Off the beaten path in some of the more isolated valleys of the high Alps, walk through time on the path of the nomadic Walsers.
History: The “Walser” people originally came from the Ober-Wallis over 1000 years ago, the high valleys of the Valais Canton of Switzerland, and the headwaters of the Rhône River, the Rhonegletscher. The Walsers were exposed to the harsh elements of this region: extreme cold, storms, snow and avalanches in winter; dryness and drought in summer. To escape the climate of the Ober-Wallis, the Walser people started to migrate to warmer regions, establishing settlements in Northern Italy, Ticino, Grisons (S. Eastern Switzerland) in the 12th and 13th centuries. Taking with them the Walser-German language, and their classic stone architecture.
Route: The journey starts at the head of the Mattertal valley under the Matterhorn. Nowhere better to contemplate the challenges faced by farmers and early residents in Zermatt, a tight north-facing valley at 1600m. Today, the climate is much more hospitable, as are the options for on-mountain dining and accommodation. From Zermatt, descend to the Swiss Rhone Valley and climb to the Aletsch Glacier, and traverse the tongue of the Aletsch over the Hängebrücke /suspension bridge. It is hard to imagine now, that at the time of the early Walser settlements, their was a mini ice-age in this region, leaving us with what is now the largest remaining glacier in continental Europe.
Passing through the Binntal Valley, known for its authentic environment and untouched wilderness , and crossing over the border into Italy and the Italian National Park Alpe Devero, we follow the Walser migration south-east. A day spent in the Val Fornazza with opportunities to visit local cheese-makers and stay at an agriturismo (farm with private rooms).
Up and over the border of the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino, and down into the Val Bavona. From here, spend a few days, passing from valley to valley, meandering along granite rivers filled with water falls, emerald pools, and 700 year-old Walser villages built with local materials, before descending down to the Mediterranean climate of Lago Maggiore. Finishing in 5 star luxury at a spa hotel on the lake.
Highlights
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
Please get in touch using the form below. Fields marked with a * are required.