Switzerland
Country
7 days, 6 nights
Duration
July-September
When
Experienced
Difficulty
Breakfast
Board
Yes
Luggage transfer

Wildstrubel round trip: A journey through alpine splendor

The Wildstrubel, a majestic peak connecting renowned holiday resorts in the cantons of Bern and Valais, sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. This tour commences in the sun-kissed Crans-Montana, meandering through Leukerbad and Gemmi Pass into the breathtaking Bernese Oberland. From Kandersteg, the journey continues to Adelboden, leading via Lenk and the Rawil Pass back to the picturesque Valais.

Highlights:

Spectacular mountain vistas: The Wildstrubel tour promises a constant feast for the eyes, with sweeping views of a unique mountain landscape. Those who embark on the famous Wildstrubel trail running race complete the circuit in under 13 hours, underscoring the tour’s stunning natural beauty.

Alpine challenges: This demanding hiking tour requires surefootedness and excellent physical condition, especially for the long stages in alpine terrain. While the paths may be rocky, they remain manageable for hikers of various skill levels. However, those with a fear of heights should take note of the Bisse du Ro en route to Crans-Montana.

Unforgettable alpine experience: Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking an exhilarating challenge or an adventurous traveler eager to explore Switzerland’s alpine wonders, the Wildstrubel Round Trip promises a journey of unparalleled beauty and accomplishment. From the sun-soaked valleys to the rugged mountain passes, this tour showcases the best of the Swiss Alps.

Prepare for a remarkable journey where each step leads to new heights of natural wonder and personal achievement. The Wildstrubel Round Trip beckons, inviting you to conquer alpine challenges and revel in the splendor of Switzerland’s mountainous landscapes.

Arrival & Departure

  • Arrival and departure to/from Crans-Montana by public transport.
  • The tour can be started from every stage at the same price (indicate the desired starting point when you book your trip).

Note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price! 
  • Bus ride with the Taxi-Alpin from Lenk – Iffigenalp not included (approx. CHF 12.- with half fare)

Included Services

  • 6 overnight stays incl. breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Service hotline
  • Detailed travel documents
  • Subsidy for arrival by train
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Flight + public transport
  • Travel insurance
  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Bus ride with the Taxi-Alpin from Lenk – Iffigenalp not included (approx. CHF 12.- with half fare)

What to bring

Equipment and clothing to bring for Alpine hikes and runs
We’ve compiled a list of essential items you’ll need to take on your adventure in the Great Outdoors. While each trip has its own minimum requirements, we have split the list into “need-to-have” and “nice-to-haves”.

Need to have:

Lightweight, waterproof shell
Sunscreen with a high factor
Smartphone with a relevant trip app and a WhatsApp and code number for your local representative
Survival blanket
Thin hat, cap, and thin gloves (merino or similar)
Daypack for hiking (tours with luggage transport)
Duffel bag or similar (trips with luggage transport) — DO NOT pack in suitcases.
30 L rucksack on trips up to six days (without luggage transport)
40 L rucksack on trips of more than six days (without luggage transport)
Quick-drying inner layer
Shorts (quick drying)
Technical t-shirt (quick drying)
Fleece sweater for cool evenings
A pair of comfortable jogging bottoms or similar for the cabins
Good mountain shoes — trail running shoes or hiking boots
Light towel
Water bottle (1.5 L)
A pair of thick socks or light slippers (you can often borrow a pair in the cabins)
Sunglasses
A few energy bars, fruits or similar snacks for the trip
Sheet liner — can also be purchased on-site (only if you are staying in a dormitory)
Small first aid kit
Comped or similar
Sleeping bag (on selected tours)

Nice to have:

Walking poles
Power bank
Chocolate
Sandals for the cabins
Plastic bags to keep things dry

FAQ

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

If you cancel your tour 60 days or more before the departure date, you will lose your deposit. If you cancel your tour between 60 and 45 days before the departure date, you will lose 50 per cent of the total tour price. If you cancel your tour within 45 days of the departure date, you will lose the full amount. If you fail to turn up on the first day of your tour, Outdoor Europe may not be able to make arrangements for you to join the rest of the tour, and you will lose the full payment. If, for any reason, Outdoor Europe has to cancel your tour, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

How do I book my tour?

You can book your tour directly on the Outdoor Europe website. Choose the tour from the dropdown menu, select the date you would like to start, and the number of participants in your group. You can either pay a deposit (60 days or more from the start of your tour) or pay the full amount. Click ‘book’ and follow the instructions. Once we have confirmed your payment, you’ll receive your confirmed tour itinerary within 10 days. There may be seasonal variations in the time it takes us to arrange everything. Please note that programmes on the tour pages are only examples — there may be several differences in the final programme you receive.

How do I pay for my tour?

When booking your tour, you can choose to pay by credit/debit card or direct bank transfer. Direct bank transfers will generally take longer to process, while credit and debit card payments are processed instantly. You are, by default, asked to pay a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the tour. If you choose this option, you will be asked to pay the remaining 75% one month before your tour. Please be sure to follow the payment links you receive in your invoice or reminder email, which we will send you when the second payment is due.

Do I get my own room?

This depends on the individual tour and when you book it. When hiking in the Alps, most people stay in dorms or shared rooms as the availability of single, double and family rooms are limited. We can only guarantee your own room on certain tours such as in the Lys and Ayas Valleys — but only if you book in time. If this is your preference, we will do our best to ensure you get your own room, but please expect to spend some nights in shared accommodation if there is limited availability.

Is baggage transfer included with all your Alpine tours?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service with all our packages. Often, the huts or hotels we work with are in locations that can only be reached by foot or helicopter. Indeed, when choosing a tour that includes baggage transport, there may be one or two exceptions depending on the route. This will appear clearly on the tour page and in the program you receive when your booking has been confirmed.

How many days do your tours last?

All our tours include the day of arrival and the day of departure. This means that a six-day tour will include five nights of accommodation, a seven-day tour will include six nights, and so on. On the first day, guests are usually expected to arrive in the afternoon. And the program does not include any activities except for a briefing by our representative on the first evening. On the day of departure, guests are free to decide if they want to leave directly after breakfast or go on a shorter tour before their journey home.

What meals are included in your Alpine adventure tours?

Most of our tours will include Half Board (HB) services, which means breakfast, a three-course dinner, and a light-packed lunch. Please check the individual tour page for details, however, as variations occur with certain tours.

What is a self-guided tour?

We specialize in self-guided tours. These tours are designed for travelers who love the independence of hiking, skiing, or running on their own but want to know that everything else is taken care of. In some cases, we are able to offer luggage transport to lighten your load as you enjoy the Great Outdoors.

Do you offer group tours?

Whether you’re already a group of friends, business colleagues or a sports club looking for an active mountain adventure, we can design and organize your Alpine tour for you. We also offer guided group tours for individual participants on fixed dates.

Can you create a tour just for me and my friends?

Yes, absolutely! Outdoor Europe can design the perfect mountain adventure for you and your friends or colleagues. Whether you want to hike, ski, run, cycle or climb, we have the expertise and experience needed to create a bespoke package for any level of experience or physicality. Please contact us if you would like us to create a customized package for your group.

Are your outdoor adventure tours family-friendly?

There are few better ways to spend time with your children than with an active holiday in the mountains. Sharing a mountain adventure with your child is a memory that will last a lifetime. We try to design child-friendly variations (marked ‘family’) of all our Alpine tours. Children can hike, ski or bike a lot longer than you might expect, as long as you make it entertaining for them. However, they will respond instantly to the way you behave, so please consider whether you are able to create a safe environment for your children when faced with the many different challenges of an alpine environment.

Do you offer discounts for children?

Yes, we are able to offer a discount for children on most of our tours, provided they are not yet 13 years of age on the first day of the tour. Please see the individual tour page for our child discounts.

Can I travel on my own?

Many single travellers chose Outdoor Europe due to our high level of service and our expertise in self-guided mountain tours. And the safety of one of our representatives will only ever be just a phone call away. However, please expect additional costs, as our prices are based on two persons — the industry standard for outdoor tours of this nature. Private rooms and other services are often more expensive for individual travellers. You can find information about any additional costs for individual travellers on the tour page.

Will I manage?

We are all different. Some of our clients are 70+ and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others may be twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental ability of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for level of physicality, which you can learn more about here. You are of course welcome to call us and we will do our best to advice you. Find your level of physicality here (link to Find your level page).

What if I get lost?

Our local partners know every square inch of this beautiful Alpine region. During the introductory briefing, you will receive an app, physical maps and a phone number to call if you need advice. In some cases, you’ll be able to forward your location to a local guide with the press of a button. This may prove helpful if you become lost.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider to ensure your existing policy covers mountain-based activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Please note that any costs relating to emergency situations and the potential need for evacuation are the sole responsibility of the client.

Will I be able to cope with the physical challenge?

We are all different. Some of our clients are more than 70 years old and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others are twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental capabilities of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for the level of physicality involved, which you can learn more about on our Find Your Level page. You are, of course, welcome to call us, and we will do our best to advise you.

Can I bring my dog?

Enjoying the mountains with your best friend can be a joyful experience, which is why we try to make our tours dog friendly wherever possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible due to local rules. Selected tours are marked ‘Dog Friendly’ on the tour page. This means that your dog can stay with you in your private room or, in a few cases, the hut will have a separate or external room for dogs. Please refer to the individual tour page for more information.

*This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only the services mentioned above are included in the price.

Wildstrubel round trip

Explore the stunning Wildstrubel Round Trip, a demanding hiking tour connecting Bern and Valais cantons. With breathtaking mountain vistas and challenging alpine terrain, this adventure is for the physically fit. The circuit offers a unique alpine experience, from sun-soaked valleys to rugged passes, creating unforgettable memories in the Swiss Alps.

Data:

Total distance:  101 km
H+:  5860 m
H-:   6380 m
Level: Medium to Advanced

1

Arrival to Crans-Montana

The sunny plateau high above the Rhone Valley is the starting point for the loop around the Wildstrubel. The alpine panorama sets the mood for the days ahead.

2

Crans-Montana - Leukerbad

A steep climb to Bisse de Tsittoret, followed by a fantastic hike to Leukerbad. On the way, you can stop off at the Cave du Sex. The way to Leukerbad is long, but the four-thousand-metre snow-covered peaks of Valais will sweeten this stage for sure. In the evening you can relax in the thermal baths of Leukerbad.

  • 23 km
  •  1085 m
  • 1210 m
  •  7.5 hours
3

Leukerbad - Kandersteg

For a long time, the cliff above Leukerbad was considered insuperable until 1739, when a path leading to the Gemmi Pass was blown up. The route developed into one of the most important trading routes in the Alps. Even today, the tour up the Gemmi is an absolute highlight. Once you reach the top, a fantastic panorama awaits you, followed by a long descent into the Bernese Oberland.

  • 21 km
  • 1075 m
  • 1280 m
  •   7 hours
4

Kandersteg – Adelboden

The ascent to the Bunderchrinde is a tough one. But the descent down to Adelboden is just as challenging, especially for your knees.

  •   16.5 km
  • 1410 m
  • 1235 m
  •   6.5-7 hours
5

Adelboden – Lenk

Right at the start, the trail climbs steeply up to Chuenisbärgli. A short detour leads you into the valley and then straight back up to Sillerebüel, where you continue to the Hahnenmoospass. Simmental valley is known as one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland and is dominated by the peak of Wildstrubel.

  • 17.5 km
  •  1080 m
  • 1360 m
  •   6 – 6.5 hours
6

Lenk – Crans-Montana

Bus ride by Taxi-Alpin to Iffigenalp. The trip is followed by an ascent of almost 1’000 metres until you reach the Rawilpass. After crossing the cantonal border back into Valais, you pass the impressive dam wall of Lac de Tseuzier. The Bisse du Ro is an adventurous highlight at the end of the hike.

  • 23 km
  • 1210 m
  • 1295 m
  •   7.5 hours
7

Departure or extension

Departure or extension

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