Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen & Mürren: Private Swiss Alps Day Trip

Summary

Swiss valleys, alpine villages and a raclette lunch with mountain views

You’ll walk beneath Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls, ride up to car-free Mürren with a local guide, share outdoor raclette in Gimmelwald’s fresh air, and finish exploring Grindelwald or lakeside Iseltwald before heading back to Zurich. It’s a day full of small surprises—sometimes muddy shoes included—but you’ll feel like you really touched the heart of Switzerland.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous as we left Zurich — not sure if the Jungfrau region would live up to what I’d built up in my head. But then we rolled into Lauterbrunnen and I just stopped talking. The valley felt like something out of an old storybook, with waterfalls actually thundering down both sides (I counted at least five before our guide, Daniel, laughed and said there were over seventy). The air even smelled different — clean but earthy, sort of mossy. We wandered slowly; honestly, I could’ve stayed there all day trying to catch the spray on my face.

The cable car up to Mürren was almost too smooth — you blink and suddenly you’re above everything. Mürren itself is tiny and so quiet; no cars at all, just people walking or chatting in front of wooden houses. Daniel pointed out the Eiger and Jungfrau peaks — he seemed proud in that understated Swiss way. At one point he waved at an old woman carrying bread who nodded back without missing a step. We took the path to Gimmelwald (I’m not much of a hiker but it was more like a long stroll), passing wildflowers I couldn’t name and hearing cowbells echoing somewhere below us.

Lunch was outdoors in Gimmelwald — proper raclette melted over potatoes while we sat on rough benches looking out at the cliffs. I tried to say “raclette” in Swiss German; Daniel grinned and corrected me gently (I probably butchered it). The cheese was salty and hot, the kind that sticks to your teeth for a second. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet watching clouds slide past the mountains — it sounds corny but I still think about it.

Afterwards we wandered through Grindelwald, which felt busier but still had that alpine charm — souvenir shops selling bells and chocolate, kids running around with ice cream. If you want something calmer, you can swap Grindelwald for Iseltwald by the lake or even stop in Interlaken instead; Daniel seemed happy to adjust things for us. By the time we headed back toward Zurich I had mud on my shoes, cheese on my shirt (don’t ask), and about 200 photos on my phone. Not everything went perfectly — weather changed every hour — but honestly that made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jungfrau region villages and views

• Stop at Lake Lungernsee
• Travel to Stechelberg
• Take cable car to Mürren
• Explore Mürren village and views
• Walk to Gimmelwald village
• Enjoy Swiss Raclette lunch in Gimmelwald
• Walk around Gimmelwald village
• Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley and waterfalls
• Take cable car back to car
• Continue to Grindelwald for shopping and sightseeing
• Optional stop at Iseltwald village
• Drive back to Zurich

Top questions

How long is the private day trip from Zurich?

The trip lasts a full day including travel time from Zurich with stops at several villages in the Jungfrau region.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, an outdoor Swiss Raclette lunch is included during the stop in Gimmelwald.

Are hotel pickups available?

Yes, hotel pickup from Zurich is included for your convenience.

Can I customize which villages we visit?

You can swap stops like Grindelwald for Iseltwald or Interlaken—just let your guide know your preferences when booking.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly with options for infants and strollers available.

Do we need to be experienced hikers?

No hiking experience needed—the walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald is gentle and suitable for most fitness levels.

What should I bring for this Swiss Alps day trip?

Comfortable shoes are recommended as some paths may be muddy or uneven depending on weather conditions.

Will there be opportunities for shopping?

You’ll have free time in Grindelwald where you can shop or explore as you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport from Zurich with hotel pickup, all cable car rides between Stechelberg and Mürren, bottled water along the way, an outdoor Swiss Raclette lunch in Gimmelwald prepared by your local expert guide (with alternatives if needed), plus plenty of photo stops and flexible options to tailor your route before returning in the evening.