Switzerland | Berner Oberland Trek
Interlaken to Kandersteg in seven days.
Trip Highlights:
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The best of the Berner Oberland in a week of hiking.
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Accommodations in charming Swiss hotels and inns.
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Hiking across big mountain passes and tranquil mountain meadows.
Charming glimpses of the active Bernese pastoral culture, villages of Swiss perfection, and high mountain passes beneath ice-blue glaciers all conspire to make a route that epitomizes Swiss trekking and justify the fame of the mountain scenery of this region.
Our self-guided hike through Switzerland’s most classic terrain, the Berner Oberland Trek, is a fabulous introduction to hiking the Alps for those with a good level of fitness. From chalet style inns and grand, art deco hotels in such renowned destinations as Interlaken and Grindelwald, the car-free villages of Wengen and Mürren, the tiny settlement of Griesalp in the remote Kiental, and the quiet resort village of Kandersteg this trek gives hikers the opportunity to see the very heart of the Swiss Alps.
*Switzerland requires all tourists/visitors to be fully vaccinated. The Swiss Federal Council also requires visitors to have a Swiss vaccination certificate. Visit https://corner.stnet.ch/trade-us/ for more information.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days. We are happy to offer harder or gentler hikes where possible.
Travel to Interlaken. Overnight in a well-appointed and well-located Victorian era hotel not far from the train station.
From Interlaken, connect by train to Wilderswil and hop onto the cog railway to Schynige Platte. From there, hike along a ridge with unsurpassed views of both the Interlaken lakes and the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Wetterhorn, and the remote Finsteraarhorn.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2690/1900 ft.
A most classic ramble lies before you today as you cross the Kleine Scheidegg, the saddle beneath the infamous Eiger Nordwand, and descend through forest along wooded trails to Wengen. Enjoy views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley beneath.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3500/2635 ft.
Enjoy a long ramble up the Lauterbrunnen Valley and view the thundering falls and the vestiges of pastoral culture. Ascend a remote and beautiful valley to Mürren, perched opposite Wengen.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 2800/300 ft.
Hike extension possible: +3 miles and 1500 ft of elevation gain/loss.
Today, you cross the Sefinenfurgge, with views back to the Eiger and ahead to tomorrow’s challenge, the even higher and more strenuous Hohtürli, or little high door, the pass into the Kandertal. You descend into the remote and lovely Kiental, a pastoral gem beneath the impressive walls of the Blümlisalp massif.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3210/3770 ft.
Ascend to the Hohtürli, right beneath glaciers tumbling from the region’s highest peaks. On the other side lies the pastoral Kandersteg, offering views of peaks, glaciers, and the Oeschinensee, a cobalt blue lake in an amphitheater of rock beneath the dramatic Blümlisalp massif.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4550/4930 ft w/o lift; 4550/3630 ft w/ lift.
Trip Rating
COMFORT
EFFORT
TERRAIN
Self-Guided Tour
Late June-Mid September
2023 Pricing
$2,400 per person double
Single (+$500)
Trip Map
Trip Profile
Duration
6 nights/7 days
Hiking up to 9 miles
Ascents up to 4500 ft
Tour Package Includes
Custom route descriptions
Four-color topo maps
Travel instructions
Luggage transfers
Cultural information and more
Accommodations
5 nights charming country inns and first-class hotels
1 night in a simple berghaus
Breakfast + Dinner
Included daily
Luggage Transfer
All days except night 5. One piece of luggage per person with a maximum weight of 44 lbs. Luggage heavier than 44 lbs will not be transferred.
Transportation
Transportation is not included. Custom itineraries for local transport will be provided.
Gateways
Zurich, Switzerland
