Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2+ & 3
Flights
available
9.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the beautiful region of Valais ensures that all walking enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. With more than 8,000km of exceptional trails, you can expect spectacular mountain landscapes, wildflower valleys, and dramatic glaciers - there are countless options to appreciate the beauty of this pristine natural world.
We've chosen two bases for your stay, located in the historical town of Brig and the charming mountain village of Saas-Fee. From both bases, you can experience the very best of what the area has to offer including the Great Aletsch Glacier, Zermatt home of the Matterhorn, the famous thermal spa resort of Leukerbad, and exhilarating suspension bridges with views to the mighty 4,000m peaks.
At our 3* hotels, you'll enjoy traditional Swiss hospitality, comfortable rooms, and local cuisine as you relax after a day exploring the charm of Valais.
Please note: Due to the nature of this environment, these walks aren't suitable for anyone who suffers from vertigo.
Arrive in the historical town of Brig. Known for its 17th century castle, Brig rests at the foot of the Simplon pass leading to the Italian border.
You stay at Schlosshotel 3*.
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A lovely family run hotel in the centre of Brig, Schlosshotel has an interesting history. In the mid 1970’s, this spot housed an old forge before it was transformed into what we now know as the castle hotel. With incredible views of Stockalper Castle, this self-check in hotel is within walking distance of numerous restaurants.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Begin your adventure into Valais with a walk along the Great Aletsch Glacier, UNESCO world nature heritage. Shaped by the everlasting ice, colourful alpine flora, and an idyllic glacial lake, this will be an early highlight of your trip. To start your walk, take the train to Betten Valley followed by a short cable car to Bettmeralp and Bettermerhorn. From here, you'll descend on a gentle trail as you head towards the Gletscherstube mountain hut, always with the Great Aletsch Glacier in your sights. Continue through the Marjela tunnel and on to Bettmeralp.
Please note: This route takes you through a tunnel for approx. 20 minutes; we'd recommend carrying a torch.
Leading to one of the finest vantage points in the Zermatt region, this spectacular trail reveals the beautiful, protected edelweiss flowers amongst the alpine pastures. Climb up to Trift where the pinnacle of the great Matterhorn unexpectedly emerges from behind a hilltop. Continue to one of Zermatt’s finest viewpoints at Höhbalmen where the panorama of the north face of the Matterhorn is simply breath-taking. Return to Brig on the train from Zermatt.
Discover the dramatic rocky alpine terrain around the Wildstrubel massif as you journey to the Lammeren mountain refuge. This route crosses Lammerenboden plateau from Gemmi Pass with its mounds of schist and calcareous rock. Upon reaching the Glacier Trail, you'll notice numerous information stations providing fascinating notes on the geology, biology, and landscape features of this unique environment. With any luck, you'll spot some of the ibex that regularly gather in the vicinity of the Lammeren mountain refuge.
Please note: This walk is optional as it falls on your transfer day where you move from Brig to Saas-Fee. You may wish to complete this walk or an alternative if you've pre-booked a luggage transfer or are utilising luggage lockers in Brig station. Otherwise, take a rest day and enjoy the scenic bus journey to Saas-Fee.
You stay at Parkhotel 3*.
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Set in a central location within Saas-Fee, this family run chalet style hotel ensures all guests feel right at home. Their hotel restaurant serves fresh produce and delicacies from the region, paired with a selective wine list.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Beginning at the Mattmark dam, your path leads you up to Monto-Moro pass, marking the border with Italy. Here at the Swiss/Italian border is where the Golden Statue of Mary watches over. Bending around the lake, you'll follow this historic trail before reaching the pass with incredible views of the majestic Monte Rosa. Return to Mattmark dam and follow the path back round to the bus stop. A short bus ride will bring you back to Saas-Fee.
Hike from the top of the Hannig gondola to the panoramic Mallig at 2,700m with a great chance of spotting the emblematic ibex wild goats with their magnificent, curved horns. As you zig-zag up the slopes of the Mallig, you'll pass old avalanche defences and an ancient glacier moraine before being rewarded with spectacular views of the Saastal valley and the 4,000m summits that frame Saas-Fee, including the glaciated Mischabel massif with the Dom at 4,545m (the highest peak located entirely within Switzerland!).
This exhilarating walk offers breath-taking views along the Saastal valley towards the glaciated Mischabel massif. Follow the trail round to the Triftgratji ridge with incredible views of the Mattmark valley and beyond. You'll experience part of the alpine flower trail which showcases around 240 species of flowers before heading into the wild Almagellertal. After two suspension footbridges, your walk ends along the Almagell adventure trail and down a steep path across the rock face.
If you have time before departing Saas-Fee, this short walk traverses the impressive glaciers of the Saas and Mischabel ranges with views towards the Dom. Captivated by the beauty of your surroundings, you may want to stop for a moment at Langfluh Hut; you might even spot some cheeky marmots on your path back to Saas-Fee.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing morning in your alpine hotel before leaving for Brig and onward home.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £96.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Twin-bedded rooms in Swiss resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as 'Austrian Twins' and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Zurich airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2+ & 3
Flights
available
9.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
