Overview
Hike the high trails of the Via Alpina in Switzerland’s Jungfrau region, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage area that encompasses the impressive massifs of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and the mighty Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. Amid this mountain glory, we set out on the famed Eiger Trail (as close as hikers can get to the awesome North Face of the Eiger), on the Aletsch Glacier between the massive Jungfrau and Mönch, and through some of the most gorgeous settings in the Alps. One special overnight is at the historic Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, right at the foot of the Eiger and brimming with mountain-climbing lore. If you love exhilarating hikes and Swiss mountain splendor, this is the adventure for you!
The itinerary was excellent—wonderful hiking day by day, great views of the Alps, nice hotels every night, optional rest days were perfect. Our trip leaders were excellent, knowledgeable, responsive to us, technically very capable, and nice people.
— Rick C., Portland, OR
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Engelberg / Meiringen
From the village of Engelberg, we hike to Surenenpass for a magnificent view of fjord-like Lake Uri and the Reuss Valley. We’ll stop for refreshments at a mountain refuge in high pastures. Our hike up to Planplatten (7,254') brings us 360-degree views far into the peaks of the Bernese Oberland, and we descend by cable car to the charming village of Meiringen.
Days 4-5
The Eiger Trail / Grindelwald / Kleine Scheidegg
We hike a balcony trail above Grosse Scheidegg Pass, with an overnight at Grindelwald, a Swiss town with a stunning location below the Eiger. Taking the train to Alpiglen, we head out on the famed Eiger Trail, one of the top walks in Europe, leading along the foot of the infamous North Face of the Eiger. Views are phenomenal, stretching across the Grindelwald Valley and to the Wetterhorn. Afterwards, we’ll overnight at the turn-of-the-century hotel below the Eiger to soak up alpine history in a special setting (The Eiger Sanction was filmed here).
Days 6-7
Jungfraujoch / Aletsch Glacier / Murren
An unforgettable ride on a century-old cogwheel train brings us to Jungfraujoch (11,371'), Europe’s highest railway station, set on the saddle between Jungfrau and Mönch. Here we’ll hike on the great Aletsch Glacier flanked by 12,000-foot peaks. Hiking options the next day are in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its towering granite walls and 72 thundering waterfalls.
Days 8-10
Sefinenfurke Pass / Kandersteg
Vistas are breathtaking as we hike from lovely Murren up to dramatic Sefinenfurke Pass (8,600'), with a spectacular descent into the end-of-the-road hamlet of Griesalp. Our last hike brings us up to Hohtürli Pass and past glaciers to Oeschinensee, a surreal blue lake encircled by mountain ramparts, with a descent to the village of Kandersteg. Depart on Day 10.
Hiking Switzerland's Via Alpina
Highlights
Highlights
Details
8 challenging hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes up to 11,500 feet, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike). This is a strenuous hiking trip, read “What the Trip is Like” for more details.
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