Epic Switzerland Hike: Alpine Passes & Aletsch Glacier
The twin legends.
Price Per Person
Starting at 125,000
Category
Experience two of Switzerland’s most iconic hikes: cross alpine passes beneath legendary peaks, then explore the UNESCO Aletsch Glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime alpine adventure.
Transfer
- Swiss Travel Pass 2nd Class Flexi 4 days
- Train Bus Boat included
- Cable car and train ride Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp - Mürren
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Digital travel documents incl. navigation app
- SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year
Stay
- Total 13 nights stay
- 4* and good middle-class hotels, breakfast included:
- Meiringen
- Grindelwald
- Wengen
- Kandersteg
- Adelboden
- Lenk
- Guest house halfboard at
- Griesalp/Pochtenalp
- Gletscherstube Märjelen
- Mountain hotels, breakfast included:
- Brig
- Belalp
- Riederalp
- Fiescheralp
- Bellwald
Others
- Daily luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg) (except to Gletscherstube)
- Costs for luggage pick-up at the station (for direct arrival and departure)
- Service hotline
- Climbing harness and crampons for the glacier tour
- Entrance into the World Nature Forum in Naters (closed on Mondays)
- SIM card 20GB data + free calls
Insurance
- Travel Accident Insurance:
- NT$3 million overseas travel accident coverage
- NT$1.5 million accident medical reimbursement
- NT$1 million emergency assistance
(Valid only for flights departing from Taiwan)
- Travel Liability Insurance:
- NT$5 million personal liability coverage
- NT$200,000 medical coverage
(Valid only for flights departing from Taiwan)
- Travel Inconvenience Insurance.
Trip Rules
- Price per person starting from NT 120,000+ for two people traveling together.
- Single supplement TWD 27,600+ per person.
- Applicable Travel Dates: 2026/6/27-9/30 (subject to the actual operational status of hotels and trains).
- Should hotel prices be adjusted during peak season or exhibition periods, the actual booking price will apply.
- In the event of train service suspension, the itinerary will require adjustment. Please consult your travel advisor for details.
- Price Excludes:
- Passport fees, visa fees, train sleeper costs, and local city taxes (paid to hotels)
- Journeys by mountain railways, cogwheel, and seat reservations
- Most cable car rides: Bellwald – Furgangen, Eggishorn – Fiescheralp
- Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Trip Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1｜Arrival in Meiringen
The itinerary includes the Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to take the train from Zurich to Lucerne (41 minutes) and then transfer to a connecting train to reach Meiringen in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Alternatively, if you have more time, we highly recommend taking the eastern segment of the Golden Pass Line, the Lucerne Interlaken Express (LIX), from Lucerne to Interlaken, and then transferring to a regional train 30mins to reach Meiringen.
Beartrek / Via Alpina
Discover Switzerlands most impressive parts. When hiking on the Beartrek you travel a unique route that passes glaciers and spectacular passes. The route “Via Alpina” leads along the three most famous Swiss mountains “Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau” through valleys and canyons to the well known ski-resort Adelboden-Lenk.
Most likely you won’t meet any bears on this tour, but this hiking tour owes its name to the time when only wild animals could pass it. Nowadays, the trail is in very good condition but it is still not an easy stroll, as there are some passes to cross.
On the heights and summits, however, you will be rewarded for your alpinistic efforts. Let the perfect and impressive beauty of the Alps take your breath away.
Day 2｜Meiringen - Grindelwald
Drop off your luggage at Meiringen hotel, and take a bus to Rosenlaui. Hike via Schwarzwaldalp up to Grosse Scheidegg, where a breathtaking panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau awaits. A long descent takes you down to Grindelwald.
approx. 5 h | 15 km | ↑615 m | ↓920 m
Meiringen
Famous for waterfalls and Sherlock Holmes stories, it’s a cozy alpine town that serves as the gateway to the Bernese Alps. Luzern Interlaken Express also stops at Meiringen. 30mins train ride from Interlaken.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a pearl of a mountain village with a rich history, nestled in the Swiss Alps. It has a long tradition of alpinism and was once a refuge for pioneers of mountaineering. Today, this enchanting village still offers fascinating insights into the history of mountain sports. 40mins train ride away from Interlaken.
Day 3｜Grindelwald → Wengen
From Grindelwald, ascend to Kleine Scheidegg, then continue on a sunny high trail towards the car-free resort of Wengen. Pass the spectacular Trümmelbach Falls and enjoy views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
approx. 5.5 h | 16 km | ↑1,095 m | ↓856 m
Wengen
Wengen is a peaceful, car-free village situated on a sunny terrace overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It provides easy, scenic access to many famous hiking routes in the Jungfrau region. 25 mins train ride from Interlaken.
Jungfraujoch
Experience the awe of standing on the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch, where panoramic views of the Alps' magnificent glaciers and year-round snow await.
Day 4｜Wengen → Griesalp / Pochtenalp
Take a morning train to Lauterbrunnen, continue by cable car and railway to Mürren. Cross the alpine pass of Sefinenfurgge, often snow-covered in early summer, with breathtaking alpine scenery before descending into Griesalp.
approx. 6–6.5 h | 17 km | ↑995 m | ↓1,225 m
Griesalp/Pochtenalp
Located in a less-traveled, high-alpine area between Kandersteg and Reichenbach, Griesalp/Pochtenalp is a hidden gem for serious hikers. Trekking from the steep Pochtenalp pass offers a raw and spectacular Alpine experience. Travel by train to Reichenbach im Kandertal, then connect via the famous steepest PostBus route to Griesalp.
Day 5｜Griesalp → Kandersteg
The toughest but most spectacular stage! Ascend to Blüemlisalphütte at 2,843 m, cross the Hohtürli Pass, then descend via glacial moraines to the turquoise Oeschinen Lake before arriving in Kandersteg.
approx. 7.5 h | 17 km | ↑1,475 m | ↓1,715 m
Kandersteg
Kandersteg is a crucial hiking hub in the Bernese Oberland, serving as the gateway to the stunning Oeschinensee lake and the majestic Gemmi Pass. This peaceful village is surrounded by mountains and offers abundant alpine trekking and leisure. Kandersteg is directly accessible from Spiez (30mins train ride) & Brig (40mins train ride), which takes you to Bern / Interlaken / Zermatt.
Oeschinensee
The hike from Kandersteg train station is a scenic 3.8 km route with an elevation gain of 420m, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the lake. For an easier ascent, walk about 15 minutes from the train station to the cable car base. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 14 CHF with a 50% discount using the Swiss Travel Pass. Once you disembark the cable car at the top, it's just a 30-minute walk to the lake.
Day 6｜Kandersteg → Adelboden
Take the cable car (not included in this package) to Allmenalp, then hike up to Bunderspitz for panoramic peak views. Descend into the valley towards the well-known resort village of Adelboden.
approx. 5 h | 13 km | ↑975 m | ↓1,460 m
Adelboden
Adelboden is a picturesque resort famous for its traditional chalets and a wide array of sunny hiking trails. You can explore leisurely valley paths or challenge yourself with routes leading to high-alpine lakes and peaks. Reach Frutigen by train, then easily continue to Adelboden via a connecting PostBus service. Frutigen is directly accessible from Spiez (12mins train ride) & Brig (55mins train ride), which takes you to Bern / Interlaken / Zermatt.
Day 6｜Adelboden → Lenk
From Adelboden, cross the Hahnenmoospass with views of Mount Wildstrubel and the Simmental Valley. Descend into Lenk, where the trek No.1 officially concludes.
approx. 5 h | 14 km | ↑650 m | ↓930 m
Lenk
Lenk, situated at the end of the Simmental valley, is known for its abundant natural springs and the beautiful Simmen Falls (Seven Fountains). This family-friendly destination offers diverse hiking, from easy river strolls to challenging mountain climbs. Can be reached via train from Zweisimmen of Golden Pass Line within 20 mins.
Day 8｜Rest day Lenk → Brig (by train)
Transfer by train to Brig (approx. 2 h), no luggage transport today, need to carry along to Birg hotel. Explore Brig’s historic Stockalper Palace or relax in a thermal spa.
Brig
Brig is a vital transport hub in the Valais canton, featuring the historic Stockalper Palace, a convenient starting point for hikes in the Rhône Valley. While not high in the mountains itself, it's an ideal transit point for surrounding alpine areas. Brig is 1h30m train ride away from Zermatt, 1h from Interlaken.
Aletsch Glacier Hike
Tomorrow is the second part of your journey focuses on the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike most treks, this one lets you walk alongside and above the glacier, offering breathtaking views of its 20 km of ice. Route 39.
- Route: Belalp to Bellwald. No. 39
- Walking Above the Ice: Few treks in Europe allow you to stay so close to a massive glacier over multiple days.
- UNESCO World Heritage: The Aletsch Glacier is one of the most scientifically and scenically significant natural wonders of Switzerland.
- High Alpine Huts: Unique overnight stays in mountain lodges like Gletscherstube, where you’re immersed in pure alpine wilderness.
Day 9｜Brig → Belalp
Visit the World Nature Forum in Brig before hiking to Blatten and taking a cable car up to Belalp.
approx. 3 h | 7 km | ↑675 m | ↓20 m
Belalp
Belalp is a car-free alpine hamlet with incredible views directly over the Aletsch Glacier and a rich heritage. Hikers can set off from here to explore the glacier snout and the protected alpine region. 12minutes post bus ride from Brig train station brings you to Blatten. Within 8 minutes cable ride you will reach Belalp.
Hotel Belalp
Hotel Belalp is nestled in a car-free zone, ensuring a truly peaceful environment with fresh, clean air. Operating since the 1850s, the hotel proudly maintains many of its original historical features. Getting Here: From the Belalp mountain station, enjoy a scenic 25-minute walk along a beautiful path to reach the hotel.
Day 10｜Belalp → Riederalp
From Aletschbord, enjoy the glacier’s lower part before crossing a suspension bridge into the protected Aletsch Forest. Continue to Riederfurka and Villa Cassel before staying overnight in Riederalp.
approx. 4.5 h | 9 km | ↑570 m | ↓780 m
Riederalp
Riederalp is a car-free tourist resort located in the heart of the Aletsch Arena, perfect for hiking and glacier viewing. You can easily access glacier viewpoints by cable car and enjoy magnificent scenery along gentle paths. 15 cable car ride away from Morel train station (close to Brig).
Aletsch Belalp to Riederalp via the suspension bridge
From Hotel Belalp, the trail leads you down along the Steigle path to Aletschji. You then continue across the Leng Acker to the historic glacier ascent and the spectacular Belalp–Riederalp suspension bridge. Start: Belalp, top station of aerial cable car. End: Riederalp, top station of aerial cable car Mitte. Length 12,49 km, 4 hours 30 minutes, ascent 582 m descend 767 m
Day 11｜Riederalp → Gletscherstube
A succession of viewpoints unfolds: north to the Aletsch Glacier, south to the Valais 4,000ers. Descend to Märjelensee before reaching the mountain inn Gletscherstube.
approx. 4 h | 12 km | ↑715 m | ↓275 m
Gletscherstube Märjelen
The Gletscherstube Märjelen is a classic mountain hut situated high above the Aletsch Glacier, serving as a famous stopover for hikers engaged in glacier viewing and long-distance trekking within the Aletsch Arena region. Its geographical significance is unique, being located near the former site of Märjelensee, a lake that used to periodically form and drain due to blockage by the glacier—a classic example of glacial geomorphology.
Day 12｜Aletsch Glacier Guided Trek
Guided trek across the Aletsch Glacier with crampons and rope. Experience the largest glacier in the Alps and see climate change effects first-hand. End via Tälligrat tunnel at Fiescheralp.
The glacier tour needs a minimum number of 6 participants. You will be informed up to 3 days before arrival if the tour cannot take place. If it cannot take place, we will inform you in good time about an alternative program on the day.
approx. 6 h | 10 km | ↑600 m | ↓800 m
Aletsch Glacier Trail
Start Point Moosfluh upper cable car station. Target Point Fiescheralp upper cable car station. Direction One way. Altitude (meter above sea level) 2644 m ,Ascent 510 m, Descent 630 m, Distance 12 km, Duration 3 h 45 min. This glacier adventure offers unimpeded views and is quite intoxicating – even without a glass of Valais wine. Stone steps take you up to an unforgettable experience on Europe’s largest ice flow.
Aletsch Arena
The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps. It’s said that the glacier used to be much larger, but due to global warming, it may completely disappear within the next 30 years. How to Experience the Aletsch Glacier : There are three main viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective: The Moosfluh / Bettmerhorn / Eggishorn viewpoint.
Day 13｜Fiescheralp → Bellwald
Return via Märjelensee, descend along old alpine paths to “the Castle” rock formation, then cross the 160 m Aspi-Titter suspension bridge to reach the mountain village of Bellwald.
approx. 5.5 h | 14 km | ↑495 m | ↓1,125 m
Bellwald
Bellwald is a sunny, traditional village in Valais, known for its well-preserved wooden houses and peaceful remoteness. Reach Fiesch by train, and then take the connecting 6mins cable car up to Bellwald.
Day 14｜Departure from Bellwald
From Bellwald you'll travel to Birg. You can spend your final day exploring Brig, the Valais vineyards, or continue your Swiss journey by train. You can travel to the following destinations easily by train (not included):
- Zermatt - Regional train 1.5hrs
- St Moritz - Glacier Express 6.5hrs
- Bern - Regional train 1h10m
- Zurich - InterCity 2h15m
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Duration 2 h 45 min Distance 9.7 km Ascent 0 m Descent 981 m. Start point Schwarzsee (2,583 m), End point Zermatt (1,620 m). Information panels in German, English, French, Japanese
Zermatt 5 Lakes Walk (Nr. 11)
Start point Blauherd (2'571 m) End point Sunnegga (2'288 m). Duration 2 h 30 min Distance 9.8 km Ascent 165 m Descent 454 m Lowest point 2130 m Highest point 2584 m. The 5 Lakes Walk is in a class of its own among hikes in the Zermatt mountains. The views of the mountain lakes are superb (with the Matterhorn reflected in three of them), and the trail is full of variety.
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Duration 2 h Distance 6.6 km Ascent 174 m Descent 515 m Lowest point 2570 m Highest point 2928 m. Start point Trockener Steg (2,939 m) End point Schwarzsee (2,583 m)
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