Grüezi! Welcome to Lauterbrunnen, and its spectacular valley, surrounded by some 72 cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs, and dotted with alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. This is the setting that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell, the magical home of the elves in “Lord of the Rings.” Meet your leader and fellow hikers this afternoon, and set off on an acclimating hike, ascending steeply from the valley to a quaint alpine village. Linger to enjoy a glass of wine or buttery pastry, and return at your leisure. Hike back down to your lovely chalet-style lodging, or, if you’d rather take it easy, ride the cable car. Tonight, dine on your own or with your group, beneath a view of the Lauterbrunnen’s iconic Staubbach Falls. Stargaze from your room’s balcony; tuck in beneath your plush, down comforter and fall asleep to the murmuring of the falls.

Today’s challenging hike begins in the valley’s lush meadows near Stechelberg, ascending to the Obersteinberg dairy farm – your welcoming mountain chalet.  Watch the multi-colored paragliders circle above as you ascend through the forest; catch your breath to photograph the snow-capped peaks of the Breithorn and its surrounding glaciers in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Break along a rushing creek for a hearty picnic lunch of local cheeses and charcuterie before reaching Obersteinberg.  Nestled all alone in a cradle of mountains at 5,833 feet, the working dairy has been beautifully restored as a berg/hotel. Unwind with a beer or glass of wine and snacks and enjoy the idyllic views of the waterfalls and glaciers. Those ready for another challenge can hike to reach a turquoise alpine lake at the base of Oberhornsee – perfect for a refreshing dip. Enjoy a homemade, Swiss dinner of local specialties, served by candlelight. (~4.5 miles / 7.5 km hiking; 2,850 ft / 860 m elevation gain).

After a simple farm-style breakfast of coffee, breads, jams and cheese, your dairy farmer hosts will demonstrate their cheese-making arts. Then, pick up your hiking poles, and prepare for a steep, steady descent into the valley, ascending again to the car-free village of Gimmelwald. Explore at your leisure, noting the honor system set up to buy the locals’ freshly-made alp cheeses and even souvenirs.  Hike or take a short gondola (cable car) ride to Mürren, another car-free village well known to skiers, your base for the next two nights. Browse the menus at the fine selection of Swiss cafes and restaurants for a lovely dinner on your own. (~6 miles /10 km hiking; 2,500 ft / 760 m elevation loss).

With the whole day free for your leisure, you can relax and enjoy the village — or choose from a variety of activities, according to your interest (not included in tour price). You may join an optional hike with your leader, take a gondola (or hike part way) to Schilthorn Peak and the Piz Gloria (the restaurant and viewpoint used in the 1963 James Bond’s “On her Majesty’s Secret Service” film.) Try tandem paragliding in one of the most scenic spots in the world, swooping past the waterfalls and safely landing in the Lauterbrunnen valley below. Rent a mountain bike and cruise to a mountainside café for lunch, shop for chocolate and souvenirs, enjoy a massage at the spa or spend your day photographing the flowers and landscape. With so many choices, you’re sure to find this a bucket-list day of fun, adventure or alpine relaxation.

After a gondola and train ride across the valley, hike from the town of Wengen on a wide gravel path through dairyland, taking in stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain peaks. Climb to Kleine Sheidegg (translated “small watershed”) and its welcoming Swiss cafes and shops. From here, you can take the train to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe” on your own, or hike (on your own) to reach the glaciers spotting the slopes of the Jungfrau trio.  Hike – or take the train – down to Alpiglen and your secluded mountain chalet for the night. Note that the amount of hiking you do today is entirely flexible; you can hike just the downhill or uphill portions, and take the train whichever direction you need. Gather with your group at Alpiglen’s restaurant for a farewell dinner of Swiss specialties. Don’t miss your chance for fondue or rosti with delicious homemade desserts. The isolated location overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains will take your breath away. After dusk, watch the constellations and planets slowly appear in the dark night sky as you recall the myths and legends of the ancient gods. (~7 miles / 12 km hiking). 

Today’s hike is almost entirely downhill to the town of Grindelwald, one of the most famous and picturesque in Switzerland. Stay in town to shop, dine, and sightsee; or opt for more adventure with options to hike, mountain bike, paraglide, or try the mountain carting down the slopes beneath Grindelwald’s First gondola. Bid farewell to your leaders and your fellow travelers — auf wiedersehen  (~3.5 miles / 6 km hiking; 2,000 ft / 600 m elevation loss).