DAY 1

After a panoramic mountain rail journey, we meet you in Obergesteln and transfer you (5 mins) to the hotel where you’ll spend the next three nights. There is time to relax over a welcome cocktail before dinner.
Hotel Hubertus, Obergesteln

DAY 2

You start out today with a stroll across the valley floor and a gentle climb across the flower-covered hillside. The easier option is to descend to Geschinen, where you can peer into the woodcarver’s shop to admire his intricate artwork, before a riverside stroll by the Rhone takes you to Münster.

If you are feeling more energetic, you can climb into the wild and rocky Minstigerbach valley, a fabulous place for a picnic. Both walks end with a ride on the little red train for the nine minute journey back to Obergesteln.
Hotel Hubertus, Obergesteln

DAY 3

Directly from the hotel, a path through bluebell-dotted pine woods leads to the charming little village of Oberwald; it’s right at the upper end of the valley and overlooked by majestic peaks towering to more than 3000 meters or 9843 feet. After lunch, you circle round the valley and back to the hotel with plenty of time to relax in the Jacuzzi and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace while admiring great mountain views.
Hotel Hubertus, Obergesteln

DAY 4

Today you walk from the Upper to the Lower Goms, with a relaxed start by train to Münster. From there it’s a choice: the easier route meanders along above the river before crossing to Gluringen, a picturesque village with pretty church. The longer route winds along the Gommer High Level Path, in and out of striking side valleys and past quintessential alpine cafés. There are tremendous views towards the snowcapped Weisshorn as you near the Hotel Castle, perched high on the hillside.
Hotel Castle, Blitzingen

DAY 5

The valley narrows at Blitzingen before opening out to broad mountain views as you approach the sunny, timber-built village of Bellwald at just over 1600 meters (5249 feet). Its warren of narrow flower-filled alleys are a delight to explore. You can take the chairlift up to enjoy a sky-high picnic amidst clover and buttercups before rambling back down through Niederwald, the birthplace of César Ritz, the famous hotelier who founded several hotels and whose name became synonymous with exclusivity and elegance.
Hotel Castle, Blitzingen

DAY 6

Today offers a splendid walk through villages unchanged for centuries on the southeast side of the river. Explore lovely Mühlebach with its traditional Valaisian wooden buildings dating from the 14th century. You continue on to Ernen, Village of Culture and Music, which features murals and friezes on the Tellenhaus, and gasthofs (taverns) for well-earned refreshments.
Hotel Castle, Blitzingen

DAY 7

A tremendous finale to your week begins with a ride by cable car to the top of the Eggishorn at 2926 meters (9600 feet), where you will be awestruck by the vista. There are full-length views of the mighty Aletsch glacier, the longest in Europe, and a 360º panorama that includes Eiger, Jungfrau, Finsterhorn, and Matterhorn. Superb picnic spots abound just beside the glacier.
Hotel Castle, Blitzingen

DAY 8

After breakfast you are transferred to the Blitzingen train station for connections home or your onward destination.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Hotel Hubertus
Obergesteln, Switzerland

This classic wooden four-storey chalet-style hotel is located on the outskirts of Obergesteln, with an extensive network of walking trails right out the door. Bedrooms are spacious and light, with pine furnishings, a small sitting area, and balconies. A swimming pool offer wonderful views over the village and the valley. With a central fireplace in the lounge area surrounded by comfy sofas, the warm wood dining room is also especially pleasant in the evening by candlelight. One of the highest villages in the Goms Valley, Obergesteln is still a traditional farming community, with an unusual number of stone and brick homes built to resist the frequent fires to wooden structures in the past.

Nights 4, 5, 6, & 7

Hotel Castle
Blitzingen, Switzerland

Situated high above the village of Blitzingen at 4,429 feet in the heart of the imposing mountain world of the Valais region, and named after the fortress on the site of which it was built, the Hotel Castle has sweeping panoramic views over the entire Goms Valley. The modern guestrooms are one-bedroom suites with a living room and kitchenette (with refrigerator). The hotel is known for its excellent restaurant, a gothic-style dining room, where the food is of particularly high quality and artistic presentation. On the premises are also a small spa area (massages available), a typical cozy wood-lined “stube” bar, and an expansive sun terrace.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.