultra Eiger running race. We simply ask that you avoid selecting the same dates as one of our guided tours, to prevent overlapping hotel bookings. This tour is offered between May and October. Outside of this period, activities are mostly limited to winter sports, as summer hiking and mountain excursions are generally unavailable.
The Jungfrau (pronounced Yoong-frow) refers both to a striking mountain and the surrounding region at the heart of the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland. The Jungfrau forms a famous trio with the Eiger and Mönch mountains, which dominate the center of the region. While the Jungfrau is part of the canton of Bern, the area is about 1.5 hours from the city of Bern.
Most travelers will arrive in Zurich and take the train to Interlaken, the gateway to the Jungfrau region, where they transfer to a train serving the surrounding mountains. Along the way, the train splits: one half continues to Lauterbrunnen, located on one side of the mountain trio, while the other heads to Grindelwald on the opposite side. This tour is based in Grindelwald, but you will still take day trips to visit the other charming towns in this region, such as Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Wengen.
We love to stay in smaller, family-owned hotels that provide warm, personal hospitality and showcase the charming character of Switzerland. These are typically 3- and 4-star properties, often the same ones we use on our guided tours, and include a hearty breakfast. Our tour package features superior private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and there’s always the option to upgrade your room or hotel for an even more luxurious stay.
Yes, both the Jungfrau region and Zermatt are excellent destinations for families! Many of the hikes can be tailored to suit your pace, so you can choose how much or how little to walk each day. This tour offers a great balance of easy and more challenging hikes, along with fun activities, ensuring there’s something enjoyable for every family member.
No, it is not necessary to hike. You can visit both Grindelwald and Zermatt and focus solely on sightseeing. While Switzerland is famous for its incredible hiking trails, there are also plenty of easy, shorter options if you’d like to enjoy a bit of hiking without committing to a full day on the trails.
We provide an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass, which covers your transportation during the tour. If you plan to extend your stay in Switzerland, the pass can be upgraded to 15 days. The Swiss Travel Pass includes all regular trains, local buses, and offers discounts on most mountain excursions. In addition, most museums are free or discounted with this rail pass. This is a 2nd-class pass, but first-class upgrades are available upon request. This pass is only valid in Switzerland.
To get started, please contact us so we can prepare an official proposed itinerary that includes your dates, special requests, and pricing. Once you’re happy with the itinerary, a deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your booking, which can be paid through our website. At that time, we will secure the hotel reservations. If any hotel is fully booked, we will contact you to discuss alternative options. The final payment is due 120 days before your tour begins. About 30–45 days before your tour, your tour documents will be made available on the Vamoos app, and we will provide you with access.
We rate this trip as moderate but also adaptable to those who want easier or longer hikes on some days. Please note that the stats listed on the itinerary can vary, depending on the guide and desires of our hikers. You should be capable of walking 4 to 6 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.
