Self-Guided Hikes in Switzerland

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

Show itinerary

Hiking Zermatt
Mountain Hut, Berner Oberland
Oeschinensee, Kandersteg
Chalet in Kandersteg
Fondu dinner, Berner Oberland
Window flowers, Berner Oberland
Swiss wash basins at mountain lodge
Hiking in the Berner Oberland
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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.

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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

Length
9 days
Dates
We will be scheduling dates for this trip soon. Please check back.
Land Cost
$3,895.00
+
$600.00
single room supplement
Trip Type & Rating
Self-Guided: Hotel-Based
Moderate, Strenuous, Strenuous Plus
Group Size
1-12


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