Self-Guided Via Alpina

A Sample itinerary of Self-guided trekking for the independent traveler. Completely customizable.

Grosse Scheidegg

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.

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Arrival

After arrival in Zurich, you will use the provided one-day rail pass to board the train to Sargans, Switzerland. You can take a bus to enjoy the afternoon exploring the town of Liechenstein!

Departure

On your last day, we will provide you with a one-day rail pass to return to Zürich airport (or any other Swiss town). Note: it is a 3.5-hour train ride to Zürich airport and the first train departs Grindelwald at 5:17am, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can recommend hotels in Zürich if needed.

Pre- and Post-Tour Travel

Our Alps experts and Certified Switzerland Specialists can assist with recommendations for your pre- and post-tour travel arrangements. Simply call or email us your plans and we are happy to help make the best of your vacation experience. Consider an Alpenwild Getaway, a short-stay, self-guided option that’s easily combined with your tour plans.

Accommodations

Our general package provides you with 11 nights' accommodations in conveniently located, independently owned inns, and small hotels that capture the authentic charm of the Alps, but you can customize these options with our Via Alpina experts to meet your preferences.

Meals

Our general package includes 11 buffet breakfasts at the hotel or inn, 6 dinners - please note that dinners are not included in Sargans, Engelberg, Meiringen and Grindelwald (2nd night). On days that dinner is not included, rest assure there are ample choices nearby, however, you can customize these options with our Via Alpina expert to meet your preferences.

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Included

11 nights' accommodations in conveniently located, independently owned inns, and small hotels. (Please note that tour prices can increase depending on some hotels that are more expensive if you stay there on a weekend night)
11 buffet breakfasts at the hotel or inn (On the itinerary, B = Breakfast D = Dinner).
6 dinners - please note that dinners are included in Weisstannen, Braunwald, Klausenpass, Altdorf, Engstlenalp, and Grindelwald (1st night). On days that dinner is not included, rest assured there are ample choices nearby.
Two 1-Day Swiss Rail passes (1st class) to be used to get to and from the tour (within Switzerland)
Swiss Half-fare travel card rail pass for discounts on additional trains, buses, and mountain excursions
Luggage transfers from Sargans to Weisstannen, Braunwald, Klausenpass, Altdorf, Engelberg, Engstlenalp, Meiringen, and Grindelwald.
Detailed route directions, a complete listing of all hotels with contact information, train/bus schedules, and nearby emergency medical contacts.

Not Included

Airfare
Travel Insurance (can be purchased separately)
Beverages (water, tea, coffee, beer, wine) with meals.
Meals not specified
Local buses, mountain trams, cableways
Items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone calls, room service