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.
Lauterbrunnen sits in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring glacial valleys, surrounded by 72 cascading waterfalls. You’ll stay near the base of Staubbach Falls, Switzerland’s tallest, plunging over 1,000 feet. In the afternoon, venture into Trümmelbach Falls, where raging glacial torrents have carved a series of dramatic caves and underground waterfalls—an unforgettable natural spectacle. Overnight in Lauterbrunnen.
Distance: 2 - 4 miles | level walk (may vary)yes
Today, take a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and begin your hike along the Mountain View Trail, winding up to Allmendhubel, perched high with sweeping views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Take a break for lunch and explore the colorful circular flower walk before continuing along the Northface Trail down to the car-free village of Mürren. From Mürren, catch the train back to Grütschalp and descend by cable car to Lauterbrunnen, soaking in the spectacular alpine scenery along the way. Overnight in Lauterbrunnen (B)
Distance: 7 miles | Ascent: 1825 feet | Descent: 1350 feet (may vary)
From Lauterbrunnen, head to Stechelberg and follow a mountain trail to the secluded Berghotel Obersteinberg, where stunning views of Schmadri Falls and the upper Lauterbrunnen Valley greet you at every turn. In the afternoon, consider an optional hike to the upper glacial bowl of Oberhornsee, where sweeping vistas of the Jungfrau region reward your effort before returning to Obersteinberg. Overnight at the Berghotel Obersteinberg. (BD)
Distance: 3.5 - 8 miles | Ascent: 2850 - 3792 feet | Descent: 942 feet -if you do an optional Oberhornsee hike (may vary)
This morning, hike down from Obersteinberg to Stechelberg before continuing toward Grindelwald. Pause briefly in the car-free village of Wengen, then take a cable car up to Männlichen. From there, traverse the breathtaking Panorama Ridge Trail—also known as the Royal Walk—leading to Kleine Scheidegg, where sweeping vistas of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau dominate the horizon. From Kleine Scheidegg, board the train to Grindelwald, carrying memories of this stunning alpine journey. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)
Distance: about 7 miles | Ascent: 50 feet | Descent: 3700 feet (may vary)
Ride the Eiger Express V-Bahn cable car up to Eigergletscher, then embark on an exhilarating cogwheel train journey through a tunnel inside the Eiger, ascending to the Jungfraujoch—the highest railway station in Europe. Take in sweeping views of the Alps’ longest glacier before choosing your adventure: a scenic Eiger Walk down to Kleine Scheidegg or a longer, dramatic hike along the Eiger Trail at the foot of the legendary Eiger Mountain. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)
Distance: 4-6 miles | Ascent: 75-775 feet | Descent: 2400-3000 feet (may vary)
Take the cable car up to “First” and hike to the sparkling Bachalpsee, framed by the snowcapped peaks and glaciers of the Jungfrau region. Continue along the breathtaking Faulhorn Panorama Trail, with views stretching into Germany, and climb to Faulhorn for lunch at Switzerland’s oldest mountain hotel. Afterward, return to the First cable car station and descend to Grindelwald—choose a thrilling ride by zipline, mountain cart, or trottibike, or take the cable car for a more relaxed finish. Overnight in Grindelwald. (B)
Distance: 3.7-7.4 miles | Ascent: 500-2900 feet | Descent: 500-1760 feet (may vary)
Crossing the Grosse Scheidegg has been celebrated as a highlight of any Swiss journey since the 18th century. Traverse this stunning pass, where awe-inspiring views of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and other towering Bernese Alps peaks unfold before you. From Grosse Scheidegg, descend into the enchanting Rosenlauital Valley, winding along the Romanticweg through lush forests and beside rushing streams, before reaching the picturesque town of Meiringen—a perfect reward after a day of high-alpine adventure. Overnight in Meiringen. (B)
Distance: 7-8.3 miles | Ascent: 0-233 feet | Descent: 2664-3030 feet (may vary)
After breakfast, you can depart for onward destinations. We can give you more options if you choose to extend your trip. 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 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.
