The Alpine Pass Route tour starts from Engelberg and ends in Saanen. It is a walking trip that takes 14 days taking you through Adelboden, Lauterbrunnen, Griesalp and 7 other destinations in Switzerland. The Alpine Pass Route is a self-guided tour that includes accommodation, transport, meals and others.
Day 01: Arrive Engelberg
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.
Day 02: Engelberg to Engstlenalp 14 km/8.7 miles, 4.5 h
The route starts steeply from the hotel climbing up past the Trubsee (1764m). From the lake, climb on to the Jochpass (2207m), perhaps with views of the Titlus peak before descending past the Engstelsee lake to overnight in Engstlenalp (1834m).
Day 03: Engstlenalp to Meiringen 17 km/10.5 miles, 4.5 h
Follow 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). 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.
Day 04: Meiringen to Grindelwald 21 km/13 miles, 7.5 h
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 peaks, the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
Day 05: Rest day in Grindelwald
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 even though expensive (approx. 184 CHF 2nd Class). A magnificent view from the Jungfraujoch station (3454m) if it is clear – so check the weather forecast. A gondola (mini-cable car) (approx. 30 CHF) 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.
Day 06: Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen 19 km/11.8 miles, 6.3 h
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), and then down via the beautifully located village of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (797m) deep down in the Loetschinen Valley.
Day 07: In Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen lies in a spectacular narrow valley and is one of the major attractions of the Bernese Oberland. One possibility is to anticipate tomorrow’s long climb by walking the first part up to Murren today. 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. You also have another opportunity to take the train to the Jungfraujoch, if you haven’t done so already.
Day 08: Lauterbrunnen to Griesalp/Golderli 21 km/ 13 miles, 9.5 hrs
It is a very long climb up from Lauterbrunnen to the Sefinenfurke Pass (2612m) your highest point for today.
(NOTE: 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). 15 km/9.3 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/Goldreli (1408m), for your night’s accommodation.
Day 09: Griesalp-Golderli to Kandersteg 15 km/9.3 miles, 7.5 h
Today is probably the hardest day with you reaching the highest point on the tour, Hohturli Pass (2778m). You are however rewarded with some of the finest scenery of the trip. 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).
Day 10 : In Kandersteg
A beautiful walk can be made into the hidden gem of a valley called Gasteretal, surprisingly few tourists 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.
Day 11 : Kandersteg to Adelboden 16 km/10 miles, 6.5 h
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).
Day 12 : Adelboden to Lenk 11 km/6.83 miles, 5 h
Overall a fairly gentle day. 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).
Day 13 : Lenk to Saanen 14 km/8.7 miles, 5 h
A long easy climb 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 walk/short train ride to Saanen.
Day 14 : Depart Saanen
After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Engelberg | 01 | Hotel Terrace |
| Engstlenalp | 01 | Hotel Gletscherblick |
| Meiringen | 01 | Brünig Lodge, Meiringen |
| Grindelwald | 02 | Gasthof Panorama, Grindelwald |
| Lauterbrunnen | 02 | Arenas Resort Victoria-Lauberhorn |
| Golderli | 01 | Griesalp Hotels |
| Kandersteg | 02 | Hotel Alfa Soleil |
| Adelboden | 01 | Adler Adelboden |
| Lenk | 01 | Hotel Krone |
| Saanen | 01 | Hotel Landhaus |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– 13 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Entrance fee as per program
– Local English-speaking guide
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.