Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

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8 Days From

$1720

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

8 Days Starting and ending in Meiringen, Switzerland

Visiting: Meiringen

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

HSM

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wellness Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing

From: $1720 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an 8-day adventure in Meiringen, the heart of the Swiss Alps, perfect for all walking enthusiasts. Stay in a comfortable 4-star hotel with wellness facilities, and enjoy the convenience of unpacking only once. Explore breathtaking panoramas, hike beneath the iconic Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, and discover lakes, gorges, and glaciers. With a wide range of walks suitable for all weather conditions and fitness levels, you can tailor each day to your preferences. Enjoy 7 breakfasts and dinners, and receive comprehensive route notes and GPX files to guide your self-led hikes. Experience the dramatic alpine scenery and the charm of Meiringen, home to the famous Reichenbach Falls and Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Highlights

  • Meiringen is the perfect centre for 6 days of walking for all grades

  • Hike Beneath the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau

  • Panoramas of the Swiss Alps

  • Lakes, Gorges, Glaciers and Dramatic Alpine Scenery

  • Wide choice of walks for all weather conditions & levels of fitness

  • Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Reichenbach Falls

  • Explore the picturesque mountain lake of Engstlenalp and the Paradise Way

  • Discover the Ballenberg open-air museum and the lakeshore town of Brienz

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Meiringen, unpack only once

Location: Meiringen

Make your own way to our 4* hotel in Meiringen: your base for the next eight days.
This pleasant little town is excellent for a centre-based walking tour, being central to a lot of fine walks in the Bernese region.
The Haslital, one of the large valleys in the Central Alps, stretches from the Grimsel Pass to the Lake of Brienz. Along this valley you will find Meiringen. The town suffered a disastrous fire in 1875 and there remains little except for the old church with archaeological remains lying underneath it and a mediaeval watchtower in the 'upper' part of the town.
Meiringen is the home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the 'high street' where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes and his foe Moriarty, the master criminal, fell locked in each other’s arms. You can visit the 'Sherlock Holmes Museum' which is housed in the old Anglican church in the open area by the Park Hotel, which is itself a national monument.
You may want to use a funicular railway to take you to the top of the Reichenbach Falls, otherwise it is a 30 minutes’ walk out of town.
Accommodation: Hotel Alpbach - this 4* hotel has warmly furnished rooms with with free Wi-Fi, TVs and room service. Other amenities include a spa area with a sauna and a steam room, in addition to an upscale restaurant featuring 4 cozy, wood-panelled dining rooms, a bar and a terrace.

Day 2 - 7 : Over 6 days, choose many walks from Meiringen

Location: Meiringen

Over six days there are many walks that you can choose from. We have prepared hiking routes of varying difficulty and length in the Meiringen and Bernese area. You will receive a set of route notes & GPX files with clear introductions to help you choose a walk for each day. The excellent local transport system enables you to shorten or lengthen the walks if you wish.
Below are just a sample of the possible walks that are included in your route notes. You decide on your exact programme, which will vary according to weather conditions and your own preference each day.
A) Hasliberg (Panorama Way). 12 km/7.5 miles, starting with a 10-minute train ride from Meiringen (600m) up to Brünig Pass (1100m) where the walk starts. Views stretch to the Bernese Oberland peaks and glaciers. This is an ideal introduction to the area in almost any weather. There is no need to carry a picnic for lunch if you want to try the “Rosti House” at Wasserwendi. After lunch, continue on the Panorama way to Reuti (1045m) and either take the cable car or walk through the forest down to Meiringen.
B) Reichenbach Valley Circular Walk. Take the bus up to the little hamlet of Gschwantenmad. There is no rush to cover the first 5 km along the Reichenbach River to Schwarzwaldalp where you can have lunch in the cosy mountain restaurant. The standard fare is a cauldron of delicious goulash soup served with fresh crusty bread or a vegetarian alternative. Thus fortified, walk the circular route via Rosenlaui finishing at Kaltenbrunnen from where you take a bus or taxi back to Meiringen. This is a fabulous walk right in the heart of the mountains. The Wetterhorn north face dominates the skyline and the beautiful blue Rosenlaui Glacier towers above you.
C) Hasliberg Heights. To gain initial height, take the cable car to Käserstatt (1524m) above Meiringen. Set out on the magnificent high-level walk across the Hasliberg. There is an option for lunch at Bidmi before completing the walk across the alpine meadows and descending through the forest to Meiringen.
D) Across the Brünig Pass. 12 km/7.5 miles. Once more leave Meiringen by train, but this time over the Brünig Pass to the village of Lungern with its beautiful lake. The hiking route takes you up a steady gradual incline to the pass where there is the option of a restaurant lunch. There is a little more ascent through the forest after lunch before descending to Meiringen.
E) Wengen to Kliene Scheidegg. Travel to the chic resort of Wengen by train and then walk up through the forest and pastures to the pass at Kleine Scheidegg. Return by train either to Wengen or Grindelwald. You can always opt to walk down rather than up or, for a longer day, walk up and down. There are great views towards the Eiger and Jungfrau from the Kleine Scheidegg.
F) Have an easy day. Take a short local walk or travel further afield. Visit the city of Luzern or Bern by train or head up to the Jungfraujoch, or to the Piz Gloria of James Bond fame.
G) Other possibilities near Meiringen include the Ballenberg open-air museum at Brienzwiler where you can see a variety of traditional farm buildings from all over Switzerland. There's also the beautiful old lakeshore town of Brienz, where you can sit at a waterside cafe and admire the view across the lake to the mountains of the Oberland.
H) The Romantic Way. 15 km/9.3 miles. Take the postbus from Meiringen to climb on spectacular twisting roads to Grosse Scheidegg (2000m) at the heart of the mountains. The 12,000' peak of the Wetterhorn towers above and you'll have views of the north-face of the Eiger. During the walk there are spectacular views of the Rosenlaui Glacier. This is a gentle contouring walk, not at all strenuous. A visit to the Reichenbach Falls can be incorporated into the itinerary during the afternoon.
I) Paradise Way. 17 km/10.6 miles. Head northeast on the bus to the picturesque mountain lake of Engstlenalp beneath the pass. From here walk all day through meadows of wonderful flowers and beneath rugged limestone crags where eagles nest. The grand panorama ahead is the Bernese Oberland Massif with literally hundreds of peaks and glaciers in view. The walk ends at the cable car station above Meiringen.

Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast

Location: Meiringen

Depart Meiringen by train for your onward journey.

What's Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners

  • 7 nights accommodation in a 4 star hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

  • Digital information pack including navigational app

show more

What's Not Included

  • Lunches & Beverages

    Lunches and beverages, including tap water, are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

    Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.

  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls

    Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.

  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

    Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • Water (tap or bottled)

    Water, whether tap or bottled, is not included and there is a charge for this, particularly if you order in the evening with your dinner.

  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

    A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.

  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

    A guide is not included as this is a self-guided holiday.

Accommodation

7 nights in a 4* hotel. This is a centre-based holiday with the whole week spent in the same hotel. We use 4* accommodation close to the centre of town. All rooms are en-suite, many with baths as well as showers.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.

Grading

We grade the tour as 'Moderate' (Grade 3), but in practice any day can be as easy or (up to a point) as hard as you care to make it. Day Stages: Anything from 2 to 8 hours or more - depending on your preference.

Mode of Transport

Make your own way to our 4* hotel in Meiringen. The excellent local transport system enables you to shorten or lengthen the walks if you wish. Depart Meiringen by train for your onward journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in a 4-star hotel in Meiringen. All rooms are en-suite, many with baths as well as showers. If the usual hotel is not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed at the time of booking if these are of a different standard.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners. Lunches and beverages, including tap water, are not included.

  • What kind of support is available during the walks?

    The walks are fully supported, and you will receive an information pack including route notes and maps, as well as GPX files of the walks. There is also an emergency hotline available.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks?

    The tour is graded as 'Moderate' (Grade 3), but any day can be as easy or as hard as you prefer. Day stages can range from 2 to 8 hours or more, depending on your preference.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Additional costs include travel insurance, travel to the start and from the end point of the trip, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • What are some of the possible walks included in the tour?

    Possible walks include the Hasliberg Panorama Way, Reichenbach Valley Circular Walk, Hasliberg Heights, Across the Brünig Pass, Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, and the Romantic Way, among others. You will receive route notes and GPX files to help you choose a walk for each day.

  • Can I adjust the length of the walks?

    Yes, the excellent local transport system enables you to shorten or lengthen the walks if you wish.

  • What happens on the first and last days of the tour?

    On the first day, you will make your own way to the 4-star hotel in Meiringen, which will be your base for the next eight days. On the last day, you will depart Meiringen by train for your onward journey after breakfast.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

C. Alfonzetti(North Epping, Australia)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

17 Oct 2023

This trip exceeded our expectations. The location was perfect for breathtaking 'must do' hikes in the Swiss Alps. The hotel was comfortable, close to transport, and the food was exceptional. We would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to do a value-for money walking holiday in Switzerland.

P. Willis(UK)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

20 Jun 2022

Everything as expected and more, absolutely stunning scenery and perfect weather conditions. Hotel was welcoming but I must point out that the food for vegetarians was interesting but apart from that it was great. Maps supplied by the team were spot on and very helpful although we went on some of our own hikes. Be aware Switzerland is very expensive but worth every penny. Thank you.

D & W Wohlpart(Pennsylvania, USA)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

02 Oct 2017

The accommodation was excellent for the given grade of hotel. It was not a 5 star hotel, but we knew that. Clean & excellent customer service. Meals were wonderful. We did not use the route notes extensively but seemed detailed. The Sherpa consultants were great and worked with us when we needed to quickly and unexpectedly change our tour.

M. Carter(New Zealand)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

12 Jul 2023

We found them on Google. Their communication and information was excellent. The hikes were well marked with signs. Local tourist office was excellent as well. We bought the half price rail pass which was great but probably should have got a full pass for the amount of travel we did. We loved all the hikes we did based at Meiringen, Swizerland. The hotel accommodation was a great location and we were well looked after. Meals were excellent. We were charged the tourist tax at the end which was mentioned.

I. Singleton(Sydney, Australia)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

30 Jun 2016

An excellent walking trip and level of difficulty well classified. Very good organization and all material received in a timely fashion. Excellent accommodation. Wonderful scenery and good selection of walks to choose from.

M. Everett(British Columbia, Canada)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

03 Oct 2019

The 8 day hiking around Meiringen, Switzerland booked through Sherpa Expeditions was really good. The village is smaller and we liked that because it wasn't over run with tourists, had more of a local feel to it. There were fabulous hikes to do there and it was nice to be set up in one hotel, not needing to move on each day. The hotel Alpbach was very good, our room was spacious and the 4 course dinners were wonderful.

J. Wood(Cromwell, New Zealand)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

19 Jul 2017

We loved Meiringen. Could have stayed twice as long and still not done all the tracks. The hotel is wonderful too. There are other things to do and see if you re not into serious walking. Would love to go back!

J. Watt(Totnes, UK)  

Meiringen: Panoramas of the Swiss Alps - 8 Days

15 Jul 2019

A well-organised holiday in a convenient location, if rather busier and less remote than we had hoped. Also cost of travel in Switzerland made many walks rather expensive, which we hadn't been prepared for. Notes were excellent, but maps not perhaps as clear as could be: IGN maps have been provided by other companies. Liked the colourcoding though.Sherpa staff extremely helpful, hotel was good quality with good food - very Swiss!

Read all 8 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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