SWITZERLAND’S GLACIER WALK
When most people hear the name Rhone, they think of the mighty and beautiful Rhone River of France and the vineyards which lie in its valley. But few even think of the source of the river which lies high up in the mountains of Switzerland and is, in fact a glacier. Here you can sit in a meadow and see a vast area of ice, snow, and rock. Here, tons of ice slowly makes its way down the valley.
This walk is cantered around this dramatic area of Switzerland where the forces of nature are ever-present amid the quaint villages built by man so many centuries ago; Of all the places in the world, this is the area where Winston Churchill chose to vacation. It is an area of pine forests, meadows of wildflowers; clean, fresh air; friendly people; and always the mountains. But, most of all, it is an area of breathtaking beauty. This is a place where Man has learned to live with the forces of nature and the result is splendid.
You will see the Rhone Glacier and the mighty Aletsch Glacier. The Aletsch Glacier is believed to be Europe’s longest glacier with a length of about 13 n You will be able to walk alongside the glacier and through the Aletsch forest.
You will visit the many picturesque villages of the area including Mur Munster is one of the only unspoiled villages in the region. It lies at 1388 m (approximately 4500 feet) above sea level and is well known for its fine chalet built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In Munster, you will stay at the luxurious Hotel Croix d’Oret Poste.
You will also have a chance to experience one of the true pleasures of the at soak in the saline pool in a hotel spa in Breiten. Here you will have a chant soothe tired muscles and enjoy yourself after an invigorating walk. You expect to spend from two and a half and five to six hours a day walking with day between five and seven hours. The days include frequent breaks for refreshment and just to take in the beauty of Switzerland.
Day 1
Meet in Geneva airport at the arrivals Hall at 2 PM. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you from Geneva airport to Munster (3 hrs). In the evening, you will have dinner and a tour briefing at the hotel. Munster is located at the Obergoms valley in the Wallis canton. It is one of the highest villages in the Wallis area and is set in a tranquil location. The village is particularly notable for its fine 15th and 16th century black wood chalets and traditional storehouses sitting on mushroom-shaped saddle stones. In Munster, you will stay at the luxurious Hotel Croix d’Or et Poste.
Day 2
Today you will walk from the Rhone glacier to Oberwald (5-6 hrs). The bus takes you from Munster to Hotel Belvedere, situated at the foot of the Rhone Glacier. From there you can see the source of the Rhone River, spouting out from the glacier. You can observe the glacier through a tunnel carved out by the owners of the gift shop. Enjoy lunch at the Belvedere with its impressive views and then walk back to Oberwald. The trail is easy to follow among the rare Swiss alpine flowers, overlooking the Goms valley and Rhone glacier.
Day 3 Munster–Fiesch (4-5 hours).
Today you will walk along the Higher Gomsweg through forest and past small chapels all the way to the charming village of Bellwald. You will stop off at a unique alpine restaurant en route for drinks and refreshments. At Bellwald, continue descending through pine forests along a wide track to Fiesch. This offers superb views over the small rustic villages of Reckingen, Ritzingen and Niederwald. The walk is absolutely lovely following pine forest scented trails with wonderful views. Fiesch is the main village in the Goms valley, attractively located at the foot of the rugged Fieschertal valley.
Day 4
Fiesch–Ernen (3-5 hrs). Today you will cross the valley floor past sun-blackened chalets and climb up to the small charming village of Ernen, famous for its classical music festivals. The group will continue up the Binn valley to Ausserbinn, famous for their balconies filled with blossoming geraniums.
Day 5
Fiesch–Breiten (4-5 hours). Everyone will take a cable car ride to the Fiesch Glacier and up to the Eggishorn for spectacular views over the Aletsch glacier, the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa (the highest mountain in Switzerland). The walk passes alongside the Aletsch glacier and down to Riederalp and onwards to Breiten. You will overnight in Breiten, situated less than one mile from Morel in a true spa hotel with its relaxing saline pool, a perfect location to pamper yourself.
Day 6
Breiten AletschGlacier–Mederalp (5-6 hrs). Today, you will take the cable car from Morel to Reideralp at 7,000 ft or higher to Moosfluh at 7,300 ft. The spec- tacuiar walk will take you past the impressive Villa Cassel. Winston Churchill’s ex summer residence and then towards the mighty Aletsch Glacier, claimed to be Europe’s longest and biggest glacier, with a length of 15 miles. You can walk alongside the glacier and through the Aletsch forest before descending to Bertmeralp and back alone the gentle path to Riederalp. There is even a 9-hole golf course the highest one in Switzerland and an alpine musium where you can see how Swiss cheese is made. It is suggested that You explore the villages of Riederalp and Bet-mcra before descending to Breiten either by cable car or by boat.
Day 7
Breiten–Geneva departure after breakfast at 10 am to Geneva airport for your
next destination allow 2.5 hrs.
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