August 27 – September 3, 2018

Trip Overview

On this hiking adventure we explore three spectacular scenic regions of the Swiss Alps from the comfort of three classic picture-perfect alpine villages located amid lush green meadows of valleys and magnificent mountains shrouded in glaciers. These villages are an ideal base for hiking adventures as trails extend from the villages to the valleys, nearby towns and mountains. The massive peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau overlook the towns of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunne, while the celebrated mountain village of Zermatt lies just below the towering Matterhorn. We lodge in and explore these three interesting towns characterized by boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and each day venture out to hike through flower-strewn alpine meadows, along streams, through forests, and to mountainous areas that afford views of the valleys below and mountains towering to over 13,000 feet and capped in ancient glaciers.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1. Monday, August 27. Depart USA

Day 2. Tuesday, August 28. Arrive Grindelwald, Switzerland
Arrive Grindelwald and check into the Hotel Lauberhorn, a classic chalet-hotel located outside the village on the sunny side of town. We spend the next two nights at this comfortable two star facility which has a restaurant, Finnish sauna, sunny patio, relaxing atmosphere and WiFi.

Grindelwald, a picturesque Swiss village, is located amid alpine meadows at the foot of the 13,000 foot tall Eiger, a famous rock climbing destination. Other tall mountains loom over the valley and glaciers cap the highest peaks. This village has numerous hiking trails in the valley and on the slopes of the mountains.

Day 3. Wednesday, August 29. Faulhorn Peak Hike
For our hike today, we take the First cable car up the mountain and then hike across relatively level terrain for about one hour to a beautiful lake. We then hike uphill for 1½ hours up to Faulhorn Peak where we have superb views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. On this 6 mile (4.5 hour) hike we have an elevation gain of 1,686 feet and reach an elevation of 8,793 feet. After lunch in a hut, we hike downhill and back to the cable car and our hotel. We lodge at the Hotel Lauberhorn. (B)

Day 4. Thursday, August 30. Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen
Today we take a train up the mountain to Alpiglen, hike uphill to Kleine Scheidegg and then hike downhill to Wengen, a charming village where we have lunch. Our trail leads past the Jungfrau and the Moch, which have magnificent glaciers, waterfalls and cliffs. After lunch, we either hike downhill to Lauterbrunner or take the train to this picturesque alpine village, located in a spectacularly beautiful U-shaped valley with bluffs on both sides rising 3,000 feet above the valley floor, and with waterfalls cascading over the sheer walls. We hike 3-5 hours for a distance of 6-9 miles, depending on whether we take the train. We lodge for two nights at the three star Hotel Silberhorn which has a restaurant, bar and free WiFi. Most rooms have balconies and patios. (B)

Day 5. Friday, August 31. Lauterbrunnen Hike
Today take a bus to the village of Gimmelwald and then hike through a beautiful valley and up the mountain to the Rotstock Hut where we have lunch. On this 4 mile hike we have an elevational gain of 2,568 feet. After a leisurely lunch at the hut we return to the Silberhorn Hotel. (B)

Day 6. Saturday, September 1. Train from Lauberbrunnen to Zermatt
After breakfast we board the train for a scenic 3.5 hours ride through the Alps to Zermatt, a mountain resort town renowned for hiking, climbing and skiing. Zermatt, at an elevation of about 5,300 feet lies below the iconic, pyramid-shaped Matterhorn Peak which extends to an imposing 14,692 feet. All around Zermatt there is a wonderful panorama of mountains in excess of 13,000 feet. For the next two nights we lodge at the three star Hotel Capricorn, a typical Swiss chalet with comfortable spacious rooms, a sauna, a bar, and an excellent restaurant with views to the Matterhorn. After lunch, we have the afternoon free to explore the town or to take a short hike in the valley. (B)

Day 7. Sunday, September 2. Zermatt Hikes
Today, our trail takes us to the Matterhorn and along the way we pass beautiful lakes which reflect this iconic mountain. This 5.5 mile long walk takes 3-4 hours. Another interesting trail affords views of Monte Rosa massif, the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps. This massif has 10 peaks over 13,000 feet and massive glaciers. (B)

Day 8. Monday, September 3. Return to the USA

COSTS
LAND COST: $1600 per person based on double room occupancy. Single supplement $140.

Cost Includes: Lodging, buffet breakfasts at our hotels, train from Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt, American guide, and luggage transfer between hotels.

Cost Does Not Include: International airfare, lunches, dinners, drinks or alcoholic beverages with meals.

GRADE
We hike on well-maintained trails for 3-6 hours per day for distances of 4-9 miles. These hikes are rated moderate as we hike to up to elevations of 9,000 feet and the vertical gains are up to 3,000 feet on some days.

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION
If you would like additional information, e-mail us at info@adventureboundmen.com, or call us locally at 303-449-0990 or toll free at 1-877-440-0990. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) Monday through Friday.

You may also download our trip registration form, and mail it in to us.

Matterhorn Trail