HIKE THE SWISS ALPS

We will all meet at the Geneva International Airport (GVA) around 1:00pm. We will then be transferred by van to Grindelwald where you will settle into our hotel. The drive is about 3 hours.

Grindelwald, a famous village in the Bernese Alps, is nestled at the bottom of the Lutschine valley at 1000m at the foot of the famous north face of the Eiger. We will stay there for 3 nights at the hotel Gletschergarten.

We will gather together at 6:00 pm for our orientation meeting and welcome dinner.

From the hotel to the gondola. Our hiking day starts following a large easy trail to the famous Baschalp Lake at 7,470ft. From here the panoramic views over Grindelwald and the surrounding mountains is worth a look. Following a spectacular balcony, crossing between meadows and mountain pastures, our panoramic trail takes us to the mountain pass of Grosse Scheidegg 6,450ft. Return to Grindelwald with the typical yellow Postal Bus.

The Eiger trail, crossing at the foot of the north face of the Eiger, is breathtaking. This spectacular journey begins as we ride a classic gondola to Holenstein (5,340ft). From here an easy trail leads us directly towards the famous Eiger Nordwand to the saddle of Kleine Scheidegg (6.557ft). From this lively and bustling pass, we continue up to a little lake to view the spectacular famous trio of mountain peaks; Eiger, Munch, Jungfrau.  From here starts the unforgettable Eiger trail!  At the end of the hike, a zigzag path descends to Alpiglen station (1620m). Return by train to Grindelwald. Dinner will be on our own so we can explore this quaint town.

Today we will explore a different valley. A 45 minute private van transfer along the beautiful mountain road from Bernese Oberland to Kandersteg brings us to our new base camp: Kandersteg. After an impressive trip by cable car along the Allmifluh, we arrive in the heart of the Allmenalp (5,730ft), our starting point. This leisurely and pastoral hike leads from Allmenalp past exquisite alpine huts, as well as alpine farms and forests, to the Usser Üschene, where the trail branches off towards Kandersteg. This is a very pleasant and panoramic circular route back to the village.

After a gondola ride (5,550ft) we will enjoy a nice crossing in the forest, then the mountain pastures, and we will arrive at the panoramic point on the edge of the splendid lake of Oeschinen with turquoise waters. Surrounded by steep cliffs flooded with waterfalls, this lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Swiss Alps. The lake is even listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This loop can be vigorous in some parts. Following the upper bank (6,000ft), a plan B can be proposed offering an easier way down. We will return to the gondola and descend to Kandersteg.

This secluded alpine valley is notable for its flora, waterfalls, and impressive mountains. A pretty bucolic stopover to enjoy the atmosphere of the Swiss mountain pastures river.

From Kandersteg we travel by tram up to Sunnbüel and begin hiking past the serene Daubensee toward the historic Gemmi Pass (7,616ft) which is thought to have been used as far back as the Bronze Age. From here we take time to enjoy the views of some of the major peaks in the Valais (Pennine) Alps, such as the Dom, Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Dent Blanche. The descent takes us on an impressive trail carved in the cliffs overlooking the town of Leukerbad at the head of the lovely Dala Valley. To finish off this unique day and week of hiking, we will spend a good time at the well known thermal baths of Leukerbad!

After a good breakfast, we will say goodbye. Transfer to the Geneva International Airport (GVA) arriving back to the airport around 2pm.