Small Group
Switzerland Hiking
Trails between peaks, meadows and lakes
6 Days, 5 Nights
Maximum Group Size
16
Activity Level:
B&R Activity Levels
Priced per person from
$9,595 USD
Single Supplement: $2,800 USD
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Dec
Carbon Neutral Trip
Replete with alpine meadows, glacier-fed lakes, and peaks so perfect they look photoshopped, hiking in Switzerland feels like walking through a postcard. Ride cable cars, wander wildflower trails, and snack from honour-system fruit stands (yes, really). Meet black-nosed sheep, lunch with Matterhorn views, taste cheese with the pros, and hop a scooter down to Zermatt if you're feeling bold.
Swiss cheese is world-famous; indulge in a tasting led by a specialist cheesemonger to savour these iconic flavours.
Preview the itinerary
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Day 1
Pick up hiking poles and hop aboard a cable car to Rinderberg, where we’ll start our Swiss adventure. Walk toward Hornberg for a scenic lunch, then take the 4x4 or chairlift to Gstaad. Wander past meadows and honour system fruit stands or explore the lovely town. Tonight, we’ll enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner together in the hotel.
Activity:
8 km (5 mi.) hike from Rinderberg to Hornberg | Elevation gain: 65 m (215 ft.)
Optional hike | 14 km (8.5 mi.) | Elevation loss: 112- 272 m (367-892 ft.)
Day 2
Take a cable car to the start of our hike amidst distant peak views towards one of the sweetest spots in Saaenland, Lake Lauenensee. Enjoy lunch on a terrace near the lake, then we’ll head down to Gstaad. This evening, we’ll visit a local cheese cellar and meet the cheese ager for an aperitif and listen to the secrets of his business.
Activity:
10 km (6 mi.) hike from Wispile to Lauensee | Elevation gain: 155 m (508 ft.), Elevation loss: 669 m (2,195 ft.)
Optional hike | 14 km (9 mi.) | Elevation gain: 169 m (554 ft.), Elevation loss: 827 m (2,713 ft.)
Day 3
Head out on a beautiful drive through a pass then up the Rhône and Matter valleys to Zermatt. Set off on a hike into the Gornera Gorge, pausing for lunch in a typical wooden house. Hike or catch the train back to the hotel, where we’ll savour a casual dinner at their delightful Italian restaurant.
Activity:
8 km (5 mi.) loop hike up the Gornera Gorge | Elevation gain: 385 m (1,260 ft.)
Optional hike | 10 total km (6 mi.) | Elevation gain: 860 m (2,825 ft.)
Day 4
We’re off to the high Swiss alpine meadows to make our way to Stellisee, a famous lake with iconic views of the Matterhorn. Continue along past a few more lakes en route to a delicious lunch with a Matterhorn view. Then opt to hike, or for a mix of hiking and trains, or a mix of hiking, trains and a mountain scooter in the afternoon. Tonight, enjoy exploring Zermatt on your own.
Activity:
10 km (6 mi.) hike from Riffelalp to Findeln | Elevation gain: 410 m (1,350 ft.), Elevation loss: 575 m (1,890 ft.)
Day 5
Step off the Gornergrat Railway and set off on a trail that leads us to the serene Riffelsee, along rugged alpine landscapes, vibrant wildflower meadows and tranquil forests. Savour local cuisine for lunch then spend the afternoon enjoying views of the Matterhorn. Tonight, we’ll share our stories of our incredible trip over one last meal.
Activity:
4-7 km (2 to 4 mi.) hike from Gornergrat to Riffelsee | Elevation gain: 6 m (20 ft) gain, Elevation loss: up to 840 m (2,750 ft.)
Day 6
After one final breakfast at Riffelalp Resort, you’ll head to Zermatt for onward travels.
Rendezvous
Airport City: Zurich
Trip Start: Bellevue Palace
Time: 8:30 am
Farewell
Airport City: Geneva
Trip End: Zermatt Train Station
Time: 7:40 AM
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Trip Start and Trip End locations upon booking.
Featured stays
The Alpina Gstaad
Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
Riffelalp Resort 2222M
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Dates & availability
Dates
Price
per person, double occupancy
+$NaN USD single supplement
Join
Join a group of up to 16 like-minded travellers.
Privatize
8+ people
Pricing depends on group size
Detailed Itinerary
Uniquely tailored for each date
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to Privatize.
What's included
Accommodation & dining
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Active essentials
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Detailed GPS routes available via RideWithGPS.
Guided services & gratuities
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation & logistics
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
Support ranging from gondolas, chairlifts, 4 x 4 taxis and hiking shortcuts (there is no vehicle access for van stops on this trip).
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Experience Designer
Good to know
Food
We'll indulge in a variety of incredible cuisines on this trip. However, it's difficult to accommodate vegan diets in Switzerland.
Air conditioning
Swiss law prevents hotels situated at high altitudes from having air conditioning. Your rooms have cooling systems, and you can open the windows at night to take advantage of the cool air.
Van support
Due to the location of our trails, van support is limited.
Driving
Switzerland is a special place and covers quite a bit of territory. This trip spends quite a bit of time in vehicles to see the best sights.
Motion sickness
If you suffer motion sickness, be prepared as there are some transfers along winding mountain roads.
Getting home
Please avoid booking a morning flight from Zurich or Geneva at the end of the trip, as transfers to the airport require additional travel time.
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it’s an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
