At a Glance
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Feel your senses come to life as you embark on this 6-day walking adventure across Switzerland. From glacial lakes and sparkling glaciers to snow-capped peaks and tumbling waterfalls. Unveil all the tradition, wonders and beauty imbued in the magnificent Swiss Alps as you venture from Interlaken to Zermatt.
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Interlaken, where you’ll shuttle to the charming Adelboden village, a region graced with breathtaking scenery and crisp alpine. Embark on a gondola ride up to Wildflower Trail. Come across Simmental cattle munching on the lush grass as you arrive in the glorious Kandersteg, and uncover Leukerbad, Switzerland’s largest thermal centre. Discover the age-old process used in making the classic and mouth-watering Swiss cheese. Leave Leukerbad for the fascinating village of Zmutt where you will uncover Ricola’s ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfer
- 5 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Meet with your tour leaders today at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Interlaken Ost (East) train station, Switzerland. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). After our meeting, we begin today’s adventure with a shuttle to Adelboden, a charming Swiss alpine village in the Bernese Oberland, where we enjoy a lunch of regional delights. Done with lunch, we set out on a hike through the stunning Adelboden Valley, a region graced with mesmerising scenery and crisp alpine air, the perfect introduction to walking in Switzerland. Ascend to Wildflower Trail on a gondola ride - a whopping 1980 m height (6500 feet), which you follow to Hahnenmoos Pass. Bask in the soothing and breathtaking views of the Adelboden and Lenk Valleys up here, and come across tumbling waterfalls and glistening glaciers stretching out before you. After a little while, we descend past small cheese huts and a babbling brook to Geils, where a local bus or Trotti bike returns us to Adelboden. |
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We will be settling at The Cambrian, a resort where authenticity meets design. Located in the centre of Adelboden, the Cambrian offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and many state-of-the-art amenities for you to unwind. Relax with a drink at the hotel’s sun terrace and lounge, treat your tired muscles to a therapeutic session at its spa, or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool with mountain views in sight. We will be gathering later tonight to celebrate our arrival in the Bernese Oberland with a wine reception and the first of many tasty traditional Swiss meals. |
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: After a hearty breakfast this morning, we begin today's adventure with a hike across the historic Gemmi Pass, an ancient trade route used since Roman times. Head out to our trails with a shuttle to the gorgeous Kanderstegm, a town nestled in the broad Kander Valley beneath the towering Blümlisalp and Doldenhorn peaks. Known for its abundant wildflowers and Simmental cattle which can be seen munching on the lush grass of mountain pastures, the magnificent Kandersteg is the perfect place for exploration. Feel the thrill of excitement as you get whisked away - 1920 metres (6300 feet) above the ground at the Sunnbüel cable car, embark on a challenging hike up the Spittel Valley, passing the shimmering glacier-fed lake. Continue up to Gemmi Pass - 2316 metres (7600 feet), where on a clear day you are treated to spectacular views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, Switzerland’s highest peak at 4633 metres (15,200 feet). Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading down on a Gemmibahn cable car to a steep rock face, a vertical drop that was once a formidable obstacle to anyone wanting to cross the pass. At the bottom is Switzerland's largest thermal centre, Leukerbad, graced with picturesque narrow streets lined with old chalets, shops, and cafés. |
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Relax and experience the healing powers of Leukerbad’s Les Sources des Alpes, our 5-star luxurious home for the next two nights set atop the waters’ wellspring. Head out for a dip in the hotel’s thermal baths, indulge in a refreshing and peaceful massage at the resort's excellent spa facility, and relish the picture-perfect mountain views of your surroundings as you relax on its charming terrace. Tonight, enjoy an alphorn concert performed by local musicians in a traditional costume, and thereafter engage your palates to the best Swiss dishes there are at a local restaurant. |
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Be prepared to cross patches of snow and ice during today's challenging hike, jaw-dropping views are ample rewards for your efforts. Begin your adventure in the Dala Valley with a walk along a trail built into the side of a thermal gorge. Traverse this thermal gorge on a high suspension bridge that looks onto a thundering waterfall. From here onward, you have the option of exploring the magnificent Leukerbad or you can choose to head back to the hotel for relaxation. If you decide to go with the first option, continue with a trek on a steep and steady climb flanked by majestic mountains. Absorb the spellbound and glamorous Swiss scene of flower-filled alpine meadows and herds of soft-eyed milk cows adorned with leather collars and brass bells. Later, discover the age-old process used in making the classic Swiss cheese as demonstrated by a local cheese maker at Flüealp. |
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Enjoy an exquisite picnic, which of course includes a taste or two of deliciously fresh cheeses, then ascend the valley to a hidden chapel built into the mountain. Done with today’s adventure, head back to Leukerbad. Enjoy dinner at your leisure at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant before retiring for the night. |
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: After a delightful breakfast this morning, we will be leaving Leukerbad to catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a picturesque village with stunning views of the Matterhorn. Arriving in Zermatt, refuel with lunch, then indulge in the many exciting activities lined up for you. Hike through Zmutt Valley along a rugged mountainside footpath, past traditional huts and hamlets. Explore this fascinating village of Zmutt with many interesting old homes to check out and a slice of strudel to enjoy. Take a trip to the villages of Zum See and Blatten where you will come across one of Ricola’s herb gardens displaying signs describing the 13 fresh herbs used to make the world-renowned candy and teas. Up for more challenges? Climb up to Schwarzsee, where sensational views await you. |
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Head back to Zermatt on foot or by gondola before settling in at the historic Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, a 5-star hotel and our home for the next two nights. A traditional luxury resort located in a central but peaceful location in Zermatt, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof offers panoramic views of the mountains. Delight your palates with a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Swiss cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette, and intercontinental dishes at one of the several excellent restaurants all by yourself. Your tour leaders are also happy to recommend one to you. |
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: We will be taking the Gornergrat Railway pathway up the mountain before hiking along a steep, well-manicured trail overlooking Zermatt. After passing the glacial Riffelsee, the trail ascends to the top of Gornergrat, a spectacular ridge. Admire jaw-dropping views of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses, and surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Klein Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Breithorn. Take a break from exploring for a sumptuous lunch, while listening to the grumbling sounds of glaciers. After lunch, hike to Gornergrat or head to the Rotenboden state and take a cog railway train to the summit. Up for more adventure? Head toward the Monte Rosa route which descends towards the Gorner Glacier and then climbs the back side of Gornergrat to reach the summit. |
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Head back to the hotel for the remaining part of the afternoon, relax and unwind at the resort pool, rejuvenate at its state-of-the-art spa or retire to the comforts of your room. Later tonight, we will be gathering for a festive farewell dinner. |
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Level 2, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft) Relish your picturesque surroundings this morning and enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of your time leisurely or if you are up for one last challenge, hike up to a mountain hut for magnificent views overlooking Zermatt and the surrounding peaks. We will be saying our goodbyes here, then you will be shuttling to the Zermatt train station bringing an end to this awe-inspiring and intriguing trip. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Interlaken
- The finish point is Zermatt
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Interlaken. The closest international airport is Bern Airport and is 50 km from the center of Interlaken.
Switzerland has four distinct climatic regions: alpine, subtropical, continental and Mediterranean. Mountain weather is very unpredictable and can change drastically with little warning and with temperatures dipping to freezing. It's essential that you bring appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants, and plenty of warm clothes. Please be prepared for all types of conditions to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable one. Please be aware that weather-related trail conditions, such as lingering heavy snow, may result in itinerary changes. These conditions are more common during spring and early summer departures. Rest assured your leaders are equipped with fabulous alternate routes should they be needed.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-5.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.