Walking Holidays, Guided and Self-Guided Walks Abroad, from Walks Worldwide Walking and Hiking Holidays in Europe and Worldwide

Tranquil Alpine Trails

8 days, Self-Guided for 2 people or more, Seasonal Daily Departures, Twin Centres.

This week of walking takes you firstly to the tranquil and rural village of Fiesch where you have numerous walking options with breathtaking views of the vast Aletsch Glacier (Europe's longest and largest and an UN World Heritage site). This is the mountainous heart of Western Europe, a region of impressive landmasses, glaciers, lovely traditional villages, charming green countryside and the rapidly flowing Rhone river; a true hiker's paradise.
Villages are accessed by cable car from the valley and interlinked by footpaths through meadows dotted with small lakes. Midweek you transfer by train along the narrow-gauge railway to the famous, lively town of Zermatt with its chalets, half-timbered houses and cabins, restaurants and shops lining the streets with geraniums spilling out of window boxes. In the shadow of the Matterhorn, one of the most beautiful and unique mountains of the Alps, Zermatt is a perfect base for walks through the Alpine landscape.
Day 1. Travel to Fiesch
Fly to Geneva and travel by train to the small Alpine village of Fiesch, nestled in the beautiful picturesque Goms valley.
Days 2 to 4. Aletsch Glacier and Eggishorn Walks
Starting at the Jungfraujoch, below the world famous Eiger, the Aletsch Glacier covers an enormous 120 square kilometres. Standing at the summit of the Eggishorn (2878 metres), a peak that can easily be reached by cable car or by walking up and soaking in the breathtaking views, you can easily understand why it is a World Heritage site. The gigantic ice mass is surrounded by impressive peaks, many of which are covered year round in snow, making it one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Alps. Fiesch is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area - not only the Aletsch Glacier, but also the narrow secluded Binn valley or the many small, traditionally built villages with their old chalets and barns, whose wood has turned dark from exposure to the sunshine. The region offers every sort of walk, from challenging full-day mountain treks to easy strolls. You can walk to the village of Riederalp over Fieschalp and visit Villa Cassel, next to the Aletsch Forest, the largest Stone Pine forest in Switzerland. As a change from walking you may like to take the steam train over the Furka pass, go on an easy white water rafting trip or try mountain biking on one of the many graded trails.
Days 5 to 7. Walks around Zermatt
Today you transfer along the narrow-gauge Matterhorn- Gotthard railway to Zermatt. This lively town offers a great number of walking opportunities and again you can fully rely on your own leg power or you can accept the occasional help of a mountain train or cable car to ease an ascent or descent. You can walk the last stage of the Europaweg, a fantastic 'haute' route offering fine views, or visit the mountain hut from where climbers start their attempt of the Matterhorn. There are numerous possibilities and the choice is yours whether you wish to enjoy strenuous or easy walking days.
Day 8. Homeward
After a final night in Zermatt you leave the mountains with their clear air behind and return by train to Geneva to fly home.
Aletsch Glacier

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  • Tour grade: A-C (walk dependent).
  • Cost per person: £720 land only.
  • Single supplement: On request.
  • CO2 offset cost: 1.41.
  • What is included: All accommodation, train transfers, 4 day discount travel ticket, route notes and maps.
  • Accommodation: Hotels.
  • Departure dates:
    Daily, mid-June to mid-October.