Skip to content

Visit the Swiss Heartland with UnTours

Alpine trails & panoramic mountain views

Visit Switzerland and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you fall in love with its timeless charm.

Your heart will soar as high as the Alpine peaks as you follow winding mountain paths past cascading waterfalls to awe-inspiring overlooks. In these summits, the world itself is spread out before you. This is the Swiss Heartland where quiet mountain towns, untouched by time, keep centuries-old customs alive alongside the rhythms of modern life.

Craft your perfect itinerary with a blend of nature, tradition, and culture. Take a day trip to charming villages nestled between Lucerne and Interlaken, where locals gather for age-old festivals and everyday life still reflects deep-rooted heritage. Or embark on a Tour of the Alps, where each stop offers a unique slice of Swiss life—from serene valleys to vibrant cities brimming with art galleries, museums, and world-class cuisine.

For generations, the Swiss have balanced the old with the new. This balance creates the ideal backdrop to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in each unforgettable moment.


What's included

  • One week (or more) in carefully vetted accommodations in the Swiss Heartland.
  • Suggestions for booking your international flight from the U.S. to Zürich Airport, or we can purchase tickets on your behalf. (Click for more information on UnTours' airpolicies.)
  • Transfer assistance for most arrivals at the Zurich airport, with detailed instructions that allow you to reach your village with ease.
  • An 8 or 15-day Swiss Rail Pass valid on trains, buses, lake ships; free entry to over 400 museums in Switzerland
  • An orientation session by our superb on-site staff with current information on local events, tours, and activities to help you create your dream Switzerland travel itinerary.
  • The UnTours travel app at your fingertips with important information for Switzerland day trips, cultural notes, restaurant recommendations, hiking trails, and more all vetted by our local staff.
  • Included activity: Visit the Museum of Tourism for a lessons in folklore and yodeling, plus a local bakery visit.
  • A stash of groceries waiting in your kitchen upon your arrival, so you don’t need to shop right away.
  • Pre-trip planning itinerary advice for your tour of Switzerland from our staff, available by phone or email right up until you leave.
  • Ongoing support with our local UnTours representative. Help available when you need it.

Arrival: Settling in to the Swiss Heartland

Your adventurous Swiss itinerary begins the moment you arrive in the Heartland, where mountain peaks rise above storybook villages and the air is crisp with Alpine freshness. After an easy journey on Switzerland’s seamless rail system, you’ll settle into your cozy village home—a welcoming space carefully chosen for comfort and local charm. Depending on schedules, you’ll meet your UnGuide today or the next morning. They are here to answer questions, offer insider tips, and help you make the most of your stay. Whether you’re eager to map out scenic train journeys, find the best spot for fondue, or learn the trick to spotting ibex in the wild, your UnGuide is just the person to ask. Spend your first evening unwinding, taking a stroll through the village, or simply relaxing on your balcony with a view of the Alps. The adventure ahead is yours to shape—at your own pace, in your own way.

Uncovering the past on a private museum tour

Visit Switzerland and discover how its spectacular landscapes have drawn travelers for centuries. But how did the Alps become one of the world’s most famous destinations? Step into the past on an exclusive private tour of the Museum of Tourism, located in the charming old town of Unterseen, near Interlaken. This thoughtfully curated museum tells the fascinating 250-year story of Alpine tourism, from early explorers and pioneering mountaineers to the golden age of grand hotels and scenic railway journeys.

Led by the museum’s manager, this behind-the-scenes experience brings Swiss history to life. Explore beautifully preserved artifacts, vintage travel posters, and interactive displays that reveal how the Swiss Alps captured the imagination of travelers long before Instagram. This makes an ideal day trip addition to any Swiss itinerary, offering insight into the country’s rich cultural traditions—from yodeling and Alphorn music to flag throwing, Swiss wrestling, and the striking beauty of traditional costumes. With three floors of history to explore, this is more than just a museum—it’s a time capsule of Swiss heritage and the evolution of travel itself.

Find Your Voice: A Yodeling Workshop with Urs

It’s time to immerse yourself in one of Switzerland’s most beloved traditions: yodeling. And who better to guide you than Urs, your UnGuide and a true Swiss legend? Urs isn’t just a local expert—he’s a passionate yodeler with deep roots in Swiss culture.

Originally used by Alpine herders to communicate across vast valleys, yodeling has evolved into a cherished form of music. During this hands-on workshop, Urs will introduce you to its unique rhythms and techniques, helping you find your own voice in this age-old tradition. Whether you’re a natural or just having fun trying, the experience is sure to bring smiles and laughter.

As your session winds down, you’ll continue the Swiss experience with a visit to a nearby bakery. Here, you’ll sample local treats—perhaps a warm Nusstorte (Swiss nut tart) or a flaky Gipfeli—offering a delicious way to round out your day.

Freedom to roam: Exploring with your Swiss travel pass

Your UnTour includes one of the best offerings in the global tourism industry: the Swiss Rail Pass. This legendary pass grants you unlimited access to Switzerland’s world-class public transportation network, making it easy to hop from mountain peaks to vibrant cities—all with one simple ticket. It’s the perfect way to visit Switzerland and explore at your own pace.

Imagine gliding across the waters of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz on a scenic boat cruise, winding through alpine meadows by train, or taking a quick bus ride to explore a charming village. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day trip or crafting a multi-day itinerary, the Swiss Travel Pass takes the hassle out of travel, allowing you to focus on the journey itself.

With so much within easy reach, you might choose to explore nearby towns like Meiringen, Interlaken, and Brienz, where stunning lakes and waterfalls steal the show. Or venture to cultural hubs like Bern, Basel, and Zürich, where history, art, and lively café culture await. For breathtaking landscapes, take the train to Luzern, Geneva, or Lausanne, each offering a stunning mix of lakes, mountains, and Swiss charm. You can even design your own Tour of the Lakes or Tour of Swiss Cities, depending on your interests. No matter where your curiosity leads you, the journey is always smooth, scenic, and stress-free.

To the heights: Switzerland’s spectacular mountain views

Switzerland’s mountain peaks are legendary, and thanks to your Swiss Travel Pass, reaching them is effortless. In addition to unlimited train, bus, and boat travel, your pass grants you up to 50% off cable cars, cogwheel trains, and funiculars—your ticket to the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas.

Consider ascending to the Schilthorn, where the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant offers 360-degree views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Or ride the world-famous Jungfraujoch railway, climbing to the Top of Europe, where snow-capped peaks stretch endlessly in every direction. Looking for a challenge? The trails of Mount Pilatus and Titlis combine thrilling hikes with rewarding panoramas. Wherever you go, the journey itself is part of the adventure—whether you’re floating above emerald valleys in a gondola or inching up steep mountain tracks on a historic cogwheel train.

Switzerland’s peaks are more than just scenic—they’re an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and take it all in.

Departure: A Fond Farewell

Perhaps one last morning stroll through the village, a final pastry from the local bakery, or simply a moment to take in the mountain air before you go. As your time in the Swiss Heartland comes to an end, your UnGuide will be available to see you off and ensure your transition to your next destination is seamless. The Swiss Heartland will stay with you long after you leave.


Available Accommodations

The comfortable, well-appointed apartments and chalets in the beautiful Swiss Heartland are a great place to unpack and unwind as you get ready to uncover Switzerland and the people who call it home. You get much more than just a room or a Swiss holiday rental.


Location



Villages of The Swiss Heartland

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, these villages offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and quiet charm. Meiringen is best known as the setting for Sherlock Holmes’ final adventure at the Reichenbach Falls, but it also serves as a gateway to the dramatic peaks of the Eiger, Wetterhörner, and Engelhörner. Just above, Reuti and Hohfluh provide a peaceful mountain retreat, where cable cars whisk you up to panoramic hiking trails with breathtaking views. Lungern, set beside its striking turquoise lake, is ideal for those who love waterside strolls and postcard-perfect scenery. And in Sachseln, the birthplace of Switzerland’s patron saint, Brother Klaus, you’ll find a tranquil lakeside village rich in history and local tradition. Whether you’re tracing literary footsteps, taking in sweeping alpine vistas, or savoring the unhurried pace of lakeside life, the Swiss Heartland is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak it all in.


Reviews

Here's what our guests have to say

Linda Eddy

★★★★★

We would wholeheartedly recommend UnTours to friends as an excellent experience with just the right amount of assistance in terms of accommodations, orientation, activities. We had the option of joining group activities or not based on our interest level. The Swiss Pass was wonderful -- we were able to be extravagant and ride the trains, buses, and boats as often as we wanted without concern about cost.

Lee & Carol Talbot

★★★★★

We loved our entire experience. Everything UnTours did worked well. We were awed by Switzerland, very happy with our commuter friendly town of Meiringen, pleased with our apartment and have only good memories.

Fun for the Whole Family

★★★★★

Thanks for helping us coordinate a multigenerational UnTour for three families! The Heartland was perfect for this--activities to interest all 10 of us (ages 7 to 68).

Carol Seitz

★★★★★

We love Switzerland, the trains, our home away from home, Sachseln, the Britschgis, and the independence of planning our daily adventures.

Paul Jay Fittery

★★★★★

Absolutely enjoyed the whole experience! It was a once in a life-time trip for our family!

Show 2 more reviews

Also in Swiss Heartland

See these nearby UnTours

From $1,599
*USD per person, double occupancy
Foundation Owned

100% of our profits are invested into the UnTours Foundation. Learn more about how we put your travel dollars to work! »

Locally Operated

The money you pay for your accommodation benefit the local economy where you will be staying.

4 Week Deals

Stay longer and save! Ask us about discounts for stays of 4 weeks or longer.

Your UnGuide
Meet our staff

Program Director

I greatly enjoy the diversity of my responsibilities at Untours, the company's values, and the opportunity to connect with people from other cultures.