Switzerland’s Via Alpina Walking Holiday

Travel to Meiringen. Arrive and settle in at the 4* Hotel Victoria in the centre of the town. Either have dinner in the hotel’s fabulous restaurant, or head out into the village to eat. After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, you will be ready to venture out onto the trails.

Overnight – 4* Hotel Victoria, Meiringen

Route Statistics – 15 km, 4½ hours walking,  615m ascent / 920m descent

The route starts by passing the famous Reichenbach Falls before continuing to the nostalgic Rosenlaui Hotel and glacier gorge, towered over majestically by the Wetterhorn. Cross beautiful moorlands over the Grosse Scheidegg, before the bewitching high panoramas that include the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Then enjoy the enchanting descent to the Jungfrau, jewel of Grindelwald. A fantastic view of the Eigernordwand awaits you at Hotel Kirchbühl. For over 100 years, family Brawand has been indulging guests from all corners of the world with excellent food and a wonderful spa facility.

Overnight – 4* Hotel Kirchbühl, Grindelwald

Route Statistics – 16 km, 5½ hours walking, 1100m ascent / 850m descent

The climb to Kleine Scheidegg over undulating meadows is gentle, whilst the rock and ice of the Eiger’s North Wall will inspire you throughout the early stages of today’s hike. A sunny, high-level trail leads you to the iconic, car-free village of Wengen, sitting on its spectacular natural balcony in truly unforgettable surroundings. Wengen offers peace and relaxation in the midst of an enchanting mountain landscape, and a stay at Hotel Regina is especially relaxing. Indeed, from its spa area you will enjoy wonderful views of the Jungfrau.

Overnight  – 4* Hotel Regina, Wengen

Route Statistics – 20 km,  7½ hours walking, 1,135m ascent / 1,840m descent

After a good breakfast,  you embark on a small woodland trail that features the spectacular Trümmelbach waterfall. Having descended into Lauterbrunnen, a spectacular cable car ascent takes you to the pretty hamlet of Mürren, perched high above Lauterbrunnen opposite Wengen. This sunny natural terrace is directly opposite the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, so your unique visual feast continues! The trail from Mürren traverses rich alpine pastures to mesmerising vantage points and some sturdy huts, such as the Rotstockhütte. Eventually, you approach the Sefinenfurgge, the impressive pass into the Kiental.  In early season, please be prepared for patches of snow at the Sefinenfurgge Pass. Your overnight hotel is an oasis amidst the summits of the Bernese Oberland. Marvel at wondrous panoramic views; relax in the sauna; and enjoy regional specialities in the excellent restaurant.

Overnight – Hotel Berghaus, Griesalp (half-board)

Route Statistics – 17 km, 7 hours walking, 1475m ascent / 1715m descent

The Route – This is the highest part of the route and perhaps the most spectacular – but also the most demanding and exposed. Having negotiated the steep Hohtürli pass at 2778m, (where approx. 1.5km of the route is protected with ropes/chains and wooden steps) you are treated to an attractive detour to the Blümlisalphütte. Here you can refuel over hearty food and refreshment. The trail then continues down over the “Hohtürli” and glacial moraine to the deep-blue Oeschinensee. Enhanced by a backdrop of near-vertical cliffs, many people think this is the most picturesque lake in the Alps. You are now close to Kandersteg and, if you prefer, you can shorten your day with a cable car descent to this attractive alpine resort. Hotel Victoria is located in the heart of Kandersteg, right in the middle of a huge park. This hotel has been welcoming guests from all over the world for over 220 years!

Overnight – 3* Victoria Belle Epoquee, Kandersteg

Route Statistics – 12 km, 4½ hours walking, 835m ascent/ 1220m descent

The Route – From Kandersteg’s traditional wooden chalets overlooking flower-filled alpine pastures, you take a cable car up to ‘Allmenalp.’ From here, over some steep sections, the trail brings you to the Bunderchrinde, a breathtaking pass that opens up the glorious Engstligental. Once you have absorbed your amazing surroundings, you start the charming descent into the valley to finish the day in picturesque Adelboden. Bright rooms, creative cuisine, and a delightful spa await you at the Bellevue Parkhotel & Spa, one of the most highly-rated hotels in the region.

Overnight – 4* Bellevue Parkhotel & Spa, Adelboden

Route Statistics – 14km, 4 hours walking, 650m ascent / 930m descent

The Route – From the celebrated village of Adelboden, you climb gently alongside the Glisbach stream, through forest and moorland, over the Hahnenmoospass, then down into Lenk, beautifully nestled in the Hinter Simmental basin with spectacular waterfalls and a dramatic backdrop comprised of the Wildstrubel peak and massif. Amidst wonderful views, dominated by the Wildstrubel, your route guides you down to the Simmental, where your final night in the Bernese Oberland unfolds in a centrally-located, chalet-style hotel with newly renovated rooms. Relax in the hotels’ small spa area (with pool and sauna) before a delicious dinner of regional specialities.

Overnight – 3* Hotel Kruez, Lenk

Independent onward travel from Lenk, or return to Meiringen by train (approx. 3 hours).