Self-Guided Eiger to the Matterhorn

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Grindelwald

Travel by trains from Zürich to Grindelwald (3.5 hours), nestled in the heart of the Jungfrau Region and beneath the majestic North Face of the Eiger. In the afternoon, consider an optional hike that includes a cable car to "First" and follow the trail to the serene alpine lake of Bachalpsee, framed by the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Jungfrau region. Overnight in Grindelwald (D)

Ascent: 500 feet | Descent: 500 feet | Distance: 3.7 miles (may vary)

Day 2 – Eiger Trail from Grindelwald to Wengen

Beginning in Grindelwald, you can catch a train to Alpiglen, where you’ll ascend the Eiger Trail along a stunning route that runs directly beneath the North Face of the Eiger. You'll witness the paths used by climbers since the early attempts in the 1930s. For an optional afternoon adventure, take the rail tunnel through the Eiger to reach Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, offering views over the longest glacier in the Alps. From Eigergletscher, you can continue your hike to Kleine Scheidegg and follow the Royal Walk to Männlichen. Finally, take the cable car from Männlichen to Wengen. Overnight in Wengen (B)

Ascent: 2500-3000 feet | Descent: 200-1075 feet | Distance: 4-8 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Wengen to Lauterbrunnen Valley and Mürren

Traverse the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley from your vantage point in Wengen to the car-free resort of Mürren on the opposite side. While in the valley, enjoy a leisurely riverside walk that allows you to witness many of the 72 waterfalls cascading from the cliffs above. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Trümmelbach Falls, a ten-tiered underground waterfall that drains the impressive Eiger Glacier. You’ll be greeted with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks from your Mürren hotel. Overnight in Mürren (B)

Ascent: (variable) 400 to 2765 ft | Descent: 75-1200 ft | Distance: 5 to 11 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Mürren to Griesalp

The hike from Mürren to Griesalp is a breathtaking journey through the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps, combining dramatic mountain views with charming alpine scenery. As you follow the path from Mürren, you enter the enchanting Sefinental Valley. The lush green meadows are dotted with wildflowers during the summer months, creating a vibrant landscape. A stop at the Rotstockhütte (a mountain hut) provides an opportunity for refreshments and serves as a scenic resting point before the ascent to the Sefinenfurgge pass (8,568 feet or 2,613 meters). This area is known for its wildlife, including chamois and ibex, which you may spot grazing on the slopes. After crossing the pass, a steep descent begins. A stairway with over 300 steps leads you down, carefully avoiding the loose scree that can be tricky to navigate. The trail eventually leads you into the serene and remote Kiental Valley, where the landscape transitions to lush meadows and tranquil surroundings as you reach the traditional farming hamlet of Griesalp. Overnight in Griesalp (BD)

Ascent: 3300 feet | Descent: 4000 feet | Distance: 11 miles (may vary)

Day 5 – Griesalp, Wildwasser

Griesalp is a peaceful and scenic destination, perfect for those looking to unwind and immerse themselves in the natural beauty and charm of the Swiss Alps. Whether you're into hiking, or relaxation, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting alpine hamlet. This area offers numerous day hikes, including a walk through the Wildwasser chasm below Griesalp, where you'll be surrounded by a dozen waterfalls, chutes, and cascades along the trail. In your free time, plan on enjoying the sauna or reserve an outdoor hot pot while taking in the outstanding mountain views. Overnight in Griesalp (BD)

Ascent, descent, and distance is variable and optional today

Day 6 – Griesalp to Kandersteg

The most challenging pass on your journey will be the magnificent Hohtürli pass between Griesalp and Kandersteg. Near the top, a well-built staircase with over 450 steps helps you navigate above the scree and helps with the challenging ascent. As you traverse the glacial terrain on the northern flank of the Blüemlisalp massif, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning Blüemlisalp Glacier and the breathtaking Oeschinensee mountain lake with vibrant turquoise waters. You can choose to stay up on the high trail or hike down to walk along the water's edge. Make your way to the cable car station for the ride down to Kandersteg. Overnight in Kandersteg (BD)

Ascent: 3300-4600 ft | Descent: About 4000 ft | Distance: 7.5-9 miles (may vary)

Day 7 – Kandersteg to Leukerbad via the Gemmi Pass

From Kandersteg, you take the Sunnbühl cable car that rises above the seemingly insurmountable mountain faces surrounding this town. From the top, you will follow a gentle path historically used by traders, smugglers, and travelers alike. With the shallow waters of the Daubensee glimmering to your right, you’ll take a short, well-maintained trail leading to the saddle of the Gemmi Pass. This pass once served as the main route connecting Bern to the Rhone Valley and was favored by literary giants such as Mark Twain, Goethe, Jules Verne, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Your descent will take you down the imposing cliffs of the Daubenwand along a steep yet expertly constructed 17th-century mule track built by experienced Tyroleans, skilled in the use of explosives. This trail will lead you into the spa resort of Leukerbad for the evening. If you prefer a more leisurely descent, you have the option to take the cable car down to Leukerbad instead. Overnight in Leukerbad (BD)

Ascent: 1600 feet | Descent: 175-3200 feet | Distance: 5-8 miles (may vary)

Day 8 – Leukerbad to Zermatt - Europaweg Skywalk

Travel by train from Leukerbad to the small town of Randa, where you’ll begin your ascent through a dense larch forest. Your journey will lead you to the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the Alps. While crossing the bridge takes only about ten minutes, you’ll want to linger and appreciate this remarkable achievement of Swiss engineering. After enjoying the views, descend through the forest and board the train again at Randa for the final leg of your rail journey into Zermatt. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Weisshorn and its glaciers, setting the stage for your arrival in Zermatt, where the iconic Matterhorn and other 4000-meter peaks of the Pennine Alps await. Zermatt is a picturesque destination, featuring charming hamlets, rustic chalets, and traditional large-timbered farm buildings. Overnight in Zermatt (B)

Ascent: about 2500 feet | Descent: 2500 feet | Distance: 5.5 miles (may vary)

Day 9 – Zermatt - Gornergrat

Today you can experience one of our favorite mountain excursions which takes you to the summit of the Gornergrat, accessible both by rail and on foot. You’ll witness the stunning reflection of the Matterhorn in the tranquil waters of Riffelsee and gaze out over the expansive Gorner Glacier. At the summit, you’ll find yourself surrounded by more 4000-meter peaks than anywhere else in the Alps—a breathtaking view that surely inspired Edward Whymper in 1865 as he prepared for his historic first ascent of the Matterhorn. Overnight in Zermatt (B)

Ascent: 1900-3300 feet | Descent: 500 feet | Distance: About 3.5 - 6 miles (may vary)

Day 10 – Depart

Morning departure to the airport or onward travel (B). 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.