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Zürich, Switzerland (ZRH) / Zürich, Switzerland (ZRH)
10 Days/9 Nights
Level 2 - What's This?
Up To 10 Guests
Picturesque locations including Zermatt, Matterhorn, Oeschinensee, Bettmeralp, Aletsch Arena, and Swiss National Park
Iconic Matterhorn views and sunrise shoot at Riffelsee, with the mountain reflecting in the lake
Aletsch Glacier exploration: Europe’s longest glacier, and we’ll see it with stunning autumn colors
Scenic cable cars and cogwheel trains for easy access to spectacular vantage points
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Swiss Alps in autumn with Backcountry Journeys! Over the course of 10 days, immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes, where towering peaks, ancient forests ablaze in autumn hues, and pristine alpine lakes provide the perfect backdrop for capturing awe-inspiring images.
The adventure begins in Zürich, where you’ll gather with your fellow travelers and guides for a welcome dinner. From there, the journey swiftly moves to the heart of the Bernese Highlands. Your first photographic destination is Oeschinensee, a mountain lake surrounded by lush autumn forests and framed by the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps. A scenic cable car ride brings you up to the lake, offering sweeping vistas perfect for landscape photography. With ample time to explore and shoot, you’ll capture the vibrant contrasts of golden foliage set against the crisp blues and greens of the alpine landscape.
Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn, forms the centerpiece of your Swiss journey. Here, you’ll photograph one of the world’s most famous mountains from numerous vantage points. At nearly 13,000 feet, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers unrivaled high-altitude views, where glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and deep valleys stretch as far as the eye can see. This is the perfect setting for dramatic, high-alpine photography. As the sun rises over the Matterhorn, you’ll have the chance to capture its reflection in the tranquil waters of Riffelsee, one of the most magical photographic moments of the tour.
The adventure continues to Bettmeralp and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Aletsch Arena, home to Europe’s longest glacier. The contrasts of the brilliant autumn colors against the massive white ice flows create a striking visual experience. The car-free village of Bettmeralp offers a peaceful retreat, surrounded by the timeless beauty of alpine meadows, forests, and towering mountains. The relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect environment for uninterrupted photography and creative exploration.
The final days take you into the rugged beauty of the Swiss National Park, Switzerland’s only national park, where pristine wilderness and well-preserved landscapes offer countless opportunities for nature photography. Here, you’ll hike along easy paths, photographing vibrant forests and mountain streams, all while learning more about the region’s unique flora and fauna. You’ll also explore the Engadin Valley, famous for its traditional alpine architecture, which adds a cultural dimension to your portfolio with its picturesque stone houses and mountain villages.
This workshop is designed for photographers of all levels, with guidance provided throughout by a Backcountry Journeys photo guide and a local expert. Whether you’re capturing the grandeur of the Matterhorn, the serenity of an alpine lake, or the vibrant colors of autumn foliage, you’ll be supported in refining your skills and elevating your photographic artistry. With luxurious accommodations, small group sizes for personalized instruction, and carefully chosen locations that balance accessibility with photographic potential, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and capture the magic of the Swiss Alps!
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages with each meal
All transportation during the workshop including 1st class seats on trains, buses, boats, cable cars and cogwheel railways as stated in the itinerary
All lodging during the workshop
Airport transfers
Luggage transfer services
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for private bus driver
Flights to and from Zürich, Switzerland (ZRH)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s), hotel, and restaurant staff. Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Most meals are included – (B, L, D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1: Arrival in Zürich (D)
Today we will meet at our hotel in Zürich. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant in downtown Zürich, where you can meet fellow travelers and learn more about the exciting journey ahead. Overnight in Zürich.
Day 2: Zürich to Kandersteg (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we depart Zürich and head to the charming mountain village of Kandersteg in the Bernese Highlands. We'll take a first class train from Zürich and there will be a brief change of trains in Bern. A scenic cable car ride takes us up to Lake Oeschinen, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. We’ll spend the afternoon here, allowing plenty of time to capture the beauty of the Swiss Alps! Overnight in Kandersteg.
*Hiking info: 30-minute hike from the cable car station to the lake. Accessible gravel roads (lake is accessible even with a stroller), 330 ft downhill. The hike back will be the same path in reverse.
Day 3: Kandersteg to Zermatt (B, L, D)
This morning, we ascend by cable car to the Sunnbüel plateau, a tranquil spot filled with small alpine lakes, vibrant forests, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Later, we travel by first class train to the renowned, car-free village of Zermatt. Here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the iconic Matterhorn, whose pyramid shape dominates the skyline. Our luggage will be transferred from the hotel in Kandersteg directly to Zermatt. Overnight in Zermatt.
*Hiking info: 4 miles in total (loop). 400 ft elevation gain on a mixture of gravel roads and well-maintained hiking paths.
Day 4: Zermatt and Surroundings (B, L, D)
Today, we ascend to Europe’s highest cable car station, perched nearly 13,000 feet above sea level, where we are surrounded by dramatic glaciers, rugged rock faces, and endless mountain peaks. There’s ample time for snow walks, photography, and soaking in the views from various observation platforms. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the charming village of Zermatt, with its traditional alpine architecture, hidden paths, and rich history. Overnight in Zermatt.
Day 5: Sunnegga and Gornergrat (B, L, D)
Our morning takes us to Sunnegga, a viewpoint renowned for stunning views of the Matterhorn framed by vibrant autumn larch trees and a serene mountain lake. Later, we board the cogwheel railway to Gornergrat, where the scenery shifts to a high alpine landscape. The golden and orange hues of the trees in the lower areas contrast beautifully with the rugged peaks. We spend the night atop Gornergrat.
Day 6: Gornergrat to Bettmeralp (B, L, D)
An early start brings us on a gentle downhill hike to Lake Riffelsee, where the morning light often bathes the Matterhorn in a red glow, reflected beautifully in the lake's still waters. After our sunrise photos, we return to Gornergrat for more panoramic views before heading down to Zermatt via cogwheel train. Our journey continues on a first class train to Bettmeralp, a car-free mountain village in the Aletsch Arena, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Overnight in Bettmeralp.
*Hiking info: High alpine environment, with relatively easy walking paths. Those who wish to go for the sunrise at Riffelsee Lake (one of the best spots for photographing the Matterhorn) will need to hike 1100 ft downhill on a marked mountain trail approximately 1 mile. Some sections are steep, but the terrain isn't dangerous. The train doesn’t operate early enough in the morning for sunrise, but we'll be able to take the train back to Gornergrat after sunrise.
Day 7: Exploring the Aletsch Glacier (B, L, D)
We spend the day admiring the Big Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe, stretching over 12 miles. The glacier is framed by autumn foliage, blending yellow and orange against the blue skies and snow-capped peaks. Bettmeralp’s car-free atmosphere enhances the tranquil beauty of this alpine paradise. Overnight in Bettmeralp.
Day 8: Bettmeralp to Zernez (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we descend by cable car to the Rhône Valley, where a private transfer awaits. We’ll enjoy a leisurely day making our way to the Engadin Valley and the charming village of Zernez, the gateway to Switzerland’s only national park. Along the way, we’ll have chances to photograph and appreciate the diverse landscapes. Overnight in Zernez.
Day 9: Swiss National Park (B, L, D)
Today we explore the pristine beauty of the Swiss National Park, located in southeastern Switzerland. Known for its rich biodiversity, this park offers countless photographic opportunities with its scenic trails, mountain views, and alpine wildlife. The well-marked paths make for easy hikes, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the tranquility of this untouched natural haven. Overnight in Zernez.
Day 10: Architecture of the Engadin Valley (B, L)
The Engadin Valley is famous for its unique, well-preserved architecture, set against a spectacular natural backdrop of mountains, forests, and the flowing Inn River. On this final morning, we’ll explore some of the valley’s most beautiful buildings and capture the harmony between traditional architecture and the surrounding landscape. After lunch, we'll depart for the airport in Zürich where our flights back home await us.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.