Aletsch Glacier Alpine Panorama

DAY 1

Arrive Oberwald

Oberwald is located in the South of Switzerland and is easily accessible by train from both Zurich (3hrs) and Geneva (4hrs) - both involve one change of train. There are low cost flights from the UK/Europe to both Zurich and Geneva. Oberwald is the Northern gateway of the Goms Valley, a rural area with many well preserved villages. Your information pack including route notes and maps will be waiting for you at your Hotel in Oberwald.

Overnight: Oberwald Hotel - Ahorni - DB&B

DAY 2

Walk to Munster - following the ‘Gommer Hohenweg’ Todays walk is an easy start to the week, it follows a delightful track leading up above the valley through open forests where wild flowers are in abundance. You follow the ‘Gommer Hohenweg’ - the haute route that traverses the slopes of the valley. As you look below you can see the start of the river Rhone heading towards the Mediterranean sea. Your overnight stay is in the delightful village of Munster renowned for its old traditional wooden houses. Walk: 11 km, 4 hrs, 730m ascent / 680m descent

Overnight: Munster Hotel - Croix d’Or et Poste - DB&B

DAY 3

Walk to Fiesch A short ascent back to the ‘Gommer Hohenweg’ and then the route leads off to smaller side valleys with wild rivers and stunning views over snow covered peaks. You soon reach the village of Bellwald which means ‘beautiful forest’, make sure and explore this wonderful village with its fantastic 360 degree views. A short walk takes you down to Fiesch for your overnight stay, if the weather is fair then make sure and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool in the village. Walk: 19 km, 6 hrs, 800m ascent / 1400m descent

Overnight: Fiesch Hotel - Christania - B&B

DAY 4

Walk to Riederalp Today starts by either taking the cable car to reach the Fiescheralp which is situated high above Fiesch or if you prefer a challenge - you can walk the steep trail! Relish the wonderful views over to the Reideralp and we recommend taking the cable car further up to Eggishorn (2927m) where you will gain outstanding views over the Aletsch Glacier. Head back down to Fiescheralp and take either the normal route or the slightly tougher route leading to the scenic blue mountain lake (Blausee). The later route provides some fantastic walking along the mountain ridge with more views of the glacier. Walk: 10 km, 4 hrs, 250m ascent / 450m descent If you decide to walk via Blausee: 12 km, 4hrs, 410 ascent, 660 descent.

Overnight: Riederalp Hotel - Alpenrose - DB&B

DAY 5

Rest day in Riederalp There is so much to see and do in this pretty alpine village, you can simply relax and possibly visit the Nature Centre to learn about the area, or you can take the short climb up to the summit of Reiderhorn (2230m) for wonderful views, or discover Aletschwald, the largest forest of mountain pines in Switzerland. The forest is a magical place and contains some of the oldest pine trees in Switzerland.

Overnight: Riederalp Hotel - Alpenrose - DB&B

DAY 6

Walk to Blatten Today is a real highlight of the week, you start off heading down to an area called the ‘sand’. This area used to be covered by the glacier but in recent years trees and plants have started to grow. Next you head to the newly built suspension bridge for alpine hikers, it’s the longest of its kind and crosses a 50m deep gorge. It provides a real adrenaline rush but if it doesn't look appealing then don't worry there is an alternative route! After the crossing you head up to Belalp where you can take a rest and enjoy the alpine views. You can either take the cable car or walk down to the small village of Blatten for your overnight stay. Walk: 14 km, 5 hrs, 520m ascent and descent (add 900 m descent and 2-3 more hours if not using a cable car)

Overnight: Blatten Hotel - Massa - B&B

DAY 7

Walk to Mund/Brig You start today by heading back up to Belalp either by cable car or by walking. You then walk along the slopes of the Foggenhorn providing great views down towards the village of Birgisch. The track takes a diversion down to enter the Gredetschtal which is a narrow side valley and the next section of walking is thrilling along some narrow cliffs and sometimes steep terrain. Eventually you reach the village of Mund made famous for its production of saffron, which is usually grown in the middle east. From here you take the post bus to the charming town of Brig for your overnight stay. Walk: 13km, 4hrs, 150m ascent / 1080m descent

Overnight: Brig Hotel - Ambassador - D,B&B

DAY 8

Onward Travel

Grade & Fitness

This walking tour is graded Moderate. Daily walks are of 3 to 6 hours and many of the walks are through mountain valleys. You should be a regular walker and have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.

Navigation

The routes on this holiday are way marked some of the time so you will need to follow the route notes with maps that we provide at your first hotel. If you are unsure of a turn then you can always go back to the last note to make sure you are on the right track.

Availability

This holiday is available to start any day between the 2nd July and the 17th September.

Accommodation

We specifically select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We aim to give you an authentic experience and use local family run accommodations in 3* traditional Hotels. The hotels are generally chalet types with wooden interior which are typical of the region.

Alternate Accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same standard as those described.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are traveling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included each morning and an evening meal is included on 5 nights. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. 

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Getting to Oberwald

Oberwald is located in the South of Switzerland and can be accessed by the following transport:

By Air - You can either fly into Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport (both in Switzerland). Many low cost and charter airlines fly from both the UK and Europe.

From Zurich Airport - You can take a train directly from the airport to Oberwald - (approx. 3hr 30mins, involving a few changes) Train schedules can be found on the Swiss Rail Network.

From Geneva Airport - You can catch a train from Geneva Airport to Oberwald—(approx. 4hrs 15mins, involving a few changes). Train schedules can be found on the Swiss Rail Network.

Getting from Brig

Brig is located in southwest Switzerland (The Valais). You can easily reach both Zurich and Geneva Airports by direct train service. The journey times take (2hrs 20 mins) and (2hrs 45mins) respectively. Please check the Swiss Rail Network for up to date timetables.

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How fit do I need to be?

The walking is graded moderate so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle.  Most of the paths are easy to follow and although undulating in parts the paths are generally easy.  Walking each day is between 3 - 5 hrs.

Which is the best airport to fly to?

You can fly into either Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport in Switzerland, check out the travel details section for more detailed information.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially as the season is short (July - Sep).  You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.  

When is the best time of year?

The best months for walking are in the summer months between July and September when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is fair.

This holiday is available to start from 2nd July - 17th Sep.  To make a provisional reservation select "Book". Option & Extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour/s you are interested in on your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.