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Winter Walks In Kandersteg

Situated high on a mountain plateau in the Bernese Oberland, Kandersteg is very much a traditional Swiss village offering classic winter walking paths.

  • Switzerland

  • 7 nights
  • Winter Activities

    Landscape

    Mountains

  • Jan

    Mar

    Dec

Moderate

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Walking grade

Grade 4

This is a grade 4 walking holiday, where we can expect 6-9 miles of walking a day. Our walks will take us 3-5 hours and ascents and descents are up to 350m. Kandersteg is at a height of about 1120m. The highest point we can expect to reach is 2179m close the Daubensee. Kandersteg provides some wonderful walking through alpine winter scenery and is well established for winter walkers. Mighty peaks surround the town of Kandersteg, these will act as a breathtaking backdrop only and we will not be attempting to climb them! You should expect to walk on generally good paths or routes adjacent to cross country ski tracks. These can become rough, stony or slippery for short sections; we’ll adjust our pace accordingly and the programme will always be adjusted to cope with any inclement weather conditions. We can expect to encounter snow and ice, sometimes making the paths icy and slippery. We recommend good quality snow and ice grips, these will be beneficial and required for most days. We include routes through woods, alpine pastures and meadows – a magnificent landscape with some great views!

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Discover Collection

Meticulously curated, guided walking holiday itineraries that delve into the culture, wildlife, cuisine, and rich history of the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Winter walking allows us to take time to admire the pristine winter scenery.
  • Enjoy the best of Switzerland in winter without equipment!
  • Enjoyable transfers by train.
  • Great value, with all breakfasts and dinners and excellent facilities at our hotel included.

Situated in a high mountain valley in the Bernese Oberland, Kandersteg is very much a traditional Swiss village. It has many charming wooden chalets and houses, the oldest dating back to the Middle Ages. Since the first hotel was built in 1789 Kandersteg has slowly developed into an uncluttered, peaceful and unspoilt resort with many of the best things that Switzerland has to offer. The natural landscape is magnificent! Snow-covered meadows and wooded lower slopes are surrounded by the high peaks of Blüemlisalphorn, Doldenhorn and Lohner, rising to over 3,600m. Come December, (usually) the first snow descends on the village transforming it into a winter paradise, allowing for the perfect setting for our winter walks.

Kandersteg offers around 35 miles of marked winter walking paths, many of which are in the valley and on the lower slopes. We can walk from Oeschinensee (lake) to Oeschi Forestt, enchanting with beautiful snow covered trees. walk up through the Hoewald forest to several wonderful viewpoints over Kandersteg & Bluemilisalp. Further afield we take the Lotschberg train tunnel into Valais to walk through the beautiful Loetschental with high mountain peaks in every direction, we hike up through the UNESCO Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier landscape area to Falferalp. We will make use of the cable cars to gain height for some spectacular walks, which otherwise would be beyond the grade.

 It is important to note that like all winter activities there is an element of weather dependence. However, the walks are equally spectacular with or without snow. Please take this itinerary as a guide to what walks we might do. The day to day itinerary will be chosen to make the best of the conditions.

  • Return flights from London to Zurich
  • Airport transfers by rail
  • Half board en suite accommodation
  • A half price rail card for reduced travel on local buses/trains to use on a free day
  • All local transport costs.
  • Services of a Discover Tour Leader
  • Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified)
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel Insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

30800

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Hotel Alfa Soleil, Kandersteg

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

We fly to Zurich. On arrival we take a scenic journey by train to the beautiful alpine village of Kandersteg.

Transfer Time = 2h 30m

Day 2

Hotel Alfa Soleil, Kandersteg

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    4 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    80m

Oeschiwald. A pleasant introductory walk, starting along the river, then up to the woods and back to town, allowing for orientation in Kandersteg. After lunch, we will continue walking through town then along the River Kander to the Loetschberg Tunnel which starts at Kandersteg and extends 9 miles under the Alps. The walk also passes the International Scout Centre and some of the area’s iconic hotels.

Day 3

Hotel Alfa Soleil, Kandersteg

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    7 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    60m

Kandersteg to Reichenbach. After a short bus ride to Kandergrund we walk down the beautiful Kander valley to Frutigen for lunch on the banks of the Engstliche River. We then follow the Engstliche and Kander rivers into Reichenbach where some of the distinctive buildings date back to the 1500s. Here we have time to explore, have a drink and then we return to Kandersteg by train. Please note this is not the Reichenbach of Sherlock Holmes fame. That is elsewhere in Switzerland.

Day 4

Hotel Alfa Soleil, Kandersteg

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    7.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    250/400m

Loetschental. We take the train through the mountains to the isolated Loetschen valley and continue by bus to Blatten where the road stops in winter. We continue on foot up the winding route to Fafleralp, where we can take lunch at the welcoming Gasthof and enjoy the stunning views. We then return to Blatten and  back along the river to Kippel.

Day 5

Hotel Alfa Soleil, Kandersteg

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Today is planned as a free day. There are many options to consider, your RWH tour leader will be happy to discuss. Remember you have a ticket which offers reduced prices on local public transport. A trip to Adelboden has proved popular on previous holidays as has a visit to the Tropenhaus at Frutigen, where sturgeon for caviar and exotic plants are grown using warm water from below ground in the railway tunnel.

Day 6

Hotel Alfa Soleil, Kandersteg

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4.5 hours

  • Distance

    7.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    300m

Sunnbüel. The cable car takes us to the top of Sunnbüel and we then walk the Gemmi pass as far as Daubensee. After an initial descent we cross the flat ‘Spittelmatte' before climbing to Gasthof Scwarenbach for refreshments. Our picnic lunch by Daubensee might well be shared with alpine choughs, keep a look out and binoculars handy! The views throughout are magnificent. Today we plan to reach the highest point of the week at Daubensee (2200m).

Day 7

Hotel Alfa Soleil, Kandersteg

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    170m

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    6 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    160m

First to Oeschinensee. We take a cable car up to the ski area and walk to a lovely scenic viewpoint at Oeschinensee. We then circle down to the lake. It is not uncommon to leave Kandersteg in mist and arrive at Oeschinensee in sunshine.  We return to Kandersteg for lunch. Later we return to the valley and walk up behind the hotel through the “High Woods” to the Risetenegg viewpoint with views over Kandersteg. Finally we descend through farmland back to town and the hotel.

Day 8

Meals

Breakfast

We return by train to Zurich Airport to take our flight back to the UK.

Departure dates for your selected tour

25th Jan 2025 - 1st Feb 2025 (7 Nights)

1st Mar 2025 - 8th Mar 2025 (7 Nights)

8th Mar 2025 - 15th Mar 2025 (7 Nights)

20th Dec 2025 - 27th Dec 2025 (7 Nights)

Travel Details

  • Return flights from London to Zurich
  • Arrival transfer by punctual Swiss train c.2.30mins
  • Upgrades are available on most flights. For scheduled flights this may be Premium Economy, Business or First Class. Most low-cost carriers also have extra legroom seats.
  • If direct regional flights are not available, we can often offer add-on flights to a London airport at a competitive rate. Please ask us for details and a competitive quote.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

You fly to Zurich. On arrival you have a scenic journey by train to the beautiful alpine village of Kandersteg.

Transfer Time = 2h 30m

Day 2

Oeschiwald.

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    4 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    80m

A pleasant introductory walk, starting along the river, then up to the woods and back to town, allowing for orientation in Kandersteg. After lunch, we will continue walking through town then along the River Kander to the Loetschberg Tunnel which starts at Kandersteg and extends 9 miles under the Alps. The walk also passes the International Scout Centre and some of the area’s iconic hotels.

Day 3

Reichenbach.

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    7 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    60m

After a short bus ride to Kandergrund we walk down the beautiful Kander valley to Frutigen for lunch on the banks of the Engstliche River. We then follow the Engstliche and Kander rivers into Reichenbach where some of the distinctive buildings date back to the 1500s. Here there willbe time to explore, have a drink before returning to Kandersteg by train. Please note this is not the Reichenbach of Sherlock Holmes fame. That is elsewhere in Switzerland.

Day 4

Loetschental.

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    7.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    250/400m

We take the train through the mountains to the isolated Loetschen valley and continue by bus to Blatten where the road stops in winter. We continue on foot up the winding route to Fafleralp, where we can take lunch (not included) at the welcoming Gasthof and enjoy the stunning views. We then return to Blatten and  back along the river to Kippel.

Day 5

Free day

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Today is planned as a free day. There are many options to consider, your RWH tour leader will be happy to discuss. Remember you have a ticket which offers reduced prices on local public transport. A trip to Adelboden has proved popular on previous holidays as has a visit to the Tropenhaus at Frutigen, where sturgeon for caviar and exotic plants are grown using warm water from below ground in the railway tunnel.

Day 6

Sunnbüel.

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4.5 hours

  • Distance

    7.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    300m

The cable car takes you to the top of Sunnbüel and we then walk the Gemmi pass as far as Daubensee. After an initial descent we cross the flat ‘Spittelmatte' before climbing to Gasthof Scwarenbach for refreshments. Your picnic lunch by Daubensee might well be shared with alpine choughs, keep a look out and binoculars handy! The views throughout are magnificent. Today we plan to reach the highest point of the week at Daubensee (2200m).

Day 7

Oeschinensee

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    170m

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    6 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    160m

You take a cable car up to the ski area and walk to a lovely scenic viewpoint at Oeschinensee. The walk then circles down to the lake. It is not uncommon to leave Kandersteg in mist and arrive at Oeschinensee in sunshine. We return to Kandersteg for lunch (not included). Later we return to the valley and walk up behind the hotel through the “High Woods” to the Risetenegg viewpoint with views over Kandersteg. Finally we descend through farmland back to town and the hotel.

Day 8

Travel

Meals

Breakfast

You return by train to Zurich Airport to take your flight back to the UK.

Departure dates for your selected tour

20th Dec 2024 - 27th Dec 2024 (7 Nights)

Travel Details

  • Return flights from London to Zurich
  • Arrival transfer by punctual Swiss train c.2.30mins
  • Upgrades are available on most flights. For scheduled flights this may be Premium Economy, Business or First Class. Most low-cost carriers also have extra legroom seats.
  • If direct regional flights are not available, we can often offer add-on flights to a London airport at a competitive rate. Please ask us for details and a competitive quote.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Seilers Vintage Hotel

We stay in the family run three plus star traditional Seilers Vintage Hotel. This is well loved Alfa Soleil Hotel under a new name. The superb service remains unchanged. We are still surrounded by spectacular views of the mountains. The location is ideal as we are just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the village. The hotel has a heated indoor swimming pool, a wellness area with Jacuzzi, steam room and gym, all recently updated to the highest standards. It also has an old style English pub with a dart board. There is a lounge where you can relax by the open fire.

We stay in twin/double bedded and single rooms with en suite facilities. The rooms are equipped with telephone, satellite TV and hairdryer. Free WIFI is available throughout the hotel.

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

This is a grade 4 walking holiday, where we can expect 6-9 miles of walking a day. Our walks will take us 3-5 hours and ascents and descents are up to 350m. Kandersteg is at a height of about 1120m. The highest point we can expect to reach is 2179m close the Daubensee. Kandersteg provides some wonderful walking through alpine winter scenery and is well established for winter walkers. Mighty peaks surround the town of Kandersteg, these will act as a breathtaking backdrop only and we will not be attempting to climb them! You should expect to walk on generally good paths or routes adjacent to cross country ski tracks. These can become rough, stony or slippery for short sections; we’ll adjust our pace accordingly and the programme will always be adjusted to cope with any inclement weather conditions. We can expect to encounter snow and ice, sometimes making the paths icy and slippery. We recommend good quality snow and ice grips, these will be beneficial and required for most days. We include routes through woods, alpine pastures and meadows – a magnificent landscape with some great views!

Walks & Excursions

Kandersteg provides some wonderful walking through alpine winter scenery and is well established for winter walkers. Mighty peaks surround the town of Kandersteg, these will act as a breathtaking backdrop only and we will not be attempting to climb them! You should expect to walk on generally good paths or routes adjacent to cross country ski tracks, but occasionally these become rough and stony or slippery for short sections; we‘ll adjust our pace accordingly and the programme will always be adjusted to cope with any inclement weather conditions. We include routes through woods, alpine pastures and meadows – a magnificent landscape with some great views.

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Optional Excursions

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Spending Money

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Currency in Switzerland

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc.
The euro is widely accepted in Switzerland, however occasionally change may be given in Swiss Francs. ATMs are widely available in most towns and villages throughout Switzerland.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Tour Leaders & Local Guides

Tour Leaders

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leader's Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Your Travel Details

Flights from London to Zurich and return.

The journey between Zurich airport and Kandersteg (approximately 2 ½ hours) is by train. On arrival at the station in Kandersteg our luggage will be transferred to the hotel while we take the short stroll. Please note that due to different flight arrival times one or both of your transfers may be unaccompanied by your RWH leader. Please note the journey is straightforward and Swiss trains are famously reliable and punctual.

Land only package: This applies if you will be organising your own travel arrangements, and travelling to the hotel independently to the rest of the group. You will still be entitled to receive your tailor made Swiss Rail tickets. These tickets enable you to travel by train between the airport and Kandersteg. These also provide a 50% reduction on travel in between these areas. To obtain this ahead of your holiday then please email David Kay at  david.kay@rwhtravel.com and we can organise the delivery of your tickets. Please be aware that these are not usually delivered to our offices until two weeks – ten days prior to the departure date. So you will be sent your pass after this time.

If you are joining and leaving the party in Switzerland it is assumed, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at our hotel in Kandersteg. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing, at least 5 weeks before departure.

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Hotel Transfers

When you book a Flight-Inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport and hotel and back are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.  

Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Passports and Visas

European Passport Advice

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.

Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.

Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.

Meals

The hotel restaurant where we have buffet breakfast and four-course dinners has an excellent reputation for serving excellent quality locally grown food. The hotel allows you to fill your bottle or flask with tea before your walk each morning. On Christmas Eve a specially themed dinner will be served to continue the celebrations. In other weeks there may be a fondue night and a special five-course meal one night.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Lightweight quick-drying trousers
  • Walking T-shirt/shirts
  • Walking socks
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
  • Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
  • Swimwear (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
  • Day sack liner
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)
  • Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Winter Walking

Paths can be very icy in certain conditions. We recommend that you use ice-grips on the sole of your boots. You can usually purchase these in resort.  Or you might like to purchase them in the UK for around £35-40. many outdoor shops will stock them and they can be purchased online.


Travel Documents Checklist

Documents and Information to take with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday money
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Electricity in Switzerland

Electricity in Switzerland is supplied at 230 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a two prong round pin continental pug adapter which will fit into any three prong receptacle. More information can be found at www.power-plus-sockets.com

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWW15 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information

Maps, Guidebooks & More

You may wish to visit the Switzerland Tourist Office website: www.myswitzerland.com/en/home


The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Weather

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

Staying Healthy On Holiday

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Health Advice for Switzerland

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Switzerland.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.

Further Travel Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

EHIC & GHIC Cards

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

Personal Safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

Cultural Awareness

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Staying In Touch

Mobile Phones

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or make an effort to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.

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Useful Information

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Switzerland

  • Capital

    Berne

  • Currency

    Swiss Franc

  • Language

    German; French; Italian

  • Time Difference

    UTC +02:00

  • Flight duration

    2.5hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No Visa Required

Average weather

  • January

    -3°C

    Avg. Rain: 80mm

  • February

    -2°C

    Avg. Rain: 75mm

  • March

    1°C

    Avg. Rain: 83mm

  • April

    5°C

    Avg. Rain: 94mm

  • May

    9°C

    Avg. Rain: 114mm

  • June

    13°C

    Avg. Rain: 121mm

  • July

    15°C

    Avg. Rain: 115mm

  • August

    14°C

    Avg. Rain: 125mm

  • September

    11°C

    Avg. Rain: 99mm

  • October

    7°C

    Avg. Rain: 93mm

  • November

    2°C

    Avg. Rain: 97mm

  • December

    -2°C

    Avg. Rain: 86mm

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