Summer Hiking in Switzerland: Via Alpina Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Engelberg

  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

• Day 2: Trek from Engelberg to Engstlenalp

  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

  
• Day 3: Trek from Engstlenalp to Meiringen

  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

  
• Day 4: Trek from Meiringen to Grindelwald

  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

  
• Day 5: Trek from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen

  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

  
• Day 6: Trek from Lauterbrunnen to Griesalp

  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

  
• Day 7: Trek from Griesalp to Kandersteg

  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

  
• Day 8: Departure day

  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