Sale
8 Days
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
This hiking holiday in Switzerland follows perhaps the most impressive section of a classic alpine walk: the ‘Via Alpina 2’ also known as ‘The Alpine Pass Route.' The trail embraces much of the most dramatic mountain scenery Switzerland has to offer. Starting in Meiringen, embark on a route that takes you over many alpine passes, some a leisurely stroll, others a tougher proposition, but all offering their own spectacular visual rewards. You will overnight in conveniently located hotels that are full of Swiss charm and character, and one night in a mountain hut.
A marvellous complement to the high land of peaks and passes are the park-like valleys with their thickly wooded hillsides, the unspoilt farming villages, deep-blue lakes and picturesque flower-decked chalets. As well as crossing the Grosse Scheidegg and the Hohturli you will also explore the incomparable Bernese Oberland region with its impressive peaks, the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger.
There are some long days but lifts and cable cars can be used to shorten some of the walks. The overnight locations we have carefully chosen for you can all be reached by public transport in case of bad weather.
This is a Swiss mountain journey full of attractions and easily ranks in quality with the Tour de Mont Blanc!
Switzerland
Meiringen
Saanen
12kg of CO2-e PP per day
(85kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrival Meiringen
This pleasant little town is an ideal starting point for hiking in the Bernese region of Switzerland. Meiringen is the home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the 'high street' where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes and his foe Moriarty, the master criminal, fell locked in each other’s arms. A funicular railway may be used to take you to the top of the falls; otherwise, it is 30 minutes’ walk out of town. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which is housed in the old Anglican Church in the open area by the Park Hotel, which is itself a national monument. The town suffered a disastrous fire in 1875 and there remains little except for the old church with archaeological remains lying underneath it and a mediaeval watchtower in the 'upper' part of the town. Settle into our pleasant hotel and explore the resort town in the evening. Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Meiringen - a small 3* hotel, it is approx. a 10 min walk from the centre. It is possible to upgrade to the 4* Hotel Alpbach for an additional cost.
Meals: D
Day 2
Meiringen to Grindelwald 21 km/13 miles, 7.5 h
Towering above on your left is the massive peak of the Wetterhorn (3704m). You descend to Grindelwald (1034m), the “village of Glaciers” nestling below an amphitheatre of peaks: the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Accommodation: Hotel Hirschen this traditional 3* hotel in the heart of the village, known for its cozy atmosphere. *This is a long hard ascent which can be eased by taking the bus for part of the way up to Schwarzwaldalp (1454m).
Meals: B
Day 3
Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen 19 km/11.8 miles, 6.3 h
A short descent to Grund (943m) and then a steady ascent along a steep forest track to the day's high point at the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m). Then walk down via the beautifully located village of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (797m) deep down in the Loetschinen Valley. Accommodation: Hotel Silberhorn - This 3* hotel is centrally located. The rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated. The hotel has various rooms so you can upgrade (subject to availability).
Day 4
Lauterbrunnen to Griesalp/Golderli 21 km/ 13 miles, 9.5 h, can be shortened
It is a very long climb up from Lauterbrunnen to the Sefinenfurke Pass (2612m) your highest point for today. It is possible to shorten this by taking the cable car and railway up to Murren (1665m). 15 km/9.3 miles, 7 h. The climb from Murren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Your exertions are rewarded by stunning views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass it is a steep and impressive descent into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp/Goldreli (1408m), for your overnight stay. Accommodation: Berggasthaus Golderli - basic mountain inn accommodation in twin-bedded rooms or possibly the dormitory. We will inform you if this is the case.
Meals: B,D
Day 5
Griesalp-Golderli to Kandersteg 15 km/9.3 miles, 7.5 h
Today is probably the hardest day with you reaching the highest point on the tour: Hohturli Pass (2778m). You are however rewarded with some of the finest scenery of the trip. The last section of the ascent from Griesalp to Hohturli is steep and aided by some staircases with wire handrail. The hut near the Hohturli, Blumlisalphutte (2837m), is just a few minutes’ climb away and offers welcome refreshments. Then a beautiful descent past the large Oeschinensee alpine lake to Kandersteg (1180m). Accommodation: Hotel Bernerhof - A 3* hotel centrally located with convenient access to the hiking trails, cable cars & lifts, shops and the railway station. All rooms have a balcony, bath/shower, WC, hair-dryer, cable-TV, radio and direct-dial telephone.
Day 6
Kandersteg to Adelboden 16 km/10 miles, 6.5 h
A long ascent with beautiful views back to the Blumlisalp Massif and the Oeschinensee. After traversing the high point of the day, Bundechrinde Pass (2380m) with some scree slopes, take the long descent to Adelboden (1356m). Accommodation: Adler Adelboden - A friendly welcome awaits you at this chalet-style 3* hotel. Excellent small pool, whirlpool baths and sauna are available.
Day 7
Adelboden to Lenk 11 km/6.83 miles, 5 h
Overall a fairly gentle day of hiking in Switzerland. From Adelboden you climb through a mixture of woods and meadows to the Hahnenmoospass (1956m). After a level section there is a final steep descent to the village of Lenk (1068m) which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls). Accommodation: Stay in the 3* Hotel Waldrand, it stands above link in a sunny, tranquil, south facing area near to the centre of the village.
Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast
After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey.
What's included
What's not included
The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation; however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. A twin room in Switzerland often means two mattresses together within one wooden bedframe having two separate duvets, or one large mattress with two separate duvets. You may wish to request two single rooms if you are friends traveling together.
The mountain inns normally have a few fairly basic twin-bedded rooms, which we will reserve for you when available. Otherwise you will stay in a dormitory type set up and a sleeping bag liner is advised. A twin room in Switzerland often means two mattresses together within one wooden bedframe having two separate duvets, or one large mattress with two separate duvets. You may wish to request two single rooms if you are friends traveling together.
Challenging. This is a trek, which involves much daily uphill and downhill walking. It is only suitable for fit walkers who can readily manage days with more than 1000m ascent and descent. Those in good physical condition who take regular exercise and who have recent hill-walking experience, will find this a trip whose exciting challenges are equally matched by its rewards. The longest day (Lauterbrunnen to Griesalp) can be shortened by using a cable car and mountain railway for the first part of the route. The highest point on the Alpine Pass Route is 2778m (Hohturli on Day 4 of this tour); but many walkers also visit the Blumlisalp Hut, which lies a little way above the Hohturli at 2837m.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel, mountain refuges
9Days
Challenging
hotel
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
guided alpine walk
gîte hostel, mountain hut
7Days
mountain refuges, gîte hostel