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Via Alpina - the Heart (Hiking)

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, over the Grosse and Kleine Scheidegg into the Lauterbrunnen Valley and, 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
  • Under the spell of the mighty Wetterhorn and Eiger north face the route leads to Grindelwald
  • The highlight awaits you at the end, the Hohtürli 2777 m is the highest Via Alpina pass
Technique
active

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

Condition
challenging

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 up to 8 hrs, up to approx. 1400 m altitude difference.

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

New dates for the 2024 season will be released by Dec. 2023. For further information, please contact us or subscribe to the newsletter.

Private tours on your desired date we gladly will organize for you. Get in contact with us.

Learn more about the technical and physical requirements.

Termine | Preise | Onlinebuchung

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Day 1 After the meeting point in Altdorf and a short transfer to Attinghausen, you will comfortably float over the first altitude level in the cabin of the cable car 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 overcome the first steep step with the 120-year-old rack railroad up to the thunderous Reichenbach Falls. Under the spell of the mighty Wetterhorn, you pass the Belle Epoque Hotel Rosenlaui and the glacier gorge. Through beautiful moorland you reach Grosse Scheidegg. The post bus takes you to Grindelwald in the middle of the Jungfrau region. (Walking time: 4.50 h, distance: 12 km, ascent/descent: 1175/75 meters).

Day 4 The ascent over undulating meadows to Kleine Scheidegg is gentle, the rock and ice scenery of the Eiger north face is close and mighty. Now follows a sunny high trail to Wengen with views of the royal Jungfrau, then you descend into the Lauterbrunnen Valley with its vertical walls and spectacular waterfalls, at your choice on foot or leisurely by train. (Walking time: 6.30 h, distance: 19 km, ascent/descent: 1175/1400 meters).

Day 5 The sunny terrace of Mürren lies directly opposite the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Over alpine pastures, panoramic terraces such as the Bryndli and rustic 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 2777 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 comfortably to the Belle Epoque resort of Kandersteg. 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)
  • 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 17.- 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 140.- (SBB halffare basis)
  • Snacks and drinks

Additional services:

  • Single room supplement CHF 220.-

Technical equipment
  • Backpack approx. 20-30 l with rain cover
  • Telescopic poles (optional)
Clothing
  • 1x hardshell jacket (wind- and waterproof)
  • 1x soft shell and/or fleece jacket
  • 1x hiking pants
  • Light waterproof rain pants (e.g. Gore-Tex)
  • T-shirt or shirt
  • Underwear
  • Cap/headband and hat
  • Gloves (wind and water resistant)
  • 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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