Hikes In Switzerland : Self… (trip)
Hikes In Switzerland : Self Guided
- Kandersteg, Switzerland.
- Active & Adventure
| from $2,295* per person | 10 Days | June-September |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Distant Journeys | 12 people max | |
The Berner Oberland region is one of the great alpine gems of Switzerland. Classic wooden chalets, perfectly kept window boxes, grazing cows, high alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, bold, imposing mountains with hanging glaciers, snowy peaks, and impressive waterfalls comprise an incredibly inspiring backdrop for these day hikes.
Long a destination for hikers and walkers, Kandersteg is a wonderful village of wooden chalets and old farms. Nestled in the Kander Valley, it is surrounded by impressive waterfalls, snow-capped peaks many reaching to over 12,000 feet high, lush alpine meadows, rich forests and beautifully preserved farms. Strikingly beautiful, and immediately welcoming, Kandersteg is a perfect area to begin a classic Swiss Alps hiking vacation.
Though not in the Berner Oberland, spending several days in Zermatt makes for a wonderful Swiss hiking vacation. Situated at the southern most end of the Mattertal valley, closed to car traffic and dominated by the formidable Matterhorn (14,777′), Zermatt has for generations lured hikers and mountaineers from the world over. Ringed by more than fifty peaks many over 13,000 feet and some thirty-two glaciers, its location at the confluence of three glaciers and two additional narrow valleys, combined with an extensive cable car and tram system allow Zermatt (5,300′) to offer the best set of hikes anywhere in the Alps.
Though experiencing its share of expansion due to popularity, the center of Zermatt, comprised of narrow streets lined with darkwood chalets richly adorned by colorful window boxes, retains many of the vestiges of an old rustic Swiss village. Hiking in this area is renowned. From easy valley walks to strenuous high level hikes, Zermatt will satisfy all levels of abilities.
Loading map, please wait...
Locations visited/nearby
Switzerland, Europe
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
- Self-guided (includes hotels, maps, luggage transfer, etc but no guide).
Itinerary
Day 1: Individual transfer to the hotel in Kandersteg, Switzerland.Day 2 & 3: A hike around Lake Oeschinen (5,257′), set on a small plateau above Kandersteg and fed by the glaciers of the Blumlisalp massif. Some say that this is the “most” spectacular hike in all the Alps as the rock faces emerge directly from the lake and rise to form the glaciated mountain peaks of the Doldenhorn, Frundenhorn, Oeschinenhorn and the Blumlisalphorn. OR perhaps enjoy a hike in the Gastern Valley. This magnificent valley is surrounded on all sides with towering cliffs.
Day 4: Transfer to Wengen and a free afternoon. For those looking for impressive panoramas, a cog rail train ride up to the Schynige Platte offers a wonderful vista of the surrounding region, including the famous Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch.
Day 5 & 6 : A hike southward from Wengen along the rim of the valley and up through Wengernalp and on to the Kleine Scheidegg. This is a wonderful hike with impressive views down to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, across to the village of Murren and up toward the peaks of the Schilthorn, Tschingelhorn, and Breithorn. Climbing up through the woods and into open meadows the views of the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger are breathtaking and ever changing.
A transfer to Lauterbrunnen and funicular up to Grutschalp affords a pleasant walk into the village of Murren. From Murren, it is possible to continue down through the hamlet of Gimmelwald and down to Stechelberg, the terminus of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Another option leads from Wengen to Leiterhorn and down into Burglauenen lying in the valley of Lutschental, down stream from Grindelwald. This is a somewhat forested way punctuated with outstanding views, especially those of the Wetterhorn.
Day 7: Depart Wengen for Zermatt; arrive in the mid-afternoon. The train ride to Zermatt is one of the classic train trips in the world. Depending on arrival time you may have time to avail yourself to one of the many cable cars the famous Gornergrat rack railway whisking you high into these splendid mountains.
Day 8 and 9: There are many, many hikes to choose from. One of our favorites is up the Trift Valley. Following the “Edelweiss” path you enter into amazing fields of flowers, views of the Matter Valley, stunning views of the Mischabel Mountain range. Once at Trift you can continue to even higher elevations to Hohenbalmn a quiet high alpine meadow reachable only on foot. Your efforts on this hike will be richly rewarded. Or for a shorter hike, we always like the hike to the Riffelsee with its classic views of the Matterhorn and her reflection in the Riffel Lake and the inspiring view of the gigantic Gornergrat Glacier.
There are many day hiking options. These represent only a few.
Day 10: Depart Zermatt.
More information from Distant Journeys:
- View trip on provider's website
www.distantjourneys.com/trips/self-guided-trips/hikes-in-swit… - Company profile, experience, and history
- View all of their trips
- Email this trip page to a friend
-
Comments from Facebook