WALKING & HIKING

SWISS ALPS
PREMIERE INNS

Prepare to be pampered. Awestruck. Exhilarated. In a place where mountains cut into the sky.
Where snow perfectly crowns each peak and glacial lakes shimmer. Where alpine comfort and
Matterhorn views come standard at the Riffelalp Resort. Where trails lead to remote hamlets
and green pastures, over hidden mountain passes and beside immense glaciers. Where chalets
are always ready with a cold beer or warm hot chocolate. Prepare for the height of Switzerland.
Prepare for the Swiss Alps.
15WSWIR1C (7/8/14)

NEVER SUBCONTRACTED
We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the
qualityand we're fully responsible for your great experience.

TWO SUPPORT VANS

The scenery was breathtaking (what can
beat the Matterhorn, touched with fresh
snow, looming over its surroundings from a
clear blue sky on a sunny day?), the
accommodations and food were excellent,
and the Backroads leaders were the tops in
every way.
Gail McCann - North Attleboro, MA

Click HERE to read more guest reviews

We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on
us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take.

THREE LEADERS
Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio.
Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they
make all the difference.

THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN

We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that
you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds.

MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES

Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day
gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace.

WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES

To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two
vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system
showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched
riding/hiking companions.
*95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three
leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van
and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards.

Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index

6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS
Click HERE for departure dates and pricing
details
ROUTE RATING LEVELS 25
See below for details
TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP
Sign up online HERE or call
800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or
510-527-1555
Open daily 6 a.m.6 p.m. Pacific time

Day 1
On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads
leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at
10:30 a.m. in front of the Interlaken Ost (East)
train station, the main rail station of Interlaken,
Switzerland. Please arrive dressed in your hiking
clothes and bring a daypack with your rain gear,
extra layers and anything else you may want for
todays hike.

We want to make sure youre on the right

trip and that you have the best experience
possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and
this one is no exception.

Terrain & Shuttles

Due to Switzerland`s rugged terrain, you can
look forward to some exhilaratingbut
steep!climbs along rocky and sometimes
uneven paths. Please note that there's no van
support on this trip (you can imagine why!),
so you should be comfortable with the alpine
elevation and remote routes.

Shuttle to Adelboden 1 Hour

Walking & Hiking Options:
Hahnenmoos Pass Route: 2 Miles* (300 elevation gain)
Geils Route: 3.3 Miles* (300)
Geils Valley Route: 4.1 Miles* (500)
*with shuttle

Welcome to Switzerland! After meeting we shuttle to

Adelboden, a charming Swiss alpine village in the
Bernese Oberland (Highlands) to enjoy a lunch of
regional delights. Then your leaders give a brief trip
orientation before you set out on a hike through the
Adelboden Valley, a region with stunning scenery and
crisp alpine airthe perfect introduction to walking in
Switzerland. A gondola ride up to Sillerenbuhl station
(6,500 feet) takes us to the Wildflower Trail, which you
follow to Hahnenmoos Pass. Here, breathtaking views
of the Adelboden and Lenk Valleys will stop you in your
tracks. And there are more to come! Continue hiking a
bit higher for more great vistas. Then descend past
small cheese huts and a babbling brook to Geils, where
a local bus or Trotti bike (a two-wheeled push scooter)
returns you to Adelboden.
This evening we celebrate our arrival in the Bernese
Oberland with a wine reception and the first of many
tasty traditional Swiss meals. Lodging: The Cambrian

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE

We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this
itinerary. Well be certain to notify you of any
important changes prior to departure; other changes
may be communicated on trip by your leaders.

QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848

Day 2

PREMIERE INNS

Shuttle to Kandersteg 45 Minutes

Walking & Hiking Options:
Gemmi Pass Route: 5.6 Miles* (1,300 elevation gain)
Gemmi Pass Traverse Route: 6.9 Miles* (1,500)
*with shuttle

Our hike today takes us across historic Gemmi Pass, an

ancient trade route used since Roman times. To reach
our trail we shuttle to gorgeous Kandersteg, a town
nestled in the broad Kander Valley beneath the towering Blmlisalp and Doldenhorn peaks. Its long been an
important mountaineering center and a favored
destination of European travelers, becoming far more
accessible in 1913 when a nine-mile railroad tunnel
created a direct link between Bern and the Rhne
Valley. Kandersteg is also known for abundant wildflowers and Simmental cattle, which can be seen
munching on the lush grass of mountain pastures.

THE CAMBRIAN 1 NIGHT

Spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland
surround us at this mountain retreat with modern
design sensibilities. (pool, spa)
Adelboden
+41-(0)33-673-8383
www.thecambrianadelboden.com

Just past the center of Kandersteg we arrive at the

Sunnbuel cable car, which whisks us to 6,300 feet. Then
head out on a gradual uphill along a wide path through
the Spittel Valley, passing the shimmering glacier-fed
Daubensee (see means lake in German). Dwarfed by
the surrounding Bernese Alps, make your way up to
Gemmi Pass, where on a clear day youre treated to
views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, Switzerlands
highest peak at 15,200 feet.

LES SOURCES DES ALPES 2 NIGHTS

An elegant hotel celebrated for its scenic setting,
delightful cuisine and spring-fed thermal baths. A
Relais & Chteaux member. (pool, spa)
Leukerbad
+41-(0)27-475-2000
www.sourcesdesalpes.ch

After we enjoy our lunch at the pass (7,600 feet), the

Gemmibahn cable car transports us down a steep rock
facea vertical drop that was once a formidable
obstacle to anyone wanting to cross the pass. At the
bottom is Leukerbad, the largest thermal center in
Switzerland, where picturesque narrow streets are lined
with old chalets, shops and cafs. You can experience
Leukerbads healing powers at Les Sources des Alpes,
our luxurious home for the next two nights, set atop the
waters wellspring. (Spa services are not included in the
trip price. If youre interested in taking advantage of the
spa facilities, including hydrotherapy sessions and
rejuvenating mud treatments, we recommend that you
book far in advance by contacting the hotel directly.

RIFFELALP RESORT 2 NIGHTS (ABOVE)

A stylish resort sanctuary offering breathtaking
panoramas of the Matterhorn from a 7,300-foot
wooded plateau above Zermatt, said Andrew
Harper. (pool, spa)
Zermatt
+41-(0)27-966-0555
www.riffelalp.com

Tonight youre invited to an alphorn concert performed

by two local musicians in traditional costume. The
alphorn was traditionally used by alpine herdsmen and
villagers to announce daily activities and can reach 13
feet in length. After the concert we enjoy an elegant
Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking

meal in the hotels dining room. Lodging: Les Sources

des Alpes

ROUTE RATING INFORMATION

The routes on this trip are rated Levels 25.

Day 3

LEVEL 2

Walking & Hiking Options:

Majinsee Loop: 3.4 Miles (700 elevation gain)
Birchen Valley Loop: 6.1 Miles (900)
Fluealp Cheese Farm Loop: 7.9 Miles (2,200)

47 miles
Up to 4 hours

LEVEL 3

Be prepared to cross patches of snow and ice during

todays challenging hikejaw-dropping views are ample
reward for your efforts. Start your journey in the Dala
Valley with a walk along a trail built into the side of a
thermal gorge. As you cross the canyon on a high
suspension bridge, admire a thundering waterfall. At
this point you have the option of returning to explore
Leukerbad or heading back to the hotel to relax. If you
choose to continue hiking, proceed on a steep and
steady climb flanked by majestic mountains. Enjoy a
quintessential Swiss scene of flower-filled alpine
meadows and herds of soft-eyed milk cows adorned
with leather collars and brass bells. A local cheese
maker meets us in Fluealp and demonstrates the
intricate age-old process by which this classic Swiss
delicacy is made.

59 miles
Up to 5 hours

LEVEL 4
611 miles
Up to 6 hours

LEVEL 5
713+ miles
Up to 7+ hours
Review the Route Rating section on the web for
more details on daily route options.

After a picnic lunch, which of course includes a taste or

two of deliciously fresh cheeses, continue up the valley
to a hidden chapel built into the mountain. The return
route takes you down the other side of the valley and
back to Leukerbad.

Day 4

Bus & Trains to Zermatt 3 Hours

Walking & Hiking Options:
Zmutt Valley Glide Route: 4 Miles* (1,300 elevation gain)
Zmutt Valley Loop: 5.2 Miles* (1,300)
Riffelalp Route: 6.2 Miles (2,600)

This evening youre on your own to sample the fare at a

local restaurant. Lodging: Les Sources des Alpes

*with shuttle

Leaving Leukerbad we bus down to Leuk to catch the

Glacier Express train to the picturesque car-free village
of Zermatt. Through the train window, youll see the
higher and drier mountain scenery that differentiates
the southern and northern sides of the Rhne Valley.
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Zermatts charming
restaurants or cafs. Then decide how to indulge
yourself this afternoon: perhaps a shopping outing or a
relaxing massage at our hotel. Or if you simply cant
pass up the chance to hike, head into the Zmutt Valley
along a rugged mountainside footpath, past traditional
huts and hamlets. In the village of Zmutt, check out the
many interesting old homes and savor a slice of strudel
or a cold beer. Continue to the villages of Zum See and

QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848

Day 6

Blatten, where youll find one of Ricolas herb gardens

displaying signs describing the 13 fresh herbs used to
make the world-renowned candy and teas. From here
you can return to Zermatt by foot or gondola before
catching the Gornergrat railway up to Riffelalp Resort, a
Leading Hotels of the World member where we stay for
the next two nights. Or, if youre up for a challenge,
make the final climb to the hotel on footthe views are
well worth the effort!

Walking & Hiking Options:

Matterhorn Overlook Route: 2.1 Miles (300 elevation gain)
Riffelalp to Zermatt Route: 3.5 Miles (2,000 elevation loss)
Cultural Tour of Zermatt 1 Hour

Youre free to relish a leisurely morning at the Riffelalp

Resort, lingering over breakfast and soaking up its
magnificent views. Or if youd like to stretch your legs
one last time, head out-and-back along a gently
contouring path offering great vistas of Zermatt and the
Matterhorn. If youd like a bigger challenge, descend on
foot through pine and larch forest to Zermatt.

Tonight we sample regional wines before sitting down

to a traditional dinner, including raclette and fondue, in
the hotels traditional Ristorante al Bosco. Lodging:
Riffelalp Resort

Later in the morning we take a short train ride to

Zermatt to explore the towns historic sites with a local
guide, including the church where Matterhorn-bound
mountaineers stop to pray, the climbers cemetery and
well-preserved 15th-century homes. We say our
goodbyes in Zermatt; please see Arriving & Departing
for end-of-trip logistics.

Day 5

Walking & Hiking Options:

Gornergletscher Lookout Route: 2.9 Miles* (2,000 elevation
gain)
Gornergrat Summit Route: 4.2 Miles* (2,900)
Monte Rosa Route: 5.2 Miles* (3,000)
*with shuttle

This morning we hike directly from our hotel to Gornergrat Mountain along a steep, well-manicured trail
overlooking Zermatt. After passing the glacial Riffelsee,
the trail ascends to the top of a spectacular ridge. Look
down upon the bright blue pools and seemingly bottomless crevasses of the Gornergletscher, a glacier
surrounded by the impressive peaks of Klein Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Breithorn. Break out your lunch
and enjoy an alpine meallisten carefully and you may
even hear the sounds of glaciers groaning and grumbling with movement.
After lunch, continue hiking to Gornergrat (up another
1,000 feet) or head to the Rotenboden station and take
a cog railway train to the summit. Then, return to the
hotel to kick back or spend time exploring town. If
youre up for a bigger afternoon hike, follow the Via
Monte Rosa route, which descends toward the Gorner
Glacier and then climbs the backside of Gornergrat
Mountain to reach the peak.
Later this afternoon you have time to enjoy the comforts of the Riffelalp Resort. We dine in elegance tonight
in the hotels formal dining room, which offers amazing
views of the Matterhorn. Lodging: Riffelalp Resort

Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking

Arriving & Departing

PRICES & SCHEDULES

See Day 1 for meeting time and location.

All prices and schedules were current at the time of

printing, but are subject to change at any time.

Note that train schedules are subject to change unexpectedly, which may affect our trip meeting and/or
ending time. We appreciate your understanding and
flexibility if we must make adjustments due to alterations in train schedules. Rest assured, we will notify you
as soon as possible regarding any changes to your trip in
order to minimize any inconvenience to you.

For help arranging air transport to and from your

Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent
or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel
Desk. Our expert travel advisors are ready to share their
insiders knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide
destinations. These professional agents are available to
assist you with any of your travel needs. Please call us at
800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an
advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees
may apply, depending on the services requested. The
Backroads Travel Desk is open MondayFriday 9 a.m.
5 p.m. Pacific time.

All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The

standard unit of currency in Switzerland is the Swiss
franc (CHF). At the time of printing, 0.89 CHF = 1 USD.

CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP

The trip ends around 11 a.m.* at the Zermatt train
station, in time to catch trains departing around 11:30
a.m. Your Backroads leaders will stay to answer questions about connections and assist in boarding. Read on
for more information on traveling by train in Switzerland.

TAKING THE TRAIN TO INTERLAKEN

From Zurich: Trains depart frequently from the central

Zurich train station to Interlaken Ost. The trip takes
approximately 2 hours, tickets start at $40. Youll
change trains in Bern or Spiez.

*If you need to depart earlier on the last day, please

note that the Riffelalp Resort, our last hotel, is located
high up the mountain and is serviced only by train (no
cars). At the time of printing, the first possibility to
leave the resort is around 8:00 a.m., arriving in Zermatt
20 minutes later. Please keep this in mind when
planning the rest of your train travel and flights.

From Geneva: There are also frequent trains from

Geneva to Interlaken Ost. The trip takes approximately
3 hours, tickets start $40. Youll change trains in Bern.
From Bern: Nonstop trains run hourly from Bern to
Interlaken Ost. The trip takes approximately 1 hour,
tickets start at $18.

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
This trip starts in Interlaken and ends in Zermatt. We
recommend that you fly into Zurich (airport code: ZRH;
www.zurich-airport.com) or Geneva (GVA; www.gva.ch)
and travel to Interlaken and back from Zermatt by train.

TAKING THE TRAIN FROM ZERMATT

Trains leave frequently from Zermatt to Zurich and
Geneva via Visp. The journey to Zurich takes approximately 3 hours and tickets start at $67. To Geneva,
travel time is approximately 4 hours and tickets start at
$52.

TRAIN TRAVEL

Buying Train Tickets

We suggest purchasing rail tickets and making reservations through your own travel agent or the Swiss
Federal Railways (SFR) website, at www.sbb.ch/en.
You can also purchase tickets and make reservations
through Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com; 800-6228600). Be aware that they charge service fees, making
this a typically more expensive option.

QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848

Climate

Another option is to wait until you arrive in Switzerland

to purchase your rail tickets. In most stations, there are
reservation counters with agents who speak English.
These counters are often located away from the main
departure area. Many stations also have automatic
ticket machines that sell tickets and reservation coupons for travel in Switzerland and for principal crossborder routes. The machines accept cash and credit or
debit cards.

Switzerland has four distinct climatic regions: alpine,

subtropical, continental and Mediterranean. Mountain
weather is very unpredictable and can change drastically with little warning, with temperatures dipping to
freezing. Its essential that you bring appropriate
clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants, and
plenty of warm clothes. Please be prepared for all types
of conditions to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable
one. See Suggested Packing List in your Travel Planner
for details on clothing and gear.

Your seat reservation will usually appear as a separate

coupon along with your actual train ticket. It will specify
the train number, the coach number, class of travel and
seat number.

Interlaken

BOARDING THE TRAIN

Your platform number will generally be listed at least
ten minutes prior to departure on the small television
screens or the larger schedule boards in the main
station area (larger stations only). Four columns will be
listed: destination, type of train, platform number and
departure time.
Its possible that not all cars on your train are continuing to your destination. Therefore, its important to
make sure the nameplate on your car (usually posted
outside near the door) corresponds to your travel
destination. Once inside the car, look for your reserved
seat. If its a small train and reservations are not
required, you can sit anywhere. Keep your bags in sight,
if possible, and stay alert; many luggage thieves and
pickpockets specialize in dashing on and off trains.

Average:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

High F

36

39

48

53

64

69

Low F

26

28

34

39

46

53

Wet days

15

13

17

17

18

19

Average:

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

High F

75

75

68

57

44

37

Low F

57

57

51

44

35

30

Wet days

15

12

12

11

12

12

Average:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

High F

29

34

40

47

55

63

Low F

17

19

24

32

41

48

Precip. in

1.6

1.7

2.1

2.1

2.7

2.3

Average:

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

High F

66

65

60

51

40

31

Low F

51

47

42

35

27

20

Precip. in.

2.2

2.7

2.3

2.5

1.9

1.9

Zermatt

Temperatures in Europe are measured in degrees

Celsius. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a quick conversion, double the Celsius reading and
add 30 to determine the approximate temperature in
degrees Fahrenheit.

Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking

Where to Stay Before

& After Your Trip
For help making hotel reservations for before and after
your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel
agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads
Travel Desk. Call us at 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be
connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting
or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services
requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday
Friday 9 a.m.5 p.m. Pacific time.

Hotel du Lac

Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at

any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accommodations sidebar for details.

Karen Brown recommends this family-run hotel especially for its convenient location just steps from where
the trains depart for the Jungfraujoch excursion and
minutes from the dock where the boats leave for
exploring Lake Brienz. | Hheweg 225 | www.dulacinterlaken.ch | +41-(0)33-822-29-22 | 35 rooms |
Rates:

Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting

double-occupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the
internet and/or best available rates, which were
accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are
always subject to change. Also be aware that some
hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend
that you consult directly with the hotels for specific
details, as these requirements can change depending on
the season and time of the week. Book early, especially
during peak travel season!

Hotel du Nord
A short walk from the train station, the pier and the
Harderbahn cable car, its tough to beat Hotel du Nords
location. Welcoming ambience, comfortable guest
rooms (some with a balcony or terrace) and a cozy
restaurant with alpine dcor. | Hheweg 70 |
www.hotel-dunord.ch | +41-(0)33-827-50-50 | 46
rooms | Rates:

Keep in mind that even in first-class hotels, rooms are

smaller than those in typical US hotels. Rooms on the
street tend to be noisy, so you might want to request a
room overlooking the hotels garden or courtyard.

ZERMATT
If you extend your stay in Zermatt at Riffelalp Resort,
our last nights accommodation, let the reservations
agent know that youre traveling with Backroads; that
way you may not have to switch rooms. See the accommodations sidebar for the hotels contact
information.

INTERLAKEN

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Everything is indeed grand at this classic Beaux-Arts
resort, starting with its superb setting in the heart of
Interlaken and its spectacular views of the Alps. (pool,
spa, tennis) | Cond Nast Traveler Gold List 2014 |
Hheweg 41 | www.victoria-jungfrau.ch | +41-(0)33828-28-28 | 212 rooms & suites | Rates:

Hotel Monte Rosa

The Monte Rosa is Zermatts oldest hotel and occupies a
coveted position in the heart of town. Dont miss dining
at the hotels Michelin-starred Ristorante Capri. (pool) |
Bahnhofstrasse 80 | www.monterosazermatt.ch | +41(0)27-966-03-33 | 41 rooms & suites | Rates:

Hotel Chalet Swiss

This hotel looks just as you would expect from the
namea charming Swiss-style wood chalet, with a
pitched roof and geranium-filled window boxes. For the
best experience, reserve a front room with a balcony in
the original houseyoull love the mountain views. |
Seestrasse 22 | www.chalet-swiss.ch | +41-(0)33-82678-78 | 54 rooms | Rates:

Schnegg Chalet Hotel

Perched high above Zermatt, with a highly unusual
entrywaya 2,756-foot-long cave-like tunnel
Schnegg Chalet Hotel wows you with excellent service
and cuisine, not to mention panoramic vistas of the

QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848

Matterhorn. (spa) | Riedweg 35 | www.schonegg.ch |

+41-(0)27-966-34-34 | 48 rooms & suites | Rates:

Hotel Bella Vista

Looking for a home away from home? The charming
family-run Bella Vista, located just 5 minutes from
Zermatts center, fits the bill. (spa) | Riedweg 15 |
www.bellavista-zermatt.ch | +41-(0)27-966-28-10 | 21
rooms | Rates:

Romantik Hotel Julen

Bold style and bright colors add flair to the traditional
alpine heart of Hotel Julen. Upon arriving, its hard to
resist immediately cozying up to the fireplace in one of
the bars leather sofas. Zermatts center is located just
across the bridge. (pool, spa) | Riedstrasse 2 |
www.julen.com | +41-(0)27-966-76-00 | 32 rooms &
suites | Rates:

Hotel Kindli
Once a 16th-century townhouse, this charming boutique hotel maintains the comfort and character of a
private home. Well-placed on a quiet pedestrian-only
street, the hotel is just steps from the famous Bahnhofstrasse. Its recommended by Karen Browns Guides. |
Pfalzgasse 1 | www.kindli.ch | +41-(0)43-888-76-76 | 20
rooms | Rates:

ZURICH

Baur au Lac
This member of Leading Hotels of the World is situated
on Lake Zurich in a magnificent park setting, and offers
proximity to the most fashionable boutiques in Zurich. |
Travel + Leisure Worlds Best 2014 | Talstrasse 1 |
www.bauraulac.ch | +41-(0)44-220-50-20 | 120 rooms
& suites | Rates:

GENEVA

Htel Beau Rivage

On the shore of Lake Geneva, this fully renovated classic
has outstanding views of the water, the citys famous Jet
dEau (Water Fountain) and Mont Blanc. Old Town
Geneva, as well as the retail and business district, are
within walking distance. | Cond Nast Traveler Gold List
2014 | Quai du Mont-Blanc 13 | www.beau-rivage.ch |
+41-(0)22-716-66-66 | 91 rooms & suites | Rates:

Widder Hotel
Lauded by Andrew Harper, the Widder consists of nine
adjoining historic townhouses that have been magnificently restored to blend modern dcor with traditional
architecture. | Rennweg 7 | www.widderhotel.ch | +41(0)44-224-25-26 | 49 rooms & suites | Rates:

Htel de la Paix
This five-star hotel features a unique contemporary
style, while maintaining the classical aspects of the
original 1865 structure. Its Michelin-starred restaurant,
VertigO, offers some of Genevas finest meals, and the
hotels doors lead straight to the citys cultural, shopping and dining center. | Quai du Mont-Blanc 11 |
www.hoteldelapaix.ch | +41-(0)22-909-60-00 | 84
rooms & suites | Rates:

Claridge Hotel Zurich

Located on a quiet residential street within walking
distance of the citys main attractions, the Claridge
offers a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of
downtown Zurich. | Steinwiesstrasse 8-10 |
www.claridge.ch | +41-(0)44-267-87-87 | 41 rooms &
suites | Rates:

Hotel Adler

Edelweiss Manotel

In the heart of Zurichs lively Old Town, the charming and

fully modern three-star Hotel Adler has been welcoming
travelers since the 14th century. | Rosengasse 10 |
www.hotel-adler.ch | +41-(0)44-266-96-96 | 52 rooms |
Rates:

Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking

This hotel evokes the kind of cozy alpine dcor that many
people associate with the isolated hamlets of the Swiss
mountains. Dont miss Restaurant Edelweiss, where
regional cuisine is served to the sound of live yodeling. |
Place de la Navigation 2 | www.manotel.com/edelweiss
| +41-(0)22-544-51-51 | 42 rooms | Rates:

10

Extending Your Vacation

KANDERSTEG
There are more fabulous hikes around Kandersteg than
can be done in just one week. We recommend extending your stay to take advantage of this renowned area.
Spend a day exploring the Gasterntal, one of the
wildest and most picturesque valleys in the Bernese
Oberland. Take the bus from Kandersteg to Selden
(about 30 minutes), then hike up to the end of the
valley for an incredible view.
Another hike (half- or full-day) begins with a cable car
ride from Kandersteg to the Allmenalp. From here,
either hike up and over the pass to Adobolden or loop
back down to Kandersteg.

Htel Mon-Repos
This intimate hotel, facing an elegant park along Lake
Geneva, is the perfect spot from which to explore the
citys charms. The flowered terrace, excellent restaurant and stylish rooms provide an elegant and
comfortable ambience. | Rue de Lausanne 131 |
www.hmrge.ch | +41-(0)22-909-39-09 | 86 rooms &
suites | Rates:

Paragliding is also a very popular activity here. We

recommend local paragliding instructor Ruedi Grossen
of Flying School Allmenalp (ruedigrossen@bluewin.ch;
+41-(0)79-429-44-10 or +41-(0)33-675-16-71).

Tiffany Hotel

Visit www.kandersteg.ch for more information on

activities in and around Kandersteg.

Located in the heart of Genevas cultural and arts

district, this charming Belle poque boutique hotel is
just a few steps from galleries and designer shops, and a
short walk from the lake and the Rhne River. Suites
feature exposed beams, sloping walls and rooftop
vistas. | Rue de lArquebuse 20 | www.hotel-tiffany.ch |
+41-(0)22-708-16-16 | 46 rooms & suites | Rates:

JUNGFRAUJOCH
A visit to the Jungfraujoch station, part of the World
Heritage site of the Swiss Alps, is very popular among
visitors to the Bernese Oberland. Situated at 11,300
feet, the Jungfraujoch is the highest train station in
Europe, attracting many travelers with its stunning
views and unique locale amid snowcapped peaks and
glaciers, even at the height of summer.

Starling Hotel Geneva

Conveniently located just steps from the Geneva
International Airport, this state-of-the-art hotel is also
within 15 minutes of many key sightseeing attractions,
such as the Palais de Nations, the Red Cross Museum
and Genevas fantastic shopping district. | Route
Francois-Peyrot 34 | www.shgeneva.ch | +41-(0)22747-02-02 | 496 rooms & suites | Rates:

Trains for the Jungfraujoch station depart regularly from

Interlaken and head toward Kleine Scheidegg before
continuing through the Eiger tunnel. Youll enjoy a brief
in-tunnel stop at Eigerwand (9,400 feet), where you can
peer through large observation windows at Eigers stark
north face.
From here the train begins its steep climb to the
Jungfraujoch and offers views of the Vosges Mountains
in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Youll also
be treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding
Bernese Oberland and the Konkordiaplatz, the vast
junction of four different glaciers. Skiing, snowboarding
and dog-sledding are popular activities here and many
amenities such as restaurants, hotels and shops greet
visitors at this top-of-Europe site. Another option is to

SPECIAL HOTEL SAVINGS

Backroads has negotiated special rates for our
guests at many hotels around the world. To find
hotels with these exclusive Backroads savings,
please visit www.backroads.com/hotelsavings.

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QUESTIONS? Call 8004622848

take the elevator to a viewing point at the Sphinx

(11,700 feet). For more information, visit the Jungfrau
Railways website at www.jungfraubahn.ch/en.

ZERMATT

Enjoy a full day hiking up to the Hornli Hut, where

climbers spend the night before attempting to summit
the Matterhorn. This challenging but rewarding hike
offers great views of the mountain.
If youre looking for a half-day adventure, take the
highest cableway in Europe to the Klein Matterhorn
the highest sightseeing point in Europe. A 1-hour ride
on three cable cars brings you to a 360-degree panoramic view of the Italian, French and Swiss Alps. On a
clear day you can see Mont Blanc and the Eiger! Visit
www.zermatt.ch for more information.

PARAGLIDING IN INTERLAKEN
Interlaken is a world-renowned location for paragliding.
We recommend using instructor Pitsch Buhler of Twin
Paragliding (www.interlaken-paragliding.com; +41(0)79-622-51-00).

Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking

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