Swiss Alps Stroll & Lake Lucerne

Day 1  Wengen          
Arrive in Wengen at any time.

Day 2  Wengen    
To make the most of Wengen’s spectacular surroundings, we suggest that you take the cable car to Männlichen, a superb vantage point from which to admire the soaring peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. From here, panoramic paths lead to another classic vantage point, Kleine Scheidegg, the traditional observation point from where tourists can watch the progress of climbers on the Eiger’s north face. Return by train to Wengen.

Day 3  Wengen    
The astonishing train ride from Wengen, via Kleine Scheidegg, to Europe’s highest railway station on the Jungfraujoch is not to be missed. The train climbs within the Eiger itself, stopping en route to allow access to ‘windows’ in the north face. More incredible views can be enjoyed from the saddle of the Jungfraujoch – gaze over the ice cap which connects multiple 4,000-metre peaks, and from which the Aletsch, the Alps’ largest glacier, flows south. (The last leg of this journey is not covered by your rail pass and should be paid for locally.)

Day 4  Wengen  
A classic excursion is by multi-stage cable car to the top of the Schilthorn, a mountain also known as Piz Gloria, made famous as a location in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. On the summit is a James Bond museum and a revolving restaurant, with 007-branded burgers completing the homage.

Day 5  Wengen to Beckenried    
Today you take the train to Stans, where you catch a bus to Beckenried – a charming town perched on the shore of Lake Lucerne, which paints a beautiful backdrop with its cool-blue waters surrounded by verdant mountains. Here you spend the second half of your holiday, staying three nights at the lakeside Hotel Nidwaldnerhof.

Day 6  Beckenried    
Tremendous views north across Lake Lucerne are a highlight of this route, which begins with a cable car ride from Beckenried to the mountain hamlet of Klewenalp. Drink in the vistas which stretch across the waters to the mountains and plains beyond, then amble gently across alp and through forest to the Stockhütte cable car. This makes light work of the descent to Emmetten, from where you take a bus back to Beckenried.

Day 7  Beckenried    
Use our city walking tour notes to explore Lucerne’s narrow streets, known for having a fountain on almost every corner and fine Renaissance architecture. Other highlights include the striking views from the city walls and the famous covered bridges – the Kapellbrücke and Spreuerbrücke – with their 17th-century paintings depicting scenes of Lucerne. Take the world’s steepest cog railway from Alpnachstad near Lucerne, to reach Pilatus Kulm – a craggy 2,132-metre peak with far-reaching views and an exciting walkway from the top station. You can descend to Lucerne via the panoramic Dragon Ride cable car, gondola, and bus, before a tranquil boat ride back to Beckenried.

Day 8  Beckenried        
After breakfast your self guided walking tour comes to an end, depart at any time.