Swiss Rail and Hike

Take a train from either Zurich or Geneva with your Swiss rail pass, the journey takes approx 4 hours to Zermatt.The town’s development is closely linked to what is most probably the world’s most famous mountain; the towering Matterhorn which dominates the valley. Zermatt is a car-free zone, has preserved its original character and offers almost unlimited possibilities as far as excursions are concerned. Today is arrival day, so there are no planned activities and you may arrive at any time throughout the day (please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2–3pm). Our hotel is located close to the train station and the centre of town. Explore the town with its many cafes and shops, where you can get to enjoy some excellent Swiss cuisine.

• Meals: None
• Overnight: Zermatt Hotel

Today’s hike combines the best of the mighty Gornergrat, which at 3000m has excellent views of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa, and the pretty Five Lakes walk. As we use the railways and cable cars, you have maximum flexibility to hike as much or as little as you like today. First, you ascend by the Gornergrat railway to Riffelberg at 2582m. From here you begin a 3.7km hike to Gornergrat via the Riffelsee, where you can enjoy the views of the Matterhorn reflected in the lake. From here you continue to the Gornergrat summit for the unparalleled views of the Monte Rosa. It is worth exploring some of the nearby paths from Gornergrat towards Hohtalli for incredible Glacier views before hopping on the train for the scenic descent back to Riffelalp.

Disemark at Riffelalp, start hiking again, on a spectacular contouring path for 1.5 km across to meet the Five Lakes trail ( 10.9km full loop). Each of the five lakes has its own unique shape, colour and character. First is beautiful little Grunsee (“green lake”), then continue across to the second lake, the wooded Grindjisee. From here you can if you wish shorten the walk and return to Zermatt via Stellisee and the Blauherd cablecar; or you can continue on a looping track to the mountain refuge at Fluhalp and then a contouring mountain path down to Leisee and the Sunegga funicular railway down to Zermatt. The distance and exact detail of today’s hikes may vary depending on the time of year and local weather conditions,  and our suggested itinerary aims to take every advantage of the excellent railway/cable car network (extra costs paid locally) and give you the best opportunities to see the Matterhorn and the Alps from different vantage points. Evening is at your leisure in Zermatt.

• Meals: B
• Overnight: Zermatt Hotel

Today’s hike starts with a steep ascent from Zermatt to the stunningly-situated Edelweiss Mountain Hotel at 1961m. Then you follow an ever-steeper trail across narrow rocky paths until we reach the Trift Hutte at 2337m. This is a true mountain hut, accessible only by foot, and with stunning views. No less impressive is the apple tart, baked fresh and providing a welcome excuse for a stop! If you’re really lucky, you’ll hear the magical Swiss Horn being played, with the echoes from the nearby cliffs making this an unforgettable experience. Once you are refreshed and revived, continue on your journey, ascending in zigzags until we turn a corner and at 2600m have a sudden splendid view of the Matterhorn. Descend steeply in zigzags until you reach a point when you can contour around to the traditional hamlet of Zmutt, where there is no car access and the village remains much as it was 100 years ago – but with the added advantage of a cafe where you can get refreshments! Then descend on a gentle track through the meadows to Zermatt (8 hours walking).

Note: It is possible to shorten this day with an easier route with less climbing that will also be more suitable for a bad weather day. This would instead walk up the beautiful Zmutt Valley from Zermatt to the restaurant at StafelAlp, which is a 6.4km or 12.8km return. This is the return part of the longer Edelweisss route described above (4–5 hours walking).

• Meals: B
• Overnight: Zermatt Hotel

Today you embark from Zermatt station to take the train to Lauterbrunnen via Interlaken, with a couple of changes en route. This is the opportunity to travel on the iconic Glacier Express which will take you as far as Brig, where you disembark for local trains. (The Glacier Express needs you to make an advance reservation, booked and paid separately online). The Glacier Express offers passengers unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps with its large panoramic windows and deluxe carriages. As you travel through the picturesque landscapes you can opt for a breakfast or refreshments on the train, and you’ll be served by your own personal waiter in your seat (there is also a buffet car).

After disembarking in Brig you’ll change to a regular train for the onward journey to Interlaken and from there to Lauterbrunnen. The climb up the Lauterbrunnen valley is thrilling one as you catch sight of the towering peaks of the Bernese Oberland range ahead of you. The Jungfrau and Eiger Range, which includes the famous trio of peaks – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – are suddenly visible. These towering giants, each over 4,000m in elevation, dominate the horizon and create an awe-inspiring backdrop for any hiker. Their sheer cliffs and snow-covered summits are not only visually captivating but also a testament to the geological forces that shaped this region over millions of years.

The journey from Zermatt will take around 3.5 – 4 hours depending on the trains and connections you decide upon, so typically you’ll arrive at your destination mid-afternoon and have time to explore the local area today and prepare for your hiking adventures here or take a journey on the spectacular Junfraujoch railway (additional cost) to the flanks of Jungfrau, often referred to as the “Top of Europe.” This high-altitude saddle offers panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps, and the surrounding peaks. 

• Meals: B
• Overnight: Lauterbrunnen Hotel

This morning you will take a cable car to Grutschalp directly on the cliffs above the Valley and enjoy wonderful views of the waterfall and Lauterbrunnen as you ascend. From Grutschalp you will start to follow the trail for approx 4.5km, first to Winteregg and then eventually to arrive at the delightful village of Murren, perched high above the valley.  Stop here in Murren for a coffee and mid-morning snack and take in the atmosphere and wonderful views in this charming mountain village. From Murren you will then follow the North Face trail, a 8.9km loop that up towards the Northern end of the valley and looks across directly to the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch Peaks. There are beautiful Alpine meadows where you’ll find cows and lots of wildflowers in season. Along the trail, there are 12 information boards that provide lots of interesting facts about the history of famous mountain ascents around Mürren – so this an educational as well as a spectacular walk!

The North Face Trail loop returns back to Murren where you can catch a local train to Grutschalp and the cable car down to Lauterbrunnen.

• Meals: B
• Overnight: Lauterbrunnen Hotel

What a walk awaits you today as you get close to the towering Bernese Oberland peaks on a loop walk that will mesmerize you with stunning mountain views all day. The day starts with a transfer to the village of Wengen by local train, then a cable car from Wengen to the mountaintop station of Mannlichen. From here you follow the signs for the wonderful Panorama Trail that will take you towards the formidable trio of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.  The first part of the day is easy walking along the popular Panorama Trail which takes you for approx 4.7km to finish at Kleine Scheidegg with incredible views of the world-famous North Face of the Eiger. There is a cafe before you reach the station which has outstanding views of the mountains from its terrace and a fine place to take an early lunch. From Kleine Scheidegg you have the option to extend your walk up to the Eigergletsch station which sits below the base of the Eiger Glacier – this is a return walk that will add a further total of 3.8km distance to your day (for a total of 15.3km). It is well worth the extra walk on a good day as the up-close views of the Glacier are outstanding.

If not taking the extension to the Eigergletsch then you will return to Wengen from Kleine Scheidegg on the Mendelsson path, named after the composer who walked in and drew Inspiration from these mountains. The Mendelsson path is a relatively easy downhill route of 6.8km through forests and meadows. Along the way you’ll be treated to great views across the Lauterbrunnen valley with Murren and the Schiltorn Mountain on the other side. Returning to Wengen take some time to look around this iconic car-free village, home to a famous annual downhill ski race. You can jump on one of the frequent trains that will take you down to Lauterbrunnen.

• Meals: B
• Overnight: Lauterbrunnen Hotel

Today’s walk sticks to the valley floor and passes many spectacular waterfalls on an out-and-back route. The very name ‘Lauter Brunnen’ (which means ‘many fountains’) suggests what awaits in this incredible landscape. There are a total of 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the most famous of which are the Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls. The Staubbach Falls plunge almost 300 metres from the valley walls, they are one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. The walking trail to Stechelberg along the floor of the Lauterbrunnen valley is a UNESCO trail, which highlights the cultural and scenic value of this secluded high valley. Not only does the trail pass magnificent waterfalls but it leads into an area of cultural significance; trail signs and guideposts help explain the places of interest in the nature conservation area and UNESCO World Heritage site.

The first part of the day (6.7km) is on an easy road and fairly level. There are options to detour and visit the Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls (the latter has an entrance fee and many steps to reach the base). Once past the hamlet of Stechelberg you are in the Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley, which feels remote and very beautiful with less hikers around. Your destination is the Trachsellauenen Hotel (2.8km), one of three ‘Candle hotels’ in the upper valley, so called because they have no electricity and  and everything is cooked on wood fires. Mules still carry the food up and an alpine dairy provides specialities just as it would have done 200 years ago. The path is easy to follow and ascends up the valley past many small waterfalls and farmhouses to the hotel. Enjoy a lunch and the atmosphere here before making the return trip back the way you came. If you wish to explore further up the valley you can and jump on a public bus ( check timetables & pay onboard) from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen to reduce the return distance.

• Meals: B
• Overnight: Lauterbrunnen Hotel

This morning you check out of your hotel and may choose to continue on your journey on the Glacier Express (reservation required) – first returning to Brig and then taking the Glacier Express onwards to Chur (4:15 hours) from where you can change trains to Zurich and arrive later that day. Alternatively, you may continue your travels elsewhere in Switzerland or return to Geneva using the last day of your included 3-day Swiss Rail Pass.

• Meals: B

• 3 nights twin-share accommodation in Zermatt
• 4 nights twin-share accommodation in Lauterbrunnen
• Quality hotels, centrally located and with ensuite facilities
• Daily breakfast
• 3-day Swiss Travel Pass (Flexi) for rail transfers to Zermatt/ to Lauterbrunnen/ Departure day
• Daily hiking routes and suggestions
• On-trail navigation with our App
• Carbon offset for your trip
• Native tree planted on your behalf

• Additional transport costs not included in the Swiss Travel Pass – mountain railways, cable cars, funiculars, buses
• Reservation required for the Glacier Express (made by yourself )
• Lunches and dinners
• Travel Insurance
• Single supplement – POA

The Swiss Travel pass we include is for 3 days and is a ‘flex’ – meaning that you can choose 3 non-consecutive days of travel to activate and use your pass which suits this itinerary. The pass gives you unlimited travel in Switzerland by train, bus, boat and public transport in cities. It also gives you free entrance to more than 500 museums and 50% discount on Mountain Transports not included with the pass.

RAW Travel will make a reservation for your 2nd Class Swiss Travel Pass and you will be sent an e-Pass by Swiss Railways which you can store and show on your mobile (or print out).

You then show your Swiss Travel Pass as requested when boarding a train just like any other ticket and the system will show how many days you have activated & used already.

A seat reservation and/or supplement is required to travel on some trains/ buses/boats such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and Palm Express. Ordinary trains do not require a reservation.

You will need to make an advance reservation to travel on the Glacier Express or other panoramic trains in Switzerland (like the Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano). These need to be made online at the website of the railway: https://shop.glacierexpress.ch/gex_en/specials/daytrips/glacier-express

A small charge applies to each reservation/journey on the Glacier Express and is charged at the time you make the reservation. This is not the charge for the journey as such which is covered by your Swiss Travel Pass but the reservation itself, you can also add meals if you choose at the same time ( or pay onboard). You will be asked to show both your reservation and your Swiss Travel Pass when boarding the train.

IMPORTANT: RAW Travel does not make reservations for the Glacier Express. If for instance you miss your connection and need to transfer to a later train, you will need to make these changes directly with the Glacier Express due to RAW Travel’s Head Office being in Australia with a 9-hour time difference.

If in the event of a very bad weather day and it becomes inadvisable to do some of the high Mountain sections, you can opt for a shorter and lower alternative walk that day.

For instance, swap out Day 2 for day 3 in Zermatt and take the shortened Zmutt Valley walk at a lower altitude. On day 5 In Lauterbrunnen, you can swap out the Panorama Trail for the valley walk on Day 7 instead which sticks to the valley floor.

Mountain regions will typically serve up a variety of weather, even in the same day, so the most important thing is to have suitable gear to be able to walk and deal with different weather conditions.

However, there are a multitude of trails in both areas and options for lower altitude walks that can be substituted for the high mountain trails. Generally swapping days around will be sufficient to deal with bad weather days. It’s very unlikely that you would have an entire week of inclement weather but the excellent transportation options on the mountains in both regions also mean you can easily shorten a planned day’s walk as well. The same applies for periods of excessive temperatures and heat, you would start earlier in the day and look at the transport options to shorten the walk as you approach the hotter time of day.

This itinerary utilises various forms of local mountain transport so you can avoid steep ascents and descents on some days ( though you can always walk these if you’re keen for extra distance and challenge!)

The Swiss Travel Pass does not cover all forms of mountain transport and you will be required to pay an additional fee – albeit at a discounted rate, usually 50% – to use mountain railways such as the Gornergrat and Jungfraujoch, plus various cablecars. Any additional fees can only be paid locally with either cash or card and make sure you always show your Swiss Travel Pass first to get a discount.