Switzerland Hiking
Rich with hidden valleys, green meadows and snowy peaks, the Alps thrill travelers like no other mountains on earth. And where better to enjoy their majestic beauty than in the land where five-star service was invented? Discover this stunning landscape with the help of an inventive network of gondolas, cable cars and funiculars that bring you up close to spectacular summits, wildflower-strewn meadows and thundering waterfalls. With Backroads, you’ll experience hikes of all levels, meet our local friends who explain the difference between raclette and fondue, and indulge in luxury accommodations in the most spectacular of settings.
Day 1 Kandersteg
Meet in Kandersteg 
Admire mountain meadows brimming with wildflowers and glistening glaciers as you hike along a ridge high above the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinen Gather for a welcome drink and dinner at our traditional chalet.
Days 2-3 Leukerbad
Hike a challenging route to Leukerbad over the Gemmi Pass, used for centuries as a trade route between the Bernese Oberland and the Wallis Weather permitting, walk on the Talli Glacier with our local guide Explore Leukerbad, an alpine hamlet whose healing waters have attracted health-conscious travelers since the 19th century Stride through a stream-laced valley to a small cheese farm and sample the local fare.
Days 4-6 Zermatt
Catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a picturesque village that is blissfully automobile free Walk through historic mountain hamlets in the Zmutt Valley, perhaps stopping for a beer or a slice of apple strudel Refreshing aromas fill the air at the Ricola herb garden exhibit Hike to a ridge for spectacular views of the bright blue pools and crevasses of the Gornergletscher, a glacier surrounded by the Klein Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Breithorn peaks Listen for the groans, creaks and rumbles of the moving glacier Or ride the cog railway to the top of 10,000-foot Gornergrat Mountain Learn about the history of Zermatt on a leisurely guided tour.
DAZZLING PEAK VIEWS : Premiere Inns
Hotel Victoria & Ritter (1 night): Delight in alpine hospitality at this family-run hotel, offering a pool, sunny terrace, gardens and views of snowcapped peaks.
Les Sources des Alpes (2 nights): A member of Relais & Châteaux, this elegant hotel is celebrated for its spectacular views, rejuvenating spa treatments, outdoor pool and delightful cuisine.
Riffelalp Resort (2 nights): The epitome of a luxurious mountain resort, this member of Leading Small Hotels of the World is graced with a view of the Matterhorn, a full-service spa and artfully prepared regional delicacies.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 3.6, 6, 6.9 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 5.3, 6.6, 9.3 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3.4, 8 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 2, 5, 8.5 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- 2.5, 3.2, 4.4 miles
- 2000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Guided Walking Tour of Zermatt
Please note that none of our hikes are flat. We hike on mountains paths with some uneven terrain. Although distances may appear short, hiking is made more difficult by the altitude and significant gains and losses in elevation.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/6-11Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $680 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/13-18Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $680 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
It was the trip of a lifetime for me. Every morning I arose excited for what the day held. I was never disappointed. We met terrific people, the scenery was fantastic, we learned so much about the area, and just loved our leaders.- Chathan, NJ
This was a truly outstanding adventure. Not even one day of pouring rain could diminish the fun and sense of accomplishment. The hotels were spectacular; our leaders better than first-rate.- McLean, VA
The scenery was breathtaking (what can beat the Matterhorn, touched with fresh snow, looming over its surroundings from a clear blue sky on a sunny day?), the accommodations and food were excellent, and the Backroads leaders were the tops in every way.- North Attleboro, MA