Highlights of The Alpine Pass Route

Above the Oeschinensee

Hiking along the Alpine Pass Route | Andrew Bain

Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau going up to the Sefinenfurke Pass

Kandersteg chapel towards the Blüemlisalphorn | John Millen

Trekking through Alpine Forests | Jon Millen

Having a break descending to Kandersteg | John Millen

Trekking the Alpine Pass Route | Jon Millen

Over the Hohturli Pass | Jon Millen

Above the Oeschinensee

Hiking along the Alpine Pass Route | Andrew Bain

Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau going up to the Sefinenfurke Pass

Kandersteg chapel towards the Blüemlisalphorn | John Millen

Trekking through Alpine Forests | Jon Millen

Having a break descending to Kandersteg | John Millen

Trekking the Alpine Pass Route | Jon Millen

Over the Hohturli Pass | Jon Millen

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

6 nights 2- 3 star hotels
1 night mountain hut dormitory

Meals

5 Dinners
7 Breakfasts

Price

$1990USD

Overview

Trip Code: JRP

Alpine Pass Route Trip highlights

Swiss Alpine walking encompassing a wonderful range of landscapes
Challenging walk with breathtaking panoramic vistas that will more than make up for it
Variety of passes to cross, from easy to challenging
Conveniently located accommodation full of Swiss charm and character
Option to shorten some long days using lifts and cablecars
Take in some of the very best mountain scenery Switzerland has to offer, including little-used paths
Crossing the Grosse Scheidegg & the Hohturli, and impressive peaks of the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger
Start in Meiringen, finish in Saanen

This hiking holiday in Switzerland follows perhaps the most impressive section of a classic alpine walk: the ‘Via Alpina 2’ also known as ‘The Alpine Pass Route.' The trail embraces much of the most dramatic mountain scenery Switzerland has to offer. Starting in Meiringen, embark on a route that takes you over many alpine passes, some a leisurely stroll, others a tougher proposition, but all offering their own spectacular visual rewards. You will overnight in conveniently located hotels that are full of Swiss charm and character, and one night in a mountain hut.

A marvellous complement to the high land of peaks and passes are the park-like valleys with their thickly wooded hillsides, the unspoilt farming villages, deep-blue lakes and picturesque flower-decked chalets. As well as crossing the Grosse Scheidegg and the Hohturli you will also explore the incomparable Bernese Oberland region with its impressive peaks, the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger.

There are some long days but lifts and cable cars can be used to shorten some of the walks. The overnight locations we have carefully chosen for you can all be reached by public transport in case of bad weather.

This is a Swiss mountain journey full of attractions and easily ranks in quality with the Tour de Mont Blanc!

Trip Grading

challenging

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrival Meiringen

This pleasant little town is an ideal starting point for hiking in the Bernese region of Switzerland. Meiringen is the home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the 'high street' where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes and his foe Moriarty, the master criminal, fell locked in each other’s arms. A funicular railway may be used to take you to the top of the falls; otherwise, it is 30 minutes’ walk out of town. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which is housed in the old Anglican Church in the open area by the Park Hotel, which is itself a national monument. The town suffered a disastrous fire in 1875 and there remains little except for the old church with archaeological remains lying underneath it and a mediaeval watchtower in the 'upper' part of the town. Settle into our pleasant hotel and explore the resort town in the evening. Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Meiringen - a small 3* hotel offering en-suite rooms, it is approx. a 10 min walk from the centre. It is possible to upgrade to the 4* Hotel Alpbach for an additional cost.

Meals: D

Day 2
Meiringen to Grindelwald 21 km/13 miles, 7.5 h

Towering above on your left is the massive peak of the Wetterhorn (3704m). You descend to Grindelwald (1034m), the “village of Glaciers” nestling below an amphitheatre of peaks: the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Accommodation: Hotel Lauberhorn - A cosy 2* chalet-hotel with a spectacular view of the Eiger and the surrounding peaks. The hotel is a short walk from train stations and the Firstbahn gondola station. It is possible to upgrade to the 3* Hotel Hirschen for an additional cost. *This is a long hard ascent which can be eased by taking the bus for part of the way up to Schwarzwaldalp (1454m).

Meals: B

Day 3
Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen 19 km/11.8 miles, 6.3 h

A short descent to Grund (943m) and then a steady ascent along a steep forest track to the day's high point at the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m). Then walk down via the beautifully located village of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (797m) deep down in the Loetschinen Valley. Accommodation: Hotel Silberhorn - This 3* hotel is centrally located. The rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated. The hotel has various rooms so you can upgrade (subject to availability).

Meals: B

Day 4
Lauterbrunnen to Griesalp/Golderli 21 km/ 13 miles, 9.5 h, can be shortened

It is a very long climb up from Lauterbrunnen to the Sefinenfurke Pass (2612m) your highest point for today. It is possible to shorten this by taking the cable car and railway up to Murren (1665m). 15 km/9.3 miles, 7 h. The climb from Murren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Your exertions are rewarded by stunning views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass it is a steep and impressive descent into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp/Goldreli (1408m), for your overnight stay. Accommodation: Berggasthaus Golderli - basic mountain inn accommodation in twin-bedded rooms or possibly the dormitory. We will inform you if this is the case.

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Griesalp-Golderli to Kandersteg 15 km/9.3 miles, 7.5 h

Today is probably the hardest day with you reaching the highest point on the tour: Hohturli Pass (2778m). You are however rewarded with some of the finest scenery of the trip. The last section of the ascent from Griesalp to Hohturli is steep and aided by some staircases with wire handrail. The hut near the Hohturli, Blumlisalphutte (2837m), is just a few minutes’ climb away and offers welcome refreshments. Then a beautiful descent past the large Oeschinensee alpine lake to Kandersteg (1180m). Accommodation: Hotel Bernerhof - A 3* hotel centrally located with convenient access to the hiking trails, cable cars & lifts, shops and the railway station. All rooms have a balcony, bath/shower, WC, hair-dryer, cable-TV, radio and direct-dial telephone.

Meals: B,D

Day 6
Kandersteg to Adelboden 16 km/10 miles, 6.5 h

A long ascent with beautiful views back to the Blumlisalp Massif and the Oeschinensee. After traversing the high point of the day, Bundechrinde Pass (2380m) with some scree slopes, take the long descent to Adelboden (1356m). Accommodation: Adler Adelboden - A friendly welcome awaits you at this chalet-style 3* hotel. Excellent small pool, whirlpool baths and sauna are available.

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Adelboden to Lenk 11 km/6.83 miles, 5 h

Overall a fairly gentle day of hiking in Switzerland. From Adelboden you climb through a mixture of woods and meadows to the Hahnenmoospass (1956m). After a level section there is a final steep descent to the village of Lenk (1068m) which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls). Accommodation: Stay in the 3* Hotel Krone, located in a quiet and central location directly in the village square.

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast

After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey.

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, 5 dinners
6 nights accommodation in 2* & 3* hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities & 1 night in mountain hut (dormitory style if private rooms are full when you book)
Luggage transfer (1 bag per person not weighing more than 20kg).
Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
Via Alpina hiking passbook
Emergency hotline
GPX files

What's not included

2 dinners, all lunches & beverages
Entrance fees
Travel insurance
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Excess Luggage
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation

Hotels

The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation; however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. A twin room in Switzerland often means two mattresses together within one wooden bedframe having two separate duvets, or one large mattress with two separate duvets. You may wish to request two single rooms if you are friends traveling together.

Mountain Inns

The mountain inns normally have a few fairly basic twin-bedded rooms, which we will reserve for you when available. Otherwise you will stay in a dormitory type set up and a sleeping bag liner is advised. A twin room in Switzerland often means two mattresses together within one wooden bedframe having two separate duvets, or one large mattress with two separate duvets. You may wish to request two single rooms if you are friends traveling together.

Grading

challenging

Challenging. This is a trek, which involves much daily uphill and downhill walking. It is only suitable for fit walkers who can readily manage days with more than 1000m ascent and descent. Those in good physical condition who take regular exercise and who have recent hill-walking experience, will find this a trip whose exciting challenges are equally matched by its rewards. The longest day (Lauterbrunnen to Griesalp) can be shortened by using a cable car and mountain railway for the first part of the route. The highest point on the Alpine Pass Route is 2778m (Hohturli on Day 4 of this tour); but many walkers also visit the Blumlisalp Hut, which lies a little way above the Hohturli at 2837m.

Departure dates

Daily from 13 Jul to 15 Sep

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Priceper person from

$1990USD

Options & Supplements*

Single Room SupplementUSD$360
Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$710

*Prices listed are per person

Alpine Pass Route Trip reviews

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