Self-Guided Bernese Oberland Traverse

Itinerary

Day 1 – Train to Lauterbrunnen

Upon your arrival in Zurich or Geneva, travel by train to the picturesque town of Lauterbrunnen. In the afternoon, you can catch a train to Wengen and then take a cable car to Männlichen, where you’ll enjoy the scenic “royal walk” to Kleine Scheidegg. Afterward, return by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Lauterbrunnen. Overnight in Lauterbrunnen.

Ascent: 50-300 feet | Descent: 575-825 feet | Distance: 2.8-3.6 miles (may vary)

Day 2 – Lauterbrunnen Valley, Trümmelbach Falls, Gimmelwald, Mürren

Strolling through the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley, where you'll be surrounded by 72 waterfalls cascading down the towering cliffs to the valley floor, makes for a perfect day. This enchanting valley inspired Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and is sure to ignite your imagination as well. Discover a stunning ten-tiered underground waterfall before making your way to the traditional farming village of Gimmelwald, and then continue to Mürren, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Overnight in Mürren (B)

Ascent: (variable) 400 to 2765 ft | Descent: 75 | Distance: 5 to 7.5 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Mürren, Rotstockhütte, Sefinenfurgge, Kiental

Ascend the Sefinental from Mürren, passing the Rotstockhütte as you cross the rugged terrain of the Sefinenfurgge. This is an excellent day for wildlife spotting, as it’s common to see chamois grazing on the slopes below the pass. A steep descent along a staircase with over 300 steps helps you avoid the challenging scree slopes and leads you into the enchanting remote Kiental. You’ll be accommodated in a charming hotel complex featuring five buildings, beautifully situated in the traditional farming hamlet of Griesalp. Overnight in Griesalp (BD)

Ascent: 3300 ft | Descent: 3900 ft | Distance: 10 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Griesalp, Wildwasser

You’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest day in the picturesque hamlet of Griesalp, with plenty of activities to keep you engaged. There are opportunities for additional day hikes in the area, including the Wildwasser chasm below Griesalp, where you’ll encounter a dozen waterfalls, chutes, and cascades along the trail. In the afternoon, take some time to relax in the sauna or reserve one of the hot pots to soak in and enjoy the breathtaking outdoor views. Overnight in Griesalp (BD)

Ascent, descent, and distance are variable and optional today

Day 5 – Hohtürli, Oeschinensee, Kandersteg

From Griesalp, you’ll traverse the impressive Hohtürli Pass, the most challenging segment of our journey. A robust staircase with approximately 500 steps helps you avoid the scree, although the ascent remains demanding. As you reach the glacial expanse on the northern flank of the Blüemlisalp massif, you’ll be captivated by the stunning Blüemlisalp Glacier during your descent to the picturesque Oeschinensee. You can opt for a cable car descent or follow a hiking trail that will lead you to Kandersteg. Overnight in Kandersteg (BD)

Ascent: 3300-4600 ft | Descent: About 4000 ft | Distance: 7.5-9 miles (may vary and these stats assume you will ride cable car down to Kandersteg from Oeschinensee)

Day 6 – Kandersteg, Gasterntal

In this stunning valley, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, lush alpine meadows, and glaciated peaks. You’ll have the option to hike in the UNESCO-recognized Gasterntal, where glacier-fed waterfalls cascade along the Kander River. This delightful walk takes you through the canyon, along the Chluse Gorge, and back to Kandersteg. Overnight in Kandersteg (B)

Recommended Route: Ascent 175 ft | Descent 1400 ft | Distance: 7 miles (can be variable if you decide to ride the bus part of the way back)

Day 7 – Kandersteg , Bunderspitz, Adelboden

From Kandersteg, take the cable car up to Allmenalp and follow a secluded trail that crosses beneath the Gällihorn as you make your ascent over the classic Bundergrat. A brief 20-minute extension will lead you to the summit of Bunderspitz, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch across much of the Bernese Alps and down to Lake Thun. Afterward, descend into the expansive valley below, home to the World Cup ski resort town of Adelboden. Overnight in Adelboden (BD)

Ascent: 2500 ft | Descent: 3900 ft | Distance: 8.5 miles (may vary)

Day 8 – Adelboden, Engstligenalp Falls

Adelboden offers an ideal setting with exceptional hiking opportunities in every direction. However, an impressive waterfall at the head of the valley calls out to you. You’ll have the option to ascend Engstligen Falls, one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland, leading to a high alpine meadow where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch before returning to Adelboden. In the afternoon, consider treating yourself to a massage and taking advantage of the hotel’s spa and pool facilities. Overnight in Adelboden (B)

Ascent: 0-1800 ft | Descent: 0-1800 ft | Distance: 2-4 miles (variable and optional)

Day 9 – Adelboden, Hahnenmoos to Lenk

The Sillerenbühl cable car will quickly take you up from Adelboden, where you can enjoy a scenic walk toward Hahnenmoospass. While the Hahnenmoospass is the lowest pass on your journey, it offers no shortage of breathtaking views in every direction. We recommend descending via the Pommernpass to the Simmenfälle, followed by a bus ride into Lenk. Overnight in Lenk (B)

Ascent: 625-825-ft | Descent 3300-3500 ft | Distance: 7-7.5miles (may vary)

Day 10 – Lenk to Gstaad

From Lenk, ride the cable car to Stoss or Betelberg, where you can pick up the Via Alpina trail as you make your way toward the Trüttlisbergpass. During your descent, we recommend the scenic route to the village of Lauenen, concluding your journey with a celebratory arrival in Gstaad, the trendiest cow town in the Alps. Overnight in Gstaad (BD)

Ascent: 500-1575 ft | Descent: 2850-3500 ft | Distance 7-13 miles (may vary)

Day 11 – Gstaad, Glacier 3000 or Other Hiking

During your stay in Gstaad, you can choose to unwind by the heated outdoor pool of your 4-star hotel or engage in more active pursuits in the surrounding mountains. You’ll have the opportunity to embark on a local hike or take an excursion to Glacier 3000, where you can marvel at breathtaking views, cross the Peak Walk suspension bridge, and experience walking on a glacier high in the Alps. Overnight in Gstaad (B)

Ascent, descent, and distance is variable and optional today

Day 12 – Morning in Gstaad. Onward Departure

Onward Departure (B). 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.