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From the Eiger to the Matterhorn

Iconic peaks of the Bernese Oberland & Valais
 
Experience some of the best scenery in the Alps on this self-guided walking holiday, with luggage transported to all but the two most remote guesthouses. This holiday offers a thrilling challenge, and features classic routes, little-used trails and dramatic mountain passes, taking you to altitudes of almost 3,000 metres.
From the Eiger to the Matterhorn. 14 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
From the Eiger to the Matterhorn. 14 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in the Swiss Alps

Between Switzerland's most famous peaks, the Eiger and the Matterhorn, lies some of the best walking in all of the Alps. The journey from the famous north face to the iconic pyramid of the world's most recognisable mountain is a thrilling challenge, leading over high-mountain passes on true alpine trails and deep into valleys via lakes, forest and classic mountain villages.
This is a holiday promising challenge and fulfilment, covering over 150km and at times reaching altitudes of almost 3,000 metres. At such heights, well above the treeline, boulder-strewn scree slopes have a lunar quality to them but you're never far from alpine meadows teeming with flowers and insects, patrolled by whistling marmots on the ground and birds of prey overhead.
 

Book with confidence

At present, we are only accepting bookings for Switzerland for travel from 1 August onwards. Our flexible booking arrangements, commitment to safety and financial protection mean that you can book with confidence, despite the current travel restrictions in place.

What we’re doing so you can book and travel with confidence >
Check the destination entry requirements >

If you have a holiday booking with us already, we will contact you before your balance is due (currently 4 weeks before departure) to advise whether or not the holiday can go ahead.
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    The best time for flowers is late June and early July.
     
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 0 1 4 8 12 16 19 18 15 10 4 1
    mm 84 80 80 99 119 142 130 153 108 85 100 86
  • Arrival in Meiringen
    Night 1: at Hotel Victoria (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.

    Although this walk spans 'just' 90 kilometres as the crow flies, it's many more on foot, with substantial ascents and descents, so where possible days start and/or end with a cable car, bus or train ride. Some of these are included; for those which are not, we provide a half-fare card so that you can benefit from discounted tickets on most journeys. The distances given for each day are the walking distances, and do not include sections on public transport.
  • Choice of walks from Meiringen: 11km or 12km

    Circular walk via the Aare Gorge: 11km, 4hrs; ascent/descent 375m
    As a warm-up for the thrilling challenge ahead, walk through the atmospheric, 200-metre-deep Aare Gorge, returning via the Reichenbach Falls of Sherlock Holmes fame.

    Linear walk from Engstlensee: 12km, 4.5hrs; ascent 700m/descent 310m
    Alternatively, take the bus up to beautiful Lake Engstlen and follow a ridge back towards Meiringen, enjoying striking views over much of the Bernese Oberland as you go. Your final descent into Meiringen is by gondola and cable car.
    Engstlensee
    Circular walk via the Aare Gorge: 11km
    Linear walk from Engstlensee: 12km
  • Meiringen to Grindelwald: 13.5km, 5.5hrs; ascent 850m/descent 580m
    To reach Grindelwald, you catch a bus (included) and then ascend through meadows, with the option of detouring into a gorge, which is very different to the Aare Gorge and offers a good insight into the scenery you will explore over the coming days. Your path continues upwards to the Grosse Scheidegg pass (1,962 metres), where you are greeted with vistas of the Eiger in all its splendour. These evolve as you descend gradually to the gondola station, where you hop aboard for the ride down to Grindelwald and the Hotel Kreuz & Post.
    Meiringen to Grindelwald: 13.5km
    Cows are everywhere!
  • Choice of walks from Grindelwald to Wengen: 16.5km or 20.5km

    The Eiger Trail: 16.5km, 6.5hrs; ascent 905m/descent 1235m
    Having already been 'introduced' to the Eiger yesterday, you get properly acquainted on today's walk – after you alight from the nostalgic cog railway at Alpiglen (included), the Eiger Trail takes you right under the sheer North Face, where you may see climbers high above you. If that were not enough, there are views of glaciers to admire, and two other famous peaks – the Mönch and Jungfrau – to pass beneath, before descending through moraine, meadows and forest to beautiful Wengen, where you spend two nights at the Hotel Alpenrose on the edge of the village.

    Via Kleine Scheidigg: 20.5km, 8hrs; ascent 1190m/descent 1015m
    This alternative route via Kleine Scheidigg – a station on the Jungfraujoch funicular railway – also takes you under the Eiger, but at a further distance to better admire the famous north face.
    The Eiger Trail
    The Eiger Trail: 16.5km
    Via Kleine Scheidigg: 20.5km
  • Linear walk from Männlichen: 12km, 3.5hrs; ascent 150m/descent 1050m
    To make the most of Wengen's spectacular surroundings, we suggest that you take the cable car to Männlichen, a superb vantage point from which to admire the soaring peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. From here, panoramic paths lead across the high slopes and through pastures back to Wengen.
    Linear walk from Männlichen: 12km
    Sheep graze the upper pastures
  • Wengen to Mürren: 9km, 3.5hrs; ascent 475m/descent 765m
    Today's route winds down from Wengen, initially leading through forest to the valley floor at Lauterbrunnen. Ascend by gondola to Grütschalp (pay locally), from where you pick up the Mountain View Trail, aptly named as it provides a splendid backdrop of the mighty trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Your destination is Mürren, where you spend one night at the Hotel Bellevue.
    Wengen to Mürren: 9km
    Lauterbrunnen
  • Choice of walks from Mürren to Griesalp: 13.5km or 15.5km

    Mürren to Griesalp (high-level route): 15.5km, 6hrs; ascent 1040m/descent 1240m
    This is the most challenging walk of the holiday so far, but is rewarded by spectacular views of the north faces of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Your target for the first leg is the Sefinenfurke Pass, which means a long ascent, gentle at first but then steeper as you ascend to an altitude of 2,612 metres. Linger at the pass to drink in the panorama before the long descent through an unspoiled valley to the settlement of Griesalp and the Berggasthaus Golderli. Due to the remote location of the guesthouse, you'll need to bring an overnight bag with you.

    Mürren to Griesalp (low-level route): 13.5km, 6hrs; ascent 1150m/descent 400m
    For a lower level option, take trains and a cable car from Mürren to Reichenbach (pay locally) and walk through the Kiental Valley, past a number of waterfalls, to Griesalp. 
    Sefinenfurke Pass
    Mürren to Griesalp (high-level route): 15.5km
    Mürren to Griesalp (low-level route): 13.5km
  • Choice of walks from Griesalp to Kandersteg: 16km or 18km

    Griesalp to Kandersteg via the Hohtürli Pass: 16km, 7hrs; ascent 1435m/descent 1710m
    To reach the Hohtürli Pass – which at 2,778 metres is even higher than the pass you walked over yesterday – you have another long, and at times steep, ascent, although the extensive panoramas which open up before you more than compensate for the effort! The ensuing descent takes you close to the Blüemlisalp Glacier, past remote farmhouses surrounded by huge boulders, and finally above the turquoise blue waters of Oeschinensee, set in an amphitheatre of mountains. Your final destination is Kandersteg, where you spend two nights at the Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria.

    Griesalp to Kandersteg via Reichenbach (low-level route): 18km, 6.5hrs; ascent 710m/descent 1305m
    Alternatively, follow the Höhenweg (high path), keeping a high contour along the Kiental Valley before descending into Reichenbach, from where you catch the train to Kandersteg (pay locally). 
    Hohturli Pass
    Griesalp to Kandersteg via the Hohtürli Pass: 16km
    Griesalp to Kandersteg via Reichenbach (low-level route): 18km
  • Choice of walks from Kandersteg: 10km to 20.5km

    Gasterntal via Kander Gorge: 20.5km, 7hrs; ascent/descent 625m
    We highly recommend exploring the tranquil and secluded Gastern Valley. Now a nature reserve, it is renowned as the glacial valley in the Bernese Oberland. There is a bus that you can take to the entrance to the spectacular Kander Gorge, which you traverse before emerging into the Gastern Valley, passing numerous waterfalls en route to its far reaches. You return by following the River Kander downstream. 

    Gasterntal via Selden: 11.5km, 5hrs; ascent/descent 870m
    Another way to enjoy the reserve is to take a bus to Selden further into the valley, then follow an out-and-back route which winds steeply uphill, gaining some 1,000 metres of altitude, to reach the blue ice of the Kanderfirn Glacier.

    Uschene Valley: 10km, 3hrs; ascent 150m/descent 640m
    Another option is to explore the pretty Uschene Valley, by taking the Allmenalp cable car into the imposing mountains to the west of Kandersteg. From here, you continue along a panoramic contour into the Uschene Valley then descend to Kandersteg on foot. 

    Uschene Valley via Alpschelegrat: 13.5km, 5hrs; ascent 555m/descent 1045m
    We also provide notes for a longer and more challenging route in the Uschene Valley which takes you via the high mountain pass of Alpschelegrat for superior views, before dropping down into the valley.
    Gastern Valley
    Gasterntal via Kander Gorge: 20.5km
    Uschene Valley: 10km
    Gasterntal via Selden: 11.5km
    Uschene Valley via Alpschelegrat: 13.5km
  • Kandersteg to Leukerbad: 14km, 5hrs; ascent 545m/descent 1035m
    Setting off from Kandersteg, you take the bus and cable car to Sunnbüel and from here ascend towards the Gemmi Pass (2,270 metres) via the Schwarenbach Hotel where Sherlock Holmes 'stayed' on his way to meet Moriarty. The pass has been an important trading route since Roman times, and marks the border between the Bernese Oberland and the Valais. An impressive path zigzags down the mountainside to the spa town of Leukerbad or, to give you time to make the most of the thermal baths, you could take the cable car (opens 29 June - included). Your base in Leukerbad is the Parkhotel Quellenhof.
    Kandersteg to Leukerbad: 14km
    Delight in the sound of clanging cowbells
  • Leukerbad to Salgesch: 13.5km, 4hrs; ascent 355m/descent 1175m
    Today you leave the heights of the Bernese Oberland for the vineyards of the Rhône Valley. As you leave Leukerbad, you climb through dramatic cliffs before gradually descending to Salgesch and the Hotel Arkanum.
    Leukerbad to Salgesch: 13.5km
    The descent to Salgesch
  • Salgesch to Gruben: 13km, 6hrs; ascent 1190m/descent 695m
    Today's walk starts with a short train ride (included) eastwards along the Rhône Valley to connect with the cable car from the picturesque village of Turtmann up into the mountains which lie to the south. You rise through forest then traverse the rock-strewn western slopes of the remote Turtmann Valley, one of the least developed valleys of the Pennine Alps, to reach the historic Hotel Schwarzhorn near Gruben. Given its isolated location, you'll need to bring an overnight bag with you.
    Salgesch to Gruben: 13km
    Pause for refreshments at mountain huts
  • Gruben to Zermatt: 17km, 7hrs; ascent 1120m/descent 1840m; shorter option using cable car: 13km, 5hrs; ascent 1120m/descent 1100m
    With Italy not far away, this demanding but thoroughly exhilarating route takes you to the highest point yet: the Augstbord Pass at 2,893 metres. As you descend, views open over the Mischabel massif of 4,000-metre peaks and glaciers, including the mighty Dom – the third-highest mountain in the Alps. You pass through a small hamlet perched high above the Matter Valley, from where you can either descend on foot or by cable car to the village of St Niklaus to catch the train (included) for the final leg up the valley to Zermatt. The vistas throughout the day have been superb, but the best is saved until last: as you make your way to the elegant Hotel la Ginabelle, you finally get to see the Matterhorn.
    Gruben to Zermatt: 17km
    Augstbord Pass
  • Choice of walks from Zermatt: 15km or 15.5km

    Circular walk via lakes: 15.5km, 5hrs; ascent 495m/descent 1070m
    Having spent the last few days anticipating your arrival in the walker's paradise of Zermatt, it's only right that you have a final day of walking here on the slopes surrounding the iconic Matterhorn. This first option starts with a classic cog railway ride to Riffelalp, and explores the lakes to the east of Zermatt below the Findel Glacier. Be sure to bring your camera; on a clear day the pyramidal form of the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in the glassy waters of Stellisee. The descent back to town takes you through ancient hamlets and forest, and passes some of the region's finest mountain restaurants. There is the option of taking the lift from Sunnegga to reduce the descent.

    Circular walk via Trockener Steg: 15km, 5hrs; ascent 270m/descent 1560m
    The second option takes you within touching distance of the glaciers which sweep down from the border with Italy. After a gondola ride to Trockener Steg at nearly 3,000 metres, you cross a stark landscape dotted with glacial lakes and dominated by the classic Matterhorn east-face view, which looms ever larger as you come within one kilometre of this iconic mountain – a fitting finale to your adventure.
    Lakes walk above Zermatt
    Circular walk via lakes: 15.5km
    Circular walk via Trockener Steg: 15km
 

Accommodation

You mostly stay in 3 and 4-star hotels, meaning that you can relax in comfort at the end of each day's walk. So that you can enjoy the best routes, the holiday also features two splendidly located mountain guesthouses. Due to their remote locations, we do not transport your luggage to them, so you'll need to carry an overnight bag with you. You needn't pack much, however, as they are relaxed, informal places, and there's no need to dress up for the convivial dinners.
 

Options to extend or shorten your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
Currency converter

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  • 14 nights: 27 June 2021 - 02 October 2021 & 25 June 2022 - 02 October 2022

    Start any day except Thursday | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    27 Jun - 19 Aug 2021 £2670 £415
    20 - 31 Aug 2021 £2595 £415
    1 - 18 Sep 2021 £2495 £405
    25 Jun - 19 Aug 2022 £2795 £440
    20 - 31 Aug 2022 £2725 £440
    1 - 18 Sep 2022 £2620 £430
    3rd & 4th person discount -£35
    Single traveller supplement £35

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Included travel: return rail from Zürich or Geneva Airport. A Swiss Half-Fare Card is also included, providing you with half-price tickets for trains, bus and boat journeys and up to 50% reduction on private railways and cable cars.

    If you would prefer to drive from the UK, please contact us for self-drive prices.

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

    14 nights: 27 June 2021 - 02 October 2021 & 25 June 2022 - 02 October 2022

    Start any day except Thursday | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    27 Jun - 19 Aug 2021 £2980 £415
    20 - 31 Aug 2021 £2935 £415
    1 - 18 Sep 2021 £2825 £405
    25 Jun - 19 Aug 2022 £3130 £440
    20 - 31 Aug 2022 £3085 £440
    1 - 18 Sep 2022 £2970 £430
    3rd & 4th person discount -£35
    Single traveller supplement £35

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus standard-class travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet International to Lille or Paris, with onward travel as described below.

    Included travel from the UK: Out: UK–Paris (Eurostar), Paris–Meiringen (TGV/regional rail), approx. duration 9h40 plus 0h05 walk to the hotel. Home: Zermatt–Paris (TGV/regional rail), Paris–UK (Eurostar), approx. duration 11h30 plus 0h05 taxi transfer.
    > More about 'by rail' prices
    > The 'rail experience': what to expect
    A Swiss Card is included, providing you with half-price tickets for trains, bus and boat journeys and up to 50% reduction on private railways and cable cars.

    If you book your holiday less than 6 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Hotel Victoria, Meiringen
    Superior: 27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £26
    Superior: 25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £28
    Hotel Kreuz & Post, Grindelwald
    Junior suite: 27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £38
    Junior suite: 25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £40
    Hotel Alpenrose, Wengen
    South-facing with balcony: 27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £24
    South-facing with balcony: 25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £26
    Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg
    Mini-suite: 27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £38
    Mini-suite: 25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £40
    Hotel la Ginabelle, Zermatt
    'Comfort' with balcony & Matterhorn view: 27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £15
    'Comfort' with balcony & Matterhorn view: 25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £16
    Superior with balcony & Matterhorn view: 27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £25
    Superior with balcony & Matterhorn view: 25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £28

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hotel Victoria, Meiringen (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £167 £200
    25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £176 £211
    Hotel Kreuz & Post, Grindelwald (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 21 Aug 2021 £189 £211
    22 Aug - 02 Oct 2021 £153 £175
    25 Jun - 21 Aug 2022 £200 £224
    22 Aug - 02 Oct 2022 £160 £184
    Hotel Bellevue, Mürren (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 11 Sep 2021 £142 £196
    12 Sep - 02 Oct 2021 £126 £180
    25 Jun - 11 Sep 2022 £150 £208
    12 Sep - 02 Oct 2022 £132 £190
    Parkhotel Quellenhof, Leukerbad (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 02 Oct 2021 £134 £160
    25 Jun - 02 Oct 2022 £142 £170
    Hotel la Ginabelle, Zermatt (with dinner) Double room Single room
    27 Jun - 15 Aug 2021 £155 £182
    16 Aug - 02 Oct 2021 £150 £177
    25 Jun - 15 Aug 2022 £162 £192
    16 Aug - 02 Oct 2022 £158 £186
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich or Geneva
    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Bournemouth - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Geneva easyJet 
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Geneva easyJet 
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Geneva British Airways,  easyJet,  Swiss 
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Geneva easyJet 
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Geneva easyJet 
    Manchester - Zurich Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Geneva easyJet 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service (£60 for India and Nepal). Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Geneva

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Geneva airport to Meiringen (3h30), walk to hotel (0h02) included 1630
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    hotel transfer to station (0h02), rail Zermatt to Geneva airport (3h55) included 1400

    Connecting travel options - flying via Zürich

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Zürich airport to Meiringen (2h30), walk to hotel (0h02) included 1730
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    hotel transfer to station (0h02), rail Zermatt to Zürich airport (3h40) included 1400
What is included
  • 14 nights
  • 14 dinners
    3 picnics
    14 breakfasts
  • luggage transported on most days (1 bag per person)
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • half-fare card
  • some bus/train/cable car journeys, as specified in the itinerary
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 14 reviews
  • Erica Wilde
    06 September 2019

    A wonderful holiday overall. The walking as promised was challenging. Having completed the holiday for the second time the weather was superb this time allowing us to achieve the Passes. These were challenging and probably not suitable for those with a fear of heights/vertigo.

  • Anon
    06 September 2019

    Great itinerary combining the best sections of the traditional Alpine Pass Route in the Berner Oberland with an encounter with the Rhone Valley's vineyards hiking down from Leukerbad and the thrilling finale of the Haute Route from Gruben over the Augstbordpass.  Hiking under the Eiger's north face, climbing the Sefinenfurgge from Murren to Griesalp, and descending to Jungen after the Augstbordpass were highlights for us.  Nice to have the efficient Swiss transport system to help out in case of poor weather or bad knees...always alternatives to the day's suggested itinerary. The accomodations vary from 4 star hotels to charming mountain inns...

  • Ms L Archer
    USA
    30 August 2019

    From the Eiger to the Matterhorn is a stunning trip.  We have done it twice now, catching 2 high passes the second time that we could not do the first.  The most challenging days of the trip but well worth it!  We may very well sign up to do this again next year.  Inntravel makes everything but the fabulous hiking easy.

  • Tamara R.
    28 August 2019

    The Eiger to the Matterhorn was definitely a challenge, especially days 6 and 7.  But it gave us a big dose of confidence for the rest of the trip. There were a few unforeseen travel issues, like arriving in Varrena at the conclusion of an air show and trying to get through the thousands of people trying to board trains and ferries but again, we figured it out. The order of the 3 trips [From the Eiger to the Matterhorn, Across the Roof of Europe with the Glacier Express and Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano, Upgrade Option] was perfect. We loved meeting the families who owned the various hotels. Even the 2 star hotels, while the room was nothing special, it was well cared for.

  • Mr D Bamforth
    Stocksfield
    23 August 2019

    This is an exciting and at times challenging walk, but with excellent views as a reward!

  • Miss C Adam
    Stonehaven
    18 August 2019

    This was our second time of walking Mürren to Kandersteg and it’s still the best day's walk ever. The whole route from Wengen to Zermatt took us through changing scenery from alpine meadows, scree slopes, glaciers, lakes and epic mountains. Highlights include marmots, millions of butterflies and welcoming mountain inns.

  • Dr S Webster
    Wokingham
    26 July 2019

    Another fantastic walking holiday from Inntravel. We really enjoyed the variety of walks with the routes often taking us away from the busier spots. We always felt confident about our planned walk and that we would arrive at another comfortable hotel for the night. We also appreciated the attention paid by Inntravel when our flights were delayed.

  • Anon
    24 July 2019

    Switzerland is beautiful. The passes are dramatic and routes are well signposted.

    We also enjoyed Zermatt and liked all the options given by Inn Travel to make the most of our holiday.

    Having half-board was brilliant as Switzerland is pricey and this reduces additional costs. 

    This is a really well designed route to enjoy classic scenery.

  • Mr R Flynn
    Ashbourne
    04 July 2019

    This was a very different holiday to what we usually do but in the main lived up to expectations and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The 'Swiss' experience was excellent. Highlights were Eiger Trail and Option A lakes walk from Zermatt. High level walks on Alpine meadows with great scenery also added to overall experience. Weather was excellent. Hotel Alpenrose - although room a bit too small and no curtain linings, restaurant choices and waitress service exemplary. A shining light of the holiday.

     

     

     

  • Mrs JM Lane
    Haverfordwest
    01 July 2019

    I think this is the best walking holiday we have ever done. It was extremely challenging but so rewarding. I think it will be hard to beat this one in future! Virtually every day was a highlight so it is hard to just pick one.

     

  • Mrs J Shepherd
    Australia
    26 June 2019

    Walking was sensational. Scenery amazing. Challenging passes

  • Anon
    09 September 2018

    Walking over Kleine Sheidegg and seeing the Eiger in glorious blue skies was a real highlight as was seeing the Matterhorn in similar blue skies with clouds in the valley, climbing through the clouds on the Gornergrat train.

    Very special mix of walks and scenery - walking through vineyards, watching grapes being harvested and prepared one day, walking high pastures and forests the next, not seeing a soul for hours.

    All the cable car and train journeys were spectacular, especially Sunnbuel.

    Loved the mix of accommodation - the quirky Bellevue Hotel, Murren and the stylish Parkhotel Quellerhof, Leukerbad and Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria were particular highlights.

    Seeing so many marmots plus chamois and ibex.

    Would recommend getting fit for the holiday - two weeks' walking daily in hot conditions often up steep slopes was tiring at times. 

    Earplugs for Salgesch are advisable!

  • Mrs H Smith
    South Yorkshire
    31 August 2018

    Every day in its own way was an adventure and we thoroughly enjoyed our walks. This was the second time we had walked around the Eiger area and we were delighted with the different routes provided on this holiday. Due to bad weather we did not attempt the Hohturli Pass but can thoroughly recommend the low level route to Reichenbach. The second week from Kandersteg to Zermatt was new to us and provided some excellent routes and cable car rides. On the last day in Zermatt we did not do either of the recommended walks but instead took the cog railway to Riffelberg station and had a walk up to Riffelsee and part way up the path to MonteRosa hutte with good views of the Gornergletscher and then had an excellent lunch at the Riffelhaus hotel with views of the Matterhorn. We would thoroughly recommend this holiday to anybody with enough woomph in their legs to do all the up and downhill! Certainly an achievement.

  • Mr M Pettifer
    Tunbridge Wells
    26 August 2018

    We had to adapt what we were doing due to bad weather a couple of times. On day 4, there was low cloud and poor visibility on the walk to Kleine Scheidegg. Once we got to Kleine Scheidegg we checked what the weather was like at the top of the Jungfraujoch and discovered that was above the cloud and so we went up there instead. It was well worth a visit. So I guess the advice would be if you have got poor weather on a day when you are walking around a place, it might be worth checking what the weather is like in other areas near by as it is so easy to get about by public transport.
    The MeteoSwiss website / app is excellent for the weather forecast and was pretty accurate for the vast majority of our holiday. We would recommend checking the weather before arriving at Griesalp as there is no data reception there or any WiFi either.
    In the UK people tend to assume you can pay by card everywhere but this wasn't the case for some of the cable cars. It might be worth pointing out that you should have cash with you for the days involving the cable cars.
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • If your holiday plans go awry because of Coronavirus, rest assured that we’ll do right by you. Since the start of the pandemic, our flexible booking policy and prompt issuing of refunds to customers who prefer not to defer their holiday have earned us high praise in the national press.
  • We sincerely hope that your holiday experience will be as enjoyable as it would have been before the pandemic – walking holidays are ideal in these times of social distancing, and we’re not operating holidays if the key highlights can no longer be delivered – but, naturally, there will be some changes to ensure your and other people’s safety.
    Your holiday experience: what to expect >
    Safety measures being taken by hoteliers & others >
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of airlines and routes from the UK. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. For Europe, there’s a £35 booking fee per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). For India and Nepal, the booking fee is £60 per person. More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to take out our recommended travel insurance policy (if you live outside the UK you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    We'll ask you for the details of your policy (insurer, policy number and medical emergency phone number) so that we can help out if the worst happens while you are on holiday. It's up to you, though, to check that your policy covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs; we don't check alternative policies.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). UK citizens can no longer use their EHIC in Switzerland, and nor is the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) valid in Switzerland. It is therefore important that, if you already have travel insurance in place, the terms do not exclude medical cover, especially for existing conditions, in the absence of an EHIC.
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Franc. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.

    At Inntravel we work in close partnership with our hoteliers, taxi drivers and other local suppliers to provide our self-guided holidays directly to you. We are entirely confident that you will continue to receive the usual warm welcome from them, regardless of what is happening in the European political sphere.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
Last fetch time is : 6/12/2021 7:42:13 PM