Hiking Switzerland and Italy The… (trip)
Hiking Switzerland and Italy The Great Walser Trail
- Meiringen Switzerland
- Active & Adventure
| from €2,772* per person | 8 Days | July, August |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Alps and Beyond | 24 people max | |
It is believed that the Walser left their homeland in southwest Germany and settled in what is known today as the Bernese Oberland, in Switzerland, around the sixth century a.d., subsequently migrating to a mountainous region in the Swiss canton of Valais, where they settled successfully, contending with the extremes of weather and topography. During feudal times, they became vassals and, prompted by a growing population and the desire to be free, they accepted the feudal lords’ offers for new land with hereditary rights. Once again, they crossed over mountain passes to settle in new regions near and far. The Walser communities today are still present and active in the Alps. They have integrated with other local cultures, but they still speak their unique German dialect, and their customs and traditions can still be admired at religious services or regional annual festivities. Hiking in the footsteps of these hardy and determined people, we explore these trails and remote passages. We visit and overnight in villages displaying a wealth of Walser architecture, coming to fully appreciate their humble but industrious way of life. We skirt majestic glaciers and alpine lakes, enjoy colorful waves of wildflowers, and impressive views of some of the highest peaks in the Alps will provide the perfect setting for our exciting journey through centuries of history and culture.
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Locations visited/nearby
Italy, Switzerland, Europe
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Alps and Beyond:
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Reviewer: K. Davis
located in
Chicago,
IL
USA
Touring with Alps and Beyond has been one of the best and most satisfying experiences of my life. From my very first hiking trip around the beautiful northern Italian lakes to my magical last (but not final) walking trip of the wine and hazelnut region in Piemonte's Langhe of Italy. This company and its fine tour guides have introduced me to some of the most spectacular locations I have ever seen and because of their impeccable pre-planning and their highly knowledgeable tour guides I am always guaranteed gorgeous accomodations, personalized care, and a vacation full of memories and new friends that i will cherish for years to come. When touring Italy or Switzerland, I will only ever go through Alps and Beyond. For quality, service and trips beyond the 'tour-esty' there is no one who does it better.
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Reviewer: Donna
located in
San Francisco,
CA
USA
Alps and Beyond is an amazing company. Our trip was handled with lots of TLC and much expertise. The group relaxed and enjoyed the amazing scenery and hikes knowing that all the other details were very capable hands. Our guides, Anna and Bruno, made sure we all got up and over the mountain and had lots of fun at the same time. This remains one of our most memorable trips. Pure enjoyment. Our guides and Alps and Beyond are quite simply the best!
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Reviewer: Rosanne
located in
Chicago,
IL
USA
I was introduced to Alps and Beyond by a friend. I decided to attend their group trip to the Piedmonte Region of Italy, where the wine is plentiful and the food is amazing. They have such amazing connections to the logding and restaurants, that the trip far exceeded my expectations. If we saw something while riding in our Bus, Anna would make sure there was time to stop and seek out additional adventure. I cannot really put into words the details and care that is put into every day of the trip. A MUST!!
Itinerary
Day 1 • Meiringen SwitzerlandMeet your trip leader in the early afternoon at your hotel in Meiringen. Short afternoon hike.
Day 2,3 • Aare Valley - Valais - Ponte
Hiking on nice alpine trails, we make our way up the Aare Valley, reach the Grimsel Pass, crossed by the Walser on their way to the Valais. We continue, skirting glaciers and alpine lakes, to the Gries Pass, and finally descend into Ponte, the first Walser settlement south of the Alps. Visit of the Walser museum.
Day 4,5 • Ponte - Fiesch
We explore the Formazza Valley, hiking through beautiful forests and villages perched half way up the mountains. We venture into the magnificent Alpe Devero, a nat’l park and protected area, cross Arbola Pass, and descend into the Binn Valley, famous for its geology and its exemplary Walser buildings.
Day 6 • Fiesch
We dedicate today to a spectacular hike along the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in Eurasia and one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The panoramic trail allows us to enjoy this expanse of ice from a perfect vantage point. Splendid views of famous peaks such as Jungfrau, Mönch, and Matterhorn.
Day 7 • Fiesch - Münster
The verdant valley of the Goms is dotted with traditional Walser villages strewn with magnificent “stadels,” the old granaries. Hiking on a combination of paved paths and trails, we reach the exquisite village of Münster.
Day 8 • Departure
The trip ends in Münster. After breakfast, transfer on your own to the destination of your choice.
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