Switzerland is one of the best playgrounds of the world for skiers and hikers. The land rises up to form the wondrous natural beauty of the Alps. Traveling trough Switzerland by train and participating in walking tours of the picturesque mountain trails are some of the most popular ways tourists experience the wonder that is Switzerland.
The long summer days make for perfect hiking when the foothills of the Alps are carpeted with wild mountain flowers. There are as many as 25 different species of orchids, brilliant pink alpenrose, gentian, purple monkshood and the glorious edelweiss. The rugged peaks of the Alps, some reaching as high as 4,000 meters, invite hikers to explore the pristine landscape.
Many walking tours and hikes begin at Interlaken with an exploratory hike through Lauterbrunnen valley. Here the visitor will experience a lush valley, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams. There are numerous inns along the trail where hikers can spend the night and enjoy local Swiss cuisine. The quaint villages of Murren and Wilderswil provide Victorian chalets. In contrast Grindelwald is a busy Alpine resort with two impressive glaciers to delight tourists. Most walking and hiking tours are arranged so that the hikers travel from village to village taking in the natural wonders and the famous Swiss hospitality and culture. When hikers reach Waldstatterhof and the medieval town of Lucerne they will find a beautiful nostalgic hotel a short walk from the train station and a beautiful lake.
The scenic route for hikers can continue from here with a train tour of the Alps from Lucerne to the famous resort, Zermatt, and the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is one of the most climbed and dangerous mountain peaks in the world. Its famous pyramid peaks pierce the sky to an astonishing 14,692 feet into the atmosphere. The Matterhorn should be climbed by only the most experienced mountain climbers.
Visitors may continue the train tour through Zweisimmen, Meiringen and Gstaad ending on Lake Geneva. The Glacier Express is Europe’s highest railway and travels through idyllic towns and to the glamorous town of St. Moritz. The next stop along the train tour is the leisurely town of Klosters and then on to Zürich.
Switzerland offers old world charm with modern conveniences. Almost all hotel keepers and guides speak English and are happy to help the traveler with advice about the natural wonders of Switzerland. Walking and train tours range from $2,600 to $2,800 per person depending on the season.