At a Glance
Immerse in a euphoric adventure, exploring Switzerland’s vast and bewitching Valais Matterhorn region where natural wonders are infinite. From Great Aletsch Glacier, Zermatt to Leukerbad; marvel at awe-inspiring peaks, scenic mountain landscapes, wildflowers, suspension bridges, and historical homes that dot the landscape on this 8-day hiking Swiss Alps adventure as you walk to unearth the very best of the region.
Begin at the historical town of Brig, with a warm reception at the Hotel Stockalperhof. Venture into the Valais region, walking the monumental Aletsch Glacier featuring colourful fauna, and a magnificent glacial lake. Trek across the Edelweiss Trail in Zermatt to behold its guarded flowers and panoramic views of Matterhorn's Northside. Explore the glacial trail, passing through the eye-catching alpine landscapes of Wildstrubel massif to Lammeren mountain refuge. Behold the iconic ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7-night accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin-share basis
- All breakfasts
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Headwater navigation app
Itinerary
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Arrive at Brig, the iconic and historic alpine town of Valais, in the heart of Southern Switzerland. The town which is on the foothill of the elegant Simplon Pass is also at a strategic junction on the glacier express, making it a perfect vista to a world of adventures in the regions of Zermatt and Saas-Fee. The family-run Hotel Stockalperhof will absorb you into its exquisite interiors for the night as you settle down for a busy day ahead. This hotel will host you for the next three nights and is in proximity with the areas we'll explore. While here, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the hotel's four restaurants where regular and seasonal menus pamper guest's palates and the collection of wines exposes your taste buds to pleasant surprises. After dinner, proceed to admire the alluring atmosphere of the restaurant which is socially stimulating for making great friendships. If time permits, relax on the garden terrace to soak in the Valais breeze and sip cocktails at the bar. Afterward, retreat into a lavishly furnished room, admire the picturesque mountains and vibrant city from your window, have a warm soothing bath, enjoy all contemporary amenities present, and rest on a cosy bed with the next day's adventure in mind. |
Hotel Stockalperhof, Brig
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Approx 15 km (9.3 miles), 2-3 hours walking Wake up to the brisk, dazzling sun rays of Valais, get prepped up, and begin the day with a delectable breakfast that sets you up for the adventure at hand. Today, our Valais expedition begins with a walk to the Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, framed by 4,000-metre peaks. The glacier is characterised by everlasting ice, a crooked ice tongue, fascinating alpine flora, and a picturesque lake that may take your breath away for some moments, marking your first boost of ecstasy on the adventure. To begin this spectacular walk, take a train to Betten Valley which is a takeoff point for all alpine hiking trails here, and enjoy a short cable car ride that brings you to Bettmerhorn. From here, it is a glorious descent down a soft trail that leads you to Gletscherstube mountain hut, flooding your sights with captivating views of the Great Aletsch Glacier as you approach it with every step. However, please note that this path is a tunnel created out of a rock and the route takes approximately 20 minutes. Keep a touch light in handy as it can be pretty dark inside. |
Hotel Stockalperhof, BrigBreakfast |
Approx. 21 km (13 miles), 3-5 hours walking Today, a delicious breakfast sets the pace for our sensational trek into one of the most picturesque sceneries in Valais. We embark on the Edelweiss Trail that leads to Zermatt, a remarkable village in Switzerland easily conspicuous for its glaciers, amazing waterfalls, the iconic Edelweiss flowers, the adorable Valais black horse sheep, and more importantly, the backdrop of Matterhorn. Along the trail, you can find Edelweiss flowers, heavily guarded in their jaw-dropping beauty, nestled in the alpine pastures. The Edelweiss Flower holds significant value in Switzerland as the country's national flower and also the official flower of Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Australia, Mongolia, and Bulgaria. From the trail, climb up to Trift through a steep path marked by waterfalls, shrubbery, and trees. The climb rewards you with a surprising view of the distant Matterhorn, imposing its staggering frame behind the hilltop. From here, proceed to Höhblamen, one of the mesmerising overlooks in Zermatt to offer idyllic views of the Matterhorn's North. The views are magical and you might want to keep a camera in handy to capture them. Höhblamen is also the junction where you return to Zermatt for a train ride back to Brig. |
Hotel Stockalperhof, BrigBreakfast |
Approx. 10 km (6.2 mile), 2-3 hours walking Today, our delectable and hearty breakfast ritual is the opener for another thrilling trek to the Glacier Trail. Journey to the Lammeren mountain refuge, where you are met with astonishing views of the Valais Alps that seamlessly engrave themselves in your heart. The journey is an exhilarating hike that uncovers the bodacious rocky alpine terrain on the foot of Wildstrubel massif. The route courses through the Lammerenboden plateau from Gemmi Pass, featuring cracked calcareous and medium-grade metamorphic rock. Arriving at Glacier Trail, which is a creation by the Warden of Lammeren hut in concert with the University of Bern, you'll find numerous information stations detailing the geography essence, biology, and highlights of this peculiar landscape. A brochure is also available for more information on the theme trail. If you are lucky enough, you could sight some of the Ibex that converge around the hut. Numerous trails are available to explore the landscapes and behold the wonder of a region with some of the world's most dramatic geographies. |
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Accommodation for the night and the next four days is at the Hotel Allalin, an elegant 4-star hotel in the mountain resort Saas-fee, where class, hospitality, beauty, and magic fuse seamlessly. Relax in any of its contemporary and cosy superior rooms, replete with modern amenities and offering views of the Saas mountains. Enjoy luscious meals at the restaurant Walliserkanne with a candle-lit setting, where daily and seasonal menus stun your palates with culinary sensations. A sauna is available for you to relax and recreate, and there's a bar to enjoy cocktails, make acquaintances and unwind before retiring to bed. |
Hotel Allalin, Saas-Fee Breakfast |
Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 2-3 hours walking Awaken by the sounds of nature, and savour a delightful breakfast, the fuel for an unforgettable trek. Today's walk begins at Mattman Dam. You will marvel at its height and crest elevation as we head to Monte-Moro Pass, the Swiss-Italian border. Kick off on the trail from the dam crest toward the south to Dischtelalp, bending around a lake that leads to Monte Moro Pass, with views of the majestic Golden Statue of our Lady Mary, rising at every step. Arriving at the border, Virgin Mary's Golden Statue greets you from its exalted spot on a rock as she looks beneath, and appears to be watching over the pass while scintillating views of Monte Rosa's east side complement your fascination. Satiated with enough wonders for the day, retreat to the dam and follow the path that leads to the bus stop for a short bus ride back to your hotel in Saas-Fee. |
Hotel Allalin, Saas-FeeBreakfast |
Approx. 10 km (6.2 miles), 2-3 hours walking Today begins with a hearty breakfast, and your walk gathers momentum, inching to more exhilarating heights and mind-blowing adventures. Take the most convenient means to begin the Ibex Trail hike by using a gondola lift to Hannig. From here, the hike begins across a woodland path to the panoramic Malig at 2, 700 m (8,858 m), with a chance to spot the wild Ibex goats and their pronounced curvy horns. The hike incorporates lavish and wondrous views of the Saas Valley and the 4,000 m (13,123 ft) peaks at the backdrop of Saas-Fee, including the glacier-filled Mischabel massif. The Dom, or summit of Mischabel Massif, is Switzerland's highest peak and the seventh highest in the Alps. Note that the hike will include crisscrossed paths, and will alternate between rocky and wooded terrains, making it more physically demanding. However, the reward in breathtaking views of an ancient glacier, a chance to get up close to the wild ibex goats, and the dumbfounding geography that meets the eye, more than compensates for the physical stress. |
Hotel Allalin, Saas-Fee Breakfast |
Approx. 11 km (6.8 miles), 2-3 hours walking The penultimate day of your adventure offers you mind-blowing views along the Saastal Valley, the picturesque valley of river Saaser Vispa, towards the glacier-filled Mischabel Massif. Follow the trail leading to Triftgratji Ridge, where astounding views of Mattman Valley and beyond greet your gaze. The journey exposes you to a part of the alpine wildflower trail featuring around 240 flower species before proceeding into the wild Almagellertal. Crossing two hanging footbridges (60 and 40m long) ends the Almagell Adventure Trail and down a steep path across the rock face. |
Hotel Allalin, Saas-FeeBreakfast |
Approx. 6 km (3.7 miles), 1-2 hours walking Today, enjoy your last sumptuous breakfast, and if you still have time, embark on a short walk through the magnificent glaciers of the Saas and Mischabel ranges, complemented by views towards the Dom. Spellbound by the majestic beauty of this walk, you may want to relax for a while to capture more of the region's sight, and the Langfluh hut is one place to satiate this desire. The hut is a restaurant where you have a great lunch or simply relax on the deck chairs to sunbathe. While returning to Saas-Fee, you may be lucky to spot some bodacious marmots on the path. You could also decide to recline back at the Alpine hotel if you've had enough trek for the week, soak in the ambiance, bid farewell to new acquaintances, and join your departing flight, leaving Brig to continue your onward travel. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Brig
- The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport which has international and domestic flights from Zurich and is about 135 km from the center of Brig. Major commercial flights provides convenient access to Zurich.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts at your hotel in Brig. We recommend train to Brig station and your start hotel is approximately 5 minutes walk from the station.
Weather in the Swiss Alps, while generally sunny and mild in the summer, can quickly change. A typical day begins with clear blue skies, but by late afternoon, showers, cold temperatures or heavy mist can occur. The mountain passes especially can be windy and cold. Make sure to come prepared with waterproof breathable rain gear as well as warm layers for cooler mornings.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
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 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 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 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 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 of 2 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.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
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.
