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August
13th
 |
Day
1: Zurich airport to Alpiglen (alt. 5,295')
Travel by
Swiss Rail from Zurich airport to Grindelwald. Hike under the
north face of the Eiger up to Alpiglen, traditional starting-point
of Eiger Nordwand climbers. Relax and adjust at Berghaus
Alpiglen, famous for their rustic Swiss cuisine; dinner
is fixed course (optional a la carte).
Hike: 3 hours / 2,000' vertical
Alternate: Optional train from Grindelwald to Alpiglen. |
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August
14th
 |
Day
2: Alpiglen to Murren (alt. 5,374')
Hike to
Kleine Scheidegg on the Eiger Trail; highlights include close-up
views of nearby 4000-meter peaks. Lunch in Mannlichen, then
on to Wengen, where we'll catch a train to to the spectacular
Lauterbrunnen valley. From there either hike or funicular to
Pension
Sonnenberg, a mountain hotel in the town of Murren perched
high above the valley. Dinner is fixed course (optional a la
carte).
Alpiglen to Mannlichen: 4 hours / 2,200' up
Alternate: Optional train from Alpiglen to Kleine Scheidegg;
walk to Mannlichen (1 hour / 500' up)
Lauterbrunnen to Murren: 3 hours / 2,500' up
Alternate: Optional train from Kleine Scheidegg to Murren;
to Lauterbrunnen; funicular and train to Murren. |
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August
15th
 |
Day
3: Murren to Griesalp (alt. 4,619')
We hike
the Sefinenfurke, a famous high-mountain pass with spectacular
views. Stay at eco-friendly Berggasthaus
Golderli in rural Griesalp. Meals: fixed course.
Hike: 5 hours / 2,900' up, 3,600' down
Alternate: Optional train and funicular from Murren to Lauterbrunnen;
Train and Postbus to Griesalp; walk to Berggasthaus Golderli
(30 minutes). |
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August
16th
 |
Day
4: Griesalp to Kandersteg (alt. 3,960')
Depending
on energy levels, either hike over the Hohtürli to Kandersteg,
or take the train. Spend the night at the historic Landgasthof
Ruedihaus (built in 1753) in Kandersteg. Dinner is a la
carte to take advantage of the amazing menu.
Hike: 6 hours / 4,100' up, 3,500' down
Alternate: Walk to station; Optional Postbus and train from
Griesalp to Kandersteg (30 minutes). |
|
August
17th
 |
Day
5: Kandersteg to Berghotel Schwarenbach (alt. 6,761')
Hike up
over the classic connecting pass between the Berner Oberland
and the Valais, travelled also by Picasso and Mark Twain. Arrive
at the Berghotel
Schwarenbach. Dinner is fixed course (optional a la carte).
Hike: 3 hours / 2,500' up
Alternate: Walk to Kanderteg Lift, Optional Cable car to
Sunnbuel; hike to Berghotel Schwarenbach (90
minutes, 1,000' up). |
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August
18th
 |
Day
6: Schwarenbach to Zermatt to Trift Berggasthaus (alt. 7,667')
Hike to
the south side of Gemmi Pass and take the cable car down. An
optional restorative soak in the famous hot
springs at Leukerbad, proceed to Zermatt via Postbus and
train. Hike to Trift
Berggasthaus high above Zermatt. Meals: fixed course.
AM Hike: 1 hour / 800' up
PM Hike: 2 hours / 2,100' up
Alternate: None. |
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August
19th
 |
Day
7: Trift Berggasthaus to Schönbielhütte (alt.
8,838')
Hike the
Hohbalm all morning accompanied by outstanding Matterhorn views.
Arrive at the Schönbielhütte,
the highest and most remote hut of our trip. It's in a stunning
location, surrounded by 4000-meter peaks. Meals: fixed course.
Hike: 4 hours / 3,750' mixed
Alternate: None. |
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August
20th
 |
Day
8: Schönbielhütte to Zermatt (alt. 5,249')
Hike back
down to Zermatt under the shadow of the Matterhorn, stopping
in the rural village of Zmutt for lunch. Spend the afternoon
relaxing in Zermatt. Staying the Hotel
Bella Vista, a comfortable place in the heart of town. Final
celebration dinner in any one of many fine restaurants.
Hike: 3 hours / 3,300' down
Alternate: None. |
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See
photos of the entire route |
|
trail
marker
