Self-Guided Hikes in Switzerland
The best of Swiss day hiking
Trip Summary
We offer self-guided walking trips in several different locations in Switzerland. Some areas offer easy and moderate hikes, other areas offer moderate and strenuous hiking. All are beautiful. While we feature the villages of Kandersteg, Wengen, Murren, Zermatt (Valais), and several other small villages in Switzerland, the possibilities are limitless. Call us with your ideas and we are certain we can plan a wonderful hiking vacation in Switzerland for you.
The Berner Oberland region is one of the great alpine gems of Switzerland. Classic wooden chalets, perfectly kept window boxes, grazing cows, high alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, bold, imposing mountains with hanging glaciers, snowy peaks, and impressive waterfalls comprise an incredibly inspiring backdrop for these day hikes.
Long a destination for hikers and walkers, Kandersteg is a wonderful village of wooden chalets and old farms. Nestled in the Kander Valley, it is surrounded by impressive waterfalls, snow-capped peaks (many reaching to over 12,000 feet high), lush alpine meadows, rich forests and beautifully-preserved farms. Strikingly beautiful, and immediately welcoming, Kandersteg is a perfect area to begin a classic Swiss Alps hiking vacation.
Though not in the Berner Oberland, spending several days in Zermatt makes for a wonderful Swiss hiking vacation. Situated at the southernmost end of the Mattertal valley, closed to car traffic and dominated by the formidable Matterhorn (14,777′), Zermatt has for generations lured hikers and mountaineers from the world over. Ringed by more than fifty peaks (many topping 13,000′) and some thirty-two glaciers, its location at the confluence of three glaciers and two additional narrow valleys, combined with an extensive cable car and tram system, allow Zermatt (5,300′) to offer the best set of hikes anywhere in the Alps.
Though experiencing its share of expansion due to popularity, the center of Zermatt, comprised of narrow streets lined with dark wood chalets richly adorned by colorful window boxes, retains many of the vestiges of an old rustic Swiss village. Hiking in this area is renowned. From easy valley walks to strenuous high-level hikes, Zermatt will satisfy all levels of abilities.
Self-Guided Hikes in Switzerland Itinerary
Lenk, Kandersteg, Mürren and Zermatt
- This itinerary just a sample, there are many options and variations, including a shorter trip or a longer trip that includes a few days in Zermatt.
Day 1: Arrive Lenk: Individual travel to your hotel in Lenk, Switzerland. The location of this hotel is quintessentially Swiss complete with meadows, mountain peaks, grazing cows, chalets. This is a wonderful town and hotel from where to start your trip.
Day 2: Lenk to Adelboden: Leaving the village of Lenk you will begin your climb to the pass at Hahnenmoos. With fine views of the Wildstrubel and glacier-covered peaks of Altels and Balmhorn, you’ll descend along the crest of Sillere, before dropping down into the town of Adelboden.
Day 3: Transfer to Kandersteg: Transfer to Kandersteg by bus and train. Lake Oeschinensee “sits” on a plateau high above Kandersteg and is surrounded by the magnificent mountains of Blumsliapshorn, Oeschinenhorn, Fründenhorn and Doldenhorn. This hike has to be one of the prettiest hikes anywhere in the Alps, truly. On a nice day, the views of the lake and the mountains are stunning.
Some enjoy spending two nights in the pretty village of Kandersteg.
Day 4: Travel to Mürren: Day hike in Kandersteg. Afternoon travel to Murren. This pretty trip includes cog trains and a cable car. The small village of Mürren is perched on a plateau high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It has a front row seat with the view of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch and the entire range of these massive mountains.
Day 5: Mürren: Day in Mürren. There are plenty of ways to spend your day, including just gazing out at the immense mountains. For James Bond enthusiasts, you might enjoy a cable car to the Schilthorn where the spy movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed. Even if you are not a 007 fan, the trip to the top is stunning. Another hike from Mürren is along the high belvedere to Grütschalp or on the more exciting hike from the Birg lift to the Schilthorn along the ridge.
Day 6: Mürren to Obersteinberg: Today your destination is the Hotel Obersteinberg, situated in the undeveloped head of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The descent from Mürren is pleasant, passing through the village of Gimmelwald and continuing on until just above Stechelberg. Here the trail begins climbing somewhat steeply to your overnight spot. If time permits, you may explore further up the valley. This is a simple, overnight mountain inn with private twin rooms; no electricity, shared facilities, no showers.
Day 7: Obersteinberg to Wengen: The hike from Obersteinberg to Lauterbrunnen and then to Wengen is lovely. The descent into Lauterbrunnen is stunning as you enter the valley walking beneath sheer rock faces etched with magnificent waterfalls. From Lauterbrunnen, another hour and a half climb, or a train trip, brings you to the resort town of Wengen, which, like Mürren, is also free of cars.
Day 8: Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg: You are now in the heart of the Berner Oberland, and the route converges with the tourists that come to view the famous trio of peaks, the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, which dominate the landscape. The destination today is the Kleine Scheidegg. You will have spectacular views back down the Lauterbrunnen valley, as well as an ever-changing view of the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger, as you hike around the shoulder of the Lauberhorn. Once you arrive at the broad, grassy saddle of the Kleine Scheidegg, there are many hiking options.
Day 9: Depart Wengen: Departure from the hotel in Wengen. Please allow for travel time when making flight arrangements.
Additional Information
INCLUDED
Note that this may change depending on final itinerary:
- all accommodations in 3- and 4-star hotels
- all breakfasts buffets, most dinners (dinners are not included in Mürren)
- detailed trail notes
- travel information
- hiking maps of the areas
NOT INCLUDED
This may change, depending on final itinerary: Airfare, lunches, dinners as per your final confirmed itinerary, lifts, trains and transfers or excursions, items not on set dinner menu, beverages (other than what is served at breakfast), insurance, items of a personal nature.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS
Hotels: The hotels we use are wonderful small 3- and 4-star hotels, all with private baths. They reflect the character of the area. They are family run and very welcoming and centrally located. We have been working with these hotels for years.
Meals: The food served at the hotel is very good and should you have any dietary needs or restrictions, the hotels are more than willing to accommodate. Each morning there is a wonderful breakfast buffet.
Lunches can be picnic style on the trail or, depending on your hike, you may decide to eat at one of the many mountain restaurants.
TRAVEL
Geneva and Zurich are the two main airports in Switzerland. By train, you can easily access any of the villages.
STARTING POINT
This will depend on your travel and itinerary. There are many villages from which you can start this hike.
ENDING POINT
This will depend on your travel and specific itinerary.
WHO WOULD LIKE THIS TRIP?
This trip is great for those who want to unpack their bags for several days at a time and really explore an area on foot. Some of our hikers spent one week at the same location, returning to their comfortable hotel at the end of each great hike. Each day you can decide which hike to try, graded from moderate to strenuous plus.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, a more-detailed itinerary that includes elevation gains, loss, and distance, or to register, please contact us. We're happy to share a list of past participants willing to share insights into the self-guided Hikes in Switzerland experience.
How to Reserve This Trip
A non-refundable deposit of $500 along with your completed registration forms will reserve a space on your requested trip. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card as well as personal checks. To make a deposit, you may either follow one of the “Reserve a Trip” links below, give us a call at 1-888-845-5781, or include your payment information in the area provided when completing your registration forms.
Before registering for this, please read our Terms and Conditions in their entirety and then refer to our Self-Guided Trips page for specific information regarding the process.
The balance is due 90 days prior to departure for most of our trips. When applying less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is due. For final payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, as well as personal checks.
As confirmation of receipt of your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive packet of information pertaining to your trip, an invoice for final payment and additional information including release agreement form, medical information form, travel information, and packing list. Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive trip rendezvous information and a list of accommodations. Returning trip participants will receive a 5% discount on most trips.
Receipt of all forms will finalize your registration.
Related Trips
Self-Guided Across the Berner Oberland Hike
Self-Guided Hiker's Haute Route
Self-Guided Hikes in Switzerland
Self-Guided Provence Inn-to-Inn
Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Hike
Testimonials
"I wanted to let your whole team know this was the best trip my husband and I have ever taken. From the hotels to the hiking -- the entire trip was phenomenal and will be a highlight of our lifetimes. The hiking was breathtaking, and each day seemed to have new and more incredible views. We loved that we could go at our own pace -- some days we took the tough hiking option, and other days we opted to take a train and do a shorter day hike. We felt like we saw so much of Switzerland but never felt rushed or on an agenda. “
Jennifer N., MA
Moderate, Strenuous, Strenuous Plus
Reserve Your Spot
How to Reserve This Trip
A non-refundable deposit of $500 along with your completed registration forms will reserve a space on your requested trip. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card as well as personal checks. To make a deposit, you may either follow one of the “Reserve a Trip” links below, give us a call at 1-888-845-5781, or include your payment information in the area provided when completing your registration forms.
Before registering for this, please read our Terms and Conditions in their entirety and then refer to our Self-Guided Trips page for specific information regarding the process.
The balance is due 90 days prior to departure for most of our trips. When applying less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is due. For final payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, as well as personal checks.
As confirmation of receipt of your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive packet of information pertaining to your trip, an invoice for final payment and additional information including release agreement form, medical information form, travel information, and packing list. Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive trip rendezvous information and a list of accommodations. Returning trip participants will receive a 5% discount on most trips.
Receipt of all forms will finalize your registration.
Testimonials
"I wanted to let your whole team know this was the best trip my husband and I have ever taken. From the hotels to the hiking -- the entire trip was phenomenal and will be a highlight of our lifetimes. The hiking was breathtaking, and each day seemed to have new and more incredible views. We loved that we could go at our own pace -- some days we took the tough hiking option, and other days we opted to take a train and do a shorter day hike. We felt like we saw so much of Switzerland but never felt rushed or on an agenda. “
Jennifer N., MA
