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Via Alpina - the Heart (Hike&Bike)

Part II: Altdorf - Kandersteg | 6 days

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The Via Alpina is the best-known long-distance hiking trail in Switzerland. From east to west, the number 1 hiking route connects the most beautiful hiking highlights across the country over 400 km from Vaduz in Liechtenstein to Lake Geneva in Montreux. The Via Alpina, that is experiencing Switzerland, up close!

The second part takes you from Altdorf to the monastery village of Engelberg, on to Meiringen, sitting in the saddle of an e-bike over the Grosse and Kleine Scheidegg into the Lauterbrunnen Valley and again on foot as the highlight over the Sefinafurgge and the Hohtürli to Kandersteg.

On this comfort trekking you hike with a light daypack. Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel.

Hiking highlights

  • An impressive opening leads over the historic Surenenpass, an alpine mule track, into the valley basin of Engelberg
  • At the Reichenbach Falls the water falls over 120 m down the rock cliffs, which were the fatal fate of the private detective Sherlock Holmes
  • Grosse and Kleine Scheidegg, two of the most stunning alpine passes on an e-bike The highlight awaits you at the end, the Hohtürli 2777 m is the highest Via Alpina pass
Technique
Hike: moderate | Bike: moderate

Hiking and mountain trails, continuous trail, moderately steep to steep, short sections with more exposure are possible (T1-T3). Surefootedness required.

Gravel roads with smaller obstacles: shallow roots, small stones or water channels. Little to moderately steep (up to 40%), tighter bends (S1). Basic skills and riding while standing are required.

Condition
Hike: challenging | Bike: moderate

Up and down and on and on! Puffing and sweating is part of it. You will love the trekking! But bring experience of multi-day tours with you and prepare well with regular endurance training. Hiking times without rests up to 8 hrs, up to approx. 1400 m altitude difference.

Cycling times without rests up to approx. 6 hrs, up to 50 km.

Group

6-12 guests per hiking guide

Meeting place

9.00 AM Altdorf train station (train arrival 8.51 AM Altdorf train station)

Departure

approx. 3.30 PM Kandersteg train station

Accommodation

(depending on the date, an alternative choice of hotel with comparable services may occur).

Note

The offer takes into account the current Covid-19 regulations of the FOPH. Please note the protection concept.

Termine | Preise | Onlinebuchung

Via Alpina - Herz (Hike&Bike)

6 days
2 possible dates
from 1845.- CHF
show prices & dates
Buchungspaket
07.07. - 12.07.2023
6 days
Status:
available
1845.- CHF
05.08. - 10.08.2023
6 days
Status:
available
1845.- CHF

Day 1 After a short transfer from Altdorf to Attinghausen, you will comfortably float over the first altitude level in the cable car cabin to the Brüsti mountain station. Over a ridge with a great view you hike to the historic Surenenpass. The rock bastions on the Brunnistock and the valley basin of the Blackenalp are impressive. A varied valley path leads to the monastery village Engelberg. (Walking time: 5.30 h, distance: 14 km, ascent/descent: 1175/750 meters).

Day 2 By gondola and chairlift the first meters in altitude are mastered in no time over the two steep steps to the spectacularly situated Trübsee at the foot of the Titlis and to the Jochpass. From here, the trail leads to Engstlenalp. An idyllic place of energy with lake, nostalgic hotel and thousands of alpine roses. Through a colorful alpine flora it goes to Tannalp with cheese dairy, inn and lake. Then you follows the panoramic trail over the ridge path to the Balmeregghorn with magnificent views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. From Planplatten you float comfortably down into the valley to Meiringen (walking time: 5 h, distance: 15 km, ascent/descent: 800/770 meters).

Day 3 You can comfortably lace up your shoes today, because the e-bike is waiting in front of the hotel. A short ride leads to the thundering Reichenbach Falls. Then you pass the Belle Epoque Hotel Rosenlaui and the glacier gorge and follow the last narrow hairpin bends up to Grosse Scheidegg and enjoy the ride down to Grindelwald in the middle of the Jungfrau region. (E-bike time: 4-5 h, distance: 32 km, up-/downhill: 1650/1075 meters).

Day 4 Strengthened by a fine breakfast and with a new battery charge, the road first climbs gently over undulating meadows and only becomes somewhat steeper at the end, just before Kleine Scheidegg. The rock and ice scenery of the Eiger North Face is close and imposing. Now follows a sunny high trail to Wengen with a view of the royal Jungfrau, then you dive into the Lauterbrunnen valley with its vertical walls and spectacular waterfalls. The driveway is a bit steeper for a moment, but still easy to master. (E-bike time: 3-4 h, distance: 20 km, up-/downhill: 1150/1300 meters).

Day 5 The sun terrace of Mürren is located directly opposite the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Via alpine pastures, panoramic terraces such as the Bryndli, and traditional huts such as the Rotstockhütte, the route continues to the Sefinafurgge, the impressive crossing into the Kiental. (Walking time: 6.30 h, distance: 16 km, ascent/descent: 1125/1350 meters).

Day 6 King stage over the 2778 m high Hohtürli! The detour to the Blümlisalphütte and the eternal glacier ice is rewarding. Over moraines it goes downhill to the deep blue, spectacular Oeschinensee, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps, surrounded by steep rock faces. The train takes you leisurely to Kandersteg, the Belle Epoque vacation resort. Farewell and journey home. (Walking time: 6.45 h, distance: 13.5 km, ascent/descent: 1475/1200 meters).

Included
  • Guiding and support by hiking guide
  • Overnight stay with half board: 5x hotel/guesthouse (basis double room)
  • E-bike and helmet (day 3 and 4) at a value of CHF 175.-
  • Welcome aperitif on day 1
  • Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel at a value of CHF 200.-
  • Via Alpina hiking passbook
  • Offsetting of CO2 emissions on the tour CHF 18.- per person (according to myclimate CO2 calculator)
  • Service fee legal travel guarantee (0.25% on offer price)
Exclusive
  • Arrival
  • Transportation (taxi/bus/cable) car approx. CHF 100.-
  • Snacks and drinks

Additional services:

  • Single room supplement CHF 200.-

Rental equipment

The rental equipment will be handed over on day 3:

  • E-Bike
  • Bike helmet
Technical equipment
  • Backpack approx. 30 l with rain cover
  • Telescopic poles (optional)
Clothing
  • 1x hardshell jacket (wind- and waterproof)
  • 1x soft shell and/or fleece jacket
  • 1x hiking pants
  • 1x biking pants
  • Light waterproof rain pants (e.g. Gore-Tex)
  • T-shirt or shirt
  • Underwear/Bike underwear
  • Cap/headband and hat
  • Gloves (wind and water resistant)
  • Bike gloves
  • Functional socks and spare socks
  • Hiking/mountain boots (at least ankle-high, sturdy sole)
Overnight
  • Clothing and shoes for the evening (accommodation & village life)
  • Personal toiletries, earplugs if necessary
Food
  • Breakfast and dinner at the hotel
  • Tea and lunch must be brought by yourself or can be bought in the hotel/village
  • Snacks (e.g. bars, dried fruits, dried meat)
Various
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun and lip cream (SPF 30 or more)
  • Camera and binoculars (optional)
  • Half fare Travelcard (if available)
  • Water bottle
  • Small pharmacy for personal needs
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