Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek

Itinerary download itinerary

• Day01

  Arrive in Geneva & Journey to Crans

  Arrive in Geneva, meet your private bus outside the customs and immigration area at the airport, and transfer to the hillside resort town of Crans, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, situated above Sion in the Swiss Alps. In the late afternoon, gather in the hotel lobby for an orientation before enjoying dinner together.

  • Accommodation: Hotel de L'Etrier
  • Transportation: 2-hour private bus transfer
  • Meals: Dinner
• Day02

  Explore Lake Tzeurier, Simmenfalle & Lenk

  Start the hike above Crans in Plan Mayen along the famous Ro irrigation canal that the Swiss call "bisse," then rejoin Lake Tzeurier on a scenic trail that crosses the alpine meadows of Lourantse and Armeillon. At the Plan des Roses, start the ascent up a gentle slope to the Rawill Pass (7,924'), which showcases a grandiose panorama of the Bernese Oberland. After you take in the view, descend toward Iffigenalp, take a minivan and transfer to Lenk near the Simmenfalle, a series of cascading waterfalls.

  • Accommodation: Sporthotel Wildstrubel
  • Activity: 7.5 hours/11 miles hiking with 2,970' elevation gain & 2,750' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Trek from Lenk to Engstligenalp Meadows

  Follow the torrents and cascades of the Simme River and start the long trek up toward the Ammerten Pass. In the distance see the resplendent Wildstrubel massif (10,640'), whose peaks offer a surprising contrast to the flat green plains of the Engstlingenalp meadows. This is where you leave the trail for the day, and check into the mountain inn.

  • Accommodation: Berghotel Engstligenalp Adelboden
  • Activity: 6 hours/9 miles hiking with 4,400' elevation gain & 1,580' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day04

  Hike from Engstligenalp to the Village of Kandersteg

  Start early this morning and trek up towards the majestic Tschingelhortighorn Mountain, skirting around its iconic summit. Follow a stunningly beautiful ridge, with views of glittering glacial lakes below, until you reach the Chindbettipass. As you descend toward the high-altitude resort village of Kandersteg, take in the gorgeous scenery of cliffs and verdant plains all around.

  • Accommodation: Bernerhof Swiss Quality Hotel
  • Activity: 7 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,400' elevation gain & 4,900' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Hike from Kandersteg to the Meadows of Kiental

  Today features a long ascent but with enough gems along the way to make it easier. Early on, come to Lake Oeschinen, at the foot of the Bluemlisalp Massif, and meadows that are worth a stop. Reach the impressive tongues of the Bluumlisalpgletscher glacier and the Hohturli Pass (8,882') with its 360-degree view over the Kandertal and Kiental. The descent into the Kiental meadows is steep and constant at first. Today's destination is Bundalp, a farmhouse inn tucked away in a splendid mountain setting.

  • Accommodation: Bundalp Auberge
  • Activity: 7 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain & 3,100' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day06

  Hike from Kiental to the Village of Murren

  Descend briefly to the Bundstag Bridge, where you rejoin the Sefinenfurgge route. The companions in the distance are nothing short of majestic - take in the Jungfrau (13,669'), the Monch (13,468'), and the Eiger (13,025'). Follow a long descent toward the Rotstock meadows and Murren, which is the birthplace of modern alpine racing. From here, walk another 1.5 hours on the famed North Face Trail, rich with mountaineering history. Stop in the cozy village of Murren to rest for the night. If the cloud cover stays away, take in an enchanting sunset.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Alpenruh
  • Activity: 7.5 hours/12 miles hiking with 3,960' elevation gain & 2,650' elevation loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day07

  Take a Cable Car & Cog-Wheel Train to Grindelwald

  Leave the heights of Murren and descend by cable car into the majestic Lauterbrunnen valley, flanked by massive, sheer cliffs and with more than 70 waterfalls falling into the meadow below. Follow the course of the Weisse Lu¨tschine River, hike up along the Trummel gorges and arrive at the foot of the Jungfrau, the Monch, and the Eiger. Ascend to the mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg (6,772') by the only method of local transport - cog-wheel train. Marvel at the view, then head down to Grindelwald, which has a long history as a mountaineering base.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Kirchbuehl
  • Activity: 7.5 hours/12 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain & 1,650' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 30-minute cable car & cog-wheel train ride
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day08

  Bid Farewell to the Bernese Oberland & Return to Geneva

  After breakfast, transfer to Geneva airport for homeward-bound flights.

  • Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast