Swiss Alps and Lakes Trekking
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
It wouldn’t be hiking in the Alps without a few high-altitude lakes on the docket, the Trümmelbach Falls up close, and Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau towering over you. They’re all worthy of your affection!
On those hard days of hiking, there’s nothing better than belly laughs to get you up and over a pass, and you’ll have bonding experiences by the bucketload! Inside jokes? Guaranteed.
Rest your head in mountain villages that look like they sprang from the pages of a fairytale. You’ll split your time between Villars-sur-Ollon and Wilderswil, both equally as romantic as the next.
From chugging along in the lap of luxury on the GoldenPass Express to sitting elbow to elbow with locals on commuter trains, you’ll get to experience the true architectural feat that is Swiss railroads.
You won’t have to summit Mont Blanc to get views of the tallest mountains in the Alps. Take the cable car up to Glacier 3000 for panoramic sneak peeks of some of the greats like Jungfrau and Matterhorn.
Uncover more info by clicking the tabs below!
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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$2,725 AUD
Private Supplement: +$308
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Details
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 4 spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
11 days, 10 nights
Meeting point
Alpe Fleurie Hotel, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland
Departure point
Hotel Bären, Wilderswil, Switzerland
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
- You’re open-minded and open-hearted.
- You try to embrace the little things.
- You love adventure and the surprises that come with it.
- You are gracious to others and a team player.
Fitness
Level 4 – Strenuous
Our Level 4, ‘strenuous’- rated trips are demanding. You’ll need to be in good enough shape to exercise vigorously for hours on end over back-to-back days. Although the days of trekking will be long and arduous, they’ll be punctuated by intrepid experiences and your ‘off-days’ will be closer to a Level 1 rating, with a comfortable amount of walking. Consider preparing well in advance of your trek by getting used to walking for hours at a time through hilly landscapes.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches, 1 three-course lunch, 8 dinners
- Private transportation and trains tickets
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- GoldenPass Express journey from Montreux to Interlaken
- Excursion to Glacier 3000
- Visit and entrance to Chillon Castle
- Wine tasting at Domaine Bovy
- Full day excursion to Oeschinensee
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Personal trekking equipment
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
Accommodation Preview
Alpe Fleurie Hotel, Villars sur Ollon
Hotel Bären, Wilderswil
Overview
Trip Summary By Days
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Welcome to Switzerland! Transfer to your hotel and a welcome dinner | |||||
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Hiking day: From Col-de-Bretaye to Col de la Croix | 12 | 3.5 | |||
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Hiking day: Circular walk Les Diableters | 12.5 | 5 | |||
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Hiking day: Tour de L’Argentine hiking route | 13 | 5 | |||
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Glacier 3000 excursion and lunch | |||||
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Lake Geneva excursion and Chillon Castle visit, GoldenPass Express Train ride | |||||
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Hiking day: First hike - Grütschalp to Allmendhubel // Second hike - Allmendhubel to Gimmelwald | 10 | 4 | |||
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Hiking day: First hike - Wengen to Männlichen // Second hike - Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg | 9.5 | 4 | |||
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Excursion & Hiking Oeschinensee, circular walk | 8.8 | 3 | |||
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Grindelwald - Faulhorn - Schynige Platte hike | 16.6 | 5.5 | |||
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Farewell, friends, departure day | |||||
| Total: | 82.4 | 30 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
Trip Map
Get to Know Your Swiss Alps Itinerary
What You'll See & Do
Day 1 – Welcome to Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland! You’ll touch down in Geneva, a city known as the gateway to some seriously incredible treks. Tucked at the far southern tip of Lake Geneva – the city’s namesake – are the snow-capped peaks in the distance that you probably already spotted, and guess what? That’s where you’re headed.
It’s time to get the adventure started ASAP, so you’ll head straight to Villars-sur-Ollon, a storybook village in the Vaud Alps. As if that wasn’t Swiss enough, you’ll take two trains through the countryside – with a quick change along the way – to reach your new home away from home.
Tonight, you’ll get to know your fellow Camino Women over a welcome dinner. You’ll need the carb load for your first steps in the mountains tomorrow, so fuel up with food and new friendships.
Accommodation: Alpe Fleurie Hotel, Villars-sur-Ollon
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Pyramides de Gypse
Rise and shine early to meet your guide, who you’ll be following deep into the beautiful Vaud region today. This part of Switzerland is big on timbered villages in mountain valleys and granite pinnacles that will nearly make you dizzy.
It’s all alpine lakes, meadows sprinkled with wildflowers, and only the sound of the group’s laughter, bleating sheep and cow bells as you put one foot in front of the other on the Chaux Ronde ridge. Yep, that’s Mont Blanc herself overlooking your every step! You’ll soon get used to having this show-stopper backdrop in all your shots.
The highlight of the day is lunch, surrounded by peaks. You’ll be pinching yourself before the day is through, and this is just a tiny taste of what’s to come! Head back to your hotel to regroup for dinner and another day of hiking tomorrow.
Accommodation: Alpe Fleurie Hotel, Villars-sur-Ollon
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 – Les Diablerets
You and your Camino crew will probably wonder who named your next favourite spot in the Alps ‘little devils’, when all that your eyes can see is oh-so-heavenly. Your route from the charming town of Les Diablerets will take you deep into the Vaud Alps. Remember all that time you spent daydreaming about alpine streams surrounded by pine forests? As you trek along the Grande Eau stream, pause for a moment and savour it all. Your daydreaming-past-self will thank you.
Follow your local guide into the forest for a multitude of ‘wows’ and ‘I-can’t-believe-its’ as your Camino tribe takes in the views of the 90-metre high Dar cascade. With your thoughts still at the waterfall, make your way back (yes, through the same wow-worthy landscape).
Get your well-deserved rest at the hotel, as another adventure awaits you tomorrow. Now that you’ve had a taste of the Alps, you’ll only crave more!
Accommodation: Alpe Fleurie Hotel, Villars-sur-Ollon
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 – Tour de L’Argentine
Don’t cry for me, L’Argentine, as by the end of today, you’ll get to say – I made it! Tour de L’Argentine might be a huff-and-puff combo (we’re looking at you, high altitudes!), but the sights will make all your training worthwhile.
You’re one of the locals by now, so hop on the local bus with your Camino crew and head straight to Solalex. From there, you’ll start your 13-kilometre-long trek and continue bonding with your new hiker friends. Who’s picked up the most French phrases along the way?
As the views of the Rhone Valley, Dents du Midi and Grand Muveran compete for the place that brought out your widest smile and your loudest gasp, you’ll look around at your fellow hikers, proud that you all took on this challenge. And it’s only Day 4!
Accommodation: Alpe Fleurie Hotel, Villars-sur-Ollon
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 – Glacier 3000
It may be time for a breather from hiking, but that doesn’t mean we’ll let this day be adventure-free. Today, you’ll hop on a cable car up to Glacier 3000 from Col du Pillon. Named for its altitude of 3,000 meters, this is the perfect spot to mark the halfway point through the trip!
The views from here are truly awe-inspiring. As long as you don’t have a fear of heights, you can also do the Peak Walk, the world’s first suspension bridge that connects the View Point and Scex Rouge summits. You’ll also grab lunch here, with glimpses of some of the Alps’ tallest peaks, like Eiger, Mönch, the Matterhorn and Jungfrau in the distance.
Accommodation: Alpe Fleurie Hotel, Villars-sur-Ollon
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 – Montreux and GoldenPass Express
You’ve been based in Villars-sur-Ollon for the last five days – it’s time to get cozy with another Swiss village. Switch gears, diving into local culture and food to give your feet a break from the trail. You’ll use public transport to hop between destinations, starting with Chillon Castle, which hovers quite literally above Lake Geneva’s shoreline.
As if visiting this medieval fortress didn’t already have you picturing yourself in the lap of luxury, you’ll catch another train to the city of Vevey and the Lavaux Vineyards for a local wine tasting. There’s nothing like standing between the grapevines with the gals, sipping on a zingy glass of Chasselas.
We saved the best locomotive for last! You’ll hop on the GoldenPass Express to Interlaken. Sit back and relax in plush chairs as mountain scenery passes outside your window. Rest your head tonight in Wilderswil. This is where you’ll be located for the rest of the trip!
Accommodation: Hotel Bären, Wilderswil
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 – Lauterbrunnen and Mürren
You’ll be jumping out of bed today, fuelling and then gearing up, all ready for another train ride to Lauterbrunnen, followed by a cable car ride up to Grütschalp. From here, take a leisurely 5 kilometres walk to Allmendhubel for heart-stopping views and a quick bite.
Then it’s time to make your way to Mürren on a 5 kilometre hike. This peaceful village is completely traffic-free, and you’ll get a taste of what it was like to live in a high-alpine Swiss village 100 years ago.
Now, what’s it going to be? A cable car ride down to the Stechelberg valley, or another hike while you’re at it? Either way, save some energy for a walk to the Trümmelbach Falls. After all that hiking, what’s a few more steps to see ten glacial waterfalls hidden inside a mountain??
Accommodation: Hotel Bären, Wilderswil
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 – Panorama Trail
Make sure to pack in those calories at breakfast this morning because it’s yet another day of show-stopping treks. But the first journey is by rail to Wengen, a mountain village that clings to the cliffs. While most visitors make their way to your next destination, Männlichen, by cable car, you’ll do the heavy lifting of getting there on foot. We promise it’s well worth the sweat along this 5-kilometre section of trail because you’ll be skipping the crowds.
With Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as your new best friends watching over you on the Panorama Trail, you’ll think – how did I get used to such beauty so quickly? You and your Camino crew can choose to hop on a train and wrap up early, or continue pushing through for two more hours, with wallpaper-worthy views surrounding you.
Accommodation: Hotel Bären, Wilderswil
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 – Oeschinensee
You put in the hard work yesterday, so today it’s time to take it a bit slower. Make your way to Kandersteg via public transport, elbow to elbow with Swiss locals. You’ll hop off and take a cable car up to Oeschinensee. The draw here? The almost glowing, turquoise Oeschinen Lake, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks that will make you feel like you’re sitting in the palm of a giant’s hand.
Take some time to take both mental snapshots and real-deal snapshots of the scenery before heading back down to the trailhead. Relax back at your hotel in Wilderswil, where you’ll grab dinner with the gals. After hiking only 10 kilometres today, you’ll feel relaxed and rested for a night on the town!
Accommodation: Hotel Bären, Wilderswil
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 – Grindelwald
Head up to Grindelwald this morning, a popular summer resort known for adrenaline-centred activities like ziplining. You’ll blow past the fun and games in favour of trekking to Faulhorn and Schynige Platte. It’s one of the most difficult days yet, with 886 metres of elevation gain and 16.9 kilometres of trail between you and your final destination. Really soak up the views as you follow along Lake Brienz. Can you believe this is the last day of your once-in-a-lifetime hiking adventure through Switzerland?
Speaking of going out on high note, it’s time for a finale dinner to remember with your Camino Women. Cheers to all the kilometres hiked, inside jokes made and those sack lunches sat in the middle of mountain meadows. Once the Alps get in your blood, it’s a lifetime love affair!
Accommodation: Hotel Bären, Wilderswil
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 – Farewell, Friends!
There might be a few tears shed this morning as you exchange info and hug your hiking buddies close. After all, the bonds over the incredible treks you’ve accomplished over the last 10 days will stay with you for years to come. Swap contacts and promises that you’ll train together.
Grab the train to the Zurich airport, save your last mental snapshots of Switzerland in your head, and say “Tschüss!” to the snowcapped peaks out your window as you make your way home or to your next adventure.
Included: Breakfast
FAQs
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:CHF exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.53 CHF
A deposit is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, and Australian passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism.
Level 4 – Strenuous
Our Level 4, ‘strenuous’- rated trips are demanding. You’ll need to be in good enough shape to exercise vigorously for hours on end over back-to-back days. Although the days of trekking will be long and arduous, they’ll be punctuated by intrepid experiences and your ‘off-days’ will be closer to a Level 1 rating, with a comfortable amount of walking. Consider preparing well in advance of your trek by getting used to walking for hours at a time through hilly landscapes.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, soon.
Switzerland’s climate shifts beautifully between late summer and autumn, making both August and October wonderful months to visit—each with its own charm.
August brings warm, sunny days perfect for hiking, lake swims, and exploring alpine towns. In the lowlands, daytime temperatures average 20–35 °C, while the mountains are cooler, often between 10–25 °C. Evenings can be fresh, especially at higher elevations, so a light jacket is useful. Occasional summer showers keep the valleys green and the meadows in bloom.
October marks the arrival of crisp autumn air and golden landscapes. In the cities and valleys, temperatures usually range from 10–18 °C, while the Alps can see much cooler days and even early snowfall at higher passes. The skies are often clear, making it a great time for scenic train rides, vineyard walks, and enjoying Switzerland’s seasonal festivals. Layered clothing is key to staying comfortable throughout the day.
Whenever possible, we’ve selected charming hotels that capture the character of each Swiss location, generally offering 3-star comfort.
Sometimes it’s the alpine views from your window or the scent of fresh mountain air on the terrace that make a place unforgettable. Other times it’s the centuries-old timber beams or the warmth of the hosts. Rooms may vary slightly in size and style, but that’s all part of their charm.
Your arrival and departure transfers are included in the trip. To give you a taste of local life, these will be arranged by train. We’ll provide you with a ticket and easy-to-follow instructions so you can comfortably find your way to the hotel.
We will share detailed luggage information for this trip soon.
This trip begins in Villars sur Ollon, and ends in Wilderswil. We recommend that you fly into Geneva International Airport, as that is where you will be able to catch a train to your hotel.
The most convenient departure airport is Zurich International Airport. Both transfers – tickets for both arrival and departure transfers by train are included in the price.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
