Wilderness Retreat in Switzerland with Jason and Crystalina Evert and Fr. Thomas Hunyor

We depart tonight on an overnight flight to Zurich. Dinner and breakfast are served on the plane. (Trip cost does not include airfare.)

Upon arrival at Zurich (ZRH) Airport, we are greeted by our English-speaking tour manager and assisted to our motorcoach. Enjoy a 1-hour relaxing cruise on Lake Zurich to experience the beauty of Zurich and its surroundings from the water. Along the way, we enjoy views of the Alps on the horizon and the imposing city skyline of Zurich. Next, a tour of Zurich’s Old Town offers a fascinating journey through the city’s history. Discover the small, winding alleys, hidden courtyards, and spacious squares along the left and right banks of the Limmat River. From here, we depart for our campground in Seelisberg on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Mass will be celebrated. (L) Campground: https://www.seelisberg-naturcamping.ch/

The Bärenfallen Panorama Trail from Klewenalp to Niederrickenbach is a hike with exceptional views. It starts at the Klewenalp mountain station and initially climbs gently toward Staffel. After about an hour, we reach the Bärenfallen, with a magnificent view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. Passing the Untere and Obere Musenalp, we reach the summit cross on the Musenalp ridge where the 360° panorama is breathtaking. Lake Lucerne glitters far below, and the snow-capped mountains shine on the horizon. Drinks and simple dishes such as the famous Bratkäse slice are available on the terrace of the Alpbeizli (alp inn). The trail then descends to Ahorn, with Niederrickenbach already in sight. The trail leads through sparse forest and across open alpine meadows. The hike ends in the pilgrimage village of Niederrickenbach, which is known for its Benedictine monastery of Maria-Rickenbach – a place of peace and contemplation where we can purchase local products such as teas and herbal ointments in the monastery shop. Despite its isolation, the monastery is an important attraction for pilgrims and seekers who find solace and inner peace here. Today, it is a member of the Swiss Federation of Benedictine Sisters and continues to lead a contemplative life amidst the impressive mountain landscape. Return to our campground in Seelisberg. Mass will be celebrated. (L) Route: Klewenalp – Musenalpgrat – Niederrickenbach (Walking time without rests: 3.25 h, Distance: 10.2 km, Ascent/Descent: 375/820 altitude meters) Option: By cable car from/to Musenalp

Our hike starts at the mountain station of the Kandersteg-Oeschinen gondola cableway. The route leads gently down to the shore of Lake Oeschinen, with views of the wild and rugged Blüemlisalp massif. It continues through a forest to Unterbergli and from there steeply uphill to the next rock step. Once at Oberbergli, the view of the deep-blue waters of Lake Oeschinen and the mountain peaks could hardly be more beautiful. We have the option to climb a little further before descending back to the lake. Along the way, the mountain restaurants at Unter- or Oberbergli or at the lake or mountain station offer refreshing drinks and snacks. Mass will be celebrated. (L) Route: Oeschinen – Oeschinensee – Unterbergli – Oberbergli – Oeschinensee – Oeschinen (walking time without rests: 4 hours, distance: 10 km, ascent/descent: 620 altitude meters) Incl. toboggan at Oeschinensee

This morning, we depart by coach to Engelberg. On a secure steel cable, we glide from the Trübsee mountain hotel down towards the lakeshore on the zipline, enjoying the flight with a partner. It’s a unique adventure with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape and Lake Trübsee. From here, we begin our hike. Trübsee Lake is the first of four crystal clear mountain lakes. Over Jochpass we reach Engstlenalp and Lake Engstlen, an idyllic place with a nostalgic hotel and thousands of alpine roses. The trail continues through colorful alpine flora to Tannalp with a cheese dairy, an inn, the Maria-Chapel and Lake Tannalp. Take a rest here before we continue to Melchsee-Frutt and Lake Melchsee. We take the mountain rail back to Stockalp and our coach back to Seelisberg where we enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant including wine or beer. Mass will be celebrated. (L. Special Dinner) Route: Jochpass – Engstlenalp – Tannalp – Melchsee-Frutt (walking time without rests: 3.5-4 h, distance: 12 km, ascent/descent: 255/560 altitude meters) Option: chairlift from Jochpass to Engstlen

This morning, we depart our campground for Zurich airport and our flights back to the USA.

This morning, we take the train from Beckenried to Altdorf to Bellinzona. The hike across the Ponte Tibetana in Carasc near Bellinzona is a highlight for anyone looking to combine nature with a thrill. The trail starts from the lovingly restored hamlet of Curzútt. This historic village, once elevated to avoid the risk of malaria on the plains, transports visitors back in time. Here, we find a guesthouse and restaurant and enjoy the tranquility. The hike leads through chestnut forests and past ancient vineyards to the Ponte Tibetana, which connects the communities of Monte Carasso and Sementina. The impressive suspension bridge is 270 meters long and up to 130 meters high. The crossing offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Magadino Plain and the surrounding mountains. Next visit the fortress of Bellinzona, consisting of three imposing castles: Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro, which together form what is arguably the most important defensive system in the Alpine region. In the Middle Ages, they served as a strategic point of protection on the important trade route between Italy and the north. The fortresses were further expanded by the dukes of Milan in the 15th century to secure control over the Alpine passes. Today, the castles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and symbolize the historical significance of Bellinzona as a border fortress. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Bellinzona. Route: Carzutt – Ponte Tibetano – Sementina – Monte Carasso (Walking time without rests: approx. 2.5 hours, distance: 5.5 km, ascent/descent: 100/350 altitude meters)

This morning, we take the train from Bellinzona to Locarno. Then take the mountain rail from Locarno to Cardada. Cardada towers high above Locarno, like a balcony, offering views of the shimmering blue waters of Lake Maggiore. From this vantage point, our hike leads slightly uphill over open meadows and sparse forests to Pian della Cimetta. Now, it’s only a few meters up to the Cimetta summit at 1672 m. The view is hard to beat. From the highest point in Switzerland, with the Dufourspitze (4634 m) to the west, the view extends to the lowest point in the country, far below at Lake Maggiore (193 m). To the east, the Ticino mountain peaks rise up, while in the south, the view loses itself in the Poebenbe in the dust. Then the trail leads down the north side through a beautiful beech forest and back to Cardada. Return by train to Bellinzona. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Bellinzona. (B) Route: Cardada – Cimetta (walking time without rests: approx. 2 hours, distance: 3.5 km, ascent/descent: 320/10 altitude meters) Option to visit Madonna del Sasso on way back

This morning, we take the train from Bellinzona to Lugano / Paradiso. Monte San Salvatore is the emblem of Lugano and offers a 360° panorama from the snow-covered Alpine peaks far into the Italian Po Valley, with the blue-green shimmer of Lake Lugano deep below. The hike then leads first a little steeper and from Ciona along the ridge to Carona. The artists’ village, where the writer Hermann Hesse also found inspiration, is known for its historic center and the typical Ticino grotti offer the opportunity to take a rest and fortify yourself. Then it’s on past the Praco San Grato botanical garden, through the chestnut forests towards Alpe Vicania and finally up hundreds of steps to picturesque Morcote, which was recently named one of the best tourist villages by the World Tourism Organization. We take our coach from Morcote back to Lugano and the train back to Bellinzona. Enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant with wine or beer. Overnight in Bellinzona. (B. Special dinner) Route: Monte San Salvatore – Carona – Morcote (walking time without rests: 3 h, distance: 10 km, ascent/descent: 235/850 altitude meters)

Depart this morning for Milan airport for our flights back to the USA.