Self-Guided Eiger to the Matterhorn

A historic trek linking the two icons of the Swiss Alps

Hohturli Pass | Photo by Wen-Di Adair

We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 5 to 7 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents (averaging 2,000 to 3,300 vertical feet per day) at an elevation up to 10,000 feet above sea level. You will 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. You’ll want to be a sure-footed, experienced hiker with a head for heights . Please note that there are two days during this tour with elevation gains between 3300 and 4600 vertical feet.

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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Arrival

After arrival in Zürich, we will provide you with a one-day rail pass to get to Grindelwald for the start of the tour.

Departure

After a final breakfast in the hotel, we again provide you with a one-day rail pass to get 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

Our general package provides you with 9 nights' accommodations in conveniently located, independently owned inns, and small hotels that capture the authentic charm of the Alps, but you can customize these options with our Eiger to the Matterhorn expert to meet your preferences.

Meals

Our general package includes 9 buffet breakfasts at the hotels and 6 dinners - please note that dinners are not included in Wengen, Murren, and Zermatt (2nd night). On days that dinner is not included, rest assured there are ample choices nearby, however, you can customize these options with our Eiger to the Matterhorn expert to meet your preferences.

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Included

9 nights' accommodations in conveniently located, independently owned inns, and small hotels.
9 buffet breakfasts at the hotels (On the itinerary, B = Breakfast D = Dinner).
5 dinners - please note that dinners are included in Grindelwald, Griesalp (both nights), Kandersteg, and Leukerbad. On days that dinner is not included rest assured there are ample choices nearby.
Two 1-Day Swiss Rail passes (1st class) to be used to get to and from the tour (within Switzerland)
Half-Fare Travelcard for discounts on additional trains, buses, and mountain excursions
Luggage transfers from Grindelwald to Wengen, Murren, Griesalp, Kandersteg, Leukerbad, and Zermatt.

Not Included

Airfare
Travel Insurance (can be purchased separately)
Beverages (water, tea, coffee, beer, wine) with meals.
Meals not specified
Local buses, mountain trams, cableways (approx. 10-20 francs each)
Items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone calls, room service
Extra shuttles (if you choose not to hike)