The panorama at Oeschinensee Eiger to Matterhorn

Eiger to the Matterhorn

A historic trek linking the two icons of the Swiss Alps

The panorama at Oeschinensee. Photo by Robert Boesch, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism

We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 6 to 8 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents (averaging 2,000 to 3,500 vertical feet per day) at an elevation up to 9,000 feet above sea level. Sure-footedness is important and a history of severe vertigo may impact your ability to do this tour. We cross two of the most spectacular and challenging hiking passes in the Swiss Alps—the Sefinenfurgge and the Hohtürli. On these passes, there are long staircases, scree slopes, some exposed drop-offs protected by cables or handholds, and short ladder assists of about 2 meters. Trekking poles are highly recommended on this tour.

Assume 2.5 miles/hour on the flat.
Assume 1200 feet of up per hour.
Assume 2000 feet of down per hour.

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Testimonials

We cannot thank you enough for the fun you added to the trip. This has been an incredible experience for us all and would not have been possible without you. - J.A., New Mexico

Arrival

After arrival in Zürich, we will provide you with a train ticket to get to Grindelwald. The group will meet on the first day at 1:00 pm in the hotel lobby for a short afternoon hike followed by dinner.

Departure

After a final breakfast in the hotel, we again provide you with a train ticket back to Zürich (or any other Swiss town). Note: it is just over 3.5 hours by trains to Zürich airport and the first train departs Zermatt at 5:37 am, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can recommend hotels in Zürich if needed.

Pre- and Post-Tour Travel

Our Alps experts and Certified Switzerland Specialists can assist with recommendations for your pre- and post-tour travel arrangements. Simply call or email us your plans and we are happy to help make the best of your vacation experience. Consider an Alpenwild Getaway, a short-stay, self-guided option that’s easily combined with your tour plans.

Accommodations

You will stay in carefully chosen inns, small 3- and 4-star hotels, and classic berghotels that capture the authentic charm of the Alps.

Meals

The hallmark of an Alpenwild trip is our exceptional dining; including buffet breakfasts, picnic lunches, and many dinner options. NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, and one dinner in Zermatt (day 8) are not included.

We can accommodate a vegetarian diet, but since Alpine cuisine is centered around dairy products, accommodating a vegan diet is difficult. You’ll have plenty of whole grain and fresh fruit options at breakfast. For lunch, we will purchase items for the day and you’re welcome to come with us or give us specific requests. You’ll find the larger grocery stores have good vegetarian selections. For dinner our hotels will have vegetarian options, but not necessarily vegan. Other dietary restrictions like gluten-free may not be accommodated in remote mountain towns.

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Included

The services of an expert trip leader
All accommodations (9 nights hotel in 3- and 4-star hotels)
All meals as shown (B = Breakfast, S = Snack/ picnic lunch, D = Dinner)
Two 1-Day Swiss Rail passes (1st class) to be used to get to and from the tour (within Switzerland)
Swiss Half-fare travel card rail pass for discounts on additional trains, buses, and mountain excursions
Ground transportation including trams and mountain railways
All admissions
Fully supported with luggage transfers

Not Included

Airfare
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine) and specialty drinks with meals
One dinner in Zermatt (day 8)
Trip insurance (can be purchased separately)
Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, room service)
Optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff
Extra shuttles (if you choose not to hike)