Start with the spine-tingling views of the towering Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau peaks as your pass through deep green pastures lined by towering waterfalls. We then enter one of Switzerland's most secluded Valleys and walk to Europe’s largest glacier.
From here we transfer to beautiful car-free Zermatt and enjoy easy trials that take in spectacular vistas that expand over this spectacular valley adorned by the Matterhorn and Breithorn peaks. Enjoy viewpoints of the Italian Aosta Valley and Monte Rosa peaks then return to enjoy the lively village of Zermatt.
Explore the best of the Swiss Alps and be assured, this tour is a winner!
Day 1: Towering Falls & Sheer Valley Beauty
From the Interlaken station we transfer into the Lauterbrunnen Valley for an enjoyable warm-up walk through green pastures of dairy farming and quaint chalets. We then loop through this incredible valley enclosed on three sides by massive snowy summits and vertical granite walls. Each step brings us closer to the glaciers that feed the enormous falls that surround our trail. On our return we visit the Truemmelbach Falls that erupt within the mountain. That is right, inside the mountain; this rare sight of thundering falls conclude a perfect day of exploration.
Afterwards, we ride up a little yellow cog-train to the car-free mountain resort village of Wengen. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hanging valleys as we enjoy an aperitif before dinner and watch the Jungfrau’s glacial face change color.
Lodgings: Wengen Swiss-hospitality in a 3 star chalet. Dinner: at the hotel.
Day 2-3: 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.
Our next day's hike 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, we pass chalets that offer us the chance to enjoy one of the many Swiss lunchtime specialties. 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.
Lodgings: same as previous night
Day 4: Europe's Largest Glacier
We transfer to explore a mysterious valley once so isolated by nature that it developed a tradition unique to all other Swiss regions. Along the edge of a gorge that falls steeply into the Rhone Valley we make our way to the end of a valley situated at the base of Europe's largest glacier. Along the way we pass the small wooden villages built entirely of a dark rich wood and decorated with large grotesque masks. The masks are believed to ward off the spirits that are said to have haunted residents for centuries. The entire way we note the numerous glaciers spilling from the mountainside and once we arrive at the end we embark on a memorable walk to the foot of Europe's largest, Aletsch Glacier.
Lodgings: A fantastic 3-star wooden Inn at the valley's end- dinner at Inn.
Day 5-7: Zermatt & The Matterhorn
No visit to Switzerland would be complete without seeing the famous Matterhorn peak. So a short transfer across the Rhone Valley soon brings us to the end of the Matter Valley—well at least as far as cars are concerned. We thus have to transfer in by train to the car-free center of Zermatt. Countless superb hikes have been blazed due to the high peaks, large glaciers and sheer cliffs that have cut off the upper Matter Valley on three sides, thus dictating that most all trails are circuits that return to Zermatt. We have the luxury of selecting from an incredible variety of trails to suit any level of walker. Regardless of the trail we return each day to lively and entertaining Zermatt where from your room you command a superb view of what we’ve all come to see, the Matterhorn. The evening is free to wander about and enjoy this lively town.
Hotel: In the old town of Zermatt. Dinner: One free night out & 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 10:32 17 Interlaken 12:28
Trains to Interlaken (tour start) from Luzern: ~2 hour
Departure Track Arrival Track
Luzern 10:55am 12 Interlaken 12:455 4
Departing your tour:
From Zermatt to Zurich: ~4.5 hours (departure every hour)
