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On your 8-day The Best of Via Alpina Hiking Trip you will hike on Switzerland’s National Via Alpina #1 signposted trail, constantly surrounded by breathtaking panoramas of the Swiss Alps.
During the Best of Via Alpina Hiking Trip, you’ll experience some of the most stunning landscapes in central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland, offering an unparalleled mix of dramatic peaks, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls.
Enjoy mesmerizing views along the way from Engelberg to Melchsee-Frutt, Grindelwald, and Mürren, visiting waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and other natural wonders. Thanks to the semi-guided character of this trip, you can enjoy your independence without having to worry about the logistics.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please meet us at the Torbogen outside Lucerne Train Station. If you prefer, we're also happy to meet you at your hotel.
Itinerary
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1Engelberg
Your Guide will meet you outside the customs area at Zurich Airport. After a warm welcome, the guide will lead you to the airport train station and help you get to your hotel in Engelberg comfortably. Your Guide will give you a detailed briefing of the itinerary and will provide you with all the documentation for the trip. During the briefing, you can ask any questions about your Trip. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Engelberg. Your guide is available all day and is happy to show you the best walking routes around this beautiful village.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
Your guide will accompany you on today’s hike to help you familiarize yourself with the Swiss hiking trails and trail signs. You have the entire day to ask all your questions about how the hiking trails in Switzerland works. By the time you reach Melchsee-Frutt, you will feel very confident to continue your hike independently. Today’s Hike The hike is flexible, and your Guide can adjust the route depending on your fitness level. Shortest route: Distance: ~9 km (5.5 miles) Elevation Gain: ~280 m (918 ft) Elevation Loss: ~324 m (1,063 ft) Time: ~3-4 hours (depending on pace & stops) Hiking Difficulty Level: Moderate (varied terrain with steady ascents and descents) After your first full day of hiking, relax and recharge at your comfortable hotel with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam rooms.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3Meiringen
Today’s hike will be gorgeous. There will be alpine peaks in the distance and green valleys and pastures below. One of the Swiss hiking guides describes this segment as a “Hike near to heaven”, with Swiss peaks of the Wetterhorn, Mittelhorn and Rothorn in your sights. From Melchsee-Frutt, you can either enjoy a scenic hike or a quick cable car ride from Alpentower to Mägisalp. Either way is going to be amazing. From Mägisalp, continue your journey to Meiringen. Once there, the Post bus will take you to Grosse Scheidegg, a stunning mountain pass known for its panoramic views of the Bernese Alps. This highlight offers an unmatched perspective of the surrounding peaks and valleys, providing a perfect spot for a pause. From the Grosse Scheidegg, continue your hike or take the local bus to the resort of Grindelwald.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
4
The Jungfrau region is a world famous mountain getaway that faces the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau mountain peaks. During your stay in Grindelwald, you can hike a selection of summit trails showcasing the best of the Jungfrau region. If you wish to do so, you can take the famous Jungfrau Bahn to visit Jungfraujoch located at a staggering 11,362 ft/3,463 m above sea level. From here you can admire the panorama of Aletsch, Europe’s largest glacier. Your Half-Fare card provides you a reduction on the Jungfrau railway. During the briefing with our guide in Engelberg, we will discuss the many safe, Grindelwald-based sign-posted mountain trails. This way you choose your hikes on the day according to prevailing weather conditions and your energy levels.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
5Wengen
Today you’ll experience one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Bernese Oberland – from Grindelwald to Wengen – through the iconic Jungfrau region, surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau peaks. We suggest following the classic alpine route: start in Grindelwald, surrounded by the drama of the Eiger North Face. Continue to Kleine Scheidegg, a mountain pass with views so epic it feels like a movie set. Then descend into Wengen, a stunning car-free village perched above Lauterbrunnen Valley. Today’s Hike The hike is flexible, and you can adjust the route depending on your fitness level. Shortest route: Distance: ~11 km (8 miles) Elevation Gain: ~/ m (/ ft) Elevation Loss: ~776 m (905 ft) Time: ~2-3 hours (depending on pace & stops) Hiking Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (longer duration with sustained uphill and downhill sections)
1 day • Admission ticket free -
6Lauterbrunnen
Today you’ll journey into the enchanting Lauterbrunnen valley, famous for its 72 waterfalls. While here, we highly recommend a visit to the Trümmelbach Falls. Afterward, you have two great options: Take a scenic hike up to Gimmelwald on peaceful alpine trails, with views of the valley below. From Gimmelwald, hike further up to Mürren, a charming mountain village perched at 1,661 m (5,450 ft), directly facing the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. Otherwise, you can take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Gimmelwald, then hike or take the cable car to Mürren for a gentler day. Either way enjoy the panoramic view of the Staubbach Falls. All trail maps and route suggestions will be in your Travel App, so you can decide based on weather and mood.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
7Murren
Today you have a full day to experience the beauty of Mürren and its surroundings. In your Travel App, you’ll find a handpicked selection of your absolute favorite hikes in the region. Today you will have time to visit Schilthorn, the mountain peak above Mürren. Here the James Bond movie, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, was filmed. Enjoy a 360 degrees panorama through the window of the peak’s restaurant, which rotates on its axis. If the weather is good, here you can admire the best Alpine vistas in the region. Here too, you can use your Half-Fare card and receive a reduction on the cable car rate.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Zurich Airport Meet & Greet - Engelberg Overnight
Guided Hike - Engelberg to Melchsee-Frutt
Hike - Melchsee-Frutt to Meiringen & Grindelwald
Grindelwald & the Jungfrau Region
Hike - Grindelwald to Wengen
Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald & Mürren
Mürren
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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