WALSER HIKING JOURNEY: SWITZERLAND & ITALY
A Walk Through History from the Alps of Switzerland to Lake Maggiore
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
- Hiking in Zermatt & the Mattertal Valley in the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn
- Crossing the Aletsch Glacier UNESCO World Heritage Region
- Explore the protected Binntal Valley: Unspoilt nature and authentic mountain villages
- Alpe Devero Natural Park: An unknown Italian valley lost in time
- Visit a small alpine cheesemaker for a lesson and tasting
- Cool off in the magical granite pools and waterfalls of the Val Maggia & Verzasca
- Finish the trek in the Mediterranean climate of Lago Maggiore, relaxing lake side under the palms
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WHAT WE DO
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.
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
PROCESS
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.
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