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.
Since this is a self-guided tour, you have some flexibility in the difficulty of the hikes. Many of them are adaptable, which means you can hike as much or as little as you would like. Note that the exception on this tour is the hike to Berghotel Obersteinberg, since this location can only be reached on foot and is a more strenuous hike. We can always remove this overnight stay if you would like an easier alternative. You should be in good physical condition and able to walk at least 3-5 hours a day. We usually break up the hikes into sections so you have the ability to choose to hike some or all of our recommended hiking routes.
Our self-guided tours provide the same high level of quality, service, and comfort as our guided trips—the main difference is that you lead the way. We provide detailed daily directions with recommended hiking routes and sightseeing highlights, along with your prepaid accommodations and rail passes. On a self-guided tour, you can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and adventure of travelling on your own without the planning.
We offer a carefully crafted Jungfrau itinerary that we think is excellent! If you’d like to add or remove days, we’re happy to help. We can also upgrade hotels or include extra stops, such as stays in the charming, car-free towns of Mürren or Wengen. We can even recommend other locations to visit outside of the Jungfrau region if you would like to explore more of Switzerland. Essentially, we can adjust or expand our existing itinerary, as we do not offer fully customized tours.
We work with a local company to transfer your suitcases to each hotel in the Jungfrau region, allowing you to start hiking without worrying about your bags. The only exception is the Berghotel Obersteinberg. Because it is a remote mountain hotel accessible only on foot, luggage cannot be delivered there. Please pack whatever you need for your night at Obersteinberg in your backpack; your main suitcase will be transferred to the following hotel and will be waiting for you when you hike down.
Your tour package includes luggage transfer for one suitcase or bag per person, weighing no more than 20 kg (44 lbs). If you plan to bring more than one suitcase per person, please let us know in advance, as additional fees apply.
First, please contact us so we can create an official proposed itinerary including your dates, special requests, and pricing. Once you are satisfied with the itinerary, a deposit of $500 per person is required to book the tour, which can be paid on our website. At that point, we will request the hotel reservations. If any hotel is fully booked, we will reach out to discuss alternative options. The final payment is due 120 days before your tour start date. Your tour documents will be loaded onto the Vamoos app, and we will give you access to them about 30-45 days before your tour.
The Jungfrau (pronounced Yoong–frow) refers both to a specific mountain and to the surrounding region at the heart of the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland. The Jungfrau mountain forms a famous trio with the Eiger and Mönch in the center of the region. The area is also part of the canton of Bern (similar to a U.S. state) but lies about 1.5 hours from the city of Bern. So don’t be mistaken—you don’t need to stay in Bern city to access the Jungfrau Region.
Travelers will need to travel first to Interlaken, the gateway to the Jungfrau, where they transfer to a train serving the Jungfrau region. En route, the train splits: one half continues to Lauterbrunnen, on one side of the mountain trio, while the other half heads to Grindelwald on the opposite side. The Jungfrau Region also includes the charming towns of Mürren, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Stechelberg, and Grindelwald.
Berghotel Obersteinberg is a historic, car-free mountain inn perched above Lauterbrunnen in the Swiss Alps. It’s a short yet demanding route (3.7 miles), featuring a series of steps that lead to the summit where Obersteinberg is situated. Accessible only on foot, it offers a classic alpine experience with a rustic character, candlelit rooms, and breathtaking views of glaciers and waterfalls.
Guests stay in private rooms, while shared bathrooms are available on each floor. With no electricity or Wi-Fi, a night here feels like stepping back in time—offering quiet mountain seclusion and genuine Swiss hospitality. A hearty dinner is included at Obersteinberg, and they can accommodate most dietary restrictions if specified in advance. If you prefer not to include this option, we can easily remove it from your self-guided itinerary.
Yes, the Jungfrau region is a fantastic destination for families! Most hikes are adaptable, allowing you to adjust how much or how little you want to walk. The only exception is Berghotel Obersteinberg, which involves a challenging hike and has a minimum age requirement of 8 years to stay there. The region offers a wonderful mix of easy to more demanding hikes, along with fun activities, ensuring something for every family member to enjoy.
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.
