Switzerland hiking retreat

Andermatt | 25 - 29 August 2024

A 5-Day guided hiking trail and yoga retreat in central Switzerland

Journey to the source springs of Europe’s four major rivers; the Rhine, Ruess, Ticino, and Rhône over 5 days of hiking across breathtaking mountain passes, valleys, and hidden gorges. Join yoga teacher and avid hiker, Nina, on this acclaimed multi-day hike, known as the Vier Quellen-Weg. Start each day feeling energised and aligned with daily yoga and meditation sessions. Stay in 4 traditional Swiss mountain hotels. Reconnect with your essential vitality along Alpine waterways.

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Anticipate a journey with…

Guided Trail in the Alps

This stunning 81km route over 5days has been carefully mapped and planned. We will climb 4500m ascent gain and journey through pristine wilderness. The route follows hiking paths, and navigates around grasslands, moors, lakes, forests, rivers, mountain passes and glaciers. Each day offers different highlights, and there are even some surprise village and cheese farm visits along the way to boost spirits and energy levels!

Traditional mountain Cabins

We stay in 2 classic Swiss mountain hikers’ huts and 2 mountain hotels. Each location has been selected for its charm, authenticity and comfort. They all have a fascinating history to tell, and offer unique quirks and features. Passo San Gottardo on night 2, is a particularly historic stay - one of their buildings dates back to the 12th century!

Source springs of 4 rivers

The Vier Quellen-Weg winds and weaves across 3 cantons (Uri, Ticino and Valais), and leads us to the the sacred source springs of 4 magnificent rivers: The Rhine, Ruess, Ticino and Rhône. Some sections of this trail were once paths trodden by pilgrims and travellers in Roman times, and possibly even earlier! Each source spring has its’ own special energy!

Yoga daily for tired legs

At the break of morning, when the sunlight begins to reach over the mountain slopes, we join in meditation together, followed by a short functional movement session to limber up for the day of hiking ahead. End each afternoon with a soothing Slow Flow & Yin yoga practice, to ease tight muscles, and reset mind, body and soul in the ancient Alpine amphitheater.

Swiss food and wine

We fuel ourselves each day with a breakfast buffet. Expect fruit juice tea and coffee, freshly baked bread and pastries, cheeses, seasonal fruits and farm-fresh dairy and eggs. Dinners are inspired by hearty regional dishes, and vegetarian options are abundant. Swiss wine is renowned for its sophistication and quality - all locations have excellent wine and beer menus.

Rhône glacier & Belvédère hotel

The Vier Quellen-Weg final stage is one of the most varied and spectacular hiking days you can experience. The finalé is the Rhône Glacier, a stunning high Alpine glacier that feeds a river running through multiple EU countries. Nearby is the Belvédère Hotel, a gravity defying historic building, featured in the iconic Bond film, Goldfinger.

Hiking route information

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Location

Uri - Ticino - Valais

This retreat covers an ancient hiking route called the Vier Quellen Weg. The trail takes us over three cantons in Central Switzerland - Uri (German-speaking), Ticino (Italian-speaking), and Valais (French-speaking). The trail meanders through pristine wilderness, towns, close to roads, hamlets, forests, grasslands, high, rocky peaks and even a glacier. It offers a huge array of scenes and experiences, from natural to cultural, culinary and historical. This area in Switzerland was strategically important in WWII given the proximity and vantage point over the Italian Alps, as well as the famous road infrastructure of Gotthard Pass. Weather in summer ranges at altitude, so prepare for all conditions - temperatures min. 3 ℃ / 38 ℉ to max. 30 ℃/ 86 ℉.

Accomodation

Traditional Swiss mountain stays

Each night we stay in a welcoming and character-filled Switzerland mountain stay. The hotels and cabins in the Swiss Alps are an important vestige of local culture. Each night you will discover something unique and inviting; each morning you will depart refreshed, energised and ready for the adventurous day ahead. Our 4 venues are: Vermigelhütte, Albergo San Gottardo, Capanna Piansecco, and Hotel Hubertus. The mountain cabins on night 1 and 3 are typical of Swiss mountain culture, each with a unique character and configuration of dormitory rooms. The hotels on night 2 and 4 both have interesting histories and modern, comforting touches.

This retreat is for you if you:

Are fit, active and confident on your feet
Crave a complete nature immersion in protected wilderness
Are comfortable sharing dormitory space with others in hikers cabins
Are seeking a healthy challenge and want to improve fitness
Enjoy and are interested in yoga and meditation
Appreciate hearty, seasonal and simple Alpine cuisine

What you can expect:

A guided hike with days ranging from 6 - 8 hours through varied terrain.
5 days immersed in nature, with stunning scenery and cultural encounters
Accommodation in Swiss hiker’s cabins that have dormitories and hotels
A physical and mental challenge that will build character and a positive outlook
Daily basic yoga and meditation sessions with Nina
Regional, seasonal Alpine cuisine served in the cabins - simple and honest.

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Your InRetreat guide

Nina integrates poetry, personal transformation and unique insights to her practice, enriching body movement with meaning. Her classes are playful, flowing and accessible to all levels, offering an inclusive space where everyone can discover their own personal edge and cultivate presence.

View Nina’s full bio.

This Retreat in Review

“If you love the mountains and yoga this hike is for you. Views are breathtaking, yoga classes in the best, most scenic locations ever, hospitality in cabanas with excellent food is great, and the cherry on top is company and Nina . Overall EXCELLENT! Hike itself is challenging at times but you can do it!! I have an amazing sense of achievement after the hike. The body and mind feels strong and fully rejuvenated. Thank you for sharing your passions with us Nina. Gratitude <3”

Malgorzata, 2023
“This trip was everything I could have wished for in a hiking/yoga retreat. The moment I met the group I felt comfortable, supported, and excited to go on this hiking journey. Nina was always very organized with gondola tickets/travel arrangements and sleeping/hiking cabin arrangements. The experience was seamless from the moment we departed until our return. I felt like I could really fully immerse myself in the hiking and the experience without a single worry of directions or time of day! The yoga was perfect to compliment the ailments associated with long days of hiking. Nina's positive and calming mantra's/yoga nidra was the perfect start and end to each day. Thank you, Nina! I cant wait to join another retreat!”

Kirstin, 2023
“The trekking was absolutely beautiful. I see that Nina feels at home in the mountains. She knows the area very well, which made that we could fully trust her as a guide. She always gave us clear information on what to expect and when. The stretches and yoga classes were at stunning locations. She coached us, helped us keeping our muscles flexible and our minds clear. And last but not least, we had so much fun. This is the perfect holiday to disconnect, feel amazed by the mountains and challenge yourself at times!”

Fleur, 2023
“These 6 days are the perfect recipe for a mind reset: physical efforts, incredible landscapes, yoga relaxation, mountains wisdom, guided by Nina's warm and kind soul. Enjoy the nature of this hiking retreat to strengthen your body and soul!”

Elodie, 2023
“The 6 days hiking trip was an amazing experience! I loved the combination of hiking and yoga and the hiking route is absolutely beautiful! The group dynamic was great and we have had so much fun with each other!”

Fleur, 2023
“The valley of Bagnes is so beautiful. Sometimes it was overwhelming. It’s serious hiking (it was my first time hiking from cabin to cabin), the food in the cabins was so good. And Nina is a really kind and positive leader. So go for it!”

Marleen, Netherlands 2022
“Absolutely great. I loved every minute … Being outside in this beautiful environment, and the cabane on the lake was my favourite because we could swim. The long distance day I loved because of the nice route and variety.”

Jody, Netherlands 2022
“I loved the hiking- the scenery, the yoga classes but also the cabins (simple but everything you need) and especially the whole group. Great people, great leading by Nina- I can recommend this trip to everyone who shares the same interests. Go for it!”

J.S, Switzerland 2022
“The week of glorious hiking and yoga organized and led by Nina in the Val-de-Bagnes was easily the highlight of my year, and quite possibly the top trip I’ve ever been on! The balance of invigorating activity, a wonderful group of people, the discovering of stunning vistas and locations, and lovely overnight stays in unique cabanes was perfect. And what really made this trip stand out is Nina herself: her thoughtful planning, amazing energy, and her unique ability to bring people together and make them feel comfortable, inspired, and empowered! Couldn’t recommend it more!”

Siân, Canada, 2022
“Nina is a positive, cheerful and very kind person. Relaxed, never showed any kind of stress. Very reassuring.”

Marleen, Netherlands, 2022

All the retreat details

2 nights in Swiss mountain cabins in a dormitory room
2 nights at Swiss mountain hotels in a twin/double room
5 days guided hiking through Uri, Ticino and Valais
Breakfast daily
Dinner each night - 2 dinners in mountain cabins and 2 at restaurants
Daily guided meditation and yoga classes with Nina
Train ticket, Andermatt > Oberalppass
Private taxi van: Belvédère > Andermatt
Tourism and conservation taxes.
All travel to/from Andermatt, Switzerland
Visas
Snacks and lunch during the day. Cabins and hotels do have a la carte menus you can purchase food from for the next day of hiking, and they do also sell snacks. If you are particular about the food you like to snack on, bring your own supplies.
Beverages
Arrival
Fly into Zurich (ZRH).
Make your way to Andermatt train station. Use the Swiss transport company, SBB, to book your train tickets and navigate the route (their app is excellent). Nina will meet you at 10:00 in Andermatt station.
If you are travelling from outside Switzerland, it is strongly advised that you arrive in Andermatt the night before. For guests arriving the night before, ask Nina for recommendations for accommodation.

Departure
We conclude our hiking route at Bélvèdere hotel below Furka Pass. There will be a private bus shuttle waiting to take us back to Andermatt, arriving at approx 18:00.
Travel home or onwards from Andermatt train station.
Hike and Yoga in Switzerland, Andermatt
25 -29 August 2024
€ 1, 590 p/person
To confirm your booking, a deposit is required
€ 600 deposit p/person
Make your deposit payment here.

Booking Terms
Deposit payment is non-refundable
Balance payment is required 30 days prior to retreat start date.
If booking within 30days to start date, 100% payment is required to secure booking.

Cancellation terms
In the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled, we will set new dates, and 100% of your payment will go to the new dates. If the new dates don’t suit you, you will receive it in credit as a voucher to use towards another retreat within 24 months.