NEW ADVENTURE! Alpine villages and peaks: Zermatt, the Gornergrat, and the Matterhorn—minus strenuous hiking

Now, you can skip the challenging hikes but still see the Alps in all their glory, on our more leisurely-paced tour of Switzerland’s iconic peaks. Via cog trains, lifts, and light alpine walks, we’ll cross glacial mountain slopes, larch forests, and idyllic valleys, lush with asters, geraniums, and cornflowers. We’ll reach the heights of the Gornergrat viewpoint, where sweeping views of the massive Matterhorn await us. Visit sparkling alpine lakes and the crackling Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe. In the Valais village of Simplon Dorf, taste freshly made traditional Raclette cheese. Explore cozy mountain hamlets Zmutt and Törbel, where sloping pine forests shelter clusters of dark wooden homes, and relax in comfortable, elegant hotels throughout. We’ll take you straight into the Alps for the full experience—but without the strenuous hiking.

Activities

7 days of easy to moderate hiking, easy touring, and train rides
(Hikes are 2-3 ½  hours; 131-738’ of ascent, 738-3,087’ of descent. All hikes can be shortened or assisted with lifts.)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the classic Swiss Alps in the outdoors without being an athlete. This is the Alps made easier!
• See Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps
• Explore Zermatt, the famous Alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn
• Explore charming Swiss villages with traditional wooden homes and flowerpots overflowing with geraniums – Zmutt, Törbel, and more!
• Enjoy sweeping views from the Gornergrat view point, including the massive Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn
• Taste the traditional dish Raclette

Duration: 9 days Start Location: Brig End Location: Zermatt

BRIEF Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Arrive in Zurich or Geneva and Transfer to Brig

  Arrive in Zurich or Geneva and take a train to Brig.

• 

  Day 2 : Simplon Pass

  We'll take a bus to Simplon Pass, the water divide between the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. We’ll hike around the area, then make our way to Bettmeralp. (2 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 131 feet, loss of 1870 feet)

• 

  Day 3 : Great Aletsch Glacier

  We’ll start our day with a gondola ride to Bettmerhorn. From here, we'll begin an alpine hike to see Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe. Easier hiking option is available. (2 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 492 feet, loss of 2,355 feet)

• Day 4 : Lauchernalp

  Today we'll hike from Lauchernalp to Fafleralp. (3 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 430 feet, loss of 1023 feet)

• Day 5 : Langgletscher

  Today we'll hike to touch the glacier at Langgletscher. (3 hours hiking, elevation gain of 738 feet, loss of 738 feet)

• 

  Day 6 : Zermatt Matterhorn Experience

  We'll bus to Moosalp and hike to Stand, known for the broadest and best view of the Rhone Valley and Valais Mountains. We'll enjoy a traditional meal of Raclette, visit Törbel, and end our day in Zermatt. (2 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 410 feet, loss of 2060 feet)

• Day 7 : Gornergrat and Gorner Glacier

  We'll ascend Gornergrat (10’134') via rail for panoramic views that include the mighty Matterhorn. We'll hike to Riffelberg, then train back to Zermatt. (2 hours hiking, elevation gain of 164 feet, loss of 1643 feet)

• Day 8 : Matterhorn

  We'll take a cable car ride to Schwarzsee and hike to Zmutt for another spectacular view of the Matterhorn. After lunch, hike back to Zermatt. (3 hours hiking, elevation gain of 492 feet, loss of 3087 feet)

• Day 9 : Depart Zermatt for Zürich or Geneva

  After breakfast, take a train from Zermatt to Visp, then transfer trains to either Zürich or Geneva airport.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Men Wieland

  Men has been guiding in Switzerland for many years, leading snowshoe, trekking, hiking and cycling groups in Italy, Switzerland as well as overseas. He grew up in the Engadine in Switzerland, studied Biology at University in Zurich, and has a postgraduate degree for his teaching credentials. His hobbies include hiking, biking, wildlife biology, plant science and chess. Men's goal is to provide, "the combination of socializing, exercise and interest for the treasures of nature that should make every trip an unforgettable experience of happiness."

photo credits: Patitucci Photo