Switzerland Hiking: Eiger to The Matterhorn

Switzerland Hiking: Eiger to The Matterhorn Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland by 11 a.m. to meet your trip leader and fellow travelers. A group transfer from the Geneva airport brings us to Grindelwald (3,390') one of the most scenic Swiss villages beneath the legendary Eiger North Face. The afternoon is free to relax or explore before our welcome dinner and group orientation. Dinner included.

• Day 2

  Our spectacular journey begins with a close up view of the imposing North Face of the Eiger. After a short transfer from our hotel we ride a classic gondola to Holenstein (5,016’). From here the trail heads south along the eastern flank of Tschuggen Mountain (8,271’) alternating between forest and meadows, directly towards the notorious Eiger Nordwand (this “North Face” was considered not climbable before the 1930s). We continue hiking to reach the large saddle of Kleine Scheidegg (6,757’). This pass between the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald Valleys provides a tremendous close range vantage point of the captivatingly savage rock and ice walls of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, rising 6,000 feet above the valley floor. A lively and bustling place, we’ll meet alpine herdsmen with their cattle, alpinists beginning their attempt to climb the Eiger, and hikers from all over the world. We continue up to Eigergletscher (7,611’) for a close look at the superb hanging glacier that descends the western flank of the Eiger. After lunch amid the breathtaking mountain scenery, we head down to Wengernalp with wonderful vistas that include the peaks Gspaltenhorn (11,275’) and Schiltorn (9,740’). Hiking northward we come to car-free Wengen (4,265’) where we sleep for the night. It is a lovely hamlet nestled beneath the massive North Face of the Jungfrau. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Hiking: 6 hrs, 8-9 miles; Elevation gain: 2,595 ft. Elevation loss: 3,346 ft. Please note that hiking distances and elevation gain/loss are estimates for all days.

• Day 3

  Our picturesque route from Wengen leads down to Lauterbrunnen where we take a cable car up to Grütschalp on the opposite side of the Lauterbrunnental. From Grütschalp (4,875’) we hike a high balcony trail via Allmendhubel to Mürren (5,400’). The trail offers awesome views of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch across the Lauterbrunnen Valley, considered by even the most seasoned alpinists to be one of the most beautiful in Europe! An immense U-shaped glacial valley - the world’s deepest - with steep cliffs on either side rising over 3,000’and doused by over 70 waterfalls, it is utterly spectacular. This evening we stay in Mürren, another car-free village nestled high on a terrace beneath Schilthorn (9,740’). All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5 hours, 6 miles; Elevation gain: 1,380 ft., Elevation loss: 2,514 ft.

• Day 4

  Crossing the Sefeinenfurka (8,568’), a high and wild pass, is one of the great day hikes in the Alps. From Mürren we follow the famous Alpine Pass Route via tranquil Spielbodenalp and onto the Rotstockhütte where we can enjoy refreshments amid the incredible scenery. As we walk we are treated to one view after another of soaring mountains, pleasant green meadows, and meandering streams. From the Rotstockhütte the path rises more steeply through a narrow valley between high peaks to reach the crest of the Sefeinenfurka. The descent towards Bundalp is steep and rocky but spectacular with dramatic rock formations and wide-ranging views of sparkling glaciers and plunging ravines. Tonight we rest in Bundalp (6,036’), a working farm that offers simple accommodations in the verdant Kiental Valley. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 8-10 hours, ~11 miles; Elevation gain: 4,400 ft., Elevation loss: 3,600 ft.

• Day 5

  From Bundalp we continue hiking the Alpine Pass Route over the rocky Hohtürli Pass (8,869’) to Kandersteg. The climb to the crest of this pass is one of the toughest of the trip. Today we will likely have the paths to ourselves. The scenery is stark but magnificent – high and wild, exhilarating but daunting. As we ascend there are great views back down the Kiental Valley and the lowlands beyond, as well as across to the Sefeinenfurka and the craggy Gspaltenhorn. The pass itself is a broad, stony saddle with awesome panoramic views in all directions. Dropping down the other side of the pass, the trail is barren, steep and rocky before reaching grassy meadows again. Continuing down, magical Oeschinensee Lake comes into view. Its shimmering blue-green waters are like a sparkling turquoise jewel amid rocky cliffs. From here we take the gondola to Kandersteg (3,857’), one of the quietest and most idyllic hamlets in Switzerland situated beneath the towering Blumisalp massif. The village and surrounding countryside are famous for the countless waterfalls that cascade off the peaks and cliffs surrounding the valley. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 7-8 hours, ~9 miles; Elevation gain: 3,188 ft., Elevation loss: 2,532 ft.

• Day 6

  From Kandersteg we travel by tram up to Sunnbüel and begin hiking past the serene Daubensee toward the historic Gemmi Pass (7,616’) which is thought to have been used as far back as the Bronze Age. From here we take time to enjoy our first views of some of the major peaks in the Valais (Pennine) Alps, such as the Dom, Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Dent Blanche. The descent takes us on an impressive trail carved in the cliffs overlooking the town of Leukerbad at the head of the lovely Dala Valley. From Leukerbad we transfer directly to Grächen for the night (1¼ hours). Grächen (5,314’) is a village perched on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Matterhorn Valley. From now on our route remains with the Mattertal, following the valley to the south towards the snow and ice of the Valais (Pennine) Alps - the highest mountains in Switzerland – including the Matterhorn. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5 hours, ~7 miles; Elevation gain: 1,300 ft., Elevation loss: 2,900 ft.

• Day 7

  Today we begin hiking toward the valley bottom. From Grächen, we pass the charming village of Gasenried, and continue along a refreshing “bisse” or irrigation canal that brings glacier water to fields. From the small town of Herbriggen we meet up with our transfer vehicle for a short drive to the hamlet of Täschalp (7,175’) where we enjoy a picnic lunch. The next section of the trail is considered a hiking masterpiece in the Alps, filled with magnificent scenery and easier hiking. The jagged Matterhorn is like a beacon at the end of the valley. Once at Sunegga, we take a gentle downhill trail through very picturesque Swiss hamlets, hiking into the vibrant mountain town of Zermatt (5,315’). Surrounded by nearly forty of Europe’s most impressive 4,000 meter peaks (greater than 14,000’), Zermatt sits against a backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn (14,692’), which rises almost 9,000’ directly outside of town. All meals included.
  
  Driving: ~ 45 minutes; Hiking: 6 hour, ~10 miles; Elevation gain: 416 ft.; Elevation loss: 3,630 ft

• Day 8

  Another phenomenal hike awaits us today! We hike from Zermatt on a steep path that takes us up along the Triftbach gorge, then eventually through beautiful meadows to the Trift alpine hut (7,712’). We continue hiking on switchbacks up for another hour to reach the very scenic Höhbalmen trail. The difficult climbing is behind us as the trail now undulates between the altitude of 8,250’ and 8,580’. At this point, we are facing the most impressive and famous panorama in the Alps: the north face of the Matterhorn, the Dent d'Herens, the Mischabel range, the Breithorn, Lyskam, Castor and Pollux, and Monte Rosa! We bask in the views of this stunning scenery before beginning our final descent along an occasionally steep trail to Zermatt. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore before we gather again for a farewell dinner and toast to an excellent hiking adventure. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 6 hours, ~7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 3,465 ft.

• Day 9

  Our trip ends after breakfast at our Zermatt hotel this morning. Continue to explore charming Zermatt and the surrounding area on your own, or take advantage of excellent rail connections to transfer back to Geneva or onto other destinations in Europe. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

No single rooms are available for request on this adventure. All group members will be automatically paired with a suitable roommate when possible. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be required to pay the forced single supplement fee.

All accommodation and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; all land transportation and luggage transfers; cable car rides as noted; skilled bi-lingual guides; group airport transfer from Geneva to Grindelwald.

Airfare to Geneva, Switzerland; 1 lunch and 1 dinner; optional cable car rides; airport transfer from Zermatt; excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); travel/evacuation insurance; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; laundry fees; internet access; optional guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated as Vigorous [4]. All trip members should be strong, experienced hikers in excellent physical condition capable of hiking 6 - 8 hours a day (8 - 12 miles) with steep ascents and descents. Trails are often rocky and elevation gains/losses of 1,500' - 3,500' daily are common. We hike at altitudes of 3,000-9,000'. The trails over mountain passes and the Europaweg (Days 7 and 8) are demanding trails with sections that are steep, rough, rocky, and exposed (many of these sections are secured with steel ropes or other aids). We strongly recommend an exercise regimen beginning at least 3-6 months prior to departure consisting of hiking (with as much elevation gain and loss as possible), walking/running, cycling and/or swimming. The fitter you are upon arrival, the more you will be able to enjoy the fabulous scenery that this spectacular alpine region has to offer.

Summer daytime temperatures along our route typically range from 60 to 75°F. Evening temperatures generally drop into the 50s. As we are in the Alps, participants must be prepared for variable weather conditions that can change suddenly and include hot, sunny days, prolonged rainfall and even an occasional dusting of snow.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering.  To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list has been created to help you choose equipment for the trip.  Try to bring only what is necessary - this will help you and the field staff. 

Weather

Summer daytime temperatures along our route range from 60 to 75°F. Evening temperatures generally drop into the 50s. As we are in the Alps, travelers must be prepared for variable weather conditions that can change suddenly and include hot, sunny days, prolonged rainfall and even an occasional dusting of snow.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications, hiking boots and a change of clothing in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
• Sarongs make excellent lightweight, quick-drying and compact travel towels. Another good option is the REI MultiTowel Lite (available in various sizes) or similar. See www.rei.com for details.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin or blister remedies for foot treatment. Thin liner socks made of silk or synthetic fibers worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate the contents.
• You may not have access to a toilet when you need one while hiking during the day. We suggest bringing a "toilet kit," a small ditty bag that includes a Ziploc bag of clean toilet tissue, a spare Ziploc to dispose of soiled tissue, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Note that toilet tissue must be discarded in a waste basket and not along a trail.
• Since some accommodations do not have elevators, please be prepared to carry your luggage between your room and the reception area.