Our third segment of the Swiss Via Alpina explores the high, glaciated peaks that lie between the famed Berner Oberland region of central Switzerland and to the stunning shores of Lake Geneva. We begin in the German-speaking resort village of Gstaad, then climb upward, following a mixture of glacier-bordered passes and flower-covered alpine meadows, before landing in the famous French-speaking lakeside resort of Montreux, home of the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival.
The itinerary takes us through otherworldy terrain and unspoiled villages and offers dramatic views of the distant surrounding peaks. Clear days reveal the soaring form of the Matterhorn to the south, the icy ramparts of Mont Blanc to the southwest and the Mischabel range to the southeast.
Accommodations range from charming Swiss chalets, with caring proprietorship,
to excellent and well appointed four-star hotels.
Tour Highlights
- A stunning mix of scenery, from flower-filled meadows and glaciated peaks, to the tranquil waters of Lake Geneva.
- Glacier crossings and rugged alpine terrain.
- Bucolic countrysides, traditional Swiss inns and delicious cuisine with French influences.
- Hiking across the linguistic border of German and French speaking Switzerland.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive and transfer to Gstaad, an upscale Swiss village on the western extreme of the famed Bener Oberland. Gstaad consistently surprises many as an incredibly beautiful, picturesque and unspoiled alpine village. Meet your guides and overnight in a cozy little inn right in the center of town.
Day 2 Hike through meadows and traverse hillsides to the quiet hamlet of Gsteig. This small, pastoral village sits directly in front of the Diaberlets massif and offers fantastic views of the big glaciated peaks. We’ll dive into our warm down comforters following a tradtional Swiss meal in a cozy old world chalet on mainstreet. Traditional Swiss architecture and cuisine are two major highlights of this day.
Day 3 From Gsteig, we leave the green pastures and meadows behind and ascend into the high country to encounter the beautiful rock scenery of the Sanetsch region. This is true mountain hiking as we head past a high alpine lake, the Sanetschsee, and continue to climb up and over the alpine basin that forms the head of the Saane River. Overnight in a simple inn enveloped by dramatic peaks and the type of quiet that only a mountain traveler can know.
Day 4 Walking straight out of our hotel, we'll climb into the canton Vaud and a landscape so rocky, rugged and mountainous that locals once referred to the region as "Les Diablerets", a dangerous and cursed place where the devil did his worst. We'll cross the
Tsanfleuron Glacier to Sex Rouge, (2971 m) before descending by lift to the Col du Pillon. A scenic hike by foot delivers us to a comfortable inn at the heart of Les Diablerets village.
Day 5 We hike to the village of Chateau d’Oex, famous for it’s limestone spires accentuating expansive verdant meadows. This also the village where the alpine cheese of Etivaz is still made over an open wood fire. We’ll overnight in yet another quintessential Swiss chalet, characterized by its warm fires, great food and wonderful hospitality.
Day 6 From Chateau d’Oex we travel through Montbovons and the Rochers de Naye and enjoy a cog rail desent to Montreux. The town of Montreux sits nestled in a quiet bay on Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards and backdropped by the breathtaking snow covered Alps. We’ll lift a glass to a wonderful achievement as we watch the swans cruise the lakeshore with Mont Blanc in the distance.
Day 7 Depart. Travelers can reach the Geneva airport in about an hour by train. Zurich is also another possibility for an early afternoon departure.
