Switzerland: A Budget Hiking Trip Through the Swiss Alps

Where We Went (And What It Was Like)

Grindelwald – Our Base

We stayed at Eiger Lodge Grindelwald. It was clean, comfortable, and the food was good — exactly what you need after long hikes.

Waking up to views of the Eiger mountain? Unreal.

Grindelwald felt lively but still peaceful. Very organized. Very clean. Very Swiss.

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen felt like a fairytale village tucked between dramatic cliffs.

We walked around the valley and saw Staubbach Falls and the powerful Trümmelbach Falls hidden inside the mountain.

First impression? I was blown away. Every corner looked like a desktop wallpaper.

Stoos Ridge (My Favorite)

If I had to choose one highlight, it would be Stoos Ridge.

We took the Stoosbahn, which is one of the steepest funicular railways in the world — and the ride alone was an experience. The views were breathtaking.

But the ridge hike? Next level.

This was the most challenging part because we had to climb up and down, but the panoramic alpine views were worth every step.

It was one of those moments where you just stand there and think, “Wow. God really outdid Himself here.”

Lucerne & Ticino (Verzasca)

A side trip.

Lucerne was charming and picturesque — classic Swiss beauty.

Ticino, especially the Verzasca area, had stunning emerald waters that looked almost tropical but surrounded by alpine terrain. Such a unique contrast.

The more we saw, the more it felt unreal.

I’ve seen beautiful mountains and landscapes before — but the Swiss Alps? Different level.

Driving through the alpine passes was breathtaking. Every turn looked cinematic.

And of course… I did not leave Switzerland without shopping for chocolates. Priorities. 😄

How Much Did My Switzerland Hiking Trip Cost?

If you’re wondering whether Switzerland can be done on a budget — here’s the honest breakdown.

Package Price: 350 EUR

This was the base price for the organized hiking trip with Hiking Tour Serbia.

✅ Included in the Package

• Bus transportation (no restroom onboard)
• Licensed hiking guide
• 3 overnight stays with breakfast at Eiger Lodge Grindelwald (shared 4–6-person rooms with shared bathrooms)
• Organizational costs of the trip

For Switzerland standards, that’s already quite reasonable.

❌ Not Included in the Package

Here’s where additional costs come in:

• Tourist tax: ~4.20 EUR per person
• Optional excursion – Lake Oeschinen: 20 EUR
• Optional excursion – Stoos Ridge: 50 EUR (including transportation and the Stoosbahn ticket)
• Entrance fee – Trümmelbach Falls: ~15 EUR
• Travel health insurance (recommended): ~ 30 EUR
• Personal expenses (food, drinks, chocolates, small extras): ~250 EUR

💰 Total Estimated Spending

Base package: 350 EUR

Extras & personal expenses: ~300–350 EUR

Total: Approximately 650–700 EUR

For Switzerland? That’s honestly not bad.

Could it be cheaper? Maybe.

Could it be much more expensive? Absolutely.

The Not-So-Exciting Part: Traveling by Bus from Serbia to Switzerland

Let’s talk about the reality.

• Traveling by bus from Serbia to Switzerland (and back) is not glamorous.
• It’s a long-distance ride.
• The bus had no restroom.
• You stop at public toilets along the way.
• Sleeping comfortably? Not guaranteed.
• It’s tiring.
• It’s not luxury.

This kind of travel is not for everyone.

If you prefer flying business class and staying in private hotel rooms, this isn’t your style of trip.

But here’s the thing…

To me, it was part of the adventure.

The discomfort didn’t bother me. I knew what I signed up for. And once we arrived in Switzerland and I saw those mountains?

Every uncomfortable bus hour was worth it.

Would I Recommend This Budget Group Trip?

Definitely.

The team from Hiking Tour Serbia were welcoming, organized, and focused on safety. The guides did their job well and made sure everyone felt supported during hikes.

If you:

• Don’t mind shared rooms, toilets, and shower rooms
• Can handle long bus rides
• Want to see Switzerland without spending thousands
• Then yes — this kind of budget hiking trip is a great option.

And honestly?

The views.
The alpine passes.
The Stoos Ridge hike.
The turquoise Lake Oeschinen.

Every corner felt like a postcard. Every trail looked cinematic.

The shutterbug in me was more than satisfied.

It wasn’t just a hiking trip.
It was a visual feast.

It wasn’t a luxury trip.
But the experience was rich in every way that mattered.

And I’d do it again in a heartbeat. 🏔✨

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FAQ – Switzerland Hiking Trip From Serbia

How much does a budget trip to Switzerland cost?

In my case, the total came to around 650–700 EUR, including the 350 EUR package price plus optional excursions, insurance, and personal expenses. For Switzerland, that’s relatively affordable compared to typical luxury travel costs.

Is Switzerland expensive for tourists?

Yes — especially food and drinks. Groceries, restaurant meals, and even basic items cost more than in Serbia or many other European countries. Planning simple meals and joining group tours can help reduce overall expenses.

Is traveling by bus from Serbia to Switzerland worth it?

It depends on your preferences.

It’s a long and tiring journey, and it’s definitely not luxury travel. But if you’re okay with discomfort and value experiences over convenience, it can be a cost-effective way to explore Switzerland.

Is Stoos Ridge difficult?

It was the most physically demanding part of the trip due to elevation changes. If you’re reasonably fit and comfortable with uphill and downhill hiking, it’s absolutely worth it for the views.

Would you recommend a group hiking tour in Switzerland?

Yes — especially if you want a more affordable way to visit Switzerland. Group tours reduce logistics stress, provide guidance, and make the experience more accessible without spending thousands. Check out Hiking Tour Serbia!

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