It is a special priviledge to gaze upon the mighty flanks of the Eiger, an iconic mountain proudly presiding over a famed region of the Swiss Alps called the Jungfrau. If ever there existed a quintessential storybook Switzerland, the Jungfrau would be it. It is here, situated at the towering center of the Swiss Alps, that sparkling glaciated peaks and vertical rock walls ascend thousands of feet above gently rolling hillsides, peaceful little villages, and pristine valley floors. Through all of this, little slat-seated cog railways chug, red cable cars ascend, airy funiculars slide, and bright yellow post buses wind their way and blow their characteristic three-note horns on the mountain curves. We spend a week exploring this fairy tale region while mythic mountains loom, sun-darkened chalets dot the hillsides, and softly tinkling cowbells offer a reminder of a more tranquil world gone by.
Tour Highlights:
- A once-in-a lifetime opportunity to wander beneath the world famous summits of the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau.
- A chance to hike through storybook Switzerland, replete with cows, chocolate, cheese, Swiss chalets and snowcapped peaks.
- Hiking centered around the most classic alpine villages and towns of the region including Grindelwald, Wengen, Murren and Interlaken.
- Well-appointed accommodations in private rooms every night. We'll enjoy superior hotels and cozy country inns exuding old world charm and traditional Swiss hospitality.
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Day 1 Travel independently by rail to Interlaken, a bustling alpine gateway boasting horse drawn carriages, lake steamers, shopping, restaurants and more. Meet your group at the hotel for a welcome orientation, appetizers, and dinner at seven this evening.
Day 2 Hike to the carless little village of Murren, a peaceful village perched on a ledge above the mighty Lauterbrunnen Valley. We'll hike to a mountain house along the way and treat ourselves to a satisfying, and well-earned, alpine lunch. Overnight in a family owned three star inn in the quaint carless village of Murren. This inn offers spectacular views across the Lauterbrunnen valley, traditional Swiss cuisine, and a unique alpine flavor.
Day 3 A high pass presents a challenging loop hike from Murren today but we won't work without some well-deserved rewards. We'll enjoy eye-popping views of the region's tallest peaks, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, before ascending to a high alpine club hut for lunch. The mountains spread out in every direction from here and keep us visually satisfied all the way back to our comfortable little home in Murren.
Day 4 Today’s hike carries us along the floor of the Lauterbrunnen valley. Seventy-two stunning waterfalls cascade from the towering cliffs that form the walls of this valley. The hike offers a gentle, flexible outing filled with interesting sights and glimpses of the pastoral culture of the region. Enjoy lunch at a tranquil mountain house built in 1730, making it the oldest holiday cottage in the Lauterbrunnen valley. Overnight in peaceful, carless Wengen at a welcoming mountain inn with cozy, wood panelled Swiss alpine architecture and charm. This family run inn prides itself on its service, ambiance and traditional Swiss cuisine.
Day 5 Ascend to the Kleine Scheidegg beneath the 6,000 ft. North Face of the Eiger. Kleine Scheidegg is the location from which most of the famous Clint Eastwood film The Eiger Sanction was filmed. Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch of rösti, bratwurst, alpine soup and more, at a high mountain restaurant before descending to cosmopolitan Grindelwald. Enjoy the care and attention of the excellent staff and kitchen at our quietly located hotel.
Day 6 We'll spend the day walking on an undulating ridge that separates Interlaken and the lakes of Thun and Brienz from the spectacular massif of the Eiger Monch and Jungfrau. This is one of the most spectacular hikes of the entire region with some of the best views of the region's most notable peaks. We'll finish the hike with a ride on a historic cog railway before returning to our tastefully appointed rooms in Interlaken.
Day 7 Wake up to a delicious breakfast and then depart. It is possible to meet same day flights out of Zurich.
