2026-07-10 Swiss-001 Switzerland

<<< Summary >>>

The Bernese Oberland is a mountainous region in southwestern Switzerland, specifically within the Canton of Bern. It is known as a popular vacation destination due to its stunning scenery, including the Jungfrau massif in the Jungfrau Region, Lauterbrunnen Valley, and the towns of Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Murren, and Gimmelwald. The region is characterized by the Alpine high peaks, glaciers, and picturesque valleys, making it a hub for hiking, mountain climbing, and winter sports.

This is a 10-day and 8-night adventure trip in the beautiful Jungfrau Region of Switzerland.

We will use Grindelwald as our home base to explore the world renowned Alpine valleys, villages, high peaks, and glacier lakes accompanied by breathtaking scenery.

More Photos of Jungfrau Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen Wengen Schilthorn

More Info of Bernese Oberland   Jungfrau Region   Lauterbrunnen Valley   Jungfraujoch

<<< Lodging >>>

There are 8 nights of lodging to be booked by yourself.

8-night lodging in Grindelwald: check in 7/11 (Sat), check out 7/19 (Sun)

Grindelwald, Switzerland is an excellent choice as the home base for our trip with plenty of lodging, restaurant, and supermarket selections. It is also very convenient for public transportation with plenty of bus, train, gondola, and cable car connections so a rental car can be avoided. The typical expenses of rental car, car insurance, gas, and parking fee will be used for public transportation expenses.

<<< Important Note on Lodging >>>

When you make your lodging selection, it is very important that you consider our daily meeting place in the early morning. It is highly desirable to choose a lodging place that is in a short walking distance to our daily meeting place.

<<< Meeting Place /Meeting Time /Logistics >>>

From 7/12 to 7/18, we will meet first thing in the early morning at the Grindelwald Railway Station.

It is the main station located at the center of Grindelwald village.

It is right across the street from Hotel Kreuz & Post. There are many other hotels and lodgings around the center of Grindelwald village.

I will set up a group chat on WhatsApp to communicate our daily meeting time and more details of logistics.

We will start reasonably early everyday to catch the best and the most beautiful hiking time window in the summer. By doing so we can also avoid the potential summer time afternoon thunderstorms in the Alpine mountains.

<<< Itinerary >>>

Day01 (Fri) 2026-07-10

Take a flight from US to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) usually late afternoon or in the evening to arrive the next day.

Day02 (Sat) 7/11

Take a train ride from Zurich airport to Interlaken, then change train to Grindelwald. Check in your lodging. Tour around on your own for sightseeing, shopping, and dining, etc.

Day03 (Sun) 7/12 [Hike-1]

We'll hike the Eiger Glacier through Eiger Trail with the stunning views of the Eiger peak North Face in the background the entire time. Weather permitting, we’ll also hike another glacier gorge trail in the end. (D4, 10 miles, 1600 feet ascent, 2600 feet descent)

Day04 (Mon) 7/13 [Hike-2]

Today is our time to experience an epic hike in the renowned Tour of the Jungfrau Region in the canton of Bern with views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, First, and Faulhorn where some of the best views of the entire region can be seen on this route. (D5, 10 miles, 2700 feet ascent, 3200 feet descent)

Day05 (Tue) 7/14 Tour Day

We’ll take a trip to the “Top of Europe” Jungfraujoch if this is a very clear and sunny day, and/or any other places we would like to visit in the region. Jungfraujoch is extremely cold even in the summer, so bring a winter jacket, hat, and gloves.

Day06 (Wed) 7/15 [Hike-3]

We’ll hike the Panorama Ridge Line trail and first to reach Kleine Scheidegg, a popular mountain pass. We’ll take a break there. We’ll then continue to hike to Wengen for an Alpine village touring and lunch break there. (D4, 8 miles, 200 feet ascent, 3100 feet descent)

Day07 (Thu) 7/16 [Hike-4]

Lauterbrunnen Panorama Trail and Waterfalls Trail

We’ll spend our day visiting the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley. (D4, 7 miles, 1700 feet ascent/descent).

Day08 (Fri) 7/17 [Hike-5]

We’ll hike a route from the east of the First peak offering breathtaking views of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn. (D3, 7 miles, 1300 feet ascent/descent).

Day09 (Sat) 7/18 [Make up Day or Tour Day]

We’ll use today as our make up day in case we lost a hiking day due to bad weather. If not, then we’ll use it as a Tour Day with no hiking.

If this is a very clear and sunny day, then we’ll take a trip to the Schilthorn peak (2970m/ 9744 feet) featured in the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Specifically, the revolving restaurant at the summit, Piz Gloria, served as the villain Blofeld's headquarters. Thrill Walk and Skyline Walk from Birg peak are also available for our enjoyment (stop on the way up and down). We’ll make lunch reservation for the whole group at Piz Gloria.

Day10 (Sun) 7/19

Our group adventure ends today. You may pack up and go back to US from here, or continue additional travel on your own.

The earliest train from Grindelwald to Zurich is normally around 5:17 AM and it may have small changes from time to time. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to Zurich airport including a transfer at Interlaken. You should arrive airport at a minimum 2 hours or more prior to your flight departure time on an international flight.

If you go back to US directly from Grindelwald, and your flight is before 11:00 AM, then it is best that you stay one night at Zurich on 7/19. Then take a flight in the morning on 7/20 back to US to avoid missing flight, and to ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable trip going back home.

<<< Difficulty Level >>>

Our event will be at the AOC D5 difficulty level. The continuous nature of daily hiking and tour day activity adds another layer of physical demand which requires full preparation and training before taking this trip.

<<< How to prepare >>>

We all have to be physically prepared and trained well before taking on such an epic trip. Best physical conditions enable us to take in everything surrounding us and fully enjoy the amazing natural beauty rather than being out of breath and feeling tired every time going uphill. We must do fitness training a couple of times a week for a minimum 6 to 9 months, and also hiking the steepest mountain hills available to us. My favorite is Kennesaw Mt. which is local, beautiful, and very convenient.

There are numerous excellent guide books available on Amazon and many YouTube blogs as references.

<<< How to get there >>>

Take a flight to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) and arrive on the next day local time. Direct flights are available from several US cities. Take a train ride from Zurich airport to Interlaken, then change train to Grindelwald.

<<< How to sign up >>>

This web page is designed so that you can only put yourself on the waiting list. Once you’re verified to be suitable for this trip, you will be moved to the participant list.

<<< How to qualify >>>

Group will be selected by:

History of social compatibility in the AOC group setting

History of participation in the AOC events

You can comfortably finish a Kennesaw 10 hike in 4.5 hours; or personally I know your hiking ability and fitness condition is qualified.

The payment of $25 only covers AOC Service Fee. All costs (transportation, lodging, meals & drinks, and etc.) are paid by members on their own. All costs are non-refundable.

Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader.

Lodging

There are plenty of lodging options to choose from. Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Hotels.com, Expidia.com are popular sites among many others to compare, search, and book for lodging.

I will set up a group chat in WhatsApp for our group conversation once our roster is set. You can use it to facilitate sharing lodging conversations.

It is recommended by all traveling guides that you book your lodging as early as possible at this very popular location in order to secure the most favorable choices on pricing and quality.

Weather

Summer daytime temperatures in Jungfrau region, Switzerland range from 60 to mid 70’s F. Evening temperatures generally drop into the 50s. Weather in the Alps can change quickly, so we must be prepared for various weather conditions especially in the afternoon. 

We will start reasonably early everyday to catch the best and the most beautiful hiking time window in the summer. By doing so we can also avoid the potential summer time afternoon thunderstorms in the Alpine mountains.

Meals

There are numerous restaurants and grocery stores in the area to choose from.

The State Department travel advisory

The State Department has issued a level 1 travel advisory for Switzerland; for more information go to Advisory (weblink).

A non-refundable AOC Service Fee $25 required by AOC.

If you miss the payment date, you will be removed from the list.

There is no refund for cancellation.