The Great Walser Trek” follows a network of trails, through Switzerland and Italy, connecting the ancient migratory routes of the Walser, a people of Germanic origin who crossed over high mountain passes in search of sustainable land and freedom from feudal lords. 
It is believed that the Walser left their homeland in southwest Germany and settled in what is known today as the Bernese Oberland, in Switzerland, around the sixth century a.d., subsequently migrating to a mountainous region in the Swiss canton of Valais, where they settled successfully, contending with the extremes of weather and topography. During feudal times, they became vassals and, prompted by a growing population and the desire to be free, they accepted the feudal lords’ offers for new land with hereditary rights. Once again, they crossed over mountain passes to settle in new regions near and far.  The Walser communities today are still present and active in the Alps. They have integrated with other local cultures, but they still speak their unique German dialect, and their customs and traditions can still be admired at religious services or regional annual festivities. Hiking in the footsteps of these hardy and determined people, we explore these trails and remote passages. We visit and overnight in villages displaying a wealth of Walser architecture, coming to fully appreciate their humble but industrious way of life. We skirt majestic glaciers and alpine lakes, enjoy colorful waves of wildflowers, and impressive views of some of the highest peaks in the Alps will provide the perfect setting for our exciting journey through centuries of history and culture.

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Itinerary Outline

Day 1 • Meiringen Switzerland
Meet your trip leader in the early afternoon at your hotel in Meiringen. Short afternoon hike.

Day 2,3 • Aare Valley - Valais - Ponte  
Hiking on nice alpine trails, we make our way up the Aare Valley, reach the Grimsel Pass, crossed by the Walser on their way to the Valais. We continue, skirting glaciers and alpine lakes, to the Gries Pass, and finally descend into Ponte, the first Walser settlement south of the Alps. Visit of the Walser museum.

Day 4,5 • Ponte - Fiesch  
We explore the Formazza Valley, hiking through beautiful forests and villages perched half way up the mountains. We venture into the magnificent Alpe Devero, a nat’l park and protected area, cross Arbola Pass, and descend into the Binn Valley, famous for its geology and its exemplary Walser buildings.

Day 6 • Fiesch  
We dedicate today to a spectacular hike along the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in Eurasia and one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The panoramic trail allows us to enjoy this expanse of ice from a perfect vantage point. Splendid views of famous peaks such as Jungfrau, Mönch, and Matterhorn.

Day 7 • Fiesch - Münster
The verdant valley of the Goms is dotted with traditional Walser villages strewn with magnificent “stadels,” the old granaries. Hiking on a combination of paved paths and trails, we reach the exquisite village of Münster.

Day 8 • Departure
The trip ends in Münster. After breakfast, transfer on your own to the destination of your choice.