Arrive in Zurich and take the train to Sargans (1.5 hr). You can take a short warm-up walk up to Sargans Castle and the Sarganserland Museum, the most popular and most spectacular sight in Sargans. Another option would be to take a bus to Liechtenstein and visit the Vaduz Castle and explore the town before returning to Sargans.
Walk or take a short bus ride from Sargans to Mels. From there, ascend through alpine pastures before following a gentle trail through woods and meadows overlooking the Weisstannental and its beautiful waterfalls. Cross numerous streams along the way to the quiet village of Weisstannen. (BD)
Distance: 6.5–8.3 miles (10.5–13.4 km) | Ascent: 2,526 feet (770 m) | Descent: 820 feet (250 m)
As you ascend the Weisstannental, the landscape narrows and grows more rugged, passing a dramatic chasm before reaching the meadows of Fooalp. Crossing Foopass (7,300 ft / 2,225 m) offers a first taste of challenging alpine terrain. The descent to Elm features striking waterfalls, ending in a village within the Sardona Tectonic Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a train and bus from Elm to Linthal, then ride a funicular up to the car-free mountain resort of Braunwald. (BD)
Distance: 10–14 miles (16–22.5 km) | Ascent: 3,200–4,600 feet (975–1,402 m) | Descent: 4,650 feet (1,417 m)
Your route today follows a high trail above the valley to Urnerboden, Switzerland’s largest alpine pasture. The mountain views are astounding and distinct from other Alpine peaks, reminiscent of the Dolomites. Stock up on cheese from the large dairy in Urnerboden before taking a bus transfer or hiking the rest of the way to the Klausenpass. A hotel has stood at the top of the Klausenpass since 1902, and the new hotel, completed in 2021, offers unmatched views and traditional hospitality. (BD)
Distance: 7.6–12.2 miles (12.2–19.6 km) | Ascent: 1,500–3,258 feet (457–993 m) | Descent: 1,450–1,750 feet (442–533 m)
The Klausenpass is a historic route that has served for centuries as a trade route and a connection between the hamlets and farms on both sides of the pass. Several beautiful waterfalls along the way will catch your attention. As you descend into the valley toward Altdorf, you’ll pass through the old town of Bürglen, home of William Tell. The 16th-century chapel, built on the site of his house, and the Tell Museum offer a glimpse into the life and times of this Swiss hero. Continue to Altdorf, where you will stay for the night. (BD)
Distance: 7.5–12 miles (12.1–19.3 km) | Ascent: 275–1,275 feet (84–389 m) | Descent: 1,625–5,000 feet (495–1,524 m)
Make your way to the mountainside village of Attinghausen and take a small cable car to Brüsti, just above the treeline, to begin today’s hike. The airy route to the Surenenpass climbs beneath steep cliffs, with the peaks of Brunnistock and Blackenstock towering overhead. A large, permanent snowfield provides an efficient and speedy ascent to the pass. On the descent, enjoy panoramic views dominated by Mt. Titlis. (B)
Distance: 8.7–13.5 miles (14–21.7 km) | Ascent: 2,500–2,775 feet (762–846 m) | Descent: 2,250–4,400 feet (686–1,341 m)
With so much to experience in the mountain resort of Engelberg, this is a rest day in name only. Enjoy an unforgettable excursion to Mt. Titlis, one of the great peaks of the Uri Alps, ascending by the world’s first rotating cable car for spectacular alpine views. Back in the village, visit the 12th-century Benedictine monastery and its magnificent Baroque abbey. You’ll also have time to stroll through Engelberg’s charming pedestrian-friendly town center and enjoy its relaxed mountain atmosphere. (B)
Ascending above Engelberg, you’ll enter an expanse of high alpine lakes and grassy meadows. Pass Trübsee and cross the Jochpass to reach Engstlensee. This is marmot country, with an amazing diversity of wildflowers. You can choose a strenuous ascent or enjoy a more leisurely route using cable cars. Either way, you’ll arrive at the alpine hamlet of Engstlenalp, beside Engstlensee, where you’ll stay at Hotel Engstlenalp, a traditional mountain hotel dating to the 1860s. (BD)
Distance: 2.5–8 miles (4–12.9 km) | Ascent: 60–4,200 feet (18–1,280 m) | Descent: 1,270–1,477 feet (387–450 m)
Departing Engstlenalp, you’ll soon arrive at the equally charming alpine hamlet of Tannalp, with its tiny church and dozens of friendly goats. Skirt Tannensee before ascending the Erzegg/Planplatten Ridge, a highlight of the Via Alpina and one of the great ridge walks in the Alps. The highest peaks of the Bernese Alps unfold before you, with the massive Wetterhorn dominating the mountain panorama. Descend the ridge into the popular town of Meiringen, where meringues were invented. (B)
Distance: 7–11 miles (11.3–17.7 km; with cable car options) | Ascent: 2,400 feet (732 m) | Descent: 980–3,780 feet (299–1,152 m)
Meiringen sits at the base of four strategic and historic passes, along the Aare River before it flows into Lake Brienz. The town has long attracted international travelers, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote of Sherlock Holmes’ death at Reichenbach Falls. Ascend the falls by funicular or on foot before continuing through the beautiful Rosenlaui Valley. Take a detour to explore a thundering gorge carved by water from the Rosenlaui Glacier, then cross the famed Grosse Scheidegg pass to Grindelwald, with spectacular views of the Eiger’s North Face. (BD)
Distance: 7.5–14.5 miles (12.1–23.3 km) | Ascent: 2,200–4,950 feet (671–1,509 m) | Descent: 500–3,500 feet (152–1,067 m)
Take an unforgettable excursion aboard the classic mountain railway, which tunnels through the Eiger to reach Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at 11,332 feet (3,454 m). From here, enjoy spectacular views of the Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. Alternative hiking options will also be provided. (B)
Onward departure (B). Note: The train journey from Grindelwald to Zürich Airport takes approximately 3 hours, with the first train departing at 5:15 a.m. Please plan your flight departure accordingly. We are happy to recommend a hotel in Zürich if you prefer to stay overnight before your flight.
Daily distance measurements may vary depending on the device you use to track them. If a range is provided for the statistics, it is possible to hike closer to the lower end, and we’ll include options in your detailed daily directions. Use the listed figures as estimates and reference points while preparing and training for this tour.
We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 7-8 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents, averaging 2500-3000 vertical feet per day at an elevation up to 8500 feet above sea level. Sure-footedness is important and vertigo may impact your ability to do this tour.
Assume 2.5 miles/hour on the flat.
Assume 1200 feet of up per hour.
Assume 2000 feet of down per hour.
