Switzerland: The Bernese Oberland
This 7-night self-guided tour takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery that Switzerland has to offer, crossing two major passes and combining stays in small Swiss towns and villages with hotels high on the passes. You walk within sight of some of Switzerland's most stunning peaks: Titlis, Jungfrau and Eiger to name but a few, with magnificent glaciers which feed many of the mountain streams you cross. At the end of a day's walking, you are assured of a friendly welcome at each of our hotels with meals prepared from fresh local ingredients.
Starting in the peaceful mountain village of Engelberg, you climb the Joch Pass passing the turquoise blue waters of Trubsee Lake before descending to Engstenalp. Walk above the beautiful Gental valley, pressing on to the diversely rich valley of Meiringen, a true haven for walkers with lush pastures, dazzling cascades from tight gorges and exquisite mountain paths. Set off on your picturesque route up to the famous Reichenbach Waterfall before walking through the stunning Rosenlaui valley to the scenic mountain village of Schwarzwaldalp. Another picturesque route awaits as you head into the magnificent valley of Grindelwald sitting at the foot of the Eiger. Your last days walking offers unparalleled views of the Eiger and its infamous North Face, before dropping down into the picture-perfect valley of Lauterbrunnen. From there you take a cable car, followed by an unforgettable mountain railway journey skirting the Eiger up to the peaceful (car-free) and extraordinarily beautiful village of Murren.
Why not extend to 15 days and continue walking to Gstaad for a tougher challenge?
Please see W07BW - Walking the Bernese Highlights West
The paths are all excellent quality and are well waymarked. The route has many options for shortening by taking a cable car or post bus to take the strain out of the climbs or pressure off the knees for the downhill sections.
It is a good idea to add an extra day or two in Engelberg before starting your Bernese Highlights walk to get used to walking at high altitudes. We have several walks to chose from based here.
Overnight Hotel Schweizerhof 3*, Engelberg (breakfast and dinner included).
Todays walk takes you up past the Trubsee Lake from where you climb to the Jochpass before descending to Engstlenalp. A demanding first day because of the total ascent involved, which can be reduced by using one or more cable cars. From Engelberg, you walk along the right hand side of the picturesque Engstlensee, where a profusion of wild flowers and shy marmots may catch your eye. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful Trubsee Lake before continuing to Engstlenalp.
Overnight Hotel Engstlenalp 3H, Engstlenalp (breakfast and dinner included).
This is a superb walk firstly above the Gental, a wonderland for lovers of wildflowers and butterflies early in the season then facing the quite different Hasliberg region. Beginning in chirping woodland, the path drops straight away crossing small trees through interesting vegetation. The path takes you right up to a number of impressive waterfalls with opportunities to see wild deer, marmots and of course the friendly Swiss cow. The path brings you down into Interrkirchen where you can carry on to Aareschlucht to witness the stunning Aare Gorge.
Overnight Hotel Meiringen 3*, Meiringen (breakfast and dinner included).
There is a choice of day walks exploring this amazing walking area or take a day off from walking and visit Ballenburg Switzerland's greatest open-air museum, take the steam railway to the top of the Rothorn or just cruise on Lake Brienz.
Overnight Hotel Meiringen 3*, Meiringen (breakfast and dinner included).
A short day albeit energetic early on, with opportunities for diversions. Leaving Meiringen behind, you cross the River Aare and head up past the Reichenbach Falls, famous for the death of Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes in Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle's classic before walking through the stunning Rosenlaui valley to Schwarzwaldalp.
Overnight Chalet Schwarzwaldalp 3H, Schwarzwaldalp (breakfast and dinner included).
Today, you can either take the superb high-level route via First and Bussalp or the more leisurely crossing of Grosse Scheidegg.
The high-level route is a truly memorable walk which will take you over the pass from one valley, Reichenbachtal, to another, Lutschental, offering spectacular views of the Berner Oberland giants. Alternatively, embark on a steady ascent to the pass at Grosse Scheidegg with magnificent mountain views behind you.
Overnight Hotel Lauberhorn 3*, Grindelwald (breakfast and dinner included).
Again, there are two options today. Either take the Eiger Trail along the foot of the North Face, or the more challenging route over Kleine Scheidegg - both with stunning views. Mountain railways also offer alternative starts and ends.
If you choose to walk via Kleine Scheidegg, this will be the longest day of your trip, with unmatched views of the Eiger, the Monch, and the Jungfrau mountains. Walking by the Eiger Trail is a truly magnificent route which brings you so close to the many scenes of triumph and tragedy - it would be worth reading the story of the great Eiger climbs before your trip. Both routes bring you to Lauterbrunnen where you'll need to catch the cable car up to Murren station, followed by the most amazing mountain rail journey to Murren village. This is one of the best places to see the North Face of the Eiger, just make sure you sit on the left!
Overnight Hotel Jungfrau 3*, Murren (breakfast and dinner included).
Say fond farewells to Switzerland as you depart on the train.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
This hotel has greathistory as a mountain inn and the atmosphere reflects just that. Rooms are comfortable but simple in style and decor. There is a communal bar area for coffees, drinks and snacks and dinner is ‘mountain style’ served in the delightful wooded restaurant. You certainly feel as though you’re amongst the mountains tonight!
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
This chalet is presented in a traditional Swiss style all wood and very charming. Rooms are small and cosy but without private bathrooms, they do have wash basins in the rooms with shared showers and toilets nearby. Some guests may stay in an adjacent building with dormitory style accommodation which are all private (advised at booking time). Dinner will be traditional mountain food most likely featuring cheese from the alp and all meals are well presented and are fresh, seasonal, local products.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 1-800-267-3347 or email us at usa@exodustravels.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
All breakfasts and dinners
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the 'check availability' links below to complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the 'Check availability' links below to complete our holiday enquiry form.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts and dinners
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'Check availability' button above to complete our holiday enquiry form, we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you.
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the 'Check availability' links above to complete our holiday enquiry form.
