Images: Ken Fuhrer and STO
Most feel this is the Alps ' most classic route. Charming glimpses of the active Bernese pastoral culture, villages of Swiss perfection, and high mountain passes beneath ice blue glaciers all conspire to make a route that epitomizes Swiss trekking and justify the fame of the mountain scenery of the Jungfrau region.
A traverse through Switzerland 's most classic terrain, this traverse of Switzerland 's most famous mountain range is a fabulous introduction to hiking the Alps for those with a good level of fitness. From chalet style inns and Grand Victorian hotels in such renowned destinations as Grindelwald, the carless villages of Wengen and Murren, the tiny settlement of Griesalp in the remote Kiental, and the quiet resort villages of Kandersteg, Adelboden, Lenk and Gstaad, we enjoy an unforgettable journey.
Tour Highlights:
- A full week of honest hiking through fairytale Switzerland. We'll experience storybook chalets, high mountain passes, glaciers, snowcapped peaks and full days on the hiking trail.
- Experienced guides trained in the art of customization. They'll tailor each day's hike to match your individual hiking style.
- A delicious sampling of traditional Swiss alpine accommodations. We'll spend 6 nights in well-appointed, superior inns and 2 nights in remote mountain berghauses situated in spectacular mountain environments.
- An in-depth exploration of the Bernese Oberland region. We'll hit the popular highlights and the hidden trails of the quieter side too.
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Day 1 Arrival Zurich Airport. Meet your guides and group for dinner in a lovely, four-star, chalet style hotel on Gstaad’s main street.
Day 2 Begin the next morning with a boost to the fabulous Wasserngrat with beautiful views of the pastoral Saanenland. Wander through enchanting meadows and limestone outcrops with superb views of the emerging glaciated peaks of the Oberland. Descend to idyllic Lenk by cable car.
Day 3 We'll begin today’s hike by the raging headwaters of the Simme as we climb to the remote Ammertenpass. After an airy crossing, we'll descend into the the hanging valley of Engstligenalp.
Day 4 Ascend to pastures above Engstligenalp, then climb to the summit of the Bunderspitze. Our descent into green and pastoral Kandersteg offers views of peaks, glaciers and the Oeschinensee, a cobalt blue lake in an amphitheater of rock beneath the dramatic Blumisalp massif.
Day 5 Enter the very heart of the high peaks of the Oberland with a scenic chairlift ride out of Kandersteg to the Oeschinensee. Pass through the spectacular Hohturli ("high little door" in Swiss German) to enter into the remote and lush Kiental. Overnight in a simple but marvelous hiker's hostelry.
Day 6 Today we’ll ascend out of the remote and lovely Kiental, a pastoral gem beneath the impressive walls of the Blumlisalp massif, then cross the challenging Sefinenfurke. Here begin glorious views of the Eiger as we descend into the Lauterbrunen Valley and our stay in Murren.
Day 7 We'll enjoy a long ramble down the Lauterbrunnen valley and view the thundering falls and the vestiges of pastoral culture in this picture perfect valley before ascending a remote and beautiful valley to Wengen, perched opposite Murren.
Day 8 A most classic ramble lies before us today as we cross the Kleine Scheidegg, the saddle beneath the infamous Eiger Nordwand, the Eiger North Wall. Descend into Grindelwald beneath the 6000-foot North Face of the Eiger.
Day 9 Depart.
Click here to request an expanded itinerary (including distance and elevation gains).
