Bernese Oberland Traverse - 8 Days (Self Guided) – Switzerland

The Bernese Oberland Traverse is a popular 100 km multi-day hike through the Swiss Alps, starting and ending in Meiringen and Grindelwald. Taking 8 days to complete, with stays in mountain huts and guesthouses. The trail offers beautiful alpine landscapes, including glaciers, peaks, and lakes, with challenging sections. Highlights of the Bernese Oberland Traverse include views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, as well as visits to popular attractions like the Aletsch Glacier and the Schilthorn summit.

Highlights:

Hike while taking in the breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Sample the delicious Gruyère and Etivaz cheese in Gstaad while observing the traditional cheese-making process.
Explore the charming, idyllic villages of Mürren, Wengen, and Grindelwald, surrounded by majestic peaks and serene lakes.
Immerse in the local atmosphere, hearing the melodic sound of cowbells and savoring the mouthwatering Raclette or Rösti.

Program: Bernese Oberland Traverse 8 days, self-guided

Accommodations: Mountain huts & private double or triple room in Hotels

Departure dates 2023: from July 1st through September 20th (Departures on Demand, please inquire).

*Note that early season (basically June) there is too much snow remaining on the trails making this trip very challenging and dedicated only to very experienced guests.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL DAY IN SWITZERLAND - INTERLAKEN

Arrive in Switzerland and transfer to the picturesque city of Interlaken, you'll likely want to fly into Zurich, which is the most convenient international airport. Once you've landed, you can catch a train that will take you on a scenic 2.5-hour journey through Switzerland to Interlaken. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and consider taking a leisurely walk along one of the city's two stunning lakes if time permits. Interlaken is known as the "city in between two lakes" and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Lodging: Hotel

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2: INTERLAKEN - FAULHORN

Board the cog train to Schynige Platte (1980 m) and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the striking peaks of the Bernese Oberlands and Mittellands. Kickstart your adventure with a delightful warm-up hike to the Weber Hut (2344m), situated at a saddle. From there, ascend to the Faulhorn summit (2681 m) and spend your first night surrounded by the stunning mountain scenery.

Ascent: 800 m. Descent: 75 m. Hiking Time: 4 hrs.

Lodging: Mountain Hut

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: FAULHORN - ALPIGLEN

Begin your day by trekking down to the mesmerizing Bach Lake (2266 m), which offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding 4000-meter peaks. From there, ride the gondola to Grindelwald, the renowned village in Oberland. Next, you can either hike or take the iconic cog train to reach Alpiglen Berghaus, nestled at the base of the stunning Eiger North-face.

Ascent: 1000 m. Descent : 550 m. Hiking Time: 5.5 hrs

Lodging: Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: ALPIGLEN - LAUTERBRUNNEN - MÜRREN

Embark on a memorable hiking adventure on the renowned Eiger trail, which is one of the most notable highlights of the week. Upon reaching Kleine Scheidegg at the base of the Eiger (Ogre), pause to take in the awe-inspiring views of the Eiger Nordwand, Mönch, and Jungfrau. After waking up to the breathtaking views, descend through scenic alpine meadows and arrive at the picturesque U-shaped valley of Lauterbrunnen, which is renowned for its stunning waterfalls. From there, hike up or take a cable car to the charming car-free mountain village of Mürren, where you'll find typical Swiss chalets perched on a narrow plateau.

Ascent: 650 m. Descent : 1250 m. Hiking Time: 6 hrs

Lodging: Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: MÜRREN - BUNDALP

Traverse the stunning and quintessentially Swiss valleys that will take you to the Sefinenfurgge Pass (2612m), a cleft in the rugged ridgeline that will once again leave you in awe of the breathtaking views (and leave you breathless, as usual). Descend from the pass through the beautiful alpine meadows, and then make your way through the forest to the charming village of Griesalp (1350m). Continue onward to Bundalp, where you'll experience an unforgettable evening at a rustic farmhouse in the mountains. For dinner, savor a delicious spread of local cheese and other delectable eats sourced from the area.

Ascent: 1300 m. Descent: 1300 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs

Lodging: Mountain Hut

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: BUNDALP - OECHINENSEE - KANDERSTEG

Embark on an exhilarating hike up one of the most remarkable valleys in the Bernese Oberland region, leading to the Hortürli Pass (2750m). Admire the stunning glaciers of Blüemlislalp along the way as you head towards a cozy guest house located on the shores of Oeschinensee, a once-popular stopover for traveling merchants and smugglers of the past. From there, continue your journey to Kandersteg (1170m), the village where you'll be spending the night.

Ascent: 950 m. Descent : 1600 m. Hiking Time: 6 hrs

Lodging: Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: KANDERSTEG - INTERLAKEN

Rise and shine early in the morning to catch the Allemenalp gondola, which will take you to the starting point of the last hike of your tour. Traverse the magnificent alpine meadows of Allme and proceed towards the base of the Bunderstpitz. From there, the trail continues through rocky terrain and leads to the Alpschelegrat (2260m). Following this, the hike leads to the Bunderchrinde Pass (2385m). Depending on the weather conditions and the group's stamina, you may have the option of climbing the Bunderspitz (2546m), which offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch. As you descend the mountain, the picturesque village of Adelboden will come into view, leading to our final destination via the Vordere Bunder Valley. Finally, you'll transfer back to Interlaken for your last night.

Ascent: 750 m. Descent : 1250 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.

Lodging: Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: INTERLAKEN

Savor your final breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Take the opportunity to discover the charms of Interlaken before departing. Don't hesitate to inquire about any excursions available in the area, or to ask for assistance with arranging transportation to the airport or other destinations.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Additional Trip Info

Accommodations as described for 7 nights
Meals as described: 7 breakfast, 3 dinners
Baggage transfers if you choose this option (not available Day 2). Additional Cost
The roadbook (as well as maps and reservation vouchers) for a 4-person group
Emergency hotline 24/7
Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance)

Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends
Picnic lunches (about $10-15usd per lunch depending on the location)
Dinners at Interlaken, Alpiglen and Mürren
Showers in those huts that charge a fee
Drinks, tips, and personal expenses
Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage