hiking tours swiss alps

• Hybrid Tours
• Self-Guided Tours
• Guided Tours
• Zermatt, Switzerland Hiking Tour
• Muerren, Switzerland Hiking Tour
• Saas Fee, Switzerland Hiking Tour
• Grindelwald, Switzerland Hiking Tour
• Kandersteg, Switzerland Hiking Tour
• Intragna, Switzerland Hiking Tour
• Sils Maria, Switzerland Hiking Tour
• Ginzling, Austria Hiking Tour
• Neustift, Austria Hiking Tour
• Isle of Skye, Scotland Hiking Tour
• Chamonix, France Hiking Tour
• Selva, Italy Dolomites Hiking Tour

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jQuery(window).load(function(){ jQuery("#nivoslider-34").nivoSlider({ effect:"fade", slices:15, boxCols:8, boxRows:4, animSpeed:500, pauseTime:4000, startSlide:0, directionNav:false, controlNav:false, controlNavThumbs:false, pauseOnHover:false, manualAdvance:false }); }); Alpine Adventure LLC

Specializing in Switzerland Hiking Tours since 1977 –  Alpine Adventure LLC is an authority on hiking in the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland. We are a family-owned and operated hiking tour company that leads small groups on guided alpine hikes in Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and Scotland.

Get started by choosing from our 2024 alpine hiking tours.

Our hiking tours.

Whether you’re seeking a challenging adventure vacation or a leisure holiday to soak up the majestic scenery , we have the perfect trip for you.  Since 1977 we have operated amazing hiking trips to some of the most scenic spots in the world.   Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France and Scotland hiking trips are offered for 2024.

A choice of hikes is presented each day – easy, moderate and more strenuous. Thanks to an advanced transportation system of cable cars, cog trains, and lifts, we are able to offer easier or harder options to suit various fitness abilities.  Mountaineering options are also available on all trips.* We also offer private guided tours and self-guided tours for all abilities.

*mountaineering options such as gorge adventures, via ferrata courses, glacier trekking, and summiting several 4000-meter peaks are available.  Most of these activities do not need prior mountaineering training.  We can also help arrange larger climbs including the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.  The larger climbs options require planning prior to the trip. For more information please call us at 478/714-0829.

Featured Tour

Tour 1: isle of skye, scotland, may 22 – june 1, 2024 – 10 nights.

The Isle of Skye is a truly magical place. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, its home to The Cuillin a rugged mountain range with fabulous hiking and climbing…  Read More

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HIKING TOURS IN SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is the crown jewel of the alps and the heart of ryder-walker’s expertise and history. the mountainous country has more than earned its reputation for the highest standards of trekking. with views and vertical relief that rival the himalaya, glaciated peaks that have captured the imaginations of generations of mountaineers, and a trail system that is truly unrivaled in terms of quality and breadth, even the most hiking conscious countries aspire to be like switzerland..

Ryder-Walker offers guided and self-guided treks in three major regions of Switzerland: The Engadine is a peaceful valley that combines world-class accommodation with a sense of peace unique to the Engadine, the Berner Oberland is the premier tourist destination in Switzerland where the country’s most varied hiking is hidden in precipitous valleys, and the Swiss Valais is the mountainous heart of the country where the world-famous giants of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa are found to the east and Mont Blanc rests just over the French border to the west.

In the Engadine region of Switzerland Ryder-Walker offers two unique guided and self-guided tours, the Engadine Summit Series and the Engadine Trek . Both follow the Engadine valley to its junction with the Italy-adjacent Val Bregaglia in the medieval village of Soglio. The Engadine is unique among trekking destinations because of the accessibility and flexibility of the region. Here there is a truly exceptional breadth of options for both experienced and beginner trekkers. An expansive transit network of trains, gondolas, and funiculars allows the tour to be tailored exactly to your group’s abilities. The Engadine remains one of Ryder-Walker’s most classic destinations because of the pure unrivaled quality of the accommodations – a bevy of five-star hotels offer old-world sentimentality with modern comforts and excellent local cuisine. Highlights include the medieval village of Soglio and the lakeside village of Sils Maria which was referred to by Friedrich Nietzsche as the most beautiful and thought-provoking village in Europe. Finally for more relaxed self-guided hikers, we offer the Allegra Engadine Trek which explores the pastoral valleys between Scuol and Pontresina.  

The Berner Oberland is the perfect Switzerland destination for dedicated hikers who are looking for a trek that tests their endurance while rewarding them with some of the most iconic mountain views in the Alps. All of these routes explore the glaciated valleys high above Bern and visit the Lauterbrunnen – the most dramatic alpine valley in the world . For those looking for an ultimate adventure, the guided Eiger Trail offers the most complete exploration of the Oberland. Ryder-Walker’s Eiger Trail hike journeys between Gstaad and Grindelwald. Along the way, we cross over the highest passes in the Alps, through secret valleys, and international destinations such as the cliff-bound villages of Wengen and Mürren and the sleepy hamlet of Kandersteg. For self guided clients we offer a variety of shorter excursions into the Berner Oberland including: the Berner Oberland Traverse which tackles some of the highest mountain passes in the Alps, the slightly shorter Berner Oberland Trek , the Jungfrau Loop which is an easier-going circuit of the Lauterbrunnen valley, and our Pastoral Berner Oberland which avoids the more strenuous sections of the other hikes.

The Swiss Valais region of Switzerland has a lot to brag about, the slopes of the region’s highest peaks, such as the Mont Blanc (FR), Monte Rosa, and Matterhorn cascade down into lush valleys, where cows graze and the swiss cheese industry is practiced as it was hundreds of years ago. For guided clients we offer a suite of truly classic hiking tours: the Tour du Mont Blanc – perhaps the most recognized hike in the world, the Hiker’s Haute Route – a historic route which connects the Mont Blanc and Matterhorn, the Matterhorn Trek – a well kept secret that circumnavigates the Matterhorn to Zermatt and could be considered one of the most epic hikes in the world, and our Highlights of Switzerland: Engadine, Lago Maggiore, and Zermatt tour which visits all of our favorite Swiss hikes and villages across three distinct biomes. For those that wish to take a self guided tour of Switzerland’s heart we offer the Hiker’s Haute Route , Tour du Mont Blan c , and Matterhorn Trek as well as a collection of self-guided exclusives: Our Secret Swiss Valley’s Trek which was profiled by National Geographic, the Swiss Haute Route which follows the Swiss half of the Hiker’s Haute Route, and the TMB Vitess e which is a truncated Tour du Mont Blanc for those short on time.  

Outside of these major regions we offer two additional self-guided treks: The Appenzell Hut Hop and the Ticino: Swiss Lakes District . Appenzell is a stunning and remote section of Switzerland that is considered by many to be the most authentic region in the entire country, while the Swiss Lakes District gives the Italian Lakes District a run for its money in terms of natural beauty and elegance.  

GUIDED TRIPS

Self-guided trips.

France & Switzerland | Hiker’s Haute Route

The world famous Haute Route crosses the highest mountain range in Western Europe, the Pennine Alps, and links the Mont Blanc region in France with the rugged canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. Starting in the bustling alpine center of Chamonix, France, beneath the mighty massif of Europe’s highest summit, Mont Blanc (15,781 feet), the trail crosses eastward into Switzerland...

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France, Italy, & Switzerland | Tour Du Mont Blanc

Outside Magazine named Ryder-Walker's Tour du Mont Blanc trek one of the 25 Best Hikes in the World. Hike across the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland during our ten-day Tour du Mont Blanc. Taking advantage of some little-known variations to the standard route, we lead you from the mountain-chic cafés of Chamonix, to remote mountain hamlets en route to...

Italy & Switzerland | Matterhorn Trek

The highest mountains in Western Europe, the Pennine Alps, offer hikers an opportunity to explore a spectacular alpine world. This hike begins in Italy beneath the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the world. The tour also partially circumnavigates the Monte Rosa, the highest mountain in Switzerland and the second highest peak in Western Europe. The Tour de...

Switzerland | Highlights of Switzerland: Engadine, Lago Maggiore, Zermatt

The Highlights of Switzerland is designed to provide exceptional hiking with a broad range of physical challenge. This makes it perfect for families and parties with different interests and abilities. It is also designed to please those who prefer to unpack and stay unpacked for a few days at a time. We begin in Sils Maria, one of the loveliest...

Switzerland | Eiger Trail

The Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland is one of the most stunning mountain ranges on earth. High, glaciated peaks and vertical rock walls ascend thousands of feet above tumbling waterfalls, pristine valleys, and flower-filled meadows sporting the world’s happiest cows. Our nine-day hiking tour begins on the west side of the Berner Oberland in the fashionable resort village of Gstaad....

Switzerland | Engadine Summit Series

Feel the burn in your legs as our expert team of Bergführer take you mountain hopping across the undiscovered peaks of eastern Switzerland. Beginning in the picturesque village of Zuoz, we spend eight days summiting the many mid-height, un-glaciated mountain peaks that the Engadine region is famous for. Hike to the mountaintops by day, and bed down in the region’s...

Switzerland | Engadine Trek

This week-long inn-to-inn hiking tour covers the length of the Inn River Valley from near the Austrian border to that of Italy. Staying in the most charming villages and quaint inns, we pass from the gentler terrain of the lower Engadine with its quaint old villages, through the upper Engadine with its majestic, glaciated peaks and into the wild and...

Switzerland | 40th Jubliäum Swiss Trek

Our 40th Jubliäum adventure kicks off in the picturesque, alpine resort village of Klosters, then journeys to the quaint village of Guarda, before a night at our romantic hotel perched at 8057 feet, and culminates with a luxurious stay at our 5-Star grand hotel in Pontresina. Each accommodation has been carefully selected for its ambiance, cuisine, and exceptional level of...

This self-guided trek links the villages of the Mont Blanc region and the western Swiss Valais, crossing through the highest mountain range in western Europe, the Pennine Alps. You hike through two distinct cultural regions, the French speaking and German speaking Alps. Starting in the bustling alpine center of Chamonix, France beneath the dramatic flanks of Europe's highest summit, Mont...

France, Italy & Switzerland | Tour du Mont Blanc

Outside Magazine named Ryder-Walker's trek one of the 25 Best Hikes in the World. Mont Blanc (15,781 feet) rises more than 12,000 vertical feet above the famous resort village of Chamonix, France. The epitome of everything that is “alpine” in the Alps, Mont Blanc beckons hikers and climbers from around the globe with its snow-white glaciers, sheer cliff walls, and...

The highest mountains in western Europe, the Pennine Alps, offer a sensational opportunity for hikers to explore a spectacular alpine world. This itinerary starts and finishes beneath the Matterhorn, the most iconic peak in the world, and circumnavigates the Monte Rosa, the Alps’ second highest peak. The Tour Monte Rosa has become a much sought after achievement in recent years,...

Italy, France & Switzerland | TMB Vitesse

For those who want to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, but have a limited amount of time, we offer the Tour du Mont Blanc Vitesse. Vitesse means "speed" in French, and this shortened TMB itinerary covers the greatest highlights of our standard itinerary in five hiking days instead of eight. Our abbreviated TMB begins in Courmayeur, Italy, hikes around...

Switzerland | Pastoral Berner Oberland

Swiss perfection is embodied in the world famous Jungfrau region, the very heart of the Swiss Alps, and hiking beneath the dramatic glaciated peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau lures mountain enthusiasts from around the world. Picture-perfect views surround you in every direction, and the fabulous system of lifts, cable cars and funiculars make hiking in this lofty region...

Switzerland | Allegra Engadine

Retreat in time to another era and a place far away: the enchanted Inn River Valley. Time forgotten 16th century villages, with their fascinating architecture, cling to the hillsides, and numerous ruins and a castle mark the valley’s importance through the medieval period and Hapsburg Empire. Above the valley the peaks of the Silvretta, Lischana, and Bernina ranges soar. This...

Switzerland | Appenzell Hut Hop

Lose yourself in Appenzell, a unique corner of Switzerland where airy mountain trails, punctuated by steel cables and iron pegs to aid the hiker, lead you through a world of striking landforms, traditional Swiss hamlets, and well-appointed mountain houses that are never more than a day’s walk apart. Beginning in the quirky and colorful village of Appenzell, this 6-day point-to-point...

Switzerland | Berner Oberland Traverse

While crossing the mighty Berner Oberland range you traverse high ridges, follow valleys, and climb to a number of high, remote passes. The Berner Oberland Traverse offers glaciers, iconic mountains, and quintessential Swiss scenery. Views of the world famous trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau make for an unforgettable adventure in the Swiss Alps. Our self-guided traverse through Switzerland's most...

Switzerland | Berner Oberland Trek

The Berner Oberland is maybe the most visually arresting region in Switzerland. The magnificent summits of the Eiger, Jungfrau, Mönch, and Breithorn all tower high above pastoral valleys. In the heart of the Berner Oberland is the Lauterbrunnen Valley – meaning valley of many fountains in English, a reference to the hundreds of waterfalls cascading towards the valley floor. The...

Classic scenery is the hallmark of the Eiger Trail trek that begins in Gstaad and ends in the heart of the beautiful Bernese Oberland, where the famous trio, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, dominates not only the landscape, but also the imagination of the traveler. Most feel this is the Alps’ most classic route. Charming glimpses of the active Bernese...

Feel the burn in your legs as you mountain hop across the undiscovered peaks of eastern Switzerland. Beginning in the picturesque village of Zuoz, you spend eight days summiting the many mid-height, un-glaciated mountain peaks that the Engadine region is famous for. Hike to the mountaintops by day, and bed down in the region’s quintessentially Swiss inns by night. Spend...

Retreat in time to another era and a place far away: the enchanted Inn River Valley. Time forgotten 17th century villages, with their fascinating architecture, cling to the hillsides, and numerous ruins and a castle mark the valley’s importance through the medieval period and Hapsburg Empire. Above the valley the peaks of the Silvretta, Lischana, and Bernina ranges soar. This trek...

Switzerland | Jungfrau Loop

Moderate inn-to-inn hikes link the fabled villages of the Jungfrau region in this quick tour for those with other stops on their European itinerary. Starting in the the booming alpine center of Interlaken, this loop explores the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its cascading waterfalls; and visits sleepy Mürren; the busy alpine center of Grindelwald, beneath the impressive north face of the Eiger;...

Switzerland | Swiss Haute Route

This self-guided trek links the Swiss villages of the Hiker's Haute Route, but with simpler logistics, a shorter hiking time, and a grand finish along a high level route into Saas Fee. You will cross the Valais by a number of high passes between small villages with blackened timber houses and slate roofs while enjoying outstanding views of the Pennine...

Switzerland | Ticino: Swiss Lakes District

Ancient villages of stone construction are strung along steep-sided valleys in this Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland: the Ticino. Although once ruled by the Dukes of Milan, the Ticino region still offers quintessential Swiss landscapes. Deeply enfolded pre-Alpine landscapes with many valleys, centuries-old stone villages, and historic mountain pastoral life make Ticino an outstanding hiking destination. Enjoy unspoiled walking along river...

Switzerland | Winter Engadine Holiday

Winter. This is the magical time when Switzerland wears her finest clothes. Snowflakes quietly descend upon tranquil storybook villages, the mountain air carries an aroma of hot spiced wine, and jingle bells ring as horse-drawn sleighs carry excited travelers to their cozy mountain homes. This is the season for roasted chestnuts, fireside dinners, and bubbling fondue. Each alpine region celebrates...

Switzerland | Berner Oberland Mini Trek

Classic scenery is the hallmark of the Swiss Berner Oberland where the famous trio, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, dominates not only the landscape, but also the imagination of the traveler. The Jungfrau region is an alpine wonderland: rolling green meadows lie peacefully beneath awe inspiring, glaciated peaks; tiny chalets dot the hillsides; and farmers continue the ancient herding traditions...

Switzerland | Swiss Engadine Mini Trek

Retreat in time to another era and a place far away: the enchanted Inn River Valley. Time forgotten 17th century villages, with their fascinating architecture, cling to the hillsides, and numerous ruins and a castle mark the valley’s importance through the medieval period and Hapsburg Empire. Above the valley the peaks of the Silvretta, Lischana, and Bernina ranges soar. This...

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Switzerland Walking & Hiking Tour

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Activity Levels 2-5

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2024 : Jun-Sep 2025 : Jun-Sep

Swiss Alps Adventure from Interlaken to Zermatt

Prepare to be awestruck. Exhilarated. In this place where trails lead to remote hamlets, glacial lakes and green pastures, over hidden mountain passes and beside sparkling glaciers. Where chalets welcome you with a cold beer or a rich hot chocolate. Prepare for the height of Switzerland. Prepare for an incredible Swiss Alps hiking tour.

• Hike across passes amid snowcapped peaks into meadows where dairy cows graze—the ultimate alpine experience 
• Delight in panoramic vistas of the winding Gornergletscher, the second-largest ice field in the Alps 
• Feast the Swiss way as you dine on traditional fondue and raclette and sample delicious regional wines and chocolates 
• Relax in Leukerbad's thermal spring waters, whose natural mineral riches are believed to have therapeutic benefits 

Switzerland

Start Interlaken

End Zermatt

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into and out of Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) and traveling by train to your destination.

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Experience a quintessential Switzerland hiking tour • Begin with a ridgeline walking tour above the Adelboden Valley • Ascend by gondola to the Wildflower Trail and Hahnenmoos Pass • Alpine pastures, tumbling waterfalls and glistening glaciers stretch out before you. 

Spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland surround us at this mountain retreat with modern design sensibilities. (pool, spa)

Trek from high mountain passes to wildflower-strewn meadows • A challenging Swiss Alps hiking trail to Leukerbad leads past a shimmering glacier-fed lake and over Gemmi Pass • Cable cars whisk us over the toughest ups and downs • Traverse a thermal gorge on a bridge that looks onto a thundering waterfall • Discover the age-old process behind Swiss cheese at a traditional farm • Indulge in a rejuvenating soak in Leukerbad's healing waters. 

This cozy historic property which has hosted the likes of Picasso, Tolstoy and Dumas welcomes us just as warmly with its on-site thermal waters. (pool, spa)

Catch a scenic train ride to Zermatt, a picturesque village with stunning views of the Matterhorn • Hike through the Zmutt Valley • Pause in a historic mountain hamlet for a lunch of local dishes like rösti , sausage and apple strudel, accompanied by delicious lager • Visit the herb garden for Ricola's world-renowned candy and teas • Admire jaw-dropping views of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses, reached by foot or cogwheel train • Listen to the ice field groan, creak and rumble • Savor crisp morning air en route to an alpine lake which offers magnificent vistas • A festive dinner featuring local cheeses and chocolate fondue marks the last night of this grand alpine hiking adventure. 

Set in the heart of Zermatt, this landmark luxury hotel was built in 1879 under the shadow of the Matterhorn. (pool, spa)

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity. Learn more

*Includes shuttle

• Activity Level

What's Included

• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
• Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
• Park and other entry fees
• Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage

Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Due to Switzerland's rugged terrain, you can look forward to some exhilarating—but steep!—climbs along rocky and sometimes uneven paths. Please note that there's no van support on this trip (you can imagine why!), so you should be comfortable with the alpine elevation and remote routes.

We ordinarily staff our trips with three leaders: two leaders out on the trail offering support—allowing everyone to have the experience they want, whether it's an easygoing interpretative walk or a rigorous hike—while the third leader moves the van from trailhead to trail end. This trip is a little different in that we use a variety of local transportation, including gondolas, trains and local drivers, instead of Backroads vans. This means that you'll still have the same two leaders providing excellent trail support without the need for a third leader to move the van.

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World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

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THE 10 BEST Swiss Alps Hiking & Camping Tours

Hiking & camping tours in swiss alps.

• Hiking Trails
• Ski & Snowboard Areas
• Ski & Snow Tours
• Gear Rentals
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The Matterhorn
• ECHO Trails
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

2. Lugano & Morcote, Lake Lugano, private guided tour, from Lugano

3. Sunset hike with outdoor Cheese Fondue dinner

4. Guided Hiking Half Day in Zermatt

5. Zermatt Guided Day Hike

6. 10-Day Semi-Guided Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

7. Gourmande Wine and Dine Walking Tour in Valais

8. Grindelwald Guided Day Hike

9. Guided Hiking Full Day in Zermatt

10. St Moritz Private Guided Panorama Hike

11. Grindelwald First and Bachalpsee Hiking Tour From Interlaken

12. Davos Foxtrail Cuolm Strinau

13. Best of the Uri Alps: A fjord-like lake, glorious peaks and sustainable tourism

14. Laax Falera Foxtrail Truccas Tschiel

15. Gornergrat Private Full Day Hiking Tour

16. Ascona and Locarno, private guided tour from Lugano

17. Summer Activities Gstaad

18. From Lake Como: Tour in St. Moritz and Pontresina

19. Five lake trail Private Full Day Hiking Tour

20. Klein Matterhorn and glacier trail private full day hike

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise

Mount Titlis Half-Day Trip from Lucerne

Mount Rigi Day Trip from Lucerne

Guided Excursion to Mount Titlis Eternal Snow and Glacier from Lucerne

Mount Titlis excursion from Engelberg incl. Ice Flyer

Paragliding Tandemflight Lucerne - Engelberg

Tandem Paragliding Flight in the Lucerne Region

Grindelwald First - Top of Adventure from Lucerne

Day Trip to Swiss Villages (Interlaken-Grindelwald)

What travelers are saying.

• Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland
• Sunset hike with outdoor Cheese Fondue dinner
• Klein Matterhorn and glacier trail private full day hike
• Five lake trail Private Full Day Hiking Tour
• Grindelwald First and Bachalpsee Hiking Tour From Interlaken
• Ride and Smile
• Trekking Outdoor Team
• Exped Tribe
• Domaine skiable des Marécottes

Swiss Hiking Tours

Swiss Hiking Tours: The Swiss Alps are a hiker’s paradise, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery and challenging trails in Europe. With over 65,000 kilometers of hiking trails and an extensive network of mountain huts, the Swiss Alps are a must-visit destination for hikers of all skill levels. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best hiking trails in the Swiss Alps and provide tips for planning your next adventure.

Bernese Oberland

One of the most popular hiking destinations in the Swiss Alps is the Bernese Oberland region. Located in central Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland is home to some of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, including the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch. The region is also home to several famous hiking trails, including the Jungfrau region, the Eiger Trail, and the Schilthorn Trail.

The Jungfrau region is a must-visit destination for hikers, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail starts in the town of Grindelwald and takes hikers through lush meadows and dense forests to the base of the famous Jungfrau peak. Along the way, hikers will pass through charming alpine villages and have the opportunity to see some of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, including the Eiger and the Mönch.

Dreaming of the EIger

The Eiger Trail is another popular hiking trail in the Bernese Oberland region. The trail takes hikers through some of the most dramatic and challenging terrain in the Swiss Alps, including steep ascents and descents and exposed ridgelines. The trail starts in the town of Grindelwald and takes hikers to the base of the famous Eiger peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way.

Wallis (or Valais in French)

In addition to the Bernese Oberland region, the Swiss Alps are home to several other famous hiking destinations, including the Matterhorn region and the Valais region. The Matterhorn region is home to some of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, including the famous Matterhorn peak. The region is also home to several famous hiking trails, including the Matterhorn Glacier Trail and the Zermatt to Sunnegga Trail.

The Valais region is another popular hiking destination in the Swiss Alps, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The region is home to several famous hiking trails, including the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic hiking trail that takes hikers through France, Italy, and Switzerland, offering stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding valleys. The Haute Route is another challenging hiking trail that takes hikers through some of the most dramatic and challenging terrain in the Swiss Alps.

Val de Bagnes

The Val de Bagnes near Verbier offers some of the most stunning and diverse hiking trails in the region. With its mountainous terrain and lush greenery, Val de Bagnes is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for everyone in Val de Bagnes. From the scenic forest hikes to the challenging alpine treks, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps, including picturesque valleys, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain peaks.

With its convenient location and world-class hiking trails, Val de Bagnes is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. And with the help of Famke van der Elst, Mountain Leader at Mountful Hikes, you can discover the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path trails that will make your hiking experience truly unforgettable.

The weather…

When planning a Swiss Hiking Tours, it’s important to consider the season and the weather. The best time to hike in the Swiss Alps is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry and the trails are free of snow. However, hikers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and should always carry appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions.

Swiss Hiking Tours: Choosing the right trip

Swiss Hiking Tours: It’s also important to be realistic about your abilities and limitations when planning a hiking trip to the Swiss Alps. The trails in the Alps can be challenging and require a certain level of fitness and experience. Hikers should choose trails that are appropriate for their skill level and should be prepared for unexpected challenges or emergencies.

Swiss Hiking Tours with Mountful Hikes

I am a Mountain Leader trained in the Swiss Alps and happy to show you my favourite hikes in the Alps. We could go out for a half or full day in the stunning Val de Bagnes, but if you really want to get away from civilisation for a while, you can also book me for a multiple day tour ! Wildcamping for the most adventurous amongst you, a tour from hut tot hut for the ones who appreciate a bit of comfort and from boutique hotel to boutique hotel for them who like hiking, fine dining and wellness! See our Summer Program

Of course there are a lot of other possibilities. Contact me if you would like to have your own tailor-made private group hike!

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ALPS HIKING TOURS

Towering peaks, ancient glaciers, alpine meadows and more combine to make our Alps hiking tours unforgettable!

The Alps are at once an adventurer’s playground, a traveler’s paradise, and a wonderland for eager hikers. Towering peaks, ancient glaciers, alpine meadows, pristine lakes and rivers, unique wildlife, charming towns, luxurious mountain lodging, and gourmet cafes combine to make our Alps hiking tours truly unforgettable!

Our Alps trips will take you to the best mountain treks in Italy, Switzerland, and France. They will take you high into Italy’s limestone Dolomites and around the towering Mont Blanc mastiff. Enjoy the Alps’ amazing mountain huts and quaint village inns, hotels and lodges.

Check out our Alps Treks below, and feel free to call us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) with questions or to start planning your trip today!

All Alps Guided Treks Trips ( 5 results)

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Alps Traverse: Munich to Venice

Tour Du Mont Blanc

Italian Dolomites Trek

Best of Switzerland

Chamonix Add-on Package

WHY HIKE THE ALPS WITH WILDLAND?

1. TOP RATED ADVENTURE TOURS

Wildland began offering trips in 2005 and quickly became one of the top-rated trekking companies in the world. Over the last decade and a half, we have accrued more than 4,000 5-star reviews online and earned #1 spots on multiple Trip Advisor pages. Beyond Trip Advisor, other review sites where Wildland has 5 stars include Trust Pilot, Google and Yelp.

3. ALL-INCLUSIVE TRIPS

Another crucial factor in the quality of a hiking tour is what’s included. A huge benefit of joining a guided trip is the ability to travel light and let other people handle all the complicated logistics. On Wildland trips your local transportation, gear, meals, reservations and permits, supports staff, emergency communication devices, first-aid kits, risk management systems and more are fully handled by us. You get to focus 100% on fun and hiking through the Alps’ stunning landscapes!

5. HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATIONS & RESTAURANTS

The Alps are renowned for their amazing hotels and incredible cuisine. On Wildland trips the lodging and restaurants we visit are carefully selected for their location, character and exceptional quality. We strive to take guests on unforgettable trekking journeys through the Alps, and the lodging and food are major components of these once-in-a-lifetime trips!

2. ALWAYS SMALL GROUP TRIPS

Many adventure tour companies try to book up to 18 or 24 guests per trip. At Wildland we cap our trips at 12 guests, and many trips run at 6-10 guests. This intimate group size allows participants the ability to truly interact with the trip leaders and each other in meaningful, memorable ways. It also allows things like hiking pace and dietary preferences to be much more customized to each person. Bottom line, smaller groups equal higher quality experiences.

4. LOCAL, EXPERT WILDLAND GUIDES

Ultimately the Wildland product consists of three main elements: the setting, the logistics (food, gear, transportation…etc.) and the guide(s). Of these three components, we believe the guides are the most important in terms of guest experience. That’s because the other two can change and how the guide handles it determines the outcome. We bring local guides who know the Alps inside and out onto our team, and we train them to meet the high Wildland standards. This combination gives guests the best of both worlds: local guides and a top-tier guided experience.

MORE ABOUT ALPS TREKKING TOURS

Why an alps hiking vacation.

The Swiss Alps, Italian Alps, and French Alps together comprise one of the world’s most beautiful and adventure-rich mountain regions. With soaring, glaciated peaks; lush alpine valleys; unique wildlife; and stunning panoramas, the Alps offer a wealth of trekking opportunities. But that’s only the beginning. The Swiss Alps, Italian Alps, and French Alps also offer wonderful backcountry huts, charming mountain hamlets, amazing European cuisine, and fascinating history. The Alps truly offer trekking and traveling experiences that are unique and difficult to match anywhere else!

SHOULD I HIKE THE ALPS WITH A GUIDE?

Many people hike the Alps with a trekking guide, and many do it on their own. The advantages of going with an Alps trekking company are many. At Wildland, we take care of all logistics including permits, accommodations, transportation, meals, gear, and more. Additionally, hiking the Alps does contain inherent risk, and going with a guide company adds an increased level of safety. The mountains are high with potential for extreme weather year round, and they are home to mandatory river crossings, snowfields, and glaciers. Additionally, the distances and elevations required between mountain villages is often significant, and so the hiking can be demanding and remote. Our guides also offer expert interpretation of the natural and cultural history of the region, which is a highlight for many guests.

MAKE THE MOST OF AN ALPS HIKING HOLIDAY

If you join an Alps hiking tour, we recommend adding time on the front and back to make the most of your holiday. The Swiss Alps, French Alps, and Italian Alps, are of course surrounded by amazing natural and cultural travel destinations. We heartily recommend adding a visit to the French or Italian Rivieras, where coastal towns offer history, beauty, and culinary delights. Or adding a visit to Europe’s wine country is a worthwhile addition – Italy’s famous Tuscany region or France’s Bordeaux region are both fantastic. Finally, some of Europe’s big cities offer tremendous history, architecture and, again, amazing cuisine: Rome, Milan, and Paris are of course some of the best cities to add to your visit.

The Mt. Rainier Inn trip with Wildland was perfect. The Inn was comfortable; the guide was an expert in his field; the pacing was just right to accommodate all those on the trip; the scenery was ideal. If you can go please do.

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Group Guided Tours

Our small group guided tours are a great way to explore a new area easily and safely.  You’ll learn a lot along the way, and will meet and hike with many others who share your interests. 

Our guided tours are fun. They’re relaxing. Plus, all of our tours are guaranteed to run, with no group minimum!  We are specialists in the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.  We develop, organize and scout all of our tours personally.  Each of our itineraries are unique adventures designed to show off the best that the region has to offer.  You’re going to love it.

We offer a select variety of carefully crafted guided tours.  Choose from village-based or inn-to-inn hiking trips, luxury or classic, single region or multi-region highlights.

Our guided tours are all guaranteed departures with a minimum of just one guest, so you can always book with confidence. sign up, buy your plane tickets, and you are going hiking in the alps..

Our guides are an elite crew, some of the best in the Alps, chosen for their professional skills, their charm, and wide-ranging individual experience and interests. We love to hang with them, and we think you will too.

Small groups create a fun, flexible dynamic that’s just not possible with a larger number of people, so we strive to keep things small, with groups limited to 14 people. This allows us to get to know each other, and to stay in smaller, more intimate inns that bigger groups can’t visit.

Our guided tours include lodging, all breakfasts, all lunches, most dinners, baggage transport between inns, ground transport during the tour, selected entrance fees, gratuities and taxes, and daily guided hikes. We include shuttles or Swiss rail passes for travel to/from the airport on most tours. We don’t expect you to pay for cable cars, buses or trains we take during the course of our hikes, tip the hotel and restaurant staff (we do that), or provide your own meals. Just show up ready to hike, relax and have a great time.

• Tour Style STYLE Inn-To-Inn Base Camp Adventures Scenic Journeys
• Tour Region REGION Haute Route Swiss Cities Bernese Oberland Engadine Matterhorn Dolomites Mont Blanc
• Comfort Level COMFORT Classic Deluxe
• Tour Length Length 1-6 Nights 7-9 Nights 10+ Nights
• Activity Level ACTIVITY LEVEL Relaxed to Moderate Moderate to Challenging Challenging

Guided Deluxe Bernese Oberland Traverse

This tour covers Bernese Oberland in style, with luxurious hotels and 1st class rail, and the best scenery in the Alps.

• Guided Group
• Bernese Oberland
• 9 days, 8 nights ,
• $6695 Per Person ,
• $1350 Single Room ,
• Sep 16 – Sep 24, 2024

Guided Classic Bernese Oberland Traverse

This tour covers the most scenic and challenging trails of the Bernese Oberland. Our top choice for an inn-to-inn Swiss hiking tour.

• Inn-To-Inn ,
• 11 days, 10 nights ,
• $5195 Per Person ,
• $850 Single Room ,
• Jun 25 – Jul 5, 2024
• Jul 8 – Jul 18, 2024 Sold Out!
• Aug 13 – Aug 23, 2024
• Aug 27 – Sep 6, 2024 Sold Out!

Guided Best of the Bernese Oberland

This guided tour covers our favorite hikes across the Bernese Oberland... postcard-perfect Switzerland at its best.

• 7 days, 6 nights ,
• $3995 Per Person ,
• $650 Single Room ,
• Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2024
• Jul 8 – Jul 14, 2024 Sold Out!
• Aug 13 – Aug 19, 2024
• Aug 27 – Sep 2, 2024 Sold Out!

Guided Classic Eiger to Matterhorn

Hike inn-to-inn along the Eiger and Jungfrau mountains with a luxurious finish in Zermatt with the epic Matterhorn

• Multiple Regions
• $4795 Per Person ,
• $800 Single Room ,
• Jun 4 – Jun 12, 2024 (1 room left)
• Jul 20 – Jul 28, 2024 Sold Out!

Guided Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc

For a quick trip to the Mont Blanc region, our Best of TMB tour is a fantastic week hiking from Courmayeur to Chamonix

• $1150 Single Room ,
• Jun 28 – Jul 4, 2024 Sold Out!
• Jul 5 – Jul 11, 2024 Sold Out!
• Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2024 Sold Out!
• Aug 2 – Aug 8, 2024 Sold Out!
• Aug 9 – Aug 15, 2024 Sold Out!
• Sep 6 – Sep 12, 2024 Sold Out!
• Sep 13 – Sep 19, 2024 Sold Out!

Guided Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc

The most luxurious version of the TMB around - upscale hotels, private transfers, and world-class guided daily hikes of unequaled variety.

• $7995 Per Person ,
• $1550 Single Room ,
• Jul 7 – 17, 2024 Sold Out!
• Aug 18 – 28, 2024, 2 rooms left
• Jun 29 – July 9, 2025
• Aug 10 – 20, 2025

Guided Classic Tour du Mont Blanc

Trekking from France into Italy and Switzerland, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the great hiking tours of the world

• $5995 Per Person ,
• $1450 Single Room ,
• Jun 24 – Jul 4, 2024 Sold Out!
• Jul 1 – Jul 11, 2024 Sold Out!
• Jul 22 – Aug 1, 2024, 1 db left
• Jul 29 – Aug 8, 2024, 1 db left
• Aug 5 – Aug 15, 2024
• Sep 2 – Sep 12, 2024 Sold Out!
• Sep 9 – Sep 19, 2024, 1 room left

Guided Deluxe Dolomites Traverse

Explore the Dolomites in style, staying in 4 and 5-star hotels while hiking from Gardena to gorgeous Alta Badia

• $6995 Per Person ,
• Jun 23 – Jul 3, 2024, 1 room left
• Sep 08 – Sep 18, 2024 Sold Out!

Guided Best of the Dolomites

Our Best of the Dolomites tour circles the famous Gardena Valley, with 4 great nights in village hotels and 2 memorable huts

• $3695 Per Person ,
• Jun 10 – Jun 16, 2024 Sold Out!
• Sep 2 – Sep 8, 2024

Guided Classic Dolomites Traverse

Our guided hut-to-hut Dolomites hike is an unforgettable mix of quaint villages, comfortable huts, and rugged landscapes

• $4895 Per Person ,
• $1050 Single Room ,
• Jun 10 – Jun 20, 2024 Sold Out!
• Sep 2 – Sep 12, 2024

Guided Great Hikes of Mont Blanc

Spend 6 luxurious days hiking varied Mont Blanc trails on this guided tour based in Chamonix and Courmayeur

• Base Camp Adventures
• $4195 Per Person ,
• $900 Single Room ,
• not offered

Guided Deluxe Haute Route Highlights

Our Deluxe Haute Route Highlights is luxurious adventure, crossing numerous high passes from Chamonix to Zermatt.

• 10 days, 9 nights ,
• Aug 25 – Sep 3, 2024 (1 room left)
• Jul 21 – 30, 2025

Guided Classic Hikers Haute Route

Remote and rugged, the Haute Route is a gorgeous high mountain hike between Chamonix and Zermatt.

• 12 days, 11 nights ,
• $5395 Per Person ,
• Aug 10 – 21, 2024 (1 db left)
• Aug 19 – 30, 2025

Guided Best of the Haute Route

• $4295 Per Person ,
• Aug 15 – Aug 21, 2024

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My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

How to Plan a Hiking Trip through the Swiss Alps

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Are you planning a European trip that includes hiking the Swiss Alps? Through the years, we’ve shared many trails that have inspired our baby boomer readers to go hiking around the world .

And, now, we’re adding a new favorite to our active travel bucket list. Guest contributor, Lesley Connor from Empty Nesters Travel Insights, is here to tell us about her adventure hiking through the Swiss Alps with her husband, Ian.

The phrase “hiking in the Swiss Alps” conjures up images of lumberjacks with flannelette shirts and belay ropes scaling the rugged Eiger mountain. But our Switzerland hiking tours in the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps were more of a pleasant stroll.

We walked along well formed, signposted pathways, through fields of vibrant spring wildflowers, breathing in fresh, crisp alpine air. The melody of cowbells echoing up from the pastures below only added to this bucket list experience .

The jaw-dropping scenery along the way was reminiscent of Julie Andrews in the opening scenes of “ The Sound of Music ”. Cozy restaurants appeared out of nowhere, where we could relax and enjoy a meal and refreshments to sustain us on our way.

Table of Contents

Hiking through the Swiss Alps

Last June, Ian and I chose Grindelwald , a picture postcard village nestled in the Bernese Alps, as our base to explore the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps. Traditional wooden chalets celebrated spring with colorful displays of geraniums bursting from flower boxes on every balcony. The village offered a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and tourist amenities.

Boomer Travel Tip

MedjetAssist Members who are hospitalized 150 miles from home receive medical transport to a home-country hospital of choice. Memberships from $99 .

The bus system, free to tourists staying in the village, provided easy access to the extensive cable car system to explore the hundreds of kilometers of alpine walking trails suitable for all fitness levels, from experienced mountaineers, to walkers with the odd arthritic twinge such as myself.

The cable cars were pricey, but once we reached the top, the walking trails were free and the scenery was priceless. Of the many hikes we took, two were particularly memorable.

Exploring Grindelwald First on a Swiss Alps hike

In summer, the winter ski slopes of Grindelwald First transform into a playground for sightseers and adventure seekers alike.

From the cable station in the center of town, we took the 25-minute gondola ride to the top. As we ascended the mountain, snowcapped peaks emerged into view, cows and goats grazed in the lush green pastures beneath us and the village of Grindelwald slowly disappeared behind us.

It’s astounding that even in the height of summer, the alps are still thick with snow, melting in rivulets streaming down to the glacier river below. At the top, we could have sat all day relaxing in the fields of wildflowers, soaking in breathtaking mountain panoramas with views across alpine pastures and distant mountain lakes.

Paragliders hurled themselves off the mountain, sailing into the valley below, others  were harnessed to a zip line and hurtled down an 800 metre cable to the next gondola station at Schreckfeld below. Many chose mountain bikes for their return journey to the bottom of the mountain.

Before your walk, you can take The First Cliffwalk, a metallic boardwalk jutting out some 45 meters over the abyss, providing birds-eye views towards the Eiger and into the valley below, however this was a little adventurous for someone with my fear of heights.

Hiking to Bachalpsee

From the many Swiss Alps hiking trails on offer, we chose the two hour return walk to the beautiful mountain lake of Bachalpsee , around 6 miles away. This was more like a gentle stroll along paved walkways, with a few undulating hills to contend with than a hike.

Wildflowers carpeted the fields, the melody of cowbells echoed through the valley and melting snow cascaded down waterfalls. Yet another spectacular mountain view appeared around every  bend in the road, each more beautiful and picturesque than the last.

A never-ending trail of tourists meandered along the trails, yet the atmosphere was one of supreme serenity and quiet, like being in the sanctuary of a great alpine cathedral.

After a little over six miles, we were suddenly rewarded with the picture perfect view of the snow-capped Schreckhorn, Wetterhorn and Finsteraarhorn mountains reflected in the glassy waters of  Lake Bachalpsee. Sitting on the grassy banks, we spent quite some time drinking in the quiet magnificence of what is possibly the most beautiful place on earth, capturing many photos of the scenery.

Hiking Mannlichen to Kleine Schiedegg 

Our six-mile hike from Mannlichen to Kleine Schiedegg and the Jungfrau-Eiger trail beyond provided us with the picture postcard alpine scenery which makes this trail so popular with tourists. It’s some of the most beautiful hiking in Switzerland .

The cable car from the Grindelwald-Mannlichen gondola station brought us to Mannlichen cable station. Even in the height of summer snow capped peaks rose above the cloud shrouded mountains, partly obscuring what would be spectacular views on a clear day.

Our first breath of mountain air was icy, so we were pleased we had brought our scarves and jackets. We felt like we were literally on top of the world. Neither cloud nor cold could stop our enjoyment of the walk along the ridge to the cog railway hub of Kleine Schiedegg, and the Jungfrau-Eiger trail beyond.

Inspired by this hiking adventure? Gear up with our hiking gear for baby boomers .

Strolling the winding paths lined with edelweiss, gentian and alpine rock jasmine, Grindelwald was spread out on the valley floor before, looking like something out of a Swiss storybook.

The peaks of the famous Monch, Jungfrau and Eiger mountains were the ever present backdrop, still partially shrouded in a blanket of cloud.

The walk was relatively easy, however by the time we conquered the slightly uphill trek towards Kleine Schiedegg, we were certainly tired, hungry and thirsty. An alpine restaurant appearing miraculously from nowhere was a very welcome sight.

Here we stopped to enjoy a hearty meal of schnitzel, apfelstruessel and a couple of refreshing ales, as we watched the clouds slowly lift to reveal the full magnificence of the alps.

We could have ended our journey there, taking the cog railway home to Grindelwald. But it was still early afternoon, the weather was improving and we couldn’t get enough of hiking in the alps.

Returning on the Eiger-Jungfrau Trail

So we decided to keep on with the remaining 3-plus mile return section of the Eiger-Jungfrau trail which took us almost to the Eiger glacier face.

The slightly steeper incline took us along the famous Jungfrau cog railway, watching the carriages  disappear into the mountain tunnel full of passengers headed to the  mountain peak dubbed “the top of the world.”

This uphill walk was a little on the challenging side for an inexperienced hiker like myself. We had already walked over four miles that day, we were tired and it was getting hot.

The winter gear had been replaced with sun hats. That final steep 500 meter hill towards the Eiger Glacier station looked insurmountable.

I was tempted  to sit on a rock and call it a day, but we persisted “one step at a time” to the Eiger Glacier station. Once there, we were rewarded with indescribably beautiful mountain views.

We felt we could almost reach out and touch the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau mountains rising up in front of us, just emerging from the clouds alongside the famous Eiger glacier. Thankfully it was all downhill back to the Kleine Schiedegg cog railway station and our journey back into Grindelwald.

After reading Lesly’s article, we’re ready to go!

How to plan a Switzerland hiking vacation

A little research goes a long way when planning a hiking trip to Switzerland. Check out our recommended resources for researching your trip:

• Research flights to Zurich to find the best-priced flight for your trip: Check flights here .
• Browse through the Swiss Alps hotels at TripAdvisor to find the perfect accommodations for your trip.
• Book Grindlewald tours before leaving home.

On a fall trip to Switzerland, you can watch the cows come home at the Desalpe Festival .

Or continue your European hiking trip in Italy’s majestic Dolomites .

Scratch those itchy travel feet!

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EUROPE , HIKING , SWITZERLAND · October 29, 2021 Last Updated on April 19, 2024

THE ULTIMATE SWISS ALPS HIKING TRIP GUIDE

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Switzerland is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world, making it an ideal destination for a hiking trip. In September I went on a girls’ wellness getaway in Switzerland where we spent eight blissful days hiking through the breathtaking Bernese Alps.

The Bernese Alps are a mountain range of the alps made up of three peaks (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau), located in Western Switzerland, in the canton of Bern. This area of Switzerland offers excellent skiing in the winter and incredible hiking in the summer. 

If you want to plan a Swiss Alps hiking trip, this guide has everything you need to know to make it an unforgettable experience!

Where To Stay In Switzerland

The Bernese Alps are stunning and very accessible, making them an ideal destination for a Switzerland hiking trip. We chose the small village of Wengen (population 1,300), as our home base here for the duration of our getaway. Wengen is a car-free mountain town in the Interlaken area that is at the heart of summer hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

In winter, Wengen transforms into a world-class ski resort famous for the Lauberhorn World Cup Alpine ski races and has excellent skiing terrain suitable for all abilities. The picturesque town of Wengen exudes Swiss mountain charm and offers an array of great hiking trails, as well as good restaurants and upscale rentals and hotels. 

We rented our chalet from Wengen Apartments and could not be more pleased with our accommodations. Julie Doyle, the owner, is wonderful and quickly responded to our requests and questions.

We stayed in the  Chalet Bärgsunna Penthouse which sits on a hillside overlooking Wengen, just a short walk from the Wengen–Männlichen aerial cableway. This penthouse offered the perfect mix of chic alpine decor with modern amenities and was an excellent home base for our hiking getaway.

We loved the loft where we could do morning yoga and watch movies in the evenings, that three bedrooms had en suite bathrooms, and  that every room had an amazing view of the beautiful snow-capped Alps!

If you are planning a group trip to Switzerland, renting a chalet is the way to go, but if you prefer to stay in a hotel, here are some good hotel options in Wengen:

Luxury Switzerland Hotels

• Sunstar Hotel Wengen – Cute, four-star hotel in the heart of town, with a great breakfast and top-notch service. 
• Maya Caprice Boutique Hotel – Four-star boutique hotel in the city center, with incredible views of the Alps. 
• Beausite Park Hotel – Guests give this Wengen hotel five stars, it has an indoor pool and incredible views. 
• Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa – Family hotel with three restaurants and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Mid-Range Switzerland Hotels

• Hotel Alpenrose Wengen – Three-star hotel, alpine-style rooms, and suites with beautiful mountain views.
• Arenas Resort Victoria-Lauberhorn – Luxury hotel with an indoor swimming pool, ski storage and two onsite restaurants.
• Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel – Family-friendly hotel with two onsite restaurants, a spa and an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Switzerland Hotels

• Hotel Edelweiss – Two-star, affordable, highly rated Wengen chalet hotel with a spa.
• The Hey Hotel – Centrally located hotel with self-parking and a free buffet breakfast.
• Hotel Berghof Amaranth – Three star hotel with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and free self parking.
• Jungfrau Hotel – A Wilderswil hotel with a bike rental, onsite restaurant and game room.

How To Get To Wengen

The closest airport to Wengen is Zurich International Airport (ZRH). I flew Swiss Air direct from Los Angeles to Zurich. From Zurich, it is a two-hour (beautiful!) drive to Lauterbrunnen. Wengen is a car-free town so when you arrive in Lauterbrunnen you can leave your car there at the multi-level parking garage at the Lauterbrunnen Railway Station . Parking is about $20 per day. 

Then you take the train up the mountain to Wengen. It is a quick ride and takes less than twenty minutes, and is about $8 for a one-way ticket. The train stops briefly at Wengwald on the way up and then the next stop is Wengen.

The train runs back and forth from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen every thirty minutes so it is very easy to get back and forth to your car if you end up wanting to drive to a different area. From Wengen, you can access a multitude of hikes and you can take the train and cable cars all around the area so you won’t need your car often. We only used our car a couple of times. 

What You’ll Need For A Hiking Trip In Switzerland 

Before we get to our hiking itinerary we need to discuss the basics of what you need to know and what you will need for a hiking trip in the Bernese Alps. 

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8 Day Switzerland Hiking Trip Itinerary

Now for the fun part of the guide. Below is the exact itinerary we used for our eight-day hiking trip in Switzerland, which I have to say was by far my favorite trip I have ever done!  

I have been travel blogging for 10 years and have visited almost 60 countries, so this is a big claim, but the Bernese Alps stole my heart, and I plan to return for many more hiking (and skiing trips) in Wengen. 

Day 1: Wengen – Männlichen Trail

On our first day in Switzerland, we went on a jog to explore Wengen, had a delicious buffet breakfast (with lots of cheese!) at Sunstar Hotel Wengen , went grocery shopping, then returned to our chalet to get ready for our hike up to Männlichen. (The trailhead for this hike is literally right out the back door of Chalet Bärgsunna Penthouse  so it could not have been more convenient).

Männlichen is a 7,687-foot mountain in the Swiss Alps. The town of Wengen sits at the base of Männlichen and its peak can be reached from Wengen by the Wengen–Männlichen aerial cable car, or from the Grindelwald Terminal station using the Grindelwald–Männlichen gondola cableway.

Or you can hike from Wengen to Männlichen which is what we did since this was a hiking trip, after all. The  Wengen to Männlichen trail is a 3.6 mile, lightly trafficked, point-to-point hike with a 3,441ft elevation gain. It took us about 2.5 hours. 

This hike is rated as moderate but it should definitely be rated as  difficult . This was by far the hardest hike we did during our trip, not because it was long or technical, but because you are literally hiking straight up a ski hill with an intense elevation gain.

You can watch my Instagram stories @VanessaRivers  where I share our experience climbing this trail, which was challenging but very rewarding. The hike is beautiful, with incredible views looking down at Wengen, and well worth the effort. 

When you reach the top of Männlichen you will be exhausted and need a break. Luckily there are a couple of restaurants at the top where you can get food, rest, get warm (if the weather is chilly), and enjoy a much-earned beer before you take the cable car back down to Wengen.

TIP: The last cable car from Männlichen to Wengen is around 5pm so plan your hike accordingly otherwise you will be walking back down the mountain. Also, bring a power bar with you for this hike. The altitude makes you feel weak so it is helpful to refuel halfway, with some carbs and protein.

For dinner  we went out to Maya Caprice Boutique Hotel , an upscale (white tablecloth) restaurant with great vegetarian options and an amazing view of the Swiss Alps. I had their pumpkin squash soup and a (giant) vegetable salad with mountain cheese. Both were delicious. 

Day 2: Mürren – Gimmelwald Trail & The Mürren Flower Trail

After our intense first day hike, we wanted to have a mellow hiking day so we decided to take a day trip to explore the nearby town of Mürren. From Wengen, you take the train down to Lauterbrunnen, then take the cable car to Grütschalp Railway Station , and from there you take another train up the small mountain village of Mürren (population 450), which costs about $20 each way.

Mürren is incredible! The town is so cute and the landscape around Mürren is breathtaking. It was the most picturesque area we visited in Switzerland and possibly the most charming place I have seen on all my travels.

I think Wengen is a better place to stay for a hiking trip, purely from an accessibility standpoint, but if you don’t mind the trek, spending a few nights in Mürren would be idyllic. If you don’t stay in Mürren, I suggest at least doing a full day trip here. 

We arrived in Mürren in the late morning and had breakfast at Cafe Liv which has excellent coffee and yummy vegan pastries. Then we started off on our “hike” from  Mürrento to Gimmelwald . I put hike in parenthesis because this trail is more of a walk than an actual hike.

The trail from Mürren to Gimmelwald is a 1.7 mile (mostly downhill) point-to-point trail that is accurately rated as easy . But even though this trail is easy it was still one of my favorite hikes. This walk could not be more beautiful. It was hard not to stop every few seconds to take yet another photo.

During our walk, we passed through the small village of Mürren dotted with flower gardens, cute wood homes, and boutique hotels with colorful shutters, cows and sheep grazing against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, flower fields, paragliders soaring through the air, meadows, hillsides dotted with chalets and so much green in every direction.

It’s hard to explain how beautiful this walk is. It was so picturesque, so charming, so quintessential Swiss Alps that it honestly didn’t seem real. At the end of the trail, we stopped to have a beer at the Mountain Hostel which is right next to the Gimmelwald cable car, and of course, has an incredible view.

We then took the cable car from Gimmelwald back up to Mürren and did the Mürren Flower Trail which was another easy 1.4 mile point-to-point hike. The flower trail is stunning as well, with mesmerizing views of the Alps in every direction.

One thing I especially loved was all of the playgrounds in this area. Switzerland is a very family-friendly destination . I can’t wait to return with my daughter.

Day 3: Schynige Platte – First

On our third day in Switzerland, we did our longest hike, a 10-mile point-to-point hike from Schynige Platte to First . Schynige Platte is a small mountain ridge and a viewpoint in the Bernese Highlands. 

We took the train from Wengen down to Wilderswil Railway Station where we changed trains and then headed up the mountain to Schynige Platte. The journey takes about an hour from Wengen but is well worth it. This was by far my favorite hike I have ever done!

The train drops you off at the base of Berghotel Schynige Platte where you can have breakfast with an incredible view (check out my Instagram Reel ). After breakfast, you’ll head out on the hike which takes you through meadows and across mountain ranges where you will see: wildflowers, meandering streams, cows grazing, snow-capped mountains, and sparkling blue lakes. 

This hike is rated as hard (because of the length) but I felt like a moderate hike. The elevation gain is about  3,200 ft over the course of the hike, but the trail itself is not very steep or strenuous, especially compared to the Wengen to Männlichen hike (which was much shorter but exhausting).

What I love about this trail is that you are in the middle of nowhere, hiking along mountain ranges and it is so surreal and peaceful that it makes you grateful to just be alive. I actually had several very stressful things on my plate during this trip and this hike was like medicine for my soul. 

I don’t remember feeling anything but pure gratefulness on this trail. It is much easier to live in the moment when you are out in nature, surrounded by raw natural beauty (at least for me). We also only saw a handful of other hikers the entire day which added to the magic of this special trail.

At the halfway point on this hike, you will find yourself at a chalet called Berghaus Männdlenen which is a great spot to stop and use the bathroom and enjoy a cold beer with an amazing view. This chalet is literally in the middle of nowhere, so much so that they have to fly supplies and water for the toilets up to it with a helicopter! 

Towards the end of this hike, you will come around a bend and see beautiful lakes with towering, snow-capped mountains as their backdrop. It is such a magical spot and an ideal place to stop and take photos. 

This hike ends at the First Cliff Walk , which is a walkway suspended from a rocky mountainside, with incredible peak and valley views, that can also be accessed by gondola from the town of Grindewald. 

It’s free to do the cliff walk, which I highly recommend, and then you simply take the gondola down to Grindewald. From Grindewald you have to take a train to Zweilütschinen Railway Station , and from there you take another train back up to Wengen.

Day 4: Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg – Wengen

On our fourth day in Switzerland, we woke up, went on a jog, did a yoga session, and then set out on an easy hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, and then back down to Wengen.

We took the gondola up to the top of Männlichen for this hike and did the Panorama Trail , making our way over to Kleine Scheidegg which is a mountain range that has a small railway station, a couple of shops, and a few cute chalets where you can get drinks and food. 

This is a 5-mile hike that is rated as moderate but it is all either flat or downhill and should be rated easy in my opinion. From Kleine Scheidegg you can continue on and hike all the way back down the mountain to Wengen which is a few more miles and a very easy walk on a wide dirt road.

When you are almost back in Wengen you can stop for a celebratory beer and food at Bergrestaurant Allmend which is right along the trail and serves up delicious cheese raclette (a must-have when you are in Switzerland!) along with gorgeous views of Wengen.

Day 5: Kandersteg – Oeschinensee

On our fifth day in Swizterland, we did the  Kandersteg – Oeschinensee Trail around Oeschinen Lake.

Oeschinen Lake is about an hour’s drive from Lauterbrunnen so we took the train from Wengen down to Lauterbrunnen Railway Station then hopped in our rental car for the scenic drive over. At the base of the mountain, you have to take a cable car up to the lake and hiking trails. 

Oeschinen Lake is such a beautiful, bright, sparkling blue color that it almost looks fake! The lake is fed through a series of mountain creeks and is rounded by snow-capped mountains, trees, and greenery in every direction. 

This hike is a 4.8 mile heavily trafficked , loop trail that is accurately rated as moderate . At the end of the hike, you can stop at the Berghotel Oeschinen which has a restaurant with delicious, healthy options and a large outdoor patio overlooking the lake.

Day 6: Rest/Work Day + Cheese Festival 

On our sixth day in Wengen, we took a much-needed rest/work day, caught up on emails, did yoga, and relaxed in our chalet . 

In the afternoon we met up with Julie the founder of  Wengen Apartments  and she took us to the Wengen Cheese Festival , which is held every September in Wengen. It was a small gathering in the heart of the village and it seemed like all the locals were there.

We ate tons of cheese (of course!), drank beer, and listened to a local band play, which was a very fun way to spend a relaxing afternoon in the Swiss Alps!

Speaking of cheese, for an amazing authentic dinner experience in Wengen try Waldhuttli (Forest Hut Wengen).  We didn’t get a chance to dine here on our trip, but I heard from locals that it is amazing for raclette and fondue!

Day 7: Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg – Wengen

On our last day in Wengen, we wanted to do an easy, relaxing hike and we didn’t feel like traveling to get there so we decided to do the Panorama Trail  again from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg  and then on down to Wengen.

It was the perfect way to end the trip because it is such a beautiful, easy hike. It is also a great trail to take photos on, with the late afternoon sunshine perfectly lighting the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Wengen stole my heart on this trip and I have to admit by this point I was feeling a little sad that it was our last day in the Bernese Alps.

Day 8: Zurich 

On our last day in Switzerland, we spent the morning in Wengen, said goodbye to our chalet , then took the train down to Lauterbrunnen where we picked up our rental car from the car park and headed back to Zurich. 

In the city, we stayed at the Storchin Zurich Hotel in Old Town. This hotel is in a great location on the water and has a nice rooftop bar with beautiful views.

For dinner, we ate nearby at Hilt , which claims to be “the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. You can easily walk to Hilt from Storchin Zurich Hotel.  The only problem (for me) was that this restaurant is buffet style and after seven days of hiking and non-stop working out I wanted to eat every single thing I saw (and I pretty much did)!

Since this was a wellness getaway we ended our Switzerland trip with a run around Zurich. This was such a magical trip (honestly my favorite trip to date) so I spent most of the run plotting my return to the Swiss Alps! 

What To Wear Hiking In The Swiss Alps

A trip to the Swiss Alps involves looks of walking and hiking so you want to pack accordingly. Here are some of our top picks for what to bring along with you to hike comfortably in in the Swiss Alps. 

Hiking Accessories

Be prepared for long hiking days and bring along hiking accessories. 

When Should I Visit The Swiss Alps? 

If you are planning a ski trip to the Swiss Alps the ideal time to go is obviously the winter and spring months, December through March, when there is good snow coverage.

The most popular time for hiking in Switzerland is the warm summer months, but I suggest visiting in the fall when it is less crowded and more affordable. The beginning of September is arguably the best time to do a hiking trip in Switzerland because the weather is still good and most of the tourists have dispersed. 

We went on our girls’ wellness and hiking getaway in Wengen during the second week of September. At first, the weather called for rain all week but we lucked out and got mostly sunny days, and it was actually quite warm. There was one day that it rained while we were staying in Wengen, but we used that as a much-needed rest and workday. 

Traveling Internationally As A Vaccinated American 

Traveling as a vaccinated American in Europe was actually a great experience. This was my first international trip since the pandemic began so I have to admit I was quite nervous leading up to our departure. I was especially nervous about entry into Switzerland and re-entry into the US, but everything went smoothly. 

Switzerland officially re-opened its borders to vaccinated Americans in July 2021, so we planned our hiking trip for September 2021. Leading up to our departure I was worried they would re-instate a 10-day quarantine which would have made our trip impossible but luckily this did not happen. 

If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, somewhere else in Europe, or anywhere in the world, be sure to check that the country you want to visit is open to vaccinated travelers from your country and that they do not have a quarantine in place. You also need to check up on this daily leading up to your trip because if we have learned anything about traveling during a pandemic, it is that things change constantly and what is true one day might not be true the next.

Switzerland Hiking Trip Guide Wrap Up

As I bring this guide to a close, I think it is helpful to mention that there is pretty good cell service in the Bernese Alps. I have an international plan with T-Mobile and I had at least a few bars almost everywhere we hiked. So even if you are “out in the middle of nowhere” it still feels very safe. Also, there are chalets along every hiking trail so there are always places to stop if you want to rest and get food or drinks.

Switzerland is a very safe country. Our little group consisted of just three girls for this trip and there was not one time that I didn’t feel safe. There was also not one time that I was “over it” and wanted to go home. Of course, I missed my four-year-old daughter who was at home with her dad, but I was honestly having the time of my life on this trip, thoroughly enjoying some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and a part of me wished it would never end.

I hope you’ve found my Switzerland hiking trip guide helpful and I hope it has inspired you to plan a trip to the Bernese Alps! It is an incredible destination and I highly suggest staying in Wengen. If you have questions please let me know in the comments below. Happy travels!

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Switzerland. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.

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Read More About Switzerland

• How To Travel The Swiss Alps On A Budget
• Discovering The Magic Of Lausanne
• Hiking For Cheese In Switzerland
• Things To Do In Zermatt Besides Ski
• See The Best Of Switzerland With These 5 Walks

We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder Vanessa Rivers  Connect with Vanessa Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest |  YouTube 

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Eddie Menir says

March 2, 2022 at 1:06 am

This is such a great website and amazing photos! Please come to Komodo National Park. I am guide here and love to show you around. So much to see. I did interview so you can see how I tour guide. Thank you.

May 22, 2022 at 8:02 am

do you advise us getting a swiss pass for your proposed itinerary?

Rachel says

September 5, 2022 at 10:30 am

Thank you so much for this detailed blog and itinerary! I was so inspired by it that I’m following most of your itinerary and am currently in wengen! We did the Schynige Platte – First hike today and it was my favorite of all time (and I’m an avid West Coast hiker). The half price swiss train pass has been perfect for our group and we’ve added on some via Ferrata climbs to your suggestions. Really appreciate it!

July 7, 2023 at 1:03 am

We followed this itinerary almost exactly for our recent Switzerland trip and it was PERFECT! Can’t thank you enough for all the details and advice on what to do and where to stay in the area. The trails are beautiful and most are very quiet with few other tourists because they’re a bit more difficult than the super popular tourist routes. That’s exactly what we were looking for. Would love to see an itinerary like this for many other cities. Do you have any travel blogs / bloggers that are dedicated to this type of 3-4 hour day hike itineraries in other places as well? We would love to follow more. Looking at Japan next. Thanks again!

Vanessa Rivers says

July 17, 2023 at 1:53 pm

Hi Kate, so glad you found my itinerary useful for your trip! Unfortunately, we don’t have many hiking trip guides (yet) but I plan to add more as I do them and I am in the process of looking for an ambassador to specialize in writing hiking trip guides. Japan sounds amazing. Do you have any interest in writing about your hiking stories? I’ll email you. – Vanessa Rivers, Co-Founder – We Are Travel Girls

Susan Ashworth says

September 21, 2023 at 10:01 pm

Such a helpful itinerary! I’ve been trying to plan a Switzerland trip and feeling quite overwhelmed. Yours sounds perfect with all the details! Same for the one on Zermatt and the cheese hiking one. I wish you had one for the Swiss National Park area as well since I want to go to that area too! Well done!

October 20, 2023 at 1:38 pm

Hi Susan! Glad you found my guide useful! I loved this trip so much I am actually planning a Swiss Alps Travel Girls Getaway. If you’re interested in joining us email me ( [email protected] ). X,Vanessa Rivers, We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder

Karen Robilotta says

October 10, 2023 at 5:05 pm

Thank you for this amazing guide! I just returned from a month in Europe where I got to visit Zermatt and Lauterbrunnen. Like you, I loved Switzerland so much I am planning my return and plan to use your guide to help organize my next trip. Well done!

October 20, 2023 at 1:33 pm

Thanks Karen! Glad you found the guide useful! Cheers! – Vanessa Rivers, We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder

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Enjoy the most iconic hiking route in Switzerland in the most impressive parts of the Swiss Alps in Bernese Oberland. This independent hiking tour following the spectacular ‘Via Alpina’ (a.k.a Bear Trek) along breathtaking mountain passes and unbelievably beautiful glaciers along the three most famous mountains in Switzerland: Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. You will witness the whole color palette of the ‘Via Alpina’ markings (purple, yellow, green, blue and red) along the way. If this does not impress you, just imagine that it stretches across seven different countries all the way to Monaco.

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The tour guide picked people she liked and hung around them although she did not speak to everyone other than tour info. She walked very fast like she was in marathon and people had problems keeping up to her. She misleading and assumed things about people without speaking with them. She did not care about some people. At one point the group left us and we did know where they went. She also stuck in away from the others and spoke to rest of the people with her back to us; in other words segerated us from the others. I spoke to her and she quickly changed things so we could sit with others. I will be writing Trafalgar about this when time for me is available. However, Trafalgar should know about this. We consider her a poor tour guide and requires more training. She is assumtive with a poor attitude about people that are slower than others. She does not treat all with respect.

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Hiking Tours

Enjoy out and back day hikes while staying in the comfort of locally owned, boutique hotels. We take care of the logistics so you can relish the experience.

Hiking along the original alpine flowers trail Betelberg with around 95 signposted flowers. Photo by Mathias Kunfermann

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How to plan a family summer trip to the Swiss Alps

Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region promises dramatic Alpine scenery, flower-flecked meadows and thrills on every summit. And with an extensive network of cable cars and rail routes, it's ideal for a 10-day stress-free family adventure.

Mother Nature pulled out all the stops in the Jungfrau region of the Bernese Alps. From waterfalls and cloud-capped peaks (including the big three: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau) to high pastures jangling with cowbells, cliff-hugging villages sprinkled with log chalets and Alpine railways taking you from pine to peak, this is picture-postcard Switzerland at its finest. For families, adventure awaits. Bomb down the mountains on a Trottibike scooter or thunder towards the Eiger on a zip-line. Head up high to play in the summer snow or get close to the water in glacier gorges. From villages to via ferrata, here’s how to plan a 10-day tour that takes it all in.

Days 1-3: Mürren

Begin your trip with one of the area's most spectacular rail and cable journeys, with the town of Interlaken as a starting point. Take the train to Lauterbrunnen and switch onto a gondola to Grütschalp, where a second and arguably more beautiful train ride will whisk you up to Mürren. Perched on a ridge at 1,638 metres, this high-altitude village offers knockout views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and its flower-strewn pastures, spruce forests and dark-timber chalets are the picture of Swiss Alpine beauty.  

It's the ideal spot to ease into an active holiday. Hiking trails thread from its flanks in all directions, and a funicular glides up to Allmendhubel , where you can enjoy a meal on the mountain-facing sun terrace while kids romp among giant insects and Alpine blooms in the flower-themed adventure park. Budding botanists will love the nearby flower trail, which features 150 species of mountain flowers, from gentian to edelweiss. Alternatively, adults and older children can ramp up the adrenaline on the nearby Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata. A guide will help you learn the ropes, and before long you’ll be exploring a series of chalelnging suspension bridges, zip-lines and tightropes, with sky-high views of the Bernese Alps.

Devote a third day to Schilthorn, which begins with a dramatic cable-car ride above great fangs of rock to the eyrie-like summit of Schilthorn — Piz Gloria. Visited by James Bond in the 1969 film adaptation of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service , this dramatic destination enjoys views across 200 peaks all the way to Mont Blanc and the Black Forest on clear days. Enjoy the helicopter and bobsleigh simulators at Spy World , before heading down to middle station Birg for exhilarating, vertigo-inducing moments on the Skyline Walk and cliff-hugging Thrill Walk (crawl through the tunnel if you dare).

Days 3-7: Grindelwald  

With sensational views of the Eiger’s imposing North Face and a lineup of 4,000-metre peaks, it’s no surprise that Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations for active travellers. The first task is to pick your peak. Swing high above the meadows to 1,391-metre Pfingstegg for a mad downhill dash on the summer toboggan run or zip-line. Or opt for mountain-rimmed Männlichen, where you can enjoy nature-focused fun on the treetop path, explore the vast playground that's home to a giant wooden cow, or head out on the Lieselotte Trail, where children can search for crystals, blow into an alphorn and peek at burrowing marmots through binoculars.  

On day two, make for the 2,184-metre summit of First Mountain, which has the edge for thrill-seekers. Clinging to near-vertical cliffs, the First Cliff Walk is an ideal place to begin your day’s activity, with giddy views of the Bernese Alps. From the top, you can whizz towards the Eiger on the First Flyer zip-line at speeds of up to 50mph, before tearing down the slopes back to Grindelwald by mountain cart or chunky Trottibike. Back in the valley, feel nature’s colossal force in Grindelwald’s Glacier Canyon, as you teeter across a walkable ‘spider’s web’ strung between towering rock faces polished by the waters of the Lütschine River. Daredevils can also enjoy the canyon swing , which involves a 90-metre freefall before you rip across the gorge at speeds of 75mph.

However, all of this is just laying the groundwork for a third-day trip up to 3,454-metre Jungfraujoch. From Grindelwald, hop aboard the tri-cable Eiger Express gondola for a riveting ride with views of the Eiger’s mile-high North Face. From the Eiger Glacier station at its top, switch to the Jungfrau Railway. This red train has been chugging up to the summit since 1912 and will transport you up to Europe’s highest railway station in less than 30 minutes. Here, the Sphinx observation terrace offers out-of-this-world views of the 14-mile Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding sea of 4,000-metre peaks. It’s snowy up top all year round, so dress warmly for sledding, tubing and zip-lining in the snow park, or a subzero wander through the glittering, sculpture-strewn tunnels of the Ice Palace.

Days 7-10: Meiringen (Haslital)

From Grindelwald, take a beautiful train ride via Interlaken, or a panoramic bus ride over the Grosse Scheidegg mountain pass to reach Meiringen, a pretty Alpine town in the Haslital Valley that's surrounded by dramatic activity. Top billing goes to the 120-metre-high Reichenbach Falls, which crash over forested cliffs with a roar. This is where writer Arthur Conan Doyle had fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and villainous Dr Moriarty fall over the edge in the 1893 story The Final Problem . For a less intense experience, take the funicular up and hike back down before stopping in at Patisserie Frutal for a Swiss meringue — Meiringen lays claim to fame as the 18th-century birthplace of this sweet treat.

The next day, continue your exploration of Meiringen’s surrounding cliffs and ravines. A quick train ride from town will see you reach the Aare Gorge, which carves a deep, narrow path through limestone tunnels and galleries and past a turquoise torrent of glacial water. Visit later in the day if you can, as the canyon is at its most entrancing when illuminated by summer-evening rays. Its closest rival is the waterfall-splashed Rosenlaui Gorge, where a circular trail leads through primeval forest and past chalk-slate cliffs pounded smooth by the Weissenbach River.

Finally, head north of Meiringen, to Hasliberg. This area is a family favourite, thanks to the three-mile Muggestutz Dwarf trail that runs from Mägisalp to Bidmi, where kids can dry pine cones, take on the ‘eagle swing’ and find cave treasure. Make a day of it and check out the marble run from Bidmi to Reuti, which offers 12 giant marble runs immersed in nature and a firepit for barbecues (wood is provided).  

Related Topics

• FAMILY TRAVEL
• EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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