Heart of Switzerland

In a land of fairytale mountain beauty, we’ve crafted a journey that makes use of the remarkable Swiss system of gondolas, cable cars, and cogwheel trains to whisk us high into the Alps for spectacular yet moderate hikes. We begin in enchanting Lucerne, hiking the flower-filled meadows of Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus above lake-dotted valleys. In the Bernese Oberland, stunning trails bring us to the thundering waterfalls at Lauterbrunnen and right beneath the regal peaks of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau—the magnificent North Face of the Alps. Our grand finale is Montreux, where we hike through exquisite vineyards above sparkling Lake Geneva.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Lucerne / Mt. Pilatus / Mt. Rigi

A gondola brings us to the summit of Mt. Pilatus (6,994') for a fantastic hike with 360-degree views of a dozen or more lakes, including lovely Lake Lucerne, and some 73 alpine summits. We reach our next hike by lake steamer and cogwheel train, then hike through lush summer pastures and ancient hamlets of traditional Swiss chalets with panoramas of sapphire lakes.

Days 3-4
Grindelwald / Murren / Wengen

The Bernese Oberland hosts the celebrated rock faces of the Eiger, Monch, and the Jungfrau—a jaw-dropping backdrop for our glorious hikes. By cable car, we head up a high ridge for our hike to the Lauberhorn (7,900'), with stupendous views of this enormous massif, part of the UNESCO Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site. Our hike in the Lauterbrunnen Valley brings us to Trummelbach Falls, one of 72 that grace this vertical-walled valley, and past immaculate farmsteads to Murren (5,413'), highest village in the Bernese Oberland, for amazing perspectives of the 13,642-foot Jungfrau and its snow-capped comrades. Descending to the car-free hamlet of Wengen, we enjoy enchanting sunset views of this world-famous massif.

Days 5-6
Kandersteg / Lake Oeschinensee

The quintessential Swiss alpine village of Kandersteg has been famous since the mid-19th century as a base for hikers and travelers. From this mountain-ringed setting, we hike to turquoise-hued Lake Oeschinensee, nestled in an amphitheater of sheer cliffs and snow-clad peaks, and in the Gasterntal Valley, a deeply cut glacial valley where feathery waterfalls spill from high buttress-like precipices.

Days 7-9
Montreux

A beautiful train ride brings us to Montreux in the Lavaux wine region near Lake Geneva. With a lakeshore lined by villas and a stunning backdrop of the Savoy Alps, Montreux is a wonderfully different chapter in our hiking adventure. Terraced vineyards—so unique they have been declared a World Heritage Site—climb high above the lake, producing one of Switzerland’s most distinctive wines. Our hike brings us to St. Saphorin, a charming medieval town of narrow alleys and wine growers’ homes dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. Wine tastings and lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant, followed by a dinner in a magnificent lakeside setting, cap our fabulous week of alpine adventure. Depart on Day 9.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3, moderate, according to our trip grading system. Our journey showcases the best of this alpine realm, with cable cars, gondolas, and even cogwheel trains taking care of steep ascents and descents. Most hiking is between 4,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation on good trails over mountainous terrain. You will carry just a daypack with the essentials: camera, water bottle, and rain gear. A support vehicle carries our luggage between hotels. Hiking experience is recommended, and all participants must be in good physical condition (no climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary). Each evening we return to our comfortable hotels to sample the culinary delights that the Swiss Alps have to offer.

Explanation of Trip Levels