Frequently asked questions: 1. How does this trip compare to others that are offered? You can browse the internet to compare a variety of approaches to travel in Switzerland. Here is our approach: This trip uses one village as a base, because we believe this creates less stress and gives you more time to spend on the trails. It gives you the rustic Swiss mountain trails without "roughing it." You will return to your comfortable hotel each evening for a sumptuous meal and a comfortable night's rest. The price includes just about everything you will need, including all land transportation, the last night in Zurich, and even a trip to the top of the Schilthorn for breakfast. We place an emphasis on flexibility, so that you can find your own pace and make some of your own choices as to what you want to see. We limit group size to a maximum of 10, with no minimum number.

2. What's the difference between the guided and the self-guided trip?

The biggest difference is that with the guided trip, you have a hiking and excursion guide every day, leaving you little to have to figure out on your own, and perhaps making the most efficient use of your time. Those who want maximal independence may want to consider the self-guided option. You will enjoy the same hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and dinners, as well as assistance in planning hikes and making travel arrangements, using your Swiss Card.

Another option is to take the guided trip then stay an additional week on a self-guided basis, once you are familiar with the area. The special rate for the second week is $895.


3. What will the weather be like?

The days will normally be warm and the nights cool, but it can sometimes get chilly in the daytime, even in the summer, especially at the higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, and some fog.


4. What should I bring?

We recommend that you travel light. One carry-on piece of luggage or a large duffle bag with rollers should be enough, in addition to any personal hand luggage. Here is what you will need:

1 pair of hiking boots w/ankle support (already broken in)
1 pair of comfortable shoes
4-5 pair of high quality non-cotton socks
A sweater
A light to medium weight jacket, water resistant w/hood
3 pair of lightweight, loose-fitting pants (2 for hiking, 1 for dinner)
1 pair of shorts (optional, or instead of pants)
4-5 Tee shirts
2-3 long sleeve shirts
4-5 pair of underwear
optional sunscreen
sun glasses
A cap or hat
A compact umbrella
*Passport (it doesn't hurt to remind you)

All of the above, except the Passport, can be purchased in Mürren or nearby, should you forget something. You can rinse out socks, underwear, and tee shirts at night, or have the hotel clean them (they charge CH 15 per load).


5. How fit do I have to be?

The itinerary is flexible enough to accommodate the very fit and the less fit. If you are in generally good health, you should experience no difficulty, but you will enjoy yourself more and see more if you accustomed to regular exercise. It would be wise to get in shape by doing some long walks before you come, especially if you're not used to daily exercise. Be sure to check your medical insurance to be sure it covers you when you are out of the country.


6. Spending an additional week sounds great, but should we spend that much time in one village?

Using Mürren as your base, you have a great many hiking options, and you can still make excursions to other towns and villages in the area using your Swiss Card. We have never met anyone who thought two weeks in Muerren was too long. More likely, you'll wish you could stay a month in this heart of the Alps.

7. How much money should I bring?

You'll probably want to carry a couple of hundred dollars with you. You can get Swiss Francs at a bank before leaving, or get them at a better rate when you reach Zurich airport. Credit cards are recommended, as they usually give you your best exchange rate, and you can access ATM machines with them. There's probably no need to purchase traveller's checks. Remember, all scheduled transportation costs are included, as are all dinners and breakfasts and daytime snacks. We even include the otherwise pricey lift to the top of the Schilthorn.

Things not included that you might want to spend money on: Beverages, lunches, laundry, souvenirs, film, and any optional travel not listed on the itinerary (Note: all listed "options" are included). Hiking poles are a good idea, because they reduce the pressure on your knees and ankles and help you keep your balance. They can be purchased once you are here, and they are collapsible for return packing (and will look good hanging in your den). They run about $60 and up, but are well worth it.

8. What languages will I encounter? Swiss German is spoken in the region, and you will pass hikers who greet you in that language. But you will not be wanting for English-speaking company. Signs at the airport and train stations are often in English and should be easy to figure out when they are not. 9. Is there a chance that my trip may be cancelled because not enough people have signed up? No, the show must go on, even if it's just you.