SWISS ALPS 2024 WOMEN'S HIKING ADVENTURE

We will all meet at the Geneva International Airport (GVA) around 12:00pm. We will then be transferred by van to Grindelwald where you will settle into our hotel. The drive is about 3 hours.

Grindelwald, a famous village in the Bernese Alps, is nestled at the bottom of the Lutschine valley at 1000m at the foot of the famous north face of the Eiger. We will stay there for 3 nights at the hotel Gletschergarten.

We will gather together at 6:00 pm for our orientation meeting and welcome dinner.

From the hotel we will walk to the gondola. Our hiking day starts following a large easy trail to the famous Baschalp Lake at 7,470ft. From here the panoramic views over Grindelwald and the surrounding mountains is worth a look. Following a spectacular balcony, crossing between meadows and mountain pastures, our panoramic trail takes us to the mountain pass of Grosse Scheidegg 6,450ft. Return to Grindelwald with the typical yellow Postal Bus.

The Eiger trail, crossing at the foot of the north face of the Eiger, is breathtaking. We will walk through town to the gondola station. This spectacular journey begins as we ride a classic gondola to Holenstein (5,340ft). From the trail leads us up and through the forest directly towards the famous Eiger Nordwand to the saddle of Kleine Scheidegg (6.557ft). From this lively and bustling pass, we continue up to a little lake to view the spectacular famous trio of mountain peaks; Eiger, Munch, Jungfrau.  From here starts the unforgettable Eiger trail!  At the end of the hike, a zigzag path descends to Alpiglen station (1620m). Return by train to Grindelwald. Dinner will be on our own so we can explore this quaint town.

Today we will explore a different valley. A short van transfer to Lauterbrunnen will deliver us to a beautiful and serene valley where we walk to the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain made accessible by the tunnel lift, stairs, and illumination. From here we will continue on, walking to the cable car that will take us up to the charming town of Mürren. A Swiss mountain village at the foot of the Schilthorn peak. 

After a gondola ride to 5,550ft we will enjoy a nice crossing in the forest, along dramatic cllifs, though the mountain pastures, where we will arrive at the panoramic point on the edge of the splendid lake of Oeschinen with turquoise waters. Surrounded by steep cliffs flooded with waterfalls, this lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Swiss Alps. The lake is even listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This loop can be vigorous in some parts. We will then descend down the trail to the lake. A short hike back up hill will return us to the gondola where we will descend to Kandersteg.

This secluded alpine valley is notable for its flora, waterfalls, and impressive mountains. We will wind our way through the forest, along the river, with stops at the mountain cafes for coffee and snacks, looking for wildlife, as we explore the quiet and serene valley.

From Kandersteg we travel by tram up to Sunnbüel and begin hiking past the serene Daubensee toward the historic Gemmi Pass (7,616ft) which is thought to have been used as far back as the Bronze Age. From here we take time to enjoy the views of some of the major peaks in the Valais (Pennine) Alps, such as the Dom, Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Dent Blanche. The 2000'+ descent takes us on an impressive trail carved in the cliffs overlooking the town of Leukerbad at the head of the lovely Dala Valley. To finish off this unique day and week of hiking, we will spend a good time at the well known thermal baths of Leukerbad before our final dinner together!

After a good breakfast, we will say goodbye. Transfer to the Geneva International Airport (GVA) arriving back to the airport around 2pm. Please plan your travel home accordingly.