What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 6-day, all-women, 50+ hiking journey in the Swiss Alps Accommodation (price based on twin accommodation, single supplement available) One night in a bed & breakfast Four nights in mountain hotels and huts Transportation during the tour All breakfasts and 3 dinners Entrance fees to national parks What’s not included: Travel to the starting point and return travel from the endpoint Snacks, lunches, and drinks Any additional travel or tours not mentioned in the itinerary Travel, accident, and health insurance Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Although demanding, remember that this adventure is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences! So while this tour isn’t all about super easy walks, you’ll be going at a very steady pace, hiking between 3 and 5.5 hours per day through the spectacular Swiss Alps. If you’re familiar with Swiss grading, this would be a T2 or T3. You do need to have strong legs and stamina. Daily mileage will vary between 3.5 and 6.5 miles (5.6-10.5 km), while daily elevation gains are between 2,855 and 4,758 ft (870-1,450 m) . So this tour is ideal for 50+ women who are looking to stretch themselves and have a real challenge in a very supportive environment. Keep in mind that you will use gondola and local buses and trains to help you over some of the higher ascents. Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a backpack filled with all things you need for this 6-day journey! If you’re certain you can conquer these heights while carrying a loaded backpack, sign up for an experience of a lifetime! Looking to upgrade your hiking journey? Check out this all-women hiking tour of Via Alpina in the Swiss Alps , where you’ll conclude every day in upscale hotels and invigorating spas.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items you will need on this journey Sleeping sheet Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lunch box Sturdy hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this Swiss Alps women’s hiking tour, the client-to-guide ratio is 1:12. The maximum group size is 12. It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Swiss Alps women’s hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Sarnen in Switzerland, your starting point of the tour, most people fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) . It’s approximately 1 hour away by car or 1.5 hours by train. Day 1 of the tour is all about getting settled in and meeting your team. Make sure to arrive by approximately 5:30 pm.

Safety measures in Switzerland

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Switzerland, please refer to Switzerland’s foreign travel advice . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Guided hiking tour in the Engadin Valley, Switzerland

SWISS ALPS | SWITZERLAND

Hiking in the Heart of the Swiss Alps for 50+ Women

5.00 ()

Season

June through September

Nearest city

Zürich is one hour away

Duration

6 days

Difficulty

Accommodation

Blend of hotels, huts, and B&Bs

Guides

Claudia Schmid, Walking Women

From $2,270 () / 6 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Calling all ladies over 50! Do you dream of exploring the heart of the Swiss Alps in a supportive group of like-minded women? You’re in luck—this 6-day hiking journey does exactly that. The trails will lead us to soaring mountains, glistening Alpine lakes, and wildflower-strewn meadows. But these spectacular views come at a price, so only join this tour if you’ve got strong legs and good stamina! Just picture yourself: you’re roaming charming Swiss villages, reaching celestial peaks via gondolas, and tasting delicious fondue. There’s even a chance of spotting a chamois or two—the wildlife in these magical landscapes is thriving, just like you will.

Book a call

A women-only experience of a lifetime

Astounding gorges, sky-high gondolas, Alpine lakes, and iconic peaks—all in the company of your all-women team
Remote trails with no crowds

Get off the usual popular trails of the Alps, and let a Swiss mountain guide lead the way
Try fondue & other Swiss specialties

Birthplace of fondue, the delicious Rösti, and melt-in-your-mouth Lindt chocolates

Itinerary

Every inch of the landlocked Switzerland is a sight to behold. World-famous for its untouched nature and Alpine wonders, it’s the perfect location for your week-long hiking holidays in an all-women group! By going hut-to-hut (or hotel-to-hotel), you’ll have plenty of time to follow sky-reaching trails, quaint Swiss villages, high alpine passes, sparkling lakes, and so much more. This hiking journey is ideal for women who have strong legs and good stamina, as you’ll be gaining significant elevation gains every day—but the views, the authentic Swiss experience, and the all-women company will make you forget about your sore legs and keep you pushing!

Make your way to Sarnen in Switzerland, a small picturesque town nestled on the shores of a lake with the same name. Aim to arrive by 5:30 so you have enough time to settle into your hotel before having a welcome dinner with your guide and your team. Maybe there will even be time for a quick dip in the lake! Get a good night’s sleep—tomorrow the hiking begins.

Accommodation: Bed & breakfast in Sarnen
Hop on a bus that will take you to the end of the high Melchtal valley. From there, climb along the Innenbachtal up to Frutt. You will reach Älggialp over a small pass, the geographical center of Switzerland! This is where you’ll spend the night.

Hiking: 4 hours, 6.5 km / 4 miles
Elevation: +870 m / +2,855 ft | -300 m / -984 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hotel or hut in Älggialp
After a hearty breakfast, watch the dairymen of the Alps make cheese at Älggialp. Start hiking to Seefeldsee and to Abgschütz. From the Hochstollen at 2,480 m, let your gaze wander to the Rosenlaui and Wetterhorn. Descend to Hochsträss and then on to Kaserstatt. Take a gondola and a bus to Goldern, where you’ll stay overnight.

Hiking: 5 hours, 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation: +900 m / +2,953 ft | -300 m / -984 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hotel or hut in Goldern
Start the day by descending to the Aare Gorge. Hike through this natural wonder and go to Meiringen. The Aare Gorge has been eating its way into the limestone cliffs for over 10,000 years. The gorge is up to 200 m (656 ft) deep and sometimes only 2 m (6 ft) wide! Continue your way to Meiringen, where you’ll encounter stories of Sherlock Holmes. Get on a bus to Schwarzwaldalp, settle into your accommodation, and get some rest for tomorrow.

Hiking: 3 hours, 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Elevation: +1,050 m / 3,445+ ft | -350 m / -1,150 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hotel or hut in Schwarzwaldalp
Another long day ahead of you, but full of spectacular views of the Swiss Alps! Climb up to a small lake, Hornseeli and continue on a panoramic trail that leads you to First. Take a cable car down to the magical Grindelwald, where you’ll spend the night.

Hiking: 5 hours, 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Elevation: +1,050 m / 3,445+ ft | -350 m / -1,150 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hotel or hut
Spend your last day hiking directly below the 1,600-meter high (5,250 ft) Eiger North Face! With a little luck, you’ll see the climbers in the middle of the wall. The Eiger Trail that you’ll be taking offers wonderful views. Return from Grindelwald with the cable car and journey back home. There are good train connections to Interlaken and onto Zurich (or other major airports). But if you’d like to stay a bit longer and explore the Alps, just ask your guide for some recommendations!

Hiking: 5.5 hours, 9 km / 5.6 miles
Elevation: +1,450 m / +4,760 ft | -160 m / -525 ft

Get free trip brochure

Download Hiking in the Heart of the Swiss Alps for 50+ Women Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Claudia Schmid

Claudia, the founder of BergFrau based in Switzerland, has partnered up with Walking Women to share her passion for life in the mountains. She has over 30 years of guiding experience and travel organizations in more than 50 countries across the world. Claudia speaks six languages fluently: German, Italian, Spanish, French, English, and Danish—there’s no doubt you’ll find a common language.

5.00

Walking Women

Sisters Sara and Ginny, the owners of Walking Women, are passionate about sharing their love for walking and having fantastic experiences with friends and family. Walking Women’s mission is to provide a safe space for women to explore and venture together. Their focus is always on supporting local communities and prioritizing women-led businesses as their partners and suppliers.

5.00 (3 reviews)

Louise Everts

Fantastic week walking. Amazing scenery. Very much appreciated the insights brought by Claudia, our local guide. I would highly recommend this trip. Tip – keep the contents of your backpack to the essentials only.

Lyn Romeo

I have throughly enjoyed my holidays with Walking Women ! Well organised and responsive and always lovely warm and inclusive groups. The fab accommodation and wonderful places ensure that I will be booking regular trips with them

dep

From the little I have experienced on my holiday with WW, I can see people and places are carefully selected, and held to a high standard with prices that remain almost affordable for all; curated to make the guest at ease at all times wether in the intinerary of the walks or the destination hotel/B&B stay. As a solo traveler I’m only sorry I didnt discover it sooner 🙂

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 6-day, all-women, 50+ hiking journey in the Swiss Alps
  - Accommodation (price based on twin accommodation, single supplement available)
    
    One night in a bed & breakfast
    
    Four nights in mountain hotels and huts
  - Transportation during the tour
  - All breakfasts and 3 dinners
  - Entrance fees to national parks
What’s not included:
- - Travel to the starting point and return travel from the endpoint
  - Snacks, lunches, and drinks
  - Any additional travel or tours not mentioned in the itinerary
  - Travel, accident, and health insurance
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Although demanding, remember that this adventure is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences! So while this tour isn’t all about super easy walks, you’ll be going at a very steady pace, hiking between 3 and 5.5 hours per day through the spectacular Swiss Alps. If you’re familiar with Swiss grading, this would be a T2 or T3. You do need to have strong legs and stamina.

Daily mileage will vary between 3.5 and 6.5 miles (5.6-10.5 km), while daily elevation gains are between 2,855 and 4,758 ft (870-1,450 m). So this tour is ideal for 50+ women who are looking to stretch themselves and have a real challenge in a very supportive environment. Keep in mind that you will use gondola and local buses and trains to help you over some of the higher ascents.

Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a backpack filled with all things you need for this 6-day journey! If you’re certain you can conquer these heights while carrying a loaded backpack, sign up for an experience of a lifetime!

Looking to upgrade your hiking journey? Check out this all-women hiking tour of Via Alpina in the Swiss Alps, where you’ll conclude every day in upscale hotels and invigorating spas.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all the items you will need on this journey
  - Sleeping sheet
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lunch box
  - Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this Swiss Alps women’s hiking tour, the client-to-guide ratio is 1:12. The maximum group size is 12.
  - It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Swiss Alps women’s hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Sarnen in Switzerland, your starting point of the tour, most people fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH). It’s approximately 1 hour away by car or 1.5 hours by train.

Day 1 of the tour is all about getting settled in and meeting your team. Make sure to arrive by approximately 5:30 pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Switzerland, please refer to Switzerland’s foreign travel advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the 2024 dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Secure your early bird spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
- Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
- The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
- For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
- For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
- For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
- For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
- For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
- For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
- For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.