Classic Swiss Alps (trip)

Classic Swiss Alps

  • Grindelwald, Switzerland
  • Active & Adventure
Switzerland, Europe

Contact provider for price9 DaysYear-round
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 4
Operator: Wilderness Travel 15 people max
Two of Switzerland’s most spectacular regions are showcased on this journey: the grand-scale Bernese Oberland and the traditional Engadine Valley, where the Romansch culture and language are preserved in an exquisite mountain setting. We begin with incredible alpine rambles in the classic Bernese Oberland, home to Switzerland’s deepest valleys, most breathtaking glaciers, and the towering Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau massifs. We then board the most famous Swiss train—the Glacier Express—and 91 tunnels and 261 bridges later, arrive in the pastoral Engadine Valley for hikes in an enchanting world of cobalt lakes, flower-filled meadows, and centuries-old chalets. Our journey is all hotel-based (no hike-in lodges), with moderate to challenging hiking options and up to three Trip Leaders for great camaraderie.

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Locations visited/nearby

Switzerland, Europe

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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.
  • May accommodate certain types of disabilities. Contact the operator for more information.

Itinerary

Days 1-2
Grindelwald

The massive peaks of the Bernese Oberland present a well-defined wall of giants sometimes known as “the North Face of the Alps.” We hike to Bachsee, a stunning lake at 8,850 feet where shimmering waters reflect the towering rock faces of the Wetterhorn, Shreckhorn, and Finsteraahorn. Overnights are in Grindelwald, with views of the north face of the Eiger (13,025'), one of the most famous peaks in the Alps.

Days 3-4
Kleine Scheidegg / Wengen

A classic Oberland hike brings us from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg (8,250'), right at the foot of the Eiger. We descend to our hotel in charming Wengen, a climbing and skiing center since the turn of the century. Cable cars make our traverse as easy or moderate as desired, and we get amazingly close to the 4,600-foot North Face of the Eiger, one of the world’s legendary rock climbs. Hiking from Wengen the next day, our trail leads us through peaceful meadows where tranquil Swiss dairy cows roam with oversized bells around their necks.

Days 5-6
Pontresina / St. Moritz

A ride on the Glacier Express train brings us to the Engadine, an enchanting valley full of Old World charm. Our panoramic ridgetop hike above the valley brings us picture-postcard views of the Upper Engadine and its serene lakes. The high reaches of the Engadine are lovely, with alpine farming still done the traditional way, by hand. Overnights are in idyllic Pontresina, near St. Moritz.

Days 7-9
Guarda / Via Engadina

We hike the Via Engadina, a long-distance footpath, through storybook hamlets to Guarda, the quintessential Engadine village. The trail takes us through forests with the Inn River on one side and steep mountains on the other. The next day, a more challenging hiking option brings us to the great jagged peak of Piz Buin, looming over the Engadine Valley. Overnights are in Guarda, a cluster of very old and intricately painted farm chalets and one of the most glorious hideaways in Switzerland. Depart on Day 9.

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