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Tailor Made Rail · Walking holiday

Via Alpina Walking Holiday

Six-day walking holiday on the Via Alpina from Strasbourg to Lyon

Illustration of Via Alpina Walking Holiday

Tailor Made Rail's Via Alpina Walking Holiday combines rail travel across three countries with two days of Alpine hiking based in the Bernese Oberland. The journey begins with Eurostar and TGV trains from London through Paris to Strasbourg, crossing into Switzerland via Basel. You then settle into the Hotel Lenkerhof in Lenk for three nights, descending each day to the Via Alpina hiking route. Day three takes you from Adelboden past Engstligen Falls and Wildstrubel Mountain to Hahnenmoos Pass, while day four follows stage 16 of the Via Alpina over the tree line between Wildstrubel and Wildhorn peaks, reaching Trüttlisberg Pass at the highest point before descending to Gstaad. Each evening you return to Lenk for dinner. The trip then moves south via the scenic Golden Pass train from Zweisimmen to Montreux on Lake Geneva, connecting onward to Lyon and returning to London by Eurostar. The package includes Standard Class rail fares, a Bernese Oberland travel pass, breakfast at all hotels, dinner in Lenk, and packed lunches for the walking days, suited to experienced hill walkers who prefer a hotel base over carrying luggage.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels listed are 'or similar'; final accommodation may vary.
  • Day 4 is described as a longer hike; fitness and mountain experience advisable.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg

    London to Strasbourg

    Catch a morning Eurostar from London to Paris and cross to the Gare de l'Est for the onward journey to Strasbourg. Check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel des Vosges (or similar), near the German and Swiss borders.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lenk

    Strasbourg to Lenk

    A regional train across the border to Basel, then a Swiss train to Lenk in the Bernese Oberland via Spiez and Zweisimmen. Your home for the next 3 nights is the Hotel Lenkerhof, with extensive leisure and wellness facilities.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lenk

    Via Alpina - Adelboden to Lenk

    Collect a packed lunch and take the train via Spiez to Frutigen, then the PostAuto to Adelboden. Follow the Via Alpina hiking signs past the Engstligen Falls and Wildstrubel Mountain, along the Allebach River and up to Hahnenmoos Pass, overlooking the Simmental Valley, before descending to Lenk train station. Dinner served at the hotel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lenk

    Via Alpina - Lenk to Gstaad

    A longer hike joining stage 16 of the Via Alpina to Gstaad, ascending to the Wallegg-Stube restaurant, over the tree line between the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn peaks, via the Trüttlisberg Pass (the stage's highest point) with views into the Turbach valley, before reaching Gstaad and returning to Lenk for dinner.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lyon

    Lenk to Lyon

    Board the Golden Pass train from nearby Zweisimmen to Montreux on Lake Geneva, then connect onto a Swiss Intercity to Geneva and a French regional train to Lyon, for a night at the Pullman Lyon (or similar).

  6. Day 6rail

    Lyon to London

    A civilised late-morning train to Lille, bypassing Paris, then an afternoon Eurostar back to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Hike the Via Alpina from Adelboden past Engstligen Falls and Wildstrubel Mountain, ascending to Hahnenmoos Pass with views of the Simmental Valley before descending to Lenk.
  • Day 4Follow stage 16 of the Via Alpina from Lenk over the tree line between Wildstrubel and Wildhorn peaks via Trüttlisberg Pass, the stage's highest point, with views into the Turbach valley before reaching Gstaad.
  • Day 5Board the Golden Pass train from Zweisimmen to Montreux on Lake Geneva, then connect via Geneva and onward to Lyon.

Included

  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Lenk with breakfast and dinner
  • 2 packed lunches for walking days
  • Bernese Oberland travel pass
  • Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets and hotel vouchers in all destinations
  • All credit card surcharges and delivery of your travel documents to your home

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, Standard Class rail with seat reservations is included throughout: Eurostar, TGV Lyria, regional Swiss trains, and the Golden Pass line.
How many nights are based in one location?
Three nights at Hotel Lenkerhof in Lenk; you return there each evening after the two Via Alpina walks.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar (London to Paris), TGV Lyria (Paris to Strasbourg), regional trains to Lenk, Golden Pass (Zweisimmen to Montreux), and Swiss Intercity and French regional trains to Lyon.
What meals are included?
Breakfast daily; dinner included in Lenk (three nights); two packed lunches for the walking days.
How much walking is involved?
Two days of hiking on the Via Alpina, covering stages between Adelboden and Gstaad with elevation to passes above 2,000 metres. Routes can be adapted; the hotel concierge offers advice.
What is the from-price and currency?
From GBP 1,999 per person (approximately USD 2,670).

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