Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your adventure. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch.
Booking & Payment
How do I book a hike?
Easy! Just browse our available hikes, pick the one that suits you, and click "Book Now." You can either join an existing group or request a private hike on your preferred date.
What's the difference between group and private hikes?
Group hikes are shared with other adventurers (max 8 people) and are a great way to meet fellow hikers. Private hikes are just for you, your friends, or family — perfect if you want a more personalized experience or have specific needs.
How much do hikes cost?
Each hike has its own price based on difficulty and duration — you'll see the cost listed on each hike's page. Private hikes have custom pricing depending on group size and route.
How does payment work for group hikes?
Reserve 1–3 places free on an open small-group date. At 4 reserved guests, payment links become available: you pay securely yourself, never by an automatic charge. Four paid guests make the departure guaranteed. Payment is due in 48 hours (24 hours within 7 days), followed by one reminder and 24 more hours before unpaid places are released. Joining a guaranteed departure requires immediate payment, and within 7 days only guaranteed dates can be joined. Checkout holds last 30 minutes.
Can I join a tour on a day that isn't listed?
Yes! Choose any date at least 8 days ahead, within the tour’s season and subject to guide availability, and we’ll open a new small-group departure. Other guests will see it and can join you. Coming as 4 or more? Choose a private tour.
What does 'request to book' mean?
Some dates are in high demand. You can still send a private request — your card is held, not charged, and Laura confirms within 24 hours. If she can’t make it work, the hold is released. New small-group departures cannot open when guide capacity is full, but existing departures can still be joined while places and joining rules allow.
What about private hikes?
Private hikes require full payment upfront when you book. This secures your date for your group. You can see the private pricing on each tour page.
What payment methods do you accept?
We use Stripe, so you can pay with any major credit/debit card securely online.
What to Bring & Wear
What should I wear?
Dress in layers! Mountain weather can change quickly. I recommend: comfortable hiking boots (ankle support is great!), moisture-wicking base layer, warm mid-layer (fleece or light jacket), waterproof/windproof outer layer, hat and sunglasses, and sunscreen (yes, even on cloudy days!).
What should I bring?
A backpack that fits all of your belongings, at least 1–1.5 litres of water, snacks or lunch (depending on hike length), camera or phone for those epic views, a small first aid kit (your guide will have one too), and hiking poles (optional but helpful, especially on steep trails).
Can I rent equipment?
Yes! I have hiking poles available to rent for CHF 10. Just let me know when you book.
Fitness Level & Difficulty
Do I need to be super fit?
Not at all! I offer hikes for all fitness levels: Beginner-friendly hikes (like the Allmendhubel Flower Trail and North Face Trail) are great for families and first-timers — gentle paths with only short uphill sections. Moderate hikes (like Bryndli or the Rotstockhütte) mean you should be comfortable walking for 4–5 hours with some uphill sections. Challenging hikes (like Schilthorn Summit) require good fitness and stamina — expect steep climbs and 5–7 hours of hiking. If you're unsure which level suits you, just ask! I'm happy to help you choose.
What if I need to go slower?
No worries! I adjust the pace to the group. We take breaks, enjoy the views, and make sure everyone's comfortable.
Weather & Cancellations
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety first! If conditions are unsafe (heavy rain, storms, poor visibility), I'll cancel and you'll get a full refund or we can reschedule for free. I'll let you know as early as possible — usually the evening before.
What if I need to cancel?
Unpaid small-group reservations can be cancelled free of charge. For paid small-group and private bookings: more than 7 days before departure = full refund; 2–7 days before = 50% refund; less than 48 hours before = no refund; no-show = no refund. New private bookings show a cancellation reference time before checkout: hikes and snowshoeing use 10:00, night sledding 16:00, and sledding with fondue 11:00, all in Swiss local time on the tour date. This reference stays the same when you agree a different meeting time with Laura. Small-group deadlines use the fixed departure time. Existing bookings retain their original terms. Any refund must be verified and processed; cancelling does not itself mean a refund has already been sent.
What if it's just a bit cloudy or drizzly?
We'll still go! Some of the best hiking is in moody weather. Just bring your rain jacket and waterproof pants. If you're not comfortable with the conditions, you can cancel following the policy above.
Group Sizes & Private Options
How many people in a group?
Groups are capped at 8 people maximum, so you get a personal experience and I can keep everyone safe and happy.
What's the minimum for a group hike?
At 4 reserved guests, the minimum is reached and payments are requested. Four paid guests make the departure guaranteed; it keeps its guide slot even if guests later cancel, until Laura cancels the departure. Below minimum 7 days before, available options appear in Manage my booking: make it private, move dates or cancel free. A sole reservation on an open departure can upgrade at any time; where other reservations exist, upgrades are offered only at the 7-day check while below minimum. No upgrade is offered once the minimum is reached or the departure is guaranteed.
Can I book a private hike for just me?
Absolutely! Private hikes are available with custom pricing based on group size and requirements. It's a great option if you want flexibility on timing, pace, or route.
Do you offer custom routes?
Yes! For private bookings, we can chat about what you'd like to see and I can create a custom itinerary. Get in touch and let's plan something!
Safety & Insurance
Are the hikes safe?
Yes! I'm an experienced hiking guide who knows these trails inside out. I carry a first aid kit and emergency communication device, and I prioritize safety on every hike. I know the terrain, weather patterns, and how to respond in emergencies.
Do I need insurance?
I strongly recommend having proper insurance that covers hiking activities. While I do everything to keep you safe, mountain activities always carry some inherent risk.
What insurance should I get?
For hiking in Switzerland, I highly recommend becoming a Rega patron (Swiss Air Rescue). It costs only CHF 40/year for adults (free for under 18s), and if you need a helicopter rescue, Rega can waive the costs that your insurance doesn't cover. A Rega helicopter rescue costs around CHF 4,500 on average, so it's really worth having! You can sign up at rega.ch. You should also have travel/adventure insurance that covers medical treatment, ambulance transportation, search and rescue operations, and accident coverage.
What if someone gets injured?
I carry a first aid kit and will call mountain rescue immediately if needed (Rega: dial 1414). This is why having Rega membership and proper insurance is so important!
Meeting Points & Logistics
Where do we meet?
Meeting points vary by hike but are always easy to reach in Mürren. I'll send you detailed instructions (with photos and map link) a day or two before the hike.
How do I get to Mürren?
Mürren is car-free! You'll take the cable car from Stechelberg or the train/cable car via Lauterbrunnen and Grütschalp. It's all part of the adventure! Check out my step-by-step guide on how to get to Mürren for all the details.
What time do hikes start?
Most hikes start around 9:00 AM. Longer, more challenging hikes like the Schilthorn Summit Hike start a little earlier, around 8:00–9:00 AM, so we're climbing before the heat of the day and can enjoy the views before the afternoon clouds build. The Allmendhubel Flower Trail starts later, around 10:00 AM. Laura will confirm your exact start time with you before your tour.
What if I'm running late?
Please let us know ASAP! Your guide will wait a few minutes, but if you're more than 15 minutes late without notice, we may need to start without you (and the cancellation policy applies).
Food & Water
Is food included?
Nope — bring your own snacks and lunch! I always stop at scenic spots for breaks where you can enjoy your food with a view.
What food should I bring?
Something easy to carry and eat on the go: sandwiches, wraps, or energy bars; trail mix, fruit, chocolate; and extra snacks (hiking makes you hungry!).
What about water?
Bring at least 1–1.5 litres. There are mountain streams on some hikes where you can refill, but I'll let you know beforehand.
Can we stop at a mountain restaurant?
Sometimes! Some hikes pass mountain huts where we can grab a coffee or meal. I'll mention this in the hike description, but it's always good to bring your own food just in case.
Other Questions
Do you speak English?
Yes! Tours are guided in English, and our team also speaks German, Spanish and Czech.
Can kids come?
Absolutely! The easy and some moderate hikes are great for families. Just make sure kids are comfortable walking for a few hours. For challenging hikes, I'd recommend ages 12+ with good fitness.
What about dogs?
Sorry, no dogs on group hikes (to keep things simple for everyone). For private hikes, let's chat — well-behaved, leashed dogs might be okay on certain trails!
Do you offer multi-day hikes?
Yes! We can tailor a multi-day adventure to whatever you want. Get in touch and let's plan something epic! Also check out our overnight hut hikes for some inspiration.