Via Alpina Switzerland Hike

Above the Oeschinensee

Wengen

Walking in the Alps | Murren, Switzerland

Ascending the Hohturli

Over the Hohturli Pass | Jon Millen

Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau going up to the Sefinenfurke Pass

Above the Oeschinensee

Walking in the Alps | Murren, Switzerland

Ascending the Hohturli

Over the Hohturli Pass | Jon Millen

moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

7 nights hotels
Optional upgrade available

Meals

7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1370GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: VAS

Trip highlights

Experiencing walking across high passes to view stunning alpine scenery
Challenging walking resulting in a great sense of achievement on arrival in Lenk
Options to shorten sections as required
Handpicked accommodation with classic Swiss charm

There are few walks which capture the essence of the Alps as this classic trail through Switzerlands most stunning scenery. As you walk there is a constant backdrop of 4000m+ peaks including the Jungfrau (4158m), Schreckhorn (4078m) and Mönch (4107m) together with the famous Eiger (3970m) and the Wetterhorn (3692m). Whilst the high mountains are an obvious drawcard, there are so many other highlights such as the sound of cowbells as you make your way along scenic paths, the picture postcard villages and towns you pass through and the wildflowers lining the trail. At night experience the engaging hospitality of the hosts in our specially handpicked accommodation and sample local delicacies.

Countries:

Switzerland

Starting Point:

Meiringen

Finishing Point:

Lenk

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Meiringen

Arrive in the pretty village of Meiringen. Near Meiringen are the Reichenbach Falls, scene of Sherlock Holmes' final struggle with Moriarty, and the Aareschlucht gorge. There are options to take the Reichenbach Falls funicular and then hike down or use the Gelmerbahn Mountain Cable car to gain spectacular views and enjoy a beautiful loop walk.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk from Meiringen to Grindelwald (5hrs)

From Meiringen take the bus to Rosenlaui (allow CHF25) to begin your walk. The trail heads up to the “Grosse Scheidegg” from where you'll have a magnificent view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. From here you continue to Grindelwald, known as the 'village of glaciers' due to its location in an amphitheatre of peaks including the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Walking: approx 14km/8.7mi, +700m/-980m Short Option: Walk to Grosse Scheidegg then by bus to Grindelwald (2.5hrs, 6.5km/4mi, +645m/-55m). There are numerous bus stops are on the way down to Grindelwald and buses run regularly.

Meals: B

Day 3
Walk via Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen (5.5hrs)

Today's trail follows the railway up to the "Kleine Scheidegg“. After a short descent to Grund (943m), continue along a steep forest track ascending to the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m), from where you continue via a sunny trail to the car-free resort town Wengen. You will either stay here or head down a further 45 minutes past the spectacular Trümmelbach-waterfall to Lauterbrunnen (797m), deep in the Loetschinen Valley (or travel by funicular). Walking: approx 16.5km/10,3mi, 1155m/-915m Shorten: take the funicular to Alpiglen, walk to Wengen (3.5 hours, 11km/6.8mi, +475m/-795m) We recommend taking a rest day here to really appreciate the trails and attractions of the valley around Lauterbrunnen - must be requested at the time of booking.

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk via Brunli to Griesalp/Pochtenalp (7.5hrs)

A stunningly scenic walk today. It's a long route and we recommend taking the short-cut (see below - cable cars, trains not included) to Mürren (at 1655m). The climb from Mürren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Mostly along small paths, there's some scree up to the pass with ropes to help, and your exertions are rewarded with panoramic views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass, which is often covered in snow in summer, it is a steep and impressive descent (with stairs) into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp (1408m) or Pochtenalp for overnight. Walking: approx +1315m/-1415m, 21.5km/13mi Optional short-cut: (recommended, especially in the event of bad weather): includes a walk or train in the valley from Lauterbrunnen then cable car up to Gütschalp and connecting train to Mürren.

Meals: B

Day 5
Spectacular walk across the Hohturli Pass (2778m) to Kandersteg (7.5hrs)

The ascent to the Blüemlisalp Hutt, just above the Hohturli Pass (2778m), is the most spectacular and hardest day of the trip. The trail begins along easy terrain but becomes more eroded, requiring care with your footing. After a long and steep walk up to 2843m you can enjoy an excellent meal and views at the hut on the pass before tackling the scree down. Descending on the glacier moraines, you cross the scree slopes using a series of staircases, as the gradient is very steep (trekking poles recommended). The staircases make the crossing easy, but if you experience vertigo you may have some issues here. The route down to Kandersteg is long but very beautiful. Lake Öschinen is a brilliant blue, in a dramatic setting surrounded by sheer cliffs. Continue to Kandersteg (1180m) on foot, or shorten the walk and descend by cable car. Walking: approx. 17km/10.5mi, +1450m/-1685m

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk to Bundechrinde Pass (2380m) and on to Adelboden (5.5hrs)

The ascent to the Blüemlisalp is the most spectacular stage on your hiking tour. After a long and steep walk up to 2843m you may enjoy an excellent meal at the Swiss mountain pasture “Blüemlisalphütte”. From there the trail leads over the “Hohtürli” and glacier moraines down to Lake Öschinen where Kandersteg is only a short walk away. There is an option to take the cable car from Oschinen down the valley. Walking approx. 13km/8mi +1475m/-1715m If the event of bad weather, there is an alternative walk passing farms and villages, and blue Lake Blausee.

Meals: B

Day 7
Ascend to Hahnenmoos pass (1956m) en route to Lenk (4.5hrs)

From the pretty village of Adelboden you walk towards the Hahnenmoos pass. Wonderful views to the peak of Wildstrubel guide you down to the Simmental Valley. You will spend your last night in the Bernese Oberland in the lovely town of Lenk, which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls). Walking: 14km/8.6mi, +700m/-980m

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you need to return to Meiringen after the trip, the train takes approx. 3 hours.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts - buffet style usually with a selection of muesli and cereal, breads, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee, juice and often eggs.
7 nights accommodation in family run guesthouses in twinshare rooms with shared toilet and shower. Option to upgrade to 6 nights hotels with private facilities/ 1 night guesthouse with shared facilities (Cat A) or to 3-4 star hotels, some with Spa facilities (Charm category)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information
Emergency hotline
Via Alpina Passport

What's not included

Travel to Meiringen and from Lenk
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers with cable cars, trains and buses - allow CHF90 pp (some transfers are optional, others are necessary to do the walks. A discount code is included in final documents)
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess Luggage
Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Standard

Family run guesthouses where you will be accommodated in a twin share room with most having shared bathroom facilities in the hallway. Sometimes laundry facilities are available. The atmosphere in these guesthouses is relaxed and often meals can be purchased. Communal areas are available to relax in after your walk and often there are gardens with outdoor seating. Note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.

Category A

Comfortable 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. One night in Pochtenalp may be in accommodation with shared facilities due to its location and limited availability in the area. Note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.

Charm

Mainly 3-4 star hotels. Twin share with ensuite facilities. Some hotels will also offer a swimming pool, spa or sauna facilities.

Trail Surface

Paved roads, walking trails and scree slopes

The first few days you will be walking along paved roads where you may encounter bikes and public buses but they are closed to private cars. The later half of the itinerary will mostly be mountain walking trails, scree slopes and forest tracks. There will be road walking as you enter and exit towns & villages.

Suitability

moderate to challenging

GRADE 4 - This walk involves strenuous ascents and descents each day - up to 1000m - and is only suitable for fit walkers who are surefooted and not afraid of heights. There are wooden staircases, steep scree slopes, narrow paths and steep drop offs on the main passes (Sefinenfurke, Hohturli, Bundechrinde). The staircases often have ropes to make you feel secure - the rope is not really needed but gives that extra bit of confidence to hikers. In contrast the paths over the Grosse Scheidegg, Kleine Scheidegg, and Hahnenmoos pass are well defined, sometimes on tarmac or gravel roads. Trekking poles are a great help on this walk. Those in good physical condition who take regular exercise and who have recent multi-day walk experience, will find the challenges of the trip are matched by its rewards. Some sections can be shortened with buses, cable cars and trains if needed (payable locally).

Departure dates

Daily from 29 Jun to 15 Sep

Notes

High Season

DN1

High season is from 28 Jun to 29 Aug. Supplement applies to high season departures.

Note:

Transfers by post bus, mountain railways and cable cars are not included - allow CHF100

Priceper person from

£1370GBP

Options & Supplements*

Upgrade to Cat A hotels (pp)GBP£90
Single supplement - standard hotelsGBP£210
Solo Traveller Supplement - standard hotelsGBP£260
Single supplement Cat A & Charme hotelsGBP£330
Upgrade to Charm category hotels (pp)GBP£360
Solo Traveller Supplement - Cat A & Charme hotelsGBP£410

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.