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Switzerland Family Hiking & Walking Tour

Swiss Alps Adventure from Interlaken to Zermatt

Follow the trail to mountain worlds high in the sparkling sky. Then soak in the charm of grande dame hotels. You thought hiking was just putting one foot in front of the other? Switzerland elevates it.

6 days, 5 nights

Luxury & Casual Hotels

Activity Levels 2-5

Families with Teens & 20s

Best for Ages 16+ (min. age 14)

Also Available for: Couples, Friends & Solos

From $6,099/person

Itinerary Where You’ll Stay What to Know Reviews

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Trip at a Glance

Highlights

Gondolas, trains and even all-terrain scooters supplement your own two feet on this car-free adventure
Hike through high passes and cliffside forests, pausing to say grüezi to the resident cows
Climb to panoramic vistas of the Gornergletscher, the Alps’ second-largest ice field
Dine on local cheeses, sample regional wines and perhaps savor a trailside drink in a cozy chalet
Experience the charming mountaineering town of Zermatt, nestled in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Interlaken Airport & Travel Details

Kick off your Alpine adventure with a ridgeline walk above the Adelboden Valley
Ascend by gondola to the Wildflower Trail and Hahnenmoos Pass
By foot or by scooter? Go ultra-Swiss and opt to coast down the mountain to our hotel in town
Settle into your room to the distant sounds of jingling cowbells and the thundering water of Engstligen Falls.

The Cambrian

(Luxury Hotel, 1 night)

Activity Options & Terrain

Indoor bar and lounge with leather barstools and light fixtures

Indoor waiting area with blue sofas and a wooden art piece on the wall

Dining area and bar with light green walls and gray chairs

Outdoor patio with green and white furniture, with large mountains in the distance

Night 1

The Cambrian

Adelboden

Luxury Hotel

Spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland surround us at this mountain retreat with modern design sensibilities. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

A challenging route to Leukerbad leads over the Gemmi Pass, an ancient trade route between valleys once walked by Mark Twain during his European travels
Soaring cable cars whisk your family over the toughest ups and downs
Hike alongside a glacial lake and wander between massive rocks overgrown by lush Alpine grass
Traverse a narrow gorge on a thrilling series of bridges, stairs and gangways
Discover the age-old process behind Swiss cheese at a traditional farm
Hike through a wonderland of plummeting meadows and views from endless new angles at the top of the Leukerbad Valley
Indulge in a rejuvenating soak in Leukerbad’s healing waters.

Hotel Quellenhof Leukerbad

(Casual Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Exterior view of white and brown, multi-level hotel building with a grass lawn in front

Restaurant dining area with white brown tables and beige chairs, with a fireplace in the background

Nights 2-3

Hotel Quellenhof Leukerbad

Leukerbad

Casual Hotel

Modern interiors full of Alpine touches and grand mountain views make the Quellenhof a cozy home away from home.

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

All aboard! Forget the shuttle and instead follow your leaders on a group train journey to our next destination
Visit one of the herb gardens that provides ingredients for Ricola’s world-renowned candy and teas
Opt to chase marmot sightings on the high meadows beneath the Matterhorn or hike into town via the narrow walls of the Gorner Gorge
Wander the ritzy, rustic streets of Zermatt, base camp for Matterhorn climbers (and oglers)
Trek to jaw-dropping vistas of the Gornergletscher
Arrive by foot or by cogwheel train to the Gornergrat, where an interactive museum invites you through mountaineering history and the Monte Rosa, Switzerland’s highest summit, gleams overhead
A festive family dinner marks the last night of this grand Alpine hiking adventure.

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Hotel with clocktower in front of mountains

horse drawn carriage out front of hotel zermatterhof

Nights 4-5

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Zermatt

Luxury Hotel

Set in the heart of Zermatt, this landmark luxury hotel was built in 1879 under the shadow of the Matterhorn. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Zermatt Airport & Travel Details

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This trip has an activity level range of 2-5

Route & Terrain Notes

The hiking routes on this trip include well-maintained paths through forests and Alpine meadows, paved and unpaved roads and rugged mountain trails, with some rocky sections and steep climbs and descents. Most activities on this trip take place at elevations of 4,000 to 7,000 feet (and up to 10,000 feet), which can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Thanks to the marvels of Swiss transportation, no support van is needed on this trip! We take advantage of the wonderful Swiss rail system and often use gondolas to access the best high-altitude hikes.

Day 1

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

2 miles

300 ft. gain

Level 1

3 miles

300 ft. gain

Level 2

4 miles

500 ft. gain

Day 2

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

6 miles

1300 ft. gain

Level 3

7 miles

1500 ft. gain

Level 4

7 miles

1900 ft. gain

Day 3

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

4 miles

700 ft. gain

Level 3

6 miles

900 ft. gain

Level 4

4 miles

2100 ft. gain

Level 5

8 miles

2600 ft. gain

Day 4

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

2 miles

900 ft. gain

Level 3

6 miles

1200 ft. gain

Level 4

6 miles

2500 ft. gain

Level 5

5 miles

3200 ft. gain

Day 5

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

1 miles

150 ft. gain

Level 2

2 miles

1000 ft. gain

Level 3

4 miles

2000 ft. gain

Level 4

5 miles

3000 ft. gain

Level 5

6 miles

3500 ft. gain

Day 6

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

3 miles

700 ft. gain

View Dates & Prices From $6,099/person

What to Know

What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Trail Support

Many of our hikes through the Alps are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles (or mountain infrastructure like gondolas) will get us to and from the trailheads, but due to the nature of these trails, we won’t see support vans along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.

Two Leaders

We ordinarily staff our trips with two Backroads leaders, plus one or more support leaders who are generally responsible for van support. Due to our lower reliance on driving during this trip, we’re able to offer our usual high level of support without the help of a support leader.

Air-Conditioning

While the hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.

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Route and activity options to match your pace and preferences.
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Small Groups

More access, flexibility and connection, with an average of 14 guests.