The Alpine Pass Route

Engelberg (1002m) is a beautifully situated mountain resort with a 12th century Benedictine monastery, which has the largest organ in Switzerland. If you arrive early in the day, there are possible walks using lifts to Brunni or Furenalp. Accommodation: Hotel Banklialp - a comfortable 3* hotel close to this Alpine village and right at the start of our walk.

The hiking route starts steeply from the hotel climbing up past the Trubsee (1764m). From the lake, climb on to the Jochpass (2207m), with views of the Titlus peak before descending past the Engstelsee lake to overnight in Engstlenalp (1834m). Accommodation: Hotel Engstlenalp is a mountain inn offering basic accommodation in twin-bedded rooms.

There are 3 possible routes today: The First, which should only be done in really good weather by people with a degree of a head for heights follows the classic Ezegg / Planplatten ridge high above the Gental Valley, there are tremendous views of the Berner Oberland peaks. There is then a long 1600m descent to Meiringen, although you can reduce this by taking cable cars. The second route follows a little-used path, descending through flower bejewelled pastures and forest, along the enchanting Gental Valley to Reuti before a final steep descent through beech forest to Meiringen (595m). The Third route is easier and involves more road walking and it is particularly recommended if the weather is bad. Near Meiringen are the Reichenbach Falls, scene of Sherlock Holmes' final struggle with Moriarty, and the Aareschlucht gorge. You may wish to visit the falls this afternoon. Accommodation: A small 3* hotel approx. a 10-minute walk from the centre. Accommodation: Hotel Meiringen, a small 3* hotel approx. a 10-minute walk from the centre. It is possible to upgrade to the 4* Hotel Alpbach for an additional cost.

A long hard ascent which can be eased by taking the bus for part of the way up to Schwarzwaldalp (1454m). Towering above on your left is the massive peak of the Wetterhorn (3704m). You descend to Grindelwald (1034m), the “village of Glaciers” nestling below an amphitheatre of impressive peaks, the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Accommodation: Hotel Hirschen - Spend two nights in this traditional 3* hotel in the heart of the village, known for its cozy atmosphere.

Grindelwald is a resort town overlooked by the towering Eigerwand (North Face of the Eiger), scene of many dramatic climbing exploits. A trip on the Jungfrau railway (highest in Europe and 3rd highest in the world) is well worthwhile. You will be treated to a magnificent view from the Jungfraujoch station (3454m) if it the weather is clear, so it is worth checking the forecast. An optional gondola (mini-cable car) trip up to First gives access to a delightful walk to the Faulhorn Peak (2681m), a tremendous viewpoint in clear weather. There are numerous other fine day walks at all altitudes around Grindelwald that we include in your route notes.

A short descent to Grund (943m) and then a steady ascent along a steep forest track to the day's high point at the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m). From there walk down via the beautifully located village of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (797m) deep down in the Loetschinen Valley. Accommodation: Stay two nights at the centrally located 3* Hotel Silberhorn. The rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated. The hotel has various rooms so you can upgrade (subject to availability).

Lauterbrunnen lies in a spectacular narrow valley and is one of the major attractions of the Bernese Oberland. Use today as a rest day or choose from a selection of walks. One option is to anticipate tomorrow's long climb by walking the first part up to Murren. From Murren you can walk back by a scenic route via Gimmelwald down to Stechelberg, from where there is an hourly bus back along the valley to Lauterbrunnen. Another possibility is to take the cable car up from Stechelberg or Murren to the Schilthorn. If you haven't done so already, you have another chance to take the train to the Jungfraujoch.

It is a very long climb up from Lauterbrunnen to the Sefinenfurke Pass (2612m) - your highest point for today. If you have followed our suggestion of walking up to Murren on Day 7, it is possible to shorten this without missing out any of the walk by taking the cable car and railway up to Murren (1665m) (16km/10 miles, 7 h). The climb on from Murren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Your exertions are rewarded by stunning views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass it is a steep and impressive descent into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp/Golderli (1408m), for your night’s accommodation. Accommodation: Berggasthaus Golderli offers basic mountain inn accommodation in twin-bedded rooms or possibly the dormitory (we will inform you if this is the case).

Today is probably the hardest day of the Alpine Pass Route with you reaching the highest point on the tour: Hohturli Pass (2778m). You are however rewarded with some of the finest scenery of your alpine walking holiday. The last section of the ascent from Griesalp to Hohturli is steep and aided by some stair cases with wire handrail. The hut near the Hohturli, Blumlisalphutte (2837m), is just a few minutes’ climb away and offers welcome refreshments. Then a beautiful descent past the large Oeschinensee alpine lake to Kandersteg (1180m). Accommodation: The 3* Hotel Bernerhof is centrally located with convenient access to the hiking trails, cablecars and lifts, shops and the railway station. All rooms have a balcony, bath/shower, WC, hair-dryer, cable-TV, radio and direct-dial telephone.

A beautiful walk can be made into the hidden gem of a valley called Gasteretal, surprisingly few hikers venture here, and it is a valley full of beautiful waterfalls. Alternatively, we recommend taking the Sunbuel cable car and trekking up to the famous Gemmi Pass with great views down to Leukerbad in Valais. For those preferring a rest day, Kandersteg has several museums, wellness options, and lots of outdoor activities.

A long ascent with beautiful views back to the Blumlisalp Massif and the Oeschinensee. After traversing the high point of the day, Bundechrinde Pass (2380m) with some scree slopes, take the long descent to Adelboden (1356m). Accommodation: A friendly welcome awaits you at the chalet-style 3* Adler Adelboden hotel. An excellent small pool, whirlpool baths and sauna can be used.

Overall a fairly gentle day of walking. From Adelboden you climb through a mixture of woods and meadows to the Hahnenmoospass (1956m). After a level section there is a final steep descent to the village of Lenk (1068m), which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls). Accommodation: Accommodation: Stay in the 3* Hotel Waldrand, it stands above link in a sunny, tranquil, south facing area near to the centre of the village.

A long but easy walk up from Lenk to the Truttlisberg Pass (2038m). From the pass there are outstanding views of the Wildstrubel peak (3243m) and surrounding snowy peaks and glaciers. A short ascent brings you to a delightful picnic spot among mountain gentians. You then descend to the Turbach Valley and take the bus from Lauenen (1241m) down to Gstaad and a walk or short train ride to Saanen. Accommodation: Built in 1907 on the site of the former town hall, the 3* Hotel Landhaus has comfortable guest rooms in the traditional style of the region.

After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey.