The Bernese Alps

The Swiss Alps rise above a lush setting of flower-filled meadows. We enjoy the best hikes in Switzerland, from the mighty Bernese Alps to the traditional Engadine Valley.

Photo by Christof Sonderegger / ageFotostock

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Classic Swiss Alps

Hiking in the Classic Bernese Oberland and Traditional Engadine Valley

A Significant Discount on 2009 Departures is Available, Due to the Rebound in the Dollar. See Details Below Tour Costs.*

Two of Switzerland’s most spectacular regions are showcased on this journey: the grand-scale Bernese Oberland and the traditional Engadine Valley, where the Romansch culture and language are preserved in an exquisite mountain setting. We begin with incredible alpine rambles in the classic Bernese Oberland, home to Switzerland’s deepest valleys, most breathtaking glaciers, and the towering Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau massifs. We then board the most famous Swiss train—the Glacier Express—and 91 tunnels and 261 bridges later, arrive in the pastoral Engadine Valley for hikes in an enchanting world of cobalt lakes, flower-filled meadows, and centuries-old chalets. Our journey is all hotel-based (no hike-in lodges), with moderate to challenging hiking options and up to three Trip Leaders for great camaraderie.

Highlights

  • Two sides of Switzerland: the mighty Bernese Oberland and timeless villages of the traditional Engadine
  • Team of up to 3 Trip Leaders, moderate or challenging hiking options
  • Idyllic mountain resorts of Wengen, Pontresina, and Guarda
  • Magnificent 5-star Hotel Walther in Pontresina

Details

  • 9-day trip begins in Grindelwald and ends in Guarda
  • 8 nights in charming 4- and 5-star inns—no mountain lodges or shared accommodations
  • All breakfasts and dinners included
  • 7 hiking days, altitudes of 4,000-9,400 feet, van support for luggage or tired feet
  • All transport during the trip included (cable cars, Glacier Express train, etc.)

Tour Costs

$4895 (12-14 guests)
$5195 (9-11 guests)
$5395 (5-8 guests)

Single supplement: $435

Prices are for 2009 dates

Departures & Leaders

Aug 19-27, 2009  Mike Browder

Note: There may be up to 3 leaders on any departure. Please call for details.

*Significant Savings Available on 2009 Departures!

The US Dollar has strengthened against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel would like to pass the savings along to you! Here's how it works: we will purchase the Euros for your trip when you sign up, which lets us lock in the current exchange rate, and guarantee your savings. To receive the discount, the first deposit on the trip ($500 per person) is non-refundable. If you prefer to have your deposit be fully refundable up to 90 days before departure, you can sign up at the regular published rate for the trip.

To find out the current discount available at today’s rate, please call us at 1-800-368-2794 or send us an email.

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Classic Swiss Alps route-map

Days 1-2
Grindelwald

The massive peaks of the Bernese Oberland present a well-defined wall of giants sometimes known as “the North Face of the Alps.” We hike to Bachsee, a stunning lake at 8,850 feet where shimmering waters reflect the towering rock faces of the Wetterhorn, Shreckhorn, and Finsteraahorn. Overnights are in Grindelwald, with views of the north face of the Eiger (13,025'), one of the most famous peaks in the Alps.

Days 3-4
Kleine Scheidegg / Wengen

A classic Oberland hike brings us from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg (8,250'), right at the foot of the Eiger. We descend to our hotel in charming Wengen, a climbing and skiing center since the turn of the century. Cable cars make our traverse as easy or moderate as desired, and we get amazingly close to the 4,600-foot North Face of the Eiger, one of the world’s legendary rock climbs. Hiking from Wengen the next day, our trail leads us through peaceful meadows where tranquil Swiss dairy cows roam with oversized bells around their necks.

Days 5-6
Pontresina / St. Moritz

A ride on the Glacier Express train brings us to the Engadine, an enchanting valley full of Old World charm. Our panoramic ridgetop hike above the valley brings us picture-postcard views of the Upper Engadine and its serene lakes. The high reaches of the Engadine are lovely, with alpine farming still done the traditional way, by hand. Overnights are in idyllic Pontresina, near St. Moritz.

Days 7-9
Guarda / Via Engadina

We hike the Via Engadina, a long-distance footpath, through storybook hamlets to Guarda, the quintessential Engadine village. The trail takes us through forests with the Inn River on one side and steep mountains on the other. The next day, a more challenging hiking option brings us to the great jagged peak of Piz Buin, looming over the Engadine Valley. Overnights are in Guarda, a cluster of very old and intricately painted farm chalets and one of the most glorious hideaways in Switzerland. Depart on Day 9.