Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Alpine Adventure Expedition
Tour Overview
Eight epic days in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Journey by cogwheel railway to Jungfraujoch — the Top of Europe at 3,454 meters. Hike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls, walk the cliff path at Grindelwald First, and ride the scenic railways that make Swiss mountain travel legendary. Stay in alpine lodges with mountain views and dine on Swiss specialties from fondue to raclette.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Group Size
Max 8
Max Altitude
3,454m (Jungfraujoch)
Difficulty
Moderate
Start Altitude
570m (Interlaken)
Total Walking Distance
Approx. 45 km over 8 days
Total Driving Distance
Approx. 60 km (mostly by train)
Best Season
June-September for hiking
What makes it special
Highlights
Jungfraujoch — highest railway station in Europe at 3,454m
Lauterbrunnen Valley with 72 waterfalls
Grindelwald First cliff walk and Bachalpsee hike
Schynige Platte to First panoramic ridge hike
Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited rail and cable cars
Alpine lodge stays with mountain views
Swiss fondue and raclette dinners
Day by day
The Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Interlaken
Arrive at Zurich or Geneva Airport and take the scenic Swiss rail to Interlaken. Check into your alpine lodge nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Evening welcome dinner with Swiss fondue.
SightseeingMeals
Dinner
Stay
Alpine lodge in Interlaken
- 2
Day 2
Lauterbrunnen Valley of Waterfalls
Take the train to Lauterbrunnen, a valley flanked by 72 waterfalls cascading from sheer cliff walls. Hike to Trummelbach Falls — ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain. Afternoon walk through the valley floor with views of Staubbach Falls.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Alpine lodge in Interlaken
- 3
Day 3
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
Ride the cogwheel railway from Lauterbrunnen through Wengen to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters. Visit the Ice Palace, step out onto the observation plateau for panoramic glacier views, and enjoy lunch at the highest restaurant in Europe.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Alpine lodge in Interlaken
- 4
Day 4
Grindelwald First and Cliff Walk
Travel to Grindelwald and take the cable car to First summit. Walk the thrilling First Cliff Walk — a suspension bridge clinging to the rock face with vertigo-inducing views. Hike to Bachalpsee, a mirror-like mountain lake reflecting the peaks.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Alpine lodge in Grindelwald
- 5
Day 5
Schynige Platte Alpine Garden
Ride the historic Schynige Platte cogwheel railway for some of the best views of the Jungfrau massif. Visit the alpine botanical garden with over 600 mountain plant species. Hike the Panorama Trail from Schynige Platte to First, one of Switzerland's most beautiful ridge walks.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Alpine lodge in Grindelwald
- 6
Day 6
Interlaken Lakes and Town
Free morning to explore Interlaken — visit the Japanese friendship garden, take a boat cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or try paragliding from Interlaken's meadow. Afternoon shopping for Swiss watches and chocolates. Evening raclette dinner.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Alpine lodge in Interlaken
- 7
Day 7
Lake Brienz and Farewell
Morning boat cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz to the Giessbach Falls. Visit the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach. Afternoon free for a final mountain hike or relaxation. Farewell dinner with Swiss specialties.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Alpine lodge in Interlaken
- 8
Day 8
Departure
Breakfast and scenic train ride back to Zurich or Geneva Airport.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast
Stay
N/A
Altitude journey
Elevation Profile
Day
1
Day
2
Day
3
Day
4
Day
5
Day
6
Day
7
Day
8
What's Included
- 7 nights alpine lodge accommodation
- Daily breakfast and 5 dinners
- Swiss Travel Pass (8 days, unlimited rail)
- Jungfraujoch railway ticket
- Grindelwald First cable car
- Schynige Platte cogwheel railway
- Professional mountain guide
- Airport transfers
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
Required Permits
- Jungfraujoch railway ticket (included)
- Swiss Travel Pass (included)
- No special hiking permits required
Packing List
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid layer (fleece)
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Warm hat and gloves for Jungfraujoch
- Hiking trousers
Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Trail shoes for easier walks
- Comfortable shoes for lodges
Accessories
- Sunglasses (high UV at altitude)
- Daypack 25-35L
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
Equipment Recommendations
Hiking boots (broken in beforehand)
Daypack 25-35L with rain cover
Trekking poles
Layered clothing system
Sunglasses with UV protection
First-aid basics
Safety Information
- Mountain weather changes rapidly — check forecasts daily
- Stay on marked trails; do not shortcut switchbacks
- Carry layered clothing even in summer
- Jungfraujoch altitude (3,454m) can cause mild altitude effects — hydrate and move slowly
- Mountain rescue: 144
Departure Dates
Sep 8
Tue
AvailableSep 18
Fri
AvailableSep 28
Mon
AvailableOct 8
Thu
AvailablePricing Options
| Option | Group Size | Type | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group (2-5 people) | 2-5 people | Group | $2,800 |
| Group (6-8 people) | 6-8 people | Group | $2,600 |
| Private (2-4 people) | 2-4 people | Private | $3,600 |
| Private (5-6 people) | 5-6 people | Private | $3,300 |
Traveler Reviews
James Mitchell
Edinburgh, UK
Bucket list journey
Standing on Jungfraujoch was surreal. The Schynige Platte to First hike was the most beautiful day hike of my life. Our mountain guide was superb.
Lisa Anderson
Auckland, NZ
Alpine perfection
Lauterbrunnen Valley left me speechless. The Swiss Travel Pass made getting around effortless. Alpine lodges were cozy with incredible views. Fondue every night!
Thomas Schmidt
Munich, Germany
Well-organized adventure
As an experienced hiker I was impressed by the trail selection. The cliff walk at First was thrilling. The itinerary balanced activity and relaxation perfectly.
FAQs: Alpine Adventure Expedition
Everything you need to know before booking this tour.
Moderate difficulty. You should be comfortable hiking 4-6 hours on mountain trails with some elevation gain. Daily hikes are 5-15 km.
At 3,454m, mild effects (shortness of breath, slight headache) are possible. We limit time at altitude to a few hours, hydrate well, and move at a relaxed pace.
We monitor forecasts and can rearrange the itinerary to swap days. If weather blocks the summit, we substitute with lower-altitude activities.
Some day-hiking experience is recommended. Trails are well-marked but include uneven terrain and elevation. Trekking poles help.
Ready to embark?
Reserve your place on Alpine Adventure Expedition and let us handle every detail.
Book This Tour