What you get on this adventure: An experienced, UIMLA Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of the area 4 days of Via Alpina guided hiking Accommodation (3 nights in charming 5* and 4* hotels) 2 nights in a twin-shared room with single beds 1 night in a double room for yourself Spa entrance Luggage transport during the tour All meals during the tour Oeschinensee cable car Transfer back to Gstaad What’s not included: Transportation to starting point (Lenk) and finish point (Kandersteg) — both easily accessible by train Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs Snacks and drinks Massages, facials and other spa-treatments Accommodation prior to and after the tour — make sure to arrive a day prior to the start of the tour, let us know if you need help booking accommodation Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join the hiking trip of Via Alpina, good physical fitness is required. The most you’ll hike in a day is up to 14 km (9 miles) with 1,200 m (3,937 ft) of ascent. Almost every day of this 4-day tour will be in this ballpark. At the end of the day, charming hotels await with excellent spa facilities to relax your sore muscles. Keep in mind that you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

What do I need to bring?

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 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 age requirements

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 cost does not decrease as the group grows. 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.

Deposits and cancellation policy

A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking. After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Lenk, the starting point of your Via Alpina 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. Looking to make the airport transfer hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop-Offs —they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. You’ll be hiking on Day 1 of your tour, so make sure to arrive there a day prior to the start of the tour and arrange accommodation. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet on Day 1.

Covid measures in Switzerland and Lichtenstein

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Switzerland and Lichtenstein, please refer to the Swiss COVID-19 travel advice and Lichtenstein’s current information on COVID-19 . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

SWISS ALPS | SWITZERLAND

Women’s Luxury Hiking Tour of Via Alpina, Switzerland

5.00 ()

Season

Summer

Nearest city

Zürich and Geneva are 2.5 hours away

Accommodation

4 and 5* luxury hotels with spa facilities

Duration

4 days

Skill level

Intermediate

Guides

Famke van der Elst, Mountful Hikes

From $2,650 () / 4 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

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 4-day, all-women hiking adventure takes you along some of Via Alpina’s most scenic routes in the Bernese Oberland, where an exquisite tapestry of Alpine landscapes unfurls before you. Mighty waterfalls, the lush Adelboden, 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 you’ll retreat to your upscale hotels for a rejuvenating massage, gourmet meals, signature cocktails, and pools surrounded by high peaks.

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

Itinerary

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 4 days, you will explore Via Alpina—an intricate web of trails offering endless marveling. Witness the 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.

Make sure to arrive at least a day prior to Day 1 of the tour as you have to be fresh and ready for some hiking. If you need recommendations on where to stay in Lenk or somewhere near it, let us know. You’ll meet your guide and your team in Lenk, a charming Swiss village. Your journey begins here, where you’ll warm up with an acclimatization hike to the stunning Simmenfälle. Soak in the Alpine landscapes, amazing waterfalls, and a lovely stream. Return back to the most beautiful hotel in Lenk for relaxing in the spa and enjoying a delicious dinner (for which there’s a dress code, so make sure to bring some nice clothes). This hotel is a five-star hotel boasting million-dollar views and luxury lodgings.

Accommodation: 5* hotel & spa resort
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Elevation: +200 m / +660 ft | -200 m / -660 ft
Hiking: 3 hours without breaks
Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at your upscale hotel. Today you’re taking on the spectacular waterfalls, climbing through the Wildstrubel massif to the Hahnenmoos Pass. Enjoy these panoramic views with a glass of Aperol Spritz in your hand. If you’re really tired, it’s possible to take a gondola down to Adelboden. If not, follow the river all the way down. Retreat to your accommodation for the night—a 4* spa and design hotel in Adelboden boasting invigorating spa facilities. Here you’ll stay by yourself in luxurious rooms.

Accommodation: 4* spa & design hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Elevation: + 987 m / +3,238 ft | -679 m / -2,228 ft
Hiking: 5.5 hours without breaks
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 chamois! Hike up facing the three Lohner summits to the Bunderchrinde Pass, and then go down to the picturesque village of Kandersteg featuring romantic traditional wooden chalets. Spend the night here in another 4* luxurious hotel and enjoy a well-deserved delicious dinner.

Accommodation: 4* traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 14 km / 9 miles
Elevation: +1,203 m / +3,947 ft | -1,223 m / -4,103 ft
Hiking: 7 hours without breaks
As cherry on top of this all-women, luxury Via Alpina adventure, you’re going to the spectacular Oeschinensee, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Via Alpina’s highlights. It’s also possible to do the last part of the descent by cable car to Kandersteg. Say goodbye to your guide and team—the tour has come to an end. If you’d like to stay longer and explore the area, just ask your guide for some recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Elevation: +1,068 m / +3,504 ft | -567 m / -1,860 ft
Hiking: 5 hours without breaks

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Meet your guides

5.00

Famke van der Elst

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!

5.00

Mountful Hikes

Mountful Hikes offers hiking and snowshoeing adventures in Switzerland. Apart from leading individual clients through endless riches of the Swiss Alps, they also offer company outings, breakout session, and teambuilding. All trips and wishes are entirely customisable as Mountful Hikes works with their clients to arrange perfect getaways into the mountains. Basic camping, hut-to-hut, luxurious hotels—whatever you’d like, they can make it possible!

5.00 (5 reviews)

Emi Lehane (source: Facebook)

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

Ana Gabriela Fac (source: Facebook)

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!

Nienke Veerstra (source: Facebook)

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!

Felipe Sandoval (source: Facebook)

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!

Jasmine van der Pol (source: Facebook)

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

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, UIMLA Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4 days of Via Alpina guided hiking
  - Accommodation (3 nights in charming 5* and 4* hotels)
    
    2 nights in a twin-shared room with single beds
    
    1 night in a double room for yourself
  - Spa entrance
  - Luggage transport during the tour
  - All meals during the tour
  - Oeschinensee cable car
  - Transfer back to Gstaad
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to starting point (Lenk) and finish point (Kandersteg) — both easily accessible by train
  - Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
  - Snacks and drinks
  - Massages, facials and other spa-treatments
  - Accommodation prior to and after the tour — make sure to arrive a day prior to the start of the tour, let us know if you need help booking accommodation
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join the hiking trip of Via Alpina, good physical fitness is required. The most you’ll hike in a day is up to 14 km (9 miles) with 1,200 m (3,937 ft) of ascent. Almost every day of this 4-day tour will be in this ballpark. At the end of the day, charming hotels await with excellent spa facilities to relax your sore muscles. Keep in mind that you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
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
  - 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 cost does not decrease as the group grows.
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.
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  - For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
To get to Lenk, the starting point of your Via Alpina 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.

Looking to make the airport transfer hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop-Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles.

You’ll be hiking on Day 1 of your tour, so make sure to arrive there a day prior to the start of the tour and arrange accommodation. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet on Day 1.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Switzerland and Lichtenstein, please refer to the Swiss COVID-19 travel advice and Lichtenstein’s current information on COVID-19.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!