Start with the towering Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau peaks as your backdrop through deep green pastures lined by towering waterfalls. The next day enjoy spine-tingling views from the cog train that makes its way to the Jungfraujoch. But instead of returning with the train, we start our two-day descent across Europe’s largest glacier. For those who wish a more relaxed approach we return for our stunning walk along the base of the famed Eiger.
We all meet up at the glacier ends in the canton of Valais. From here we hike through one of Switzerland’s most stunning gorges, then transfer to beautiful Zermatt. Some may opt to ascend the Breithorn, a 4164-meter (13,500ft.) high peak next to the Matterhorn while others will opt to the more casual approach. From both viewpoints the vistas expand over the Italian Aosta Valley, the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa peaks. Explore the best in the Alps and be assured, this tour is a winner!
Day 1: Towering Falls & Sheer Valley Beauty
After greeting you in Interlaken, we transfer to a 3-star lodge in nearby Grindelwald. This 150-year-old mountaineering base is situated at the foot of the supreme challenge for climbers—“The Eiger,” as well as the glacier that formed this valley. Situated on a layered hillside, Grindelwald is often referred to as the most picturesque village in the entire Alps. Our warm up walk familiarizes you with the vicinity and its stunning surrounding. Before dinner it’s time to welcome you with a traditional Swiss schnapps or hot chocolate.
Lodgings: Wengen Swiss-hospitality in a 3 star chalet. Dinner: at the hotel.
Day 2: Eiger, Moench & Jungfrau
Starting with the original Swiss hiker’s breakfast of Bircher Swiss-muesli, we then leave the pastoral basin of Grindelwald via the gondola to the top of the knobby summit and dramatic viewpoint of Maennlichen. We have ample time to take in the glorious view to the west where the ridge plunges to the mid-height terraces of the village Wengen, and then drops to the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor. To the south, crowning a string of snowy peaks, Switzerland’s most famous trio rise up in full glory, a view we re-examine throughout the day. Our hikes faces directly in front of the imposing north face of the Eiger and visible are some of the numerous routes up its face, including Heinrich Harrer’s original ascent. As we wind our way down through a forested area that spills into the gentle pastureland, and eventually back into Grindelwald, we pass chalets that offer us the chance to enjoy one of the many Swiss lunchtime specialties.
Lodgings: same as previous night
Day 3-4: Europe's Largest Glacier
For those wishing to cross the glacier we meet our expert mountaineering guide who equips us with cramp-ons and discusses the use of the ropes and other safety procedures for walking on the glacier. This is a trek that you will never forget and are sure to rave about for many years to come. We walk down the glacier, which makes this a relatively easy hike. The glacier surface can be solid ice or slushy snow, depending on weather conditions. With the south face of Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau among several high peaks surrounding you, you will marvel at the sounds and sights Aletsch Glacier produces. Then enjoy the remainder of the day at our solitary lodge for the night, an official Swiss mountaineering hut situated in the middle of this sea of ice.
For those that opt to be more casual, we come down from Europe’s highest tram ride and enjoy a stunning walk within the Lauterbrunnen Valley then visit the thundering Trümmelbach Falls set within the mountain before our transfer into Valais. The next morning we enjoy a walk along a ridge to the glacier’s edge and the exit point for those that embarked on the 2-day journey.
Hotel: A Swiss Alp club mountaineering hut (the only facilities available on the glacier) & non-glacier walkers in a quaint 3-star mt. inn & Very quiet and relaxing Inn with wellness center.
Dinner: at the hut and at Inn.
Day 5-7: Massa Gorge & Zermatt
We transfer to the end of the glacier we walked on for two days; the wild, deep and narrow Massa Gorge. A small path leads to the gorge through which all the glacial water is flowing. Our mountaineering guide takes us on an unforgettable hike within the gorge, high above the water. After lunch we transfer by van to legendary Zermatt, where you have time to relax, shop, or embark on a short stroll below the Matterhorn.
Begin the next day with a stunning cable car ride from Zermatt all the way up to 12’300 feet. With the Matterhorn to our right, we begin a gentle climb up to the top of Breithorn, a beautiful, wide, and snow capped peak with views to die for: the adjacent Matterhorn, the Italian Aosta Valley, the Monte Rosa peaks, & mountain peaks of all sizes & shapes for as far as you can see. The ascent is easy, though we will most likely be walking on snow, and depending on weather conditions we might use cramp-ons.
Hotel: Very friendly lodge with views of the Matterhorn in the old town of Zermatt. Dinner: Free night & in town.
Transportation Logistics
The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.
Trains to Interlaken (tour start) from Zurich: ~2 hour
Departure Track Arrival
Zürich HB 08:00 17 Interlaken à 09:57
Trains to Interlaken (tour start) from Luzern: ~2 hour
Departure Track Arrival Track
Luzern 07:55am 12 Interlaken 09:55 4
Departing your tour:
From Zermatt to Zurich: ~4.5 hours (departure every hour)
