Self-Guided Bernese Oberland Traverse

A Sample itinerary of Self-guided trekking for the independent traveler. Completely customizable.

The Bernese Oberland is sprinkled grazing cattle in the hiking season. Photo by Tom Dempsey

We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 7-8 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents, averaging 2500-4500 vertical feet per day at an elevation up to 8500 feet above sea level. Sure-footedness is important and vertigo may impact your ability to do this tour. We cross two of the most spectacular and challenging hiking passes in the Swiss Alps—the Sefinenfurgge and the Hohtürli. On these passes, there are long staircases, scree slopes, some exposed drop-offs protected by cables or handholds, and short ladder assists of about 2 meters. You’ll want to be a sure-footed, experienced hiker with a head for heights. Please note that there are three days during this tour with elevation gains between 3700 and 4400 vertical feet.

Assume 2.5 miles/hour on the flat.
Assume 1200 feet of up per hour.
Assume 2000 feet of down per hour.

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Arrival

After arrival in Zurich, you will use the provided rail pass to board the train to Lauterbrunnen.

Departure

On your last day, we will provide you with a rail pass back to Zürich Airport or any other Swiss town. Note: it is a 3-3.5-hour train ride to Zürich airport and the first train departs Gstaad at 5:02am, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can recommend hotels in Zürich if needed.

Pre- and Post-Tour Travel

Our Alps experts and Certified Switzerland Specialists can assist with recommendations for your pre- and post-tour travel arrangements. Simply call or email us your plans and we are happy to help make the best of your vacation experience. Consider an Alpenwild Getaway, a short-stay, self-guided option that’s easily combined with your tour plans.

Accommodations

Our general package provides you with 11 nights' accommodations in conveniently-located, independently-owned inns, and small hotels that capture the authentic charm of the Alps, but you can customize these options with our Bernese Oberland Traverse expert to meet your preferences.

Meals

Our general package includes 11 buffet breakfasts at the hotels and 6 dinners - please note that dinners are not included in Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Kandersteg (2nd night), Adelboden (2nd night), and Gstaad (2nd night). On days that dinner is not included, rest assure there are ample choices nearby, however, you can customize these options with our Bernese Oberland Traverse expert to meet your preferences.

Trip Videos

Included

11 nights' accommodations in conveniently located, independently owned inns, and small hotels (Please note that tour prices can increase depending on some hotels that are more expensive if you stay there on a weekend night)
11 buffet breakfasts at the hotels (On the itinerary, B = Breakfast D = Dinner).
5 dinners - please note that dinners are included in Griesalp (both nights), Kandersteg (1st night), Adelboden (1st night), and Gstaad (1st night). On days that dinner is not included rest assured there are ample choices nearby.
Two 1-Day Swiss Rail passes (1st class) to be used to get to and from the tour (within Switzerland)
Luggage transfers from Lauterbrunnen to Murren, Griesalp, Kandersteg, Adelboden, Lenk, and Gstaad.

Not Included

Airfare
Meals not specified
Beverages (beer, wine, water, soda) with meals
Mountain trams, buses, and cableways
Trip insurance (can be purchased separately)
Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, room service)
Extra shuttles (if you choose not to hike)