Moderate inn to inn hikes link the fabled villages of the Jungfrau region in this quick tour for those with other stops on their European itinerary. Starting in the the booming alpine center of Interlaken, this loop explores the Lauterbrunnen valley with its cascading waterfalls, and visits sleepy Murren, Wilderswil with its Victorian era chalets, the busy alpine center of Grindelwald, beneath the impressive north face of the Eiger and the carless village of Wengen. Without crossing the high passes of the western Oberland, this tour enables hikers to enjoy the big scenery with a little less effort and in a little less time. Inns along the way include charming country inns with fluffy down comforters, a gemutlich welcome and famous Swiss hospitality.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Travel by rail to Interlaken, the bustling alpine center at the gateway of the Jungfrau region and then a quick, five minute commute to Wilderswil. Wilderswil is an authentic and antique village which has emerged as a "bedroom" community for cosmopolitan Interlaken

Day 2 Ride a cog railway then hike along a ridge with unsurpassed views over the Interlaken lakes, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, the Wetterhorn and the remote Finsteraarhorn. Overnight in a charming country inn in Grindelwald, a bustling alpine village at the base of the famous Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau massifs. Numerous glaciers, rolling green meadows, and towering alpine peaks with their snowy summits typify the best of Swiss scenery.

Day 3 A classic ramble leads over the Kleine Scheidegg, the saddle beneath the infamous Eiger Nordwand, then along wooded trails to Wengen, a carless resort perched on a bench with views of the Jungfrau and over the spectacular Lauterbrunnen valley with its sheer limestone walls and plummeting waterfalls. Overnight in a "gemutlich" three star inn with cozy, wood panelled Swiss alpine architecture and charm. The family run inn prides itself on its service, ambiance and authentic Swiss cuisine.

Day 4 Overnight in a typical Bernese style inn located in a quiet park with chestnut trees. Enjoy a long ramble up the Lauterbrunnen valley and view the thundering falls and the vestiges of pastoral culture in this picture perfect valley before ascending to Murren, a sleepy village perched above the Lauterbrunnen valley with dramatic views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. The timeless quality of this small village is accentuated by the absence of automobiles. Overnight in a family run three star inn in the quaint, carless village of Murren with spectacular views across the Lauterbrunnen valley.

Day 5 Enjoy one of our favorite regional hikes to a remote and little visited alpine club hut with expansive views over the Jungfrau, Eiger and Lauterbrunnen valley. Return to the small and untouristy village of Wilderswil. A quiet atmosphere, many Victorian era chalets and a location at the base of a regional cog railway make Wilderswil a pleasant and convenient village base.

Day 6 Depart. Use your Swiss Card to return to your Swiss gateway. We are also happy to make additional accommodations to round out your visit to Switzerland.