My walking review is slightly truncated because of an Achilles injury ( this was our third week of walking). Our guide Michelle was wonderful. He did a great job of shifting the schedule due to rainy weather. He provided lots of historical and cultural information along the way. He did a great job of handling the folks that were not experienced hikers. Please pay attention to the hike ratings on this trip. A 3 rating is not easy! If you are not comfortable on rocky terrain or slight exposure this is not your trip. Moneglia is a delightful base village. Very low key and not overrun with tour groups. However, even in October the 5 villages got packed, but fortunately we spent one day there. Even though I spent a couple days with my foot on ice it was an enjoyable trip.
Walking Holidays in Switzerland
Walking Tours in Switzerland
Top 5 Hiking Trails in the Swiss Alps
Mont Blanc Bovine Route: Being the tallest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc is a beautiful beast of a mountain and a seriously challenging trek, but the scenery you’ll encounter is well worth the effort. The Tour de Mont Blanc is split into 11 stages and the Bovine Route to Champex is a popular trail on walking holidays in Switzerland, which leads you through high alpine pastures and larch forests overlooking the Sion Valley. Along the trail you’ll pass pretty mountain cafes, perfect for taking a quick break and enjoying the traditional Swiss Rosti. From Champex Lac, a magnificent alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks, you can peer over to the Val Ferret from its eastern shore.
The Gasterntal and the Klus Gorge: The UNESCO-listed Gasterntal, known as Kandersteg’s ‘Hidden Valley’, sets the scene for one of the best trails on Switzerland walking holidays. Cascading waterfalls tumble down its rugged rock faces into the River Kander and the sound of water and scent of pine trees is like a sweet elixir for the senses. You can opt to walk higher up the valley or continue through the alpine meadows and woodlands to the Waldhaus Nature Reserve, where the landscape erupts with orchids and fire lilies. Following the stunning ravine of Klus Gorge with its roaring waterfalls, you’ll walk beneath the lofty slopes of the Balmhorn, Tatlishore and Atels.
Blausee and the Nordrampe: Imagine a dreamlike scene where bright turquoise and emerald waters are fringed by a canopy of towering firs and gnarled trees and it will give you some idea of how idyllic Blausee Nature Park is. Its natural beauty is so intense, it almost seems unreal, but then walking in Switzerland never ceases to amaze you at every turn. From here you can continue through the Kanderground valley to join the Nordrampe Bahnwanderweg. Walk along the mountain railway and past the ancient ruins of Felsenburg Tower where you’re hugged on all sides by breath-taking views.
Edelweiss Trail, Zermatt: Perhaps most synonymous with the song from ‘The Sound of Music’, Edelweiss is a pretty, alpine flower that carpets Swiss meadows, creating a sea of white stars across the landscape. The Edelweiss Trail in Zermatt is one of the most picturesque you’ll find on walking holidays in Switzerland and guides you up to a spectacular vantage point where the views are beyond compare. From here, as you ascend to Trift, views of the unmistakable Matterhorn begin to unfurl. With one last push uphill, you’ll reach Höhbalmen for even more spellbinding views of the Matterhorn.
The Golden Madonna Pass: Gazing down over the Monto-Moro Pass, which lies on the border of Italy and Switzerland, the Golden Statue of Mary takes centre stage atop a rocky summit. Winding around the central lake, explore this ancient walking route along the pass. The menacing peaks of Monte Rosa soon come into sight, and you can pause to inhale some of the most remarkable views you’ll find while walking in Switzerland
Karen Schober Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
Ilona Jamieson Mont Blanc HighlightsHiking on Mont Blanc, even late in the season was an experience not to be missed. The weather, though mixed, never stopped our itineraries and we had glorious sunshine on several days. Chamonix and the mountain range are awesome, naturally, but it was the combination of the area with the most welcoming and caring chalet team and the warm artistic vibe of the Art Deco Chalet Bediere that gave this trip such a special place in my heart. Jeffry Oonk, an erudite biologist as well as an experienced and patient mountain guide gave expert guidance and confidence on every section (some quite challenging) of the trails; his instruction, patience and good humour, coupled with a quiet “Well Done” at the end of each trek, was so up-lifting. Clare and Liz made Chalet Bediere a warm and welcoming place; they both went to huge efforts to provide a happy atmosphere, excellent and varied meals and some of the most delicious cakes for afternoon tea, you could imagine. I’m so happy that I was assigned to this particular chalet, with such a brilliant team. We had a small but fabulous group of five; conversations on the hikes and in the chalet were stimulating and full of banter and laughter. I honestly was gutted to leave and end the experience. Thank you to both our chalet team and my group for the most memorable week 💖
John Cartwright Mont Blanc HighlightsA great week’s walking in the mountains around Mont Blanc. First off, a big thank you to the team – Jeffry, Liz and Clare – who were excellent. We had pretty good weather given that it was the end of the season. In fact the first day was spectacular – blue skies and sunshine – making for some memorable photos. Jeff is an exemplary guide, showing amazing dedication to his job. He gave us all the information we wanted and more – he’s quite fond of plants me thinks, and knows a lot about them. Our walks always started with a through warm up session, and then the ascent could begin. Quite steep sometimes, but Jeff was always on hand to help anybody of a more nervous disposition on the more challenging sections. And if all that wasn’t enough – he has a good sense of humour too. Liz and Clare were expert chalet hosts – the breakfast was just right, and there was even porridge offered on some days. The lunch items were varied and tasty, and the cake waiting for us at the end of each walk was very welcome. Really nice food for dinner too. Plenty of variety throughout the week. The chalet La Bedière is based in Chamonix and for me is the best of the three on offer unless you really like hot tubs. Nicely furnished, amazingly warm and good sized bedrooms and bathrooms. Centrally located – just ideal.
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