In one of our best trips ever, Carol and I hiked in Switzerland from July 27 to August 30, 2016. We walked for 200 miles (on 25 days out of 35 total) via trailheads connected by the world’s handiest public transportation. Included was my professional photography of two wonderful tours by Alpenwild.com, the world’s largest provider of English-language Alps tours.
See my trip images: 2016 Switzerland galleries.
To plan your next trip, see my online guide to the Alps.
In the following video captured at unforgettable Eigeralp farm in Bussalp above Grindelwald, the cheesemaker gave an impromptu accordion concert, inspiring some to dance:
Video from within the slot canyon of Trummelbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen:
Switzerland itinerary map 2016
Alpenwild.com
As an Artist in Residence for Alpenwild.com in summer 2016, I captured 4000 images in Switzerland (see my galleries) for company promotion. Alpenwild is the world’s largest provider of English-speaking tours in Switzerland. In response to my photos, Alpenwild founder Greg Witt said:
These are absolutely stunning—I couldn’t be happier. Some of us in the office today going through your 342 favorites and each one brought back a lot of memories and also generated a lot of excitement as we discussed where and how we can best use these for maximum impact.
In 2016, Alpenwild.com arranged two group tours (below) and I booked the remainder of the 5-week hiking trip. Alpenwild’s professional expertise added much comfort and enjoyment.
- Appenzell Inn-to-Inn with Alpenwild (see itinerary) – Hiking in Appenzell and the Alpstein.
- Exploring the Jungfrau with Alpenwild (see itinerary) – Inn-to-inn hiking in Berner Oberland.
Alpenwild’s service was so great that in 2022, I had them book our entire 5-week adventure as a Self Guided package!
Recommended Alps travel guidebooks
Search for latest “Alps travel books” on Amazon.com (look for updates every 1 to 3 years). Bring a good country guide plus a detailed hiking guidebook:
Alps hiking books by Cicerone Guides
- Lonely Planet Switzerland
- Rick Steves’ Switzerland
- Switzerland (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
- Best Hiking in Switzerland in the Valais, Bernese Alps, the Engadine and Davos: Over 100 Hikes in the Spectacular Swiss Alps Paperback – 2021
- The Tour of Mont Blanc: Complete two-way trekking guide by Kev Reynolds (2020, Cicerone Trekking Guides)
- Trekking the Swiss Via Alpina: 19 stages East to West across Switzerland, plus parts of the Alpine Pass Route, Paperback – January 31, 2024
- Walker’s Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt guidebook with Real SwissTopo/IGN Maps 1:25,000/1:50,000 – no need to carry separate maps (The Great Treks of the Alps) Paperback – 2019: The only guidebook for the Walker’s Haute Route with Real Maps: 1:25,000/1:50,000 included for each stage for easy navigation and money savings (no need to buy additional maps).
- 100 Hut Walks in the Alps: Routes for day and multi-day walks (Cicerone Guides) Paperback – 2014
- Explore Europe on Foot: Your Complete Guide to Planning a Cultural Hiking Adventure by Cassandra Overby – Paperback – 2018: highly recommended by Tom for both inspiration and practical details for planning your next walking adventure.
