Trip Overview
Departures
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Duration
8 Days
Activities
Hiking
Physical Rating
Challenging
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In Matterhorn’s Shadow
On this hiking adventure, join a charged-up group of Wild Women eager to tear up some terrain in the face of granite mammoths. We are rewarded with some serious panoramas from the Schynige Platte and Gemmi Plateau. The mighty jagged-tooth Matterhorn straddles the border of Switzerland and Italy, making the region a magnet for hikers who love the punishing ascents and meadows blurred with alpine wildflowers. The “Sprutz” waterfall, Monte Rossa massif, vineyards of Valais and car-free charms of Zermatt will make us wonder why we waited so long to experience Switzerland!
Ascend the Bernese Alps
From Farm to Fondue
Expect impromptu picnic lunches, a fondue night and lessons in goat-milking and cheesemaking from a local goat shepherd. We learn about marmot behavior, the importance of spotted nutcrackers to the Swiss pine forest and the impact of climate change on the glaciers. There will be several mesmerizing gondola rides that offer an unforgettable view of the alpine folds that we hike both above and below!
Sabina was a fabulous guide. She was so patient and helpful. She is so knowledgeable about all things related to Switzerland. We learned amazing facts about language, culture, flora and fauna. The trip made me want to come back.”
Libby T.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Zurich to Interlaken
Wilkommen to Switzerland
Plan to arrive in Interlaken, Switzerland by train, late afternoon on Day 1. We recommend arrival at Zurich airport (ZRH). The train system from the airport to Interlaken is very efficient with departures every 30 minutes (*we have to make our way independently to the hotel). Interlaken is a sylvan resort town in Bernese Oberland, a region (or canton) that is naturally sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
At 6:30 p.m. we meet in the Hey Hotel for an official welcome drink and comprehensive trip briefing with our Wild Women guide. Our guide will instruct us on how to reorganize our luggage and repack for tomorrow night’s stay at the remote hike-in only Mountain Hotel Faulhorn. We are responsible for carrying our own overnight necessities (toiletries, pajamas, etc.) as well as water, lunch, snacks and extra layers for the hike up Schynige Platte. The rest of our luggage will remain secure at the Hey Hotel which we return to on Day 3.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
The Hey Hotel
Travel
Train (30 minutes) from Zurich Airport to Interlaken
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Day 2
Wilderswill
A Hike-in Only Hotel Stay
After an early bird breakfast (7 a.m.) we will take a super scenic one-hour train ride from Interlaken to Wilderswill aboard a whimsical early 20th-century rack (cogwheel) railroad up to the Schynige Platte.
Double knot your hikers or trail runners as we strike off from the distinct terrace that hovers above Interlaken. Here, the peaks of the Bernese Alps poke into the indigo skyline at 13,123 feet (4,000 m). Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau will soon be familiar friends.
The path along the crete (mountain ridge) snakes around the cliff to reveal the surreal teal depths of Lake Brienz. It will be a full day of fresh air and selfies with cows before we reach the remote Faulhorn in the late afternoon. The cozy embrace and simplicity of one of the oldest mountain hotels in the Alps (established in 1830) is a favorite stay among hikers.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
The Mountain Lodge Faulhorn Hotel (twin share room)
The Hike
7.2 miles (11.5 km) or 4.5 hours depending on the group’s pace, with an ascent of 3,510 feet (1,070 m) and a descent of 1,247 feet (380 m)
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Day 3
Grindelwald
Swiss Cheese
We strike off at 7:30 a.m. to the crystalline marvel of Lake Bachalpsee.
The iconic PostBus (listen for its trademark horn) will transport us to Grindelwald, where we walk below the daunting presence of Eiger through the vibey mountain village that’s typically feverish with ramped-up climbers anticipating their ascent up the iconic north face of Eiger. It is still one of the most difficult climbs in the Alps.
After a picnic lunch, we meet a local goat shepherd and cheesemaker who lives in the idyllic mountain pasture of Steessiboden, high above Grindelwald. We get to visit with the goats, and yes, there will be samples to taste!
Late afternoon, we catch a bus to Grindelwald, where we can poke around the shops and find a place to eat or take the train back to Interlaken and the Hey Hotel. Dinner is not included tonight.
Included Meals
Breakfast and boxed lunch
Accommodations
The Hey Hotel
Travel
PostBus (30 minutes), bus (30 minutes), train (30 minutes)
The Hike
Six miles (10 km), which takes about 3.5 hours, with an ascent of 919 feet (280 m) and a descent of 3,773 feet (1,150 m)
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Day 4
Top of Europe
Shaken, Not Stirred
After a satiating fill of Bircher muesli, we board a train that will slice us through the glacier-incised Lauterbrunnen valley to Gimmelwald. Here, we follow the trail to the ribbon of waterfall known as the “Sprutz.”
At Bryndli, we absorb the panoramas of Lauterbrunnen valley below and carry onward (and downward) to the car-free village of Mürren. A gondola takes us to the top of Piz Gloria (10,000 ft/3,048 m above sea level). For 007 fans, the 1969 James Bond flick On Her Majesty’s Secret Service comes alive in Spy World’s interactive exhibits. Bond fan or not, we can sip martinis shaken, not stirred, in the world’s first revolving restaurant.
A cable car brings us back to Mürren for dinner at the timeless Restaurant Regina. Afterwards, we return to Interlaken to repack for tomorrow night’s stay at the Gemmi Lodge 2350.
Included Meals
Breakfast, boxed lunch and dinner
Accommodations
The Hey Hotel
The Hike
5.5 miles (8.8 km), which takes about 5 hours, with an ascent of 2,953 feet (900 m) and a descent of 2,100 feet (640 m)
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Day 5
Gemmi Plateau
A Genuine Gem
We board the train to Kandersteg at 8:30 a.m for a 90-minute journey. At the end of the 19th century, during the bougie Belle Epoque era, Kandersteg was a magnet for European holiday makers, romantics and dreamers. Everything was extravagant and excessive. La belle époque means “the beautiful age” and the feeling is still tangible in the grandeur of the Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria property.
A cable car will take us to Sunnbühl, where we can opt for an easy hike through the vast plain of Gemmi, stands of mountain pine and along the silver Daubensee. Alternatively, we can hike up to Üschenengrat ridge, a remote alpine route of challenging terrain down to Daubensee. Both hikes end at Gemmi Lodge 2350, our cool hotel smack dab on a rocky cliff high above Leukerbad.
Tonight we’ll indulge in a Valais specialty—the classic Gemmi Fondue! From the beautiful age to beautiful aged cheese!
Included Meals
Breakfast, boxed lunch and fondue!
Accommodations
Gemmi Lodge 2350
The Hike
The first hike option is 6.6 miles (10.6 km), with an ascent of 2,034 feet (620 m) and a descent of 4,035 feet (1,230 m). The second hike option is 7.9 miles (12.7 km), with an ascent of 3,590 feet (1,094 m) and a descent of 2,260ft (689 m).
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Day 6
Zermatt
Car-free and Carefree
By 8 a.m. we effortlessly float on a silent gondola over the rock cliffs down to Leukerbad. We take a PostBus then a train to the arid wine-growing valley of Valais. From Visp, we board the Glacier Express Line, which connects St. Moritz to the resort town of Zermatt, where the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn looms large. This trip takes three and a half hours.
We have an early lunch in the “mountaineer metropolis” of Zermatt before checking into our chic, playful hotel in the buzzing nerve center of car-free Zermatt. This afternoon is unscheduled and there’s so much to take in. Enjoy weaving in and out of the gear shops, boutique stores, bakeries and chocolatiers.
The Mountaineers’ cemetery is a tribute to climbers who have lost their lives in the surrounding mountains—do take time to read the tributes and memorials that honor some of the world’s fearless pioneering alpinists and guides. Don’t miss the landmark Prato Borni fountain built in 1906 where a family of bronze marmots clamber about either!
Dinner is not included tonight, so we can forage for raclette or more fondue!
Included Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Hotel Zermama
The Hike
However far your window shopping and wandering feet want to take you!
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Day 7
Zermatt
Chasing the Matterhorn
We start with an early bird power breakfast at Hotel Zermama before finding scenic seats in a cable car to Trockener Steg at 7:45 a.m..We hike the glacier trail that winds in front of the Theodul and Furgg glaciers next to the monster Matterhorn. The trail will slice through a periglacial environment—we take pause here to learn more about the impact of climate change and glacier recession.
Today’s route will pass through Schwarzsee, Staffelalp and Zmutt before we land back in Zermatt for steamy showers and a refresh before gathering for a sumptuous farewell dinner at 6:30 p.m. It’s time to clink glasses, celebrate and reminisce about our alpine experience and challenging hikes conquered.
Included Meals
Breakfast, boxed lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Zermama
The Hike
10 miles (16.2 km), which takes about 5.5 hours, with an ascent of 950 feet (290 m) and a descent of 5,300 feet (1,620 m).
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Day 8
Departure
Double-Knotted Friendships
Sigh. Departure day. After a decadent breakfast (at your leisure, and in accordance with Hotel Zermama’s breakfast service time), you can take the train to either the Zurich airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA). Trains are available every 30 minutes.
You can schedule your departure flight anytime after 2 p.m. today or continue on your merry fondue journey in the Alps.
It’s time to swap emails, AirDrop photos, give and receive big hugs and start planning a reunion with your alpine Wild Women crew!
Included Meals
Breakfast (you won’t want to miss this one!)
What’s Included
- Awesome female trip leaders and expert hiking guides
- Ground transportation from Interlaken
- Luggage transfer and storage (during mountain stays)
- Seven nights accommodation at hotels, guesthouses and mountain lodges
- Seven breakfasts, six lunches and five dinners
- All activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Gondolas, cable cars and PostBus shuttles
- All fees associated with park entry and activities
- We encourage you to bring your own hiking poles and to familiarize yourself with them pre-trip but rentals are available
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Optional private room upgrade, subject to availability.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Zurich, Switzerland (airport code: ZRH), and finishes in Zermatt, Switzerland (airports close by are Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA).
Hiking
We will be responsible for carrying our own overnight essentials (toiletries, pajamas, change of clothes, etc.) to the hike-in accommodations. Our guide will remind us of what we should pack on these days/nights. Our main luggage will be securely stored at the Hey Hotel and transferred onwards from Interlaken to Zermatt.
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we hike for many hours a day for multiple days and reach impressive altitudes. You should have advanced hiking experience. Yes, it’s a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on strength you didn’t know you had and come out feeling like the goddess you are.
Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
This is a true hiking adventure! We would like you to be comfortable with the following:
- Be prepared to hike up to 6+ hours a day with a few short rest stops
- The altitude difference and elevation on this trip can affect your breathing, endurance and pace
- Be prepared for inclement weather, including snow in the mountains. See the packing list in the Trip Details section for layering guidelines
- Please prepare for this trip with extensive fitness training in addition to hiking challenging terrain
- Expect steep to moderately steep trails with exposed sections; surefootedness and stability are required
- The majority of the hiking routes are thru hikes with no options to turn around as the mountain lodge accommodations are hike-in only
- Be prepared for strenuous physical activity
- Physical Rating: Challenging (Serious fitness level required. Trips are the most physically challenging with approximately 5 to 10 hours of physical activity each day. These trips require a high degree of fitness and even if you exercise regularly, they typically will require more specific conditioning and a specialized training routine depending on the trip.)
