2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Top of the Alps HIKING ADVENTURES TO THE JUNGFRAU MASSIF AND NORTH FACE OF THE EIGER

Hike the high trails of Switzerland’s Jungfrau region, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage area that encompasses the impressive massifs of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and the mighty Aletsch Glacier, the largest In Europe. Amid this mountain glory, we set out on the famed Eiger Trail (as close as hikers can get to the awesome North Face of the Eiger), on the Aletsch Glacier between the massive Jungfrau and Mönch, and through some of the most gorgeous settings in the Alps. One special overnight is at the historic Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, right at the foot of the Eiger and brimming with mountain-climbing lore. If you love exhilarating hikes and Swiss mountain splendor, this is the adventure for you!

CHRISTOF SONDEREGGER

Days 1-2 Engelberg / Meiringen From the village of Engelberg, we hike to Surenenpass for a magnificent view of fjord-like Lake Uri and the Reuss Valley. We’ll stop for lunch at a mountain refuge in high pastures where the proprietors make their own cheeses (we’ll be sure to sample some). Our hike up to Planplatten (7,254') brings us 360-degree views far into the peaks of the Bernese Oberland, and we descend by cable car to the charming village of Meiringen. Days 3-4 The Eiger Trail / Grindelwald / Kleine Scheidegg We hike a balcony trail above Grosse Scheidegg Pass, with an overnight at Grindelwald, a Swiss town with a stunning location below the Eiger. Taking the train to Alpiglen, we head out on the famed Eiger Trail, one of the top walks in Europe, leading along the foot of the infamous North Face of the Eiger. Views are phenomenal, stretching across the Grindelwald Valley and to the Wetterhorn. Afterwards, we’ll overnight at the turn-of-the-century hotel below

the Eiger to soak up alpine history in a special setting ( The Eiger Sanction was filmed here).

Days 5-6 Jungfraujoch / Aletsch Glacier / Murren An unforgettable ride on a century-old cogwheel train brings us to Jungfraujoch (11,371'), Europe’s highest railway station, set on the saddle between Jungfrau and Mönch. Here we’ll hike on the great Aletsch Glacier flanked by 12,000-foot peaks. Hiking options the next day are in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its towering granite walls and 72 thundering waterfalls. Days 7-9 Sefinenfurke Pass / Kandersteg Vistas are breathtaking as we hike from lovely Murren up to dramatic Sefinenfurke Pass (8,600'), with a spectacular descent into the end-of-the-road hamlet of Griesalp. Our last hike brings us up to Hohtürli Pass and past glaciers to Oeschinensee, a surreal blue lake encircled by mountain ramparts, with a descent to the village of Kandersteg. Depart on Day 9.

HIGHLIGHTS • Challenging hikes and stunning views of the North Face of the Alps • Hike the famous Eiger Trail below the North Face of the Eiger • Explore mountain-ringed Swiss villages, from Engelberg and Mürren to Kandersteg • Cross Hohtürli Pass to descend past icefalls and glaciers to majestic Lake Oeschinensee • Enjoy the ancient alpine heritage and chalet architecture of the Jungfrau region • Overnights in lovely hotels, including the historic hotel right below the Eiger DETAILS • 9-day trip begins in Engelberg and ends in Kandersteg • 8 nights hotels and mountain inns • All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner

In the world-famous Jungfrau region, we hike below the North Face of the Eiger, on the Aletsch Glacier, and to beautiful Lake Oeschinensee. PHOTO: JANOS GASPAR

DATES Jul 23-31, 2020 Aug 13-21

TRIP COST $6195 (10-14 members) $6795 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $590

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 + 6

8 challenging hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes up to 11,975 feet, van support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders

TERRELL NEWBERRY

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 47