Alps & Jungfrau Hiking Tour
When you hike in the Jungfrau, one of the most stunning parts of the Swiss Alps, you are stepping into a legendary world of towering peaks, countless waterfalls, grassy valleys, and charming villages. Our expert leaders guide you through the less-traveled trails and slopes to the region’s most idyllic towns, resting at cozy mountain inns and well-appointed chalets. Lace up your hiking shoes and get ready to explore a hiker’s paradise!
Trip Dates
Contact us for private/custom trip options.
Duration
6 Days/ 5 Nights
Difficulty
Challenging
Group Size
12 guests maximum
Price From
$1,475 per person

Switzerland Hiking Tour Highlights
- Hike to an array of incredible mountain and glacier vistas
- Dine on delicious, authentic Swiss mountain cuisine: more varieties of cheese, sausage, wine and chocolate than you could ever imagine!
- Experience Switzerland off the beaten path
- Sleep at cozy mountain inns & charming chalets run by local Swiss dairy farmers
- Create an easier trip by supplementing the hike with gondolas and trains
Experience Swiss Delicacies
You will have a tough time deciding whether you enjoy hiking or eating more- both are such a delight in Switzerland We will sample some of Switzerland’s finest wines (enjoy these while you can- Swiss wines are rarely exported), enjoy cheese fresh from the farms we hike past (including delicacies such as fondue and raclette), and will take breaks while hiking to enjoy delicious chocolate with incredible views. In addition to these well known specialties, there will be plenty of scrumptious home cooked meals where you will be introduced to typical Swiss dishes that you did not even know existed. Best of all, you can enjoy this food guilt-free as a result of all the hiking!
Trip Difficulty: Challenging
This is our most physically challenging- after all, we are hiking in the Alps! However, the incredible vistas and charming towns are definitely worth the effort. We carry small backpacks to transport clothes and necessities while on the hike, but no need to carry food, sleeping bags or tents. The elevation gain some days is more than 3,000 feet, however there are several opportunities to opt for an easier day by taking a bus or gondola part of the way to the next destination. Our wonderful leaders will be there to help, encourage and guide you, and the sense of accomplishment you get from completing such a phenomenal hike will stay with you for the rest of your life!
Itinerary
This is the general itinerary that is used for the trip. Itineraries are subject to change based on weather, group preferences, and other circumstances. Click on each day to discover a more detailed description of the itinerary.
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).

Pre/Post Trip Travels: If you would like to extend your trip there is a myriad of gorgeous day hikes in the Jungfrau region we are happy to recommend. Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations, is just a short train ride away. You can also visit other areas of Switzerland such as Zurich, Geneva, and Zermatt, or travel to other cities/countries in Europe!
Dates & Prices
Trip Dates
Contact us for private/custom trip options.
Pricing
$1,475 per person*
*Prices are in US Dollars, based on double occupancy.
We pride ourselves on offering one of the smallest group sizes and best leader to guest ratios in the industry. Our average group size is 6-8 people, the maximum for this tour is 12 guests, and we never exceed a guide to customer ratio of 1:8. Our small groups allow us to personalize the trip based on the group to best suit your travel needs and preferences. Larger groups are available as a custom/private tour.
IncludeD:
- Accommodations for five nights
- Breakfast daily & two picnic lunches
- One four course dinner
- Entrance to the swimming pool at the Mürren Alpine Sports Center
- Online trip photo album & Carpe Mundo shirt
Not IncludeD:
- Airfare (we can help!)
- Transfers to/from Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald
- Meals (not listed above)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
- Optional baggage transfers between hotels
- Leader gratuities
Supplemental:
- Accommodation upgrade: $250 to have a private room every night (based on double occupancy)
- Additional upgrades are avilable for more luxurious accommodations as well as partial upgrades if a private room is desired some nights, but not every night.
Additional Information
Accommodations: This trip stays at some very unique and memorable chalets/hotels! The first night in Lauterbrunnen and the two nights in Murren are at charming hotels. The other two nights are at traditional mountain chalets/inns (one of which is adjacent to a dairy farm and doesn’t have electricity). These typical Swiss mountain accommodations are in dorm style bunks. You can opt to upgrade to a private room for one or every night. These options will provide you with a truly authentic Swiss experience along with delicious fresh meals.
Payment Terms & Conditions: If you are thinking about signing up for a trip but are not yet ready to commit, we offer a 5 day courtesy hold. To secure your space on a trip, a $500 per person deposit is required and can be paid by check or credit card. The remaining trip balance is due no later than 90 days prior to the start of the trip. If you decide to cancel more than 45 days prior to the start of your trip, you will receive a Carpe Mundo credit that is transferable with no expiration for the amount paid, or we will refund your payment less a $250/person cancellation fee. If you decide to cancel less than 45 days prior to the start of your trip, no refunds or credits will be available.
Single Supplement: Single accommodations are available for an additional fee, based on availability. If you are willing to be placed in a room with someone else from the trip, we will match you with another traveler if possible and waive the single supplement fee.
Packing List: A suggested packing list as well as additional information on travel to Switzerland can be found in our Customer Information packet. Luggage transport is available from Lauterbrunnen to Murren, from Murren to Alpiglen or Grindelwald, and from Alpiglen to Grindelwald (transfers cost CHF15/US$15 per bag per transfer). When staying at Obersteinberg, only a small overnight bag is needed. You can also carry all of your belongings for the duration of the trip if you have an appropriate backpack and have prior hiking/trekking experience.
Release of Liability: We require that everyone participating in a Carpe Mundo trip completes and e-signs an Assumption of Risk/Liability Release waiver as well as a Medical Information Form. You will receive these after you have registered for a trip, and they must be completed prior to your trip.
Insurance: Due to the nature and locations of our trips, we highly recommend that everyone participating in a trip has medical insurance that provides coverage while abroad. Although not required, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance or a travel protection plan for your trip. We adhere to our cancellation policy, and these plans will protect your trip purchase in the event you cancel under certain circumstances.