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Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek

Snowcapped Peaks, Sweeping Views & Alpine Villages

 

MT Sobek brings back an old favorite! Traverse the breathtaking alpine terrain of the Bernese Oberland, home to some the world's most striking mountains - Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger. Kick off the weeklong trek through Switzerland from the spectacular Rhone Valley and make your way along sweeping slopes, endless meadows, and massive cliffs. Witness glistening glacial lakes high up from a ridge on the Chindbetti pass and travel back in time at idyllic villages that showcase panoramic views. Explore picturesque alpine hideaways and spend an unforgettable night on a rustic farm.

  • Hike the iconic landscapes of the Bernese Oberland: Jungfrau (Maiden), Monch (Monk), and Eiger (Ogre)

  • Explore postcard-perfect Swiss alpine villages, such as Lenk, Kandersteg and Murren

  • Spend nights at charming hotels and the Bundalp Auberge farmhouse on this exciting retro trip from our adventure archive

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Arrive:

Geneva, Switzerland

Depart:

Geneva, Switzerland

Price: from $5,120

Duration:

8 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

6-16 Guests

Min Age:

18 yrs

Activity:

Level 4

6 Days of strenuous hiking and trekking up and over passes at nearly 9,000-feet of elevation. Terrain is rocky and steep, and possibly slippery due to snow or wet conditions. Trip participants must be strong, experienced hikers.
Learn more here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • Arrive in Geneva & Journey to Crans

    Day 1

    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

    A uniquely designed wellness hotel, Hotel de L'Etrier is conveniently situated with mountain views and a variety of amenities. There is a spa that offers massages and skin treatments, along with a gym, steam room, and sauna. This accommodation makes for a wonderful option on the first night, as MT Sobek travelers can ease their bodies into the adventure through a variety of wellness-centric options. The city center is also just steps away, allowing for the easy exploration of Crans.

    Transportation: 2-hour private bus transfer

    Meals: Dinner

  • Explore Lake Tzeurier, Simmenfalle & Lenk

    Day 2

    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-Lenk, Switzerland

    In the pretty mountain village of Lenk, this charming family-run hotel features 47 cozy rooms, equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and TV. Many rooms have balconies featuring gorgeous mountain views. The restaurant serves traditional Swiss dishes in the wood-paneled interior or on the sun-kissed terrace, while the spa offers many ways to unwind, including a sauna and an indoor pool.

    Activity: 7.5 hours/11 miles hiking with 2,970' elevation gain & 2,750' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Trek from Lenk to Engstligenalp Meadows

    Day 3

    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

    This 3-star mountain inn, accessed only by foot, is a good spot for a well-deserved rest after a day on the trail. Guestrooms are simple with basic amenities, but all have en-suite bathrooms. After taking in the gorgeous views of Engstligenalp Meadows you can enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hikers at the restaurant or bar.

    Activity: 6 hours/9 miles hiking with 4,400' elevation gain & 1,580' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike from Engstligenalp to the Village of Kandersteg

    Day 4

    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-Kandersteg, Switzerland

    Nestled in the heart of Kandersteg, an alpine village in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, this delightful hotel showcases panoramic mountains vistas, a restaurant, and a small spa area with a sauna, multi-sensory showers, and an ice grotto. All the guest rooms come with private bathrooms and balconies, many with scenic views. Wi-Fi is free in all areas.

    Activity: 7 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,400' elevation gain & 4,900' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike from Kandersteg to the Meadows of Kiental

    Day 5

    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-Kiental, Switzerland

    At this family-run farmhouse, accommodation is very basic and quite rustic - in small, private guest rooms located in the loft above the cows in the barn. The rooms come with bedding and electricity; there are shared bathrooms on the lower floor, and a shower room in the main building. The food served is organic and locally sourced; the handcrafted alpine cheeses are a must-try.

    Activity: 7 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain & 3,100' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike from Kiental to the Village of Murren

    Day 6

    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-Murren, Switzerland

    In the car-free resort of Murren in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, this small hotel oozes traditional charm. Most of its 26 cozy rooms come with balconies that showcase stunning views of iconic mountain peaks. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel free of charge, and there's a restaurant on site that serves traditional Swiss fare.

    Activity: 7.5 hours/12 miles hiking with 3,960' elevation gain & 2,650' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Take a Cable Car & Cog-Wheel Train to Grindelwald

    Day 7

    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

    Situated in a calm setting amidst the towering Swiss Alps, this hotel offers very cozy chalet-style accommodations. Travelers can look out onto the UNESCO Heritage Jungfrau Aletsch, and enjoy delicious Bernese cuisine with high quality ingredients from the region. It was recently rated in the top 10 for "Best Family Hotels in Switzerland". The spa is impeccable with a Finnish sauna, steam bath, and bubble bath along with an indoor pool and fitness center. Hotel Kirchbuhl is a wonderful place to refresh the body and spirit!

    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

  • Bid Farewell to the Bernese Oberland & Return to Geneva

    Day 8

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

    Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

show more

Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

MT Sobek has more than four decades of experience leading trips in the Alps and our expert guides in the region are among our very best.

Reason #02

We first went to the Bernese Oberland over 25 years ago and have taken this classic trek out of the vault for our 50th year.

Reason #03

With carefully selected lodgings every night, you'll be sure of a comfortable and rewarding end to demanding days on the trail.

Meet your guides

Laurent Langoisseur

Laurent Langoisseur

Laurent hails from Normandy, France, having grown up in Argentan. In 1991, he obtained his European Mountain Leader certification, and in 1995 he was awarded the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides. Laurent has been guiding for MT Sobek since 1995, and is a senior guide on our Alps trips, he has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc close to 100 times! When he isn't guiding for MT Sobek, he teaches First Aid and Mountain Rescue to mountain and hiking guides. During the winter, he's a ski patrol monitor in the mountains above Chamonix.

Florence Simond

Florence Simond

A native of Chamonix, Florence is a descendant from two of the area's oldest families. After growing up in the Chamonix Valley, "Flo" spent several years in the south of France, and then traveled abroad to South America and Asia. She returned to her ancestral home, where the mountains now form an integral part of her life. She has led nearly 50 trips to the Alps, not counting how many times she has done this trip for her own fun! In addition to being an accomplished hiking guide, Flo is a skier and climber. As a member of the Compagnie des Guides, she follows in the footsteps of her forefathers.

Stephane Berger

Stephane Berger

Stephane is a true man of the mountains, with a Savoyard father and Swiss mother. He grew up in Chamonix, then left the valley to follow his first love, architecture. But the call of the wild proved too strong and travels in North Africa, Siberia, and the Himalaya opened a new door to him-the profession of hiking guide. Nowadays Stephane lives in a chalet in Chamonix from where he escapes frequently to travel the mountain areas of the world. He has now been a member of the Compagnie des Guides for many years, with over 100 trips to the Alps under his belt!

Activities

Long strenuous hikes through magnificent alpine landscapes, riding cable cars and cog-wheel trains, and unwinding at spas.

Lodging

Charming family-run inns and alpine hotels with well-appointed rooms, spas, and regional cuisine, plus a night's stay in a rustic farmhouse.

Climate

The days can quickly change from hot to cold and wet. Snow is likely at the high passes. Come prepared for everything.

FAQ

Who will meet me on arrival?

A MT Sobek representative will meet you in the arrivals hall of the Geneva International Airport (GVA) between 1:30pm and 2:00pm on Day 1.

Do I really need hiking poles?

We require hiking poles on this trip. The terrain is slippery and shifting, requiring assisted balance. Steep downhills add pressure to knee-joints.

How rustic is the Bundalp Auberge on the fifth night?

Very rustic. Guestrooms are very small and lacking in amenities. There is little privacy. This is an authentic mountain adventure, and only one step up from camping.

How fit should I be to embark on this challenge?

Pretty fit. This is a trip for experienced hikers. If you have never done a strenuous, multi-day hiking trip before, we recommend you start with our classic Tour du Mont Blanc.

Will I have Wi-Fi?

You should have Wi-Fi on every night, except night five.

Do I really need high-ankle hiking boots?

Yes, absolutely.

waterfall - Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek
cloudy peak - Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek
hikers approaching lake - Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek
train below eiger - Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek
lupine flowers - Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek
hikers at lake - Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek
cows and chalet - Switzerland Bernese Oberland Trek

Testimonials

"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."

Bob J.
MT Sobek Guest

Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."

Mark N.
MT Sobek Guest

Trustpilot
  • 2022
  • Go Private
  • Go Custom

2022

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Aug 14 - 21, 2022
    $5,120 price per person dbl occ
    +$700 single supplement
    WaitlistConfirmed
    Contact us

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Private

Go Private

Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.

Choose from the selection of dates below for your group or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Private Trip Pricing:

2022 Pricing

6 to 7 guests from $5,395 per person double occupancy

8 to 9 guests from $5,195 per person double occupancy

Additional Costs:

Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Make Your Own Dates in These Months

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure

Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

Inspiration to Explore

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