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WALKING & HIKING
SWISS ALPSPREMIERE 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)
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The scenery was breathtaking (what canbeat the Matterhorn, touched with freshsnow, looming over its surroundings from aclear blue sky on a sunny day?), theaccommodations and food were excellent,and the Backroads leaders were the tops inevery way.
Gail McCann - North Attleboro, MA
ClickHEREto read more guest reviews
6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS
ClickHEREfor departure dates and pricingdetails
ROUTE RATING LEVELS 25Seebelow for details
TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP
Sign up onlineHEREor call800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or
510-527-1555
Open daily 6 a.m.6 p.m. Pacific time
NEVER SUBCONTRACTEDWe operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control thequalityand we're fully responsible for your great experience.
TWO SUPPORT VANSWe provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count onus to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take.
THREE LEADERSOur 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 theymake all the difference.
THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGNWe know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring thatyou get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds.
MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTESBeing able to choose among several expertly designed routes each daygives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace.
WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIESTo accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, twovans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system
showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matchedriding/hiking companions.
*95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and threeleaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one vanand two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards.
ClickHEREto learn more about the Backroads Quality Index
http://www.backroads.com/raves-news-views/backroads-tour-reviews.htmlhttp://www.backroads.com/raves-news-views/backroads-tour-reviews.htmlhttp://www.backroads.com/raves-news-views/backroads-tour-reviews.htmlhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/quality_indexhttp://www.backroads.com/quality_indexhttp://www.backroads.com/quality_indexhttp://www.backroads.com/quality_indexhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/trips/WSWIhttp://www.backroads.com/raves-news-views/backroads-tour-reviews.html8/10/2019 guia alpes suicos
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3 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
We want to make sure youre on the righttrip and that you have the best experiencepossible. Every Backroads trip is unique andthis one is no exception.
Terrain & ShuttlesDue to Switzerland`s rugged terrain, you canlook forward to some exhilaratingbutsteep!climbs along rocky and sometimesuneven paths. Please note that there's no vansupport on this trip (you can imagine why!),so you should be comfortable with the alpineelevation and remote routes.
Day 1On 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.
Shuttle to Adelboden1 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 andcrisp 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 abit 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 manytasty 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.
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Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking 4
PREMIERE INNS
THE CAMBRIAN1 NIGHTSpectacular views of the Bernese Oberland
surround us at this mountain retreat with moderndesign sensibilities. (pool, spa)
Adelboden+41-(0)33-673-8383www.thecambrianadelboden.com
LES SOURCES DES ALPES2 NIGHTSAn 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
RIFFELALP RESORT
2 NIGHTS (ABOVE)A stylish resort sanctuary offering breathtaking
panoramas of the Matterhorn from a 7,300-footwooded plateau above Zermatt, said Andrew
Harper. (pool, spa)
Zermatt+41-(0)27-966-0555www.riffelalp.com
Day 2Shuttle to Kandersteg45 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, anancient 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 tower-
ing Blmlisalp and Doldenhorn peaks. Its long been animportant 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 wild-
flowers and Simmental cattle, which can be seen
munching on the lush grass of mountain pastures.Just past the center of Kandersteg we arrive at the
Sunnbuel cable car, which whisks us to 6,300 feet. Thenhead 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, Switzerlandshighest peak at 15,200 feet.
After we enjoy our lunch at the pass (7,600 feet), theGemmibahn 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 andrejuvenating mud treatments, we recommend that you
book far in advance by contacting the hotel directly.
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
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5 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
ROUTE RATING INFORMATIONThe routes on this trip are rated Levels 25.
LEVEL 2
47 miles
Up to 4 hours
LEVEL3
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.
meal in the hotels dining room. Lodging: Les Sources
des Alpes
Day 3Walking & 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)
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. Atthis 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 alpinemeadows 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 Swissdelicacy is made.
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.
This evening youre on your own to sample the fare at a
local restaurant. Lodging: Les Sources des Alpes
Day 4Bus & Trains to Zermatt3 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)
*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 indulgeyourself 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 traditiona
huts and hamlets. In the village of Zmutt, check out the
many interesting old homes and savor a slice of strudeor a cold beer. Continue to the villages of Zum See and
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Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking 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!
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
Day 5Walking & Hiking Options:
Gornergletscher Lookout Route: 2.9 Miles*(2,000 elevationgain)
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 Gorner-
grat 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 bot-
tomless crevasses of the Gornergletscher, a glacier
surrounded by the impressive peaks of Klein Matter-
horn, 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 grum-
bling with movement.
After lunch, continue hiking to Gornergrat (up another1,000 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 com-
forts of the Riffelalp Resort. We dine in elegance tonightin the hotels formal dining room, which offers amazing
views of the Matterhorn. Lodging: Riffelalp Resort
Day 6Walking & 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 Zermatt1 Hour
Youre free to relish a leisurely morning at the Riffelalp
Resort, lingering over breakfast and soaking up itsmagnificent 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.
Later in the morning we take a short train ride toZermatt to explore the towns historic sites with a loca
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 & Departingfor end-of-trip logistics.
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7 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
PRICES & SCHEDULES
All prices and schedules were current at the time of
printing, but are subject to change at any time.
Arriving & DepartingSee Day 1 for meeting time and location.
Note that train schedules are subject to change unex-
pectedly, which may affect our trip meeting and/orending time. We appreciate your understanding and
flexibility if we must make adjustments due to altera-
tions in train schedules. Rest assured, we will notify youas soon as possible regarding any changes to your trip in
order to minimize any inconvenience to you.
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 TRIPThe trip ends around 11 a.m.* at the Zermatt trainstation, in time to catch trains departing around 11:30
a.m. Your Backroads leaders will stay to answer ques-
tions about connections and assist in boarding. Read onfor more information on traveling by train in Switzer-
land.
*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 onlyby train (no
cars). At the time of printing, the first possibility toleave 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.
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTSThis 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.
For help arranging air transport to and from you
Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agentor you may choose to work with the Backroads Trave
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. TheBackroads Travel Desk is open MondayFriday 9 a.m.
5 p.m. Pacific time.
TAKING THE TRAIN TO INTERLAKENFrom Zurich:Trains depart frequently from the centra
Zurich train station to Interlaken Ost. The trip takes
approximately 2 hours, tickets start at $40. Youl
change trains in Bern or Spiez.
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.
TAKING THE TRAIN FROM ZERMATTTrains leave frequently from Zermatt to Zurich and
Geneva via Visp. The journey to Zurich takes approxi-
mately 3 hours and tickets start at $67. To Geneva
travel time is approximately 4 hours and tickets start at
$52.
TRAIN TRAVEL
Buying Train TicketsWe suggest purchasing rail tickets and making reserva-
tions 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; 800-622
8600). Be aware that they charge service fees, makingthis a typically more expensive option.
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Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking 8
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 cou-
pons for travel in Switzerland and for principal cross-
border routes. The machines accept cash and credit or
debit cards.
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.
BOARDING THE TRAINYour 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 anddeparture time.
Its possible that not all cars on your train are continu-
ing to your destination. Therefore, its important tomake 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.
ClimateSwitzerland has four distinct climatic regions: alpine
subtropical, continental and Mediterranean. Mountain
weather is very unpredictable and can change drasti-
cally 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 typesof conditions to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable
one. See Suggested Packing List in your Travel Plannefor details on clothing and gear.
Interlaken
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
Zermatt
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
Temperatures in Europe are measured in degreesCelsius. 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.
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9 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
Where to Stay Before& After Your TripFor 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 BackroadsTravel Desk. Call us at 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be
connected with an advisor. Please note that consultingor 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.
Of course, we also recommend extending your stay atany of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accom-
modations sidebar for details.
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 arealways subject to change. Also be aware that some
hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend
that you consult directly with the hotels for specificdetails, as these requirements can change depending on
the season and time of the week. Book early, especially
during peak travel season!
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.
INTERLAKENVictoria-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)33-
828-28-28 |212 rooms & suites |Rates:
Hotel Chalet Swiss
This hotel looks just as you would expect from thenamea charming Swiss-style wood chalet, with a
pitched roof and geranium-filled window boxes. For thebest experience, reserve a front room with a balcony in
the original houseyoull love the mountain views. |
Seestrasse 22 | www.chalet-swiss.ch | +41-(0)33-826-
78-78 |54 rooms |Rates:
Hotel du Lac
Karen Brown recommends this family-run hotel espe-
cially for its convenient location just steps from where
the trains depart for the Jungfraujoch excursion and
minutes from the dock where the boats leave forexploring Lake Brienz. | Hheweg 225 | www.dulac
interlaken.ch | +41-(0)33-822-29-22 | 35 rooms
Rates:
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 | 46rooms |Rates:
ZERMATTIf you extend your stay in Zermatt at Riffelalp Resort
our last nights accommodation, let the reservations
agent know that youre traveling with Backroads; thatway you may not have to switch rooms. See the ac
commodations sidebar for the hotels contact
information.
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:
Schnegg Chalet Hotel
Perched high above Zermatt, with a highly unusua
entrywaya 2,756-foot-long cave-like tunnelSchnegg Chalet Hotel wows you with excellent service
and cuisine, not to mention panoramic vistas of the
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Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking 10
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 traditionalalpine 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:
ZURICH
Baur au LacThis 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:
Widder Hotel
Lauded by Andrew Harper, the Widder consists of nine
adjoining historic townhouses that have been magnifi-
cently restored to blend modern dcor with traditionalarchitecture. |Rennweg 7 |www.widderhotel.ch |+41-
(0)44-224-25-26 |49 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 ofdowntown Zurich. | Steinwiesstrasse 8-10 |
www.claridge.ch | +41-(0)44-267-87-87 | 41 rooms &
suites |Rates:
Hotel AdlerIn 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:
Hotel Kindli
Once a 16th-century townhouse, this charming bou-tique 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 Bahnhof-
strasse. Its recommended by Karen Browns Guides.
Pfalzgasse 1 |www.kindli.ch |+41-(0)43-888-76-76 |20rooms |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, arewithin 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:
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 restaurantVertigO, offers some of Genevas finest meals, and the
hotels doors lead straight to the citys cultural, shop-
ping and dining center. | Quai du Mont-Blanc 11
www.hoteldelapaix.ch | +41-(0)22-909-60-00 | 84
rooms & suites |Rates:
Edelweiss Manotel
This hotel evokes the kind of cozy alpine dcor that manypeople 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:
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11 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848
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.
Htel Mon-Repos
This intimate hotel, facing an elegant park along LakeGeneva, is the perfect spot from which to explore the
citys charms. The flowered terrace, excellent restau-
rant 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:
Tiffany Hotel
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:
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)22-
747-02-02 |496 rooms & suites |Rates:
Extending Your VacationKANDERSTEGThere are more fabulous hikes around Kandersteg than
can be done in just one week. We recommend extend-
ing 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.
Paragliding is also a very popular activity here. We
recommend local paragliding instructor Ruedi Grossen
of Flying School Allmenalp ([email protected]+41-(0)79-429-44-10 or +41-(0)33-675-16-71).
Visit www.kandersteg.ch for more information on
activities in and around Kandersteg.
JUNGFRAUJOCHA visit to the Jungfraujoch station, part of the WorldHeritage 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 stunningviews and unique locale amid snowcapped peaks and
glaciers, even at the height of summer.
Trains for the Jungfraujoch station depart regularly from
Interlaken and head toward Kleine Scheidegg before
continuing through the Eiger tunnel. Youll enjoy a briefin-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 alsobe 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
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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.
ZERMATTEnjoy 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 pano-
ramic view of the Italian, French and Swiss Alps. On aclear day you can see Mont Blanc and the Eiger! Visit
www.zermatt.ch for more information.
PARAGLIDING IN INTERLAKENInterlaken is a world-renowned location for paragliding.
We recommend using instructor Pitsch Buhler of TwinParagliding (www.interlaken-paragliding.com; +41-
(0)79-622-51-00).
http://www.interlaken-paragliding.com/http://www.interlaken-paragliding.com/http://www.backroads.com/photo_contest