The Swiss portion of Via Alpina feels like stepping into a fairytale. Over 8 days of guided all-women hiking in Switzerland, we’ll traverse mountain passes, navigate stunning ridgelines, and uncover lakes and waterfalls that seem too perfect to be real. From the iconic Eiger to the majestic Jungfrau, these panoramas will make every step a feast for the eyes. Pastoral villages nestled among towering peaks will welcome us with charm and tradition, while expert guides, cozy hotels, and amazing local flavors (cheese included) will make each day an effortless adventure.
This guided, all-women hike on Switzerland’s Via Alpina trail offers pure Alpine wonder over 8 unforgettable days. Explore Switzerland’s most iconic peaks, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, while crossing mountain passes, ridgelines, and valleys dotted with serene lakes and thundering waterfalls. End each day in cozy hotels in traditional Swiss villages, where you’ll enjoy delicious local cuisine. With luggage transfers and an experienced guide handling all logistics, this trek is an ideal blend of adventure and comfort in the heart of the Alps.
As you arrive at the hotel in Engelberg, the charming town welcomes you to the heart of Central Switzerland. Meet your guide at 6pm for a trip briefing. Engelberg boasts the famous Benedictine monastery Kloster Engelberg, founded in 1120 and reconstructed in the 18th century after a fire. Monks still reside here, creating a timeless atmosphere. If you decide to arrive a day or two early, explore the largest summer and winter destination in Central Switzerland. Go for a Titlis Cliff Walk, a 100m-long suspension bridge offering breathtaking views, or venture into the Titlis Glacier Cave for an underground exploration.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Engelberg
Distance: 8.7 miles (14 km)
Altitude gain/loss: +4,035 ft / -1,312 ft (+1,230 m / -400 m)
Walking time: 5 hours
Your first day on the trail begins by departing Engelberg, one of Central Switzerland’s largest hiking regions. Navigate a steep forest trail leading to Trübsee lake at the base of Mount Titlis. Continue to the Jochpass, crossing into the canton of Bern. From this vantage point, relish views of the mighty Titlis standing at an impressive 9,934 feet (3,028m). Afterward, descend to the picturesque village of Engstlenalp, your base for the night. Engstlenalp, labeled by Professor John Tyndall in 1866 as ‘one of the most charming spots in the Alps,’ includes a designated nature reserve.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Engstlenalp
Distance: 12.4 miles (20 km)
Altitude gain/loss: +2,100 ft / -6,135 ft (+640 m / -1,870 m)
Walking time: 7 hours
Begin the day by ascending to Tannalp, encountering a charming lake. The path then leads to the Erzegg/Planplatten ridge, a highlight of the trek offering stunning views of the giants of the Bernese Oberland, including the Eiger (13,015 ft/3967m) and the Bernese Alps. Begin the descent, passing boards featuring cartoons of Hasli, a local character. As you reach Reuti, observe various beautiful wooden sculptures along the path to Meiringen, a historic town with a surviving parish church of St Michael, adorned with 14th-century frescoes and 15th-century paintings.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Meiringen
Distance: 14.3 miles (23 km)
Altitude gain/loss: +4,625 ft / -3,215 ft (+1,410 m / -980 m)
Walking time: 8 hours
Today your group will embark on a relatively easy trek, despite being one of the longest, into the well-known areas of the Bernese Oberland. Traverse paths close to the Reichenbach Falls, famously associated with Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Ascend to the Grosse Scheidegg pass, walking between the peaks of Schwarzhorn and Wetterhorn. Enjoy the first close view of the magnificent Eiger. Conclude with a gentle descent to Grindelwald, a bustling and renowned resort surrounded by exceptional scenery.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Grindelwald
Distance: 11.8 miles (19 km)
Altitude gain/loss: +3,609 ft / -4,364 ft (+1,100 m / -1,330 m)
Walking time: 6 hours
Today the trek will be a bit busier. You’ll first ascend to the Kleine Scheidegg, where the steeper-than-it-looks hike provides an altitude gain of over 3,200 ft (1,000 m). Revel in the proximity to the Eiger’s north face and panoramic views of Mönch and Jungfrau. Pass Wengernalp, a beautiful alpine meadow described by Leslie Stephen as ‘the loveliest place in this world.’ After a steep descent, reach Lauterbrunnen, renowned for its strikingly beautiful U-shaped valley.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Lauterbrunnen
Distance: 14.9 miles (24 km)
Altitude gain/loss: +6,069 ft / -4,068 ft (+1,850 m / -1,240 m)
Walking time: 10 hours
The trek begins with the highest pass of the trip, Sefinenfurgge. Begin with a steep 490-foot (150 m) climb over shale, leaving Lauterbrunnen and crossing the Sefinenfurgge pass. Escape busier regions of the Bernese Oberland and enter a quieter, more remote area. Cross several streams, pass Staubbach Falls, and gain a magnificent view of the Jungfrau from base to peak. Reach Mürren, the highest permanently inhabited village and the birthplace of modern slalom. Conclude the ascent with a steep zigzag path over shale and scree, offering breathtaking views of the Mönch and Eiger. Descend into lush alpine meadows before arriving in Griesalp, your base for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Griesalp
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
Altitude gain/loss: +4,757 ft / -5,512 ft (+1,450 m / -1,680 m)
Walking time: 8 hours
Experience a varied trek on the last day of your week-long Swiss Via Alpina adventure. Ascend through alpine forests and meadows, arriving at Bundalp before making the main ascent of the day. Encounter rugged and glacial terrain during the climb to the Hohtürli pass, offering unparalleled views of the untamed mountain landscape. Begin the descent, passing the turquoise waters of Oeschinen Lake, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful. Admire its oval shape and amphitheater-like surroundings protected by towering mountains. Pass several waterfalls and continue to descend to Kandersteg for the final evening and a celebratory group meal.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kandersteg
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
Altitude gain/loss: +4,757 ft / -5,512 ft (+1,450 m / -1,680 m)
Walking time: 8 hours
Your fantastic week-long trek on the Swiss Via Alpina concludes after breakfast today. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow hikers, and to the Swiss Alps—or continue touring on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Our guide was Jason and he did an incredible job. He didn’t make us feel rushed at all and he followed our pace. He also was very educated about the outdoors and sounds like a very experienced hiker/climber. Highly recommend!
What an incredible experience. Our guide was fantastic, teaching our kids so many things along the way. Highly recommend!
Included:
Not included:
Even though the Swiss Via Alpina Trail is not technical, it is generally recommended only for advanced hikers in excellent physical shape due to long daily distances and big ascents. You can expect a 6,000ft ascent (1,850 m) on the hardest day and hiking between 9 and 15 miles (14-25 km) for 6 consecutive days.
Keep in mind that hiking can be made difficult because of changing weather. However, you will be able to take many breaks and your guide will adjust the route if it gets too strenuous for your group. Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.
If you think you may not be ready for this trek at the moment, we suggest adopting a training regiment in the weeks leading up to the trip, with regular long daily hikes in hilly terrain, as well as activities like jogging, swimming, playing squash, or circuit training. By adequately preparing both physically and mentally for this adventure, all experienced hikers can fully enjoy the challenges and rewards that this remarkable trek has to offer.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Typically, the weather along the route is warm and fairly stable, requiring minimal extra gear. However, it’s crucial to bring all the items from the list due to unseasonal conditions that can occasionally occur, especially at higher altitudes. At least once every summer hikers witness unseasonal snow and heavy rainfall, with temperatures plummeting from mid-30s°C (86°F) to below zero (0°C/32°F).
For rain, waterproof jackets and trousers are essential, along with multiple pairs of gloves. In the event of snow, quality hiking boots, walking poles, warm clothing, and gloves are necessary. Sometimes hikers experience heatwaves, meaning that they need to be equipped with rehydration salts, 3-4L of water, and a sun hat.
Don’t underestimate the importance of proper gear; be well-prepared for any situation. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with your guide prior to your trip.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in Switzerland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
The starting point of your hiking Via Alpina tour is Engelberg. To get there, most people fly into Zürich international Airport. From there, you can take a shuttle service to the main train station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) and take a 2-hour ride to Engelberg. Keep in mind that there is one change during the ride.
You will meet your guide and fellow hikers at 6pm on Day 1 at your hotel for a trip briefing.
Travel and medical/rescue insurance is mandatory on this tour. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Our tour with Cloud 9 Adventures was perfect, highly recommend! Emma was amazing: a great communicator in planning our trip before we arrived, very responsive and thorough. Our guide Mark was professional, funny and very informative, and brought us to locations we would not have seen on our own (and we even saw an allusive Ibex and Chamois!) Highly recommend Cloud 9, you will not regret!