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Stunning lake swiss

Women’s Luxury Hiking Tour of Via Alpina, Switzerland

5 days | Challenging | 4.90
From $3,748 ()
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The vibrant summer hues of the Swiss Alps are the perfect setting for a luxurious hiking adventure—because if there’s one thing the Alps don’t lack, it’s the seamless blend of million-dollar views and deluxe facilities which will make you feel like a million bucks. This 5-day all-women hiking adventure will take us along some of Via Alpina’s most scenic routes in the Bernese Oberland, where an exquisite tapestry of Alpine landscapes unfurls before us. Mighty waterfalls, lush and lakeside towns, rugged mountains teeming with wildlife, the glossy Oeschinensee lake, it’s all part of the trip. And just as the day draws to a close, every night we’ll retreat to our upscale hotels for a rejuvenating massage, gourmet meals, signature cocktails, and pools surrounded by high peaks.

Adventure Highlights

  • Magical moments on the Via Alpina: Traverse some of Via Alpina’s most scenic routes in the mesmerizing Switzerland
  • Get royally pampered & spoiled: Indulge in upscale hotels, luxury spas, and delicious Swiss cuisine
  • Witness Alpine classics: The trip gathers Alpine quintessential landscapes with possible wildlife sightings
Duration
5 days
Season
Summer
Group size
Up to 6 people
Accommodation
Luxury: Luxury boutique hotels with spa facilities
Difficulty
Challenging: Excellent fitness required, hiking up to 12 km (7.5 mi) per day, with up to 1,251 m (4,105 ft) in elevation gain
What's included
Guide, accommodation, all meals, spa access, luggage transfers, cable cars

The adventure, day by day

If you like getting back to a luxurious spa, upscale restaurants, and delicious cocktails after a day out in nature, the Swiss Alps are your go-to place. Over the course of 5 days, we will explore Via Alpina—an intricate web of trails offering endless marveling! With day hikes, we will witness quintessential Alpine gems, from cow-dotted pastures and high peaks to rushing waterfalls and spectacular lakes. All your meals, accommodation, and luggage transport is taken care of—all you have to do is show up and indulge in this deluxe adventure.

Important note

Please note that great physical condition is a must for this hiking adventure. The most we’ll gain in a day is 1,250 m (4,100 ft), which can get quite intense if you’re not physically fit enough. Additionally, if you have a fear of heights, this trip may not be suitable for you.

Day 1: Arrival in Kandersteg
Kandersteg in Switzerland

Make your way to Kandersteg, a charming Swiss village where we’ll stay for the night. Today is all about arriving and settling in. We recommend reaching Kandersteg in the afternoon in order to indulge in the spa facilities our hotel has to offer. At any rate, aim to arrive by 6 pm at the latest, since that is when we’ll all meet up and have a briefing at the hotel. This will be followed by a welcome dinner at 7pm. Have a good night’s sleep, as tomorrow the hiking begins!

Accommodation: 4-star Waldhotel Doldenhorn
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Hiking to Oeschinensee Lake
Oeschinen lake in the Swiss Alps.

We begin our adventure with a bang! Today we’re going to the spectacular Oeschinensee Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Via Alpina’s highlights. It’s the perfect start to our journey, and we’ll take our time soaking up the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere of the lake. After exploring the area, we’ll go back to our nice hotel for the night, chill out in the spa, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: 4-star Waldhotel Doldenhorn
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 km / 5 miles (3 hours without breaks)
Elevation: +450 m (+1,480 ft) / -450 m (-1,480 ft)

Day 3: Kandersteg to Adelboden
Adelboden Switzerland

Probably hard to leave your comfort(able) zone, but the trail is calling! Today is all about the rugged mountains, allowing you to spot wildlife, such as ibexes and marmots! Hike up facing the three Lohner summits to the Bunderchrinde Pass, and then go down to the picturesque village of Adelboden featuring romantic wooden chalets. Spend the night here in another luxurious hotel and enjoy a well-deserved delicious dinner.*

*This stage can be shortened by taking a taxi (not included in the price)

Accommodation: Hotel Adler Adelboden
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 12 km / 7.5 miles (7 hours without breaks)
Elevation: +1,251 m (+4,105 ft) / -1,251 m (-4,105 ft)

Day 4: Hiking to Lenk
Two cows in the Swiss Alps

Let’s kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at our upscale hotel. Today we’re taking on the Wildstrubel massif, crossing the Bummerepass. We’ll be surrounded by spectacular mountain views. For the final stretch to Lenk, we’ll descend by a cable car and (optionally) take a bus to reach it. We’ll be staying at the best hotel in the area, complete with spa facilities for relaxation. In the evening, we’ll celebrate the end of the Via Alpina with a cozy, traditional Swiss meal—choose between a decadent cheese fondue or a velvety raclette!

Accommodation: 5-star Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 10 km / 6 miles (4.5 hours without breaks)
Elevation: +838 m (+2,750 ft) / -100 m (-330 ft)

Day 5: Simmenfälle waterfalls & departure
Waterfalls in the Swiss Alps

On the last day of our Via Alpina adventure, we’ll go on a more relaxed hike to give our tired legs a break! It’s certainly no less beautiful, though—we’ll walk to a spectacular waterfall and then make our way to the source of this waterfall, just the perfect spot for a lovely picnic. We’ll return back to Lenk, enjoy our last drink together, and bid farewell! If you’d like to stay longer here and keep on exploring the area, just ask us for recommendations.

Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Hiking: 11 km / 6.8 miles (3 hours without breaks)
Elevation: +198 m (+650 ft) / -198 m (-650 ft)

Photo gallery

Accommodation

Adventure, packed to go

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Famke
5.00
Famke
UIMLA Mountain Leader
Thanks to her parents, Famke has been spending time in the mountains since a very early age—she was even selected in the Young Netherlands Ski Team! Though Famke soon realized that competitive skiing isn’t for her, she kept on skiing and exploring the mountains with her friends. There’s nothing nicer for her in the world than setting off for a hike with her friends, her dog, and a delicious picnic, which inspired her to sign up for the International Mountain Leader training course in Switzerland. Having completed the course in 2018, Famke’s been taking other travelers to explore the Alps. Whether it’s snowshoeing, trekking, wildcamping, backpacking, or hiking, Famke is happy to show you the beauty of the Alps!
Woody the Dog
5.00
Woody the Dog
Woody is a beloved and an essential member of the team. This cheerful and energetic Golden Retriever is known for bringing good vibes to the group, always making everyone laugh with his playful antics. When Woody suddenly stands still and perks up his ears, you can be sure there are marmots nearby!

What others say about this adventure

4.90 (10 reviews)
J
Jennifer E.
|July 2025
Perfection from beginning to end. Glorious waterfalls, unimaginable beauty, and brilliant hikes. There is absolutely I would have changed or modified - well, maybe adding another couple days because leaving was so hard!
N
Nancy B.
|July 2025
Our hiking adventure in the Swiss Alps was nothing short of incredible, thanks to our phenomenal guide, Famke. Each day brought new trails—some challenging with steep ascents or narrow ridgelines, others winding through serene alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. Famke with Mountful Hikes struck the perfect balance between adventure and safety, choosing routes that pushed us just enough while always remaining doable. Her deep knowledge of the terrain, local wildlife, and wildflowers made every hike feel like a guided nature documentary.
E
Elizabeth F.
|July 2025
The Via Alpina hike was truly spectacular; from beautiful lakes, to cute villages to the cows, pigs and goats we met along the way. The hiking is challenging but in all the best ways possible. Would highly recommend.
4.90(10 reviews)
J
Jennifer E.
|July 2025
Perfection from beginning to end. Glorious waterfalls, unimaginable beauty, and brilliant hikes. There is absolutely I would have changed or modified - well, maybe adding another couple days because leaving was so hard!
N
Nancy B.
|July 2025
Our hiking adventure in the Swiss Alps was nothing short of incredible, thanks to our phenomenal guide, Famke. Each day brought new trails—some challenging with steep ascents or narrow ridgelines, others winding through serene alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. Famke with Mountful Hikes struck the perfect balance between adventure and safety, choosing routes that pushed us just enough while always remaining doable. Her deep knowledge of the terrain, local wildlife, and wildflowers made every hike feel like a guided nature documentary.
E
Elizabeth F.
|July 2025
The Via Alpina hike was truly spectacular; from beautiful lakes, to cute villages to the cows, pigs and goats we met along the way. The hiking is challenging but in all the best ways possible. Would highly recommend.
E
Emi Lehane

A super mountain guide who can guide you around the mountains safely. Olle, her dog was very welcoming to my dog too when we both joined for a Thursday morning hike. I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a nice way to spend time in nature

A
Ana Gabriela Fac

Famke and her dog Olle are great companions to explore the Swiss mountains. On top of being very professional and knowledgeable, she is a very nice person! Highly recommended!

N
Nienke Veerstra

Famke is a very well prepared guide, who adjust the trip / tour to the level and condition of her guests. She is a pleasent company with a no-nonsense attitude and her very sweet and tough dog, Olle is really an addition to the company.
Besides a nice hike through a fantastic environment, you can have good conversations, or just enjoy the silence and maybe (as in our case) encouter a gems or deer!

F
Felipe Sandoval

Hiking is about you, nature and hopefully someone else who loves being out as much as you do. Famke loves what she does… and you can tell. I would recommend hiking with her to anyone who’s interested in connecting with the overwhelming beauty of nature. Also… hiking is just a great way of meeting nice people.
Thanks a lot Famke!
See you soon!

J
Jasmine van der Pol

Thanks to Famke, we had a fantastic hike in the snow. We even saw our favorite mountain goat, the Chamois!

H
Hirva R.
|September 2025
The only thing I would change is the hotel in Kandersteg. This was a hotel for 2 nights and was quite dumpy. The spa was not great and needs an update. I wish we had two days in Lenk instead. The hotel and spa in Lenk always the best.
M
Michelle L.
|September 2024

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, UIMLA Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of the area
      • All-women 5-day Via Alpina hiking adventure (4 days of guided hikes)
      • Accommodation for 4 nights in luxury boutique hotels (double occupancy)
      • All meals (breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners), from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5
      • Spa access at hotels
      • Luggage transfers
      • Cable car to Oeschinensee
      • Cable car to Lenk
      • Tourist tax

    Not included:

      • Transportation to starting point (Kandersteg) and from the finish point (Lenk) — both easily accessible by train
      • Additional transfers for a potentially shorter route
      • Snacks and drinks
      • Any spa treatments
      • Hotel gratuities
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Insurance — available to add at checkout
  • In order to join the hiking trip of Via Alpina, great physical fitness is required. You can read detailed day-by-day distances and elevation gains in the itinerary, but below you’ll find a general overview. You’ll take breaks and take it easy when necessary, but make sure you’re fit enough to cover distances and elevation gains that you will find in the itinerary.

    This hiking adventure is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. You will be high up in the Swiss Alps, and occasional vertical drops are to be expected.

      • 4 days of hiking
      • 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) per day
      • Up to 1,251 m (4,105 ft) of elevation gain in a day
      • 3-7 hours of hiking per day

    Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day. At the end of the day, charming hotels await with excellent spa facilities to relax your sore muscles!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Week’s worth hiking clothing
      • Elegant attire for deluxe restaurants
      • Swimwear
      • Leisure clothing — optional
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this guided all-women Via Alpina hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 4 people to run this tour. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants.

    Hiking the Via Alpina can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The price for this women-only Via Alpina hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

  • To get to Kandersteg, the starting point of  this Via Alpina hiking tour, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport.

    Day 1 of the trip is dedicated to arriving and settling into your hotel. Still, it’s recommended that you arrive in the afternoon and indulge in the spa facilities. In any case, aim to reach Kandersteg by 6 pm, as that is when you’ll meet up with your guide and your team, and have a welcome dinner at 7 pm.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits 

    Secure your spot either by paying in full or with a 50% deposit! The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest. If booking within 120 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 120 or more days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 119 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
      • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.

    Early Bird booking

    Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit. 

    As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best. 

    More about how Early Bird bookings work below:

      • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
      • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
      • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit). 
      • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
      • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.
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