Hailed by Rick Steves as “a spot just this side of heaven,” Lauterbrunnen valley is certainly a corner of paradise. The limestone cliffs mirror those in Yosemite, and white-capped mountains linger in the backdrop. Take the gondola up to Mürren and hike down, saving your breath, taking in amazing views, and still getting plenty of steps in. The Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald is a beautiful spot if you don't mind staying up there for a few days (or spending the money to take a gondola into town). The walk down from the top takes you through small villages, past vending machines filled with homemade cheese, and views that are unmatched. The faint sound of cow bells in the distance will follow you down. Once you reach the bottom, you'll walk back through the valley, past wildflowers in the spring, and a river flowing year-round.