Image: Robert Boesch
The Via Alpina Stage 2 continues our four stage hike across the length of Switzerland. Beginning in Meiringen, we'll follow the famous Eiger Trail across the Bernese Oberland and the very heart of the Swiss Alps. It is here, among Switzerland's most prominent mountain icons, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, that storybook Switzerland truly unfolds.
We'll spend 10 days exploring this legendary world, beginning on the bustling eastern side of the Oberland and gradually moving westward to the more tranquil forests and valleys of the range.
Tour Highlights:
- The mighty Bernese Oberland, offering some of the most dramatic and memorable mountain scenery in the whole of Switzerland.
- Storybook chalets, airy mountain passes and boundless mountain views of unimaginable magnitude.
- The famed triple peaked ridge of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, cresting 4000 meters of elevation.
- Switzerland's most renowned alpine destinations including Grindelwald, Wengen, Murren and Gstaad.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Travel to Meiringen.
Day 2 You’ll begin today with a short bus ride up to Grosse Scheidegg where you’ll find the trailhead. Take your time to enjoy the splendid views accross Grindelwald to the Kleine Scheidegg The trail descends through mixed pasture and Alpine heathland into Grindelwald. Overnight in a small three star inn that has preserved much of the charm and simplicity of days past. Wood paneled coziness and down comforters make for a very welcoming experience. The kitchen is outstanding and the hotel is located in a quieter section of the village. The proprietors and staff bend over backwards to make our guests comfortable in this excellent hotel.
Day 3 Hike under the imposing north face of the Eiger to Kleine Scheidegg, then descend, on quiet footpaths through forest and meadow, to the carless village of Wengen. It is possible to shorten this hike with an optional ride on a cog railway.Overnight in a wonderful three star inn with cozy, wood panelled Swiss alpine architecture and charm. The family run inn prides itself on its service, ambiance and “typische” Swiss cuisine.
Day 4 Today’s hike takes you along the floor of the Lauterbrunnen valley. Seventy-two stunning waterfalls cascade from the towering cliffs that form the walls of this valley. The hike offers a gentle, flexible outing filled with interesting sights and glimpses of the pastoral culture of the region. Enjoy lunch at a tranquil mountain house built in 1730, making it the oldest holiday cottage in the Lauterbrunnen valley. Overnight in a family run three star inn in the quaint carless village of Murren. This inn offers spectacular views across the Lauterbrunnen valley, traditional Swiss cuisine, and a unique alpine flavor.
Day 5 A high pass presents a challenging hike. From Murren, traverse through fields and forest to an alpine club hut before the final push to a high and rocky pass with spectacular views in all directions. Picnic at the pass. Descend first through rocky alpine terriain, then by herding settlements into a valley that time forgot. Overnight in a cozy inn with delicious food and comfortable rooms. (No luggage access on this night).
Day 6 Prepare for a challenging hike as you climb to a remote alpine hut dramatically situated in high mountain terrain. Have lunch at the hut and then descend past the Oeschinensee, a cobalt blue lake beneath towering cliffs and glaciated peaks. A gentle descent after the lake delivers you to the quiet village of Kandersteg. Overnight in a superior chalet style inn with every amenity and boasting more than 200 years of expert service and tradition.
Day 7 Ascend to a remote summit with expansive views over the Oberland. Overnight in a pastoral gem set beneath the Wilstrubel and Tschingelochtighorn. (No luggage access on this night).
Day 8 Today we'll cross a remote pass of exceptional beauty and drama. Descend by the headwaters of the Simme River into Lenk and the comforts of a traditional Swiss country inn.
Day 9 Wander through enchanting meadows and limestone outcrops with superb views of the glaciated peaks of the Oberland. Hike across the fabulous Wasserngrat with beautiful views of the pastoral Saanenland. Descend to the glitzy, cosmopolitan resort of Gstaad.
Day 10 Depart.
Click here to request an expanded itinerary (including distance and elevation gains).
