Switzerland: The Bernese Oberland
Walking high in the mountains on the Bernese Highlights West offers a more challenging route than the Bernese Highlights East. Amazing views are the reward for your efforts and at every turn in the way you will be greeted by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery to be found in Switzerland - if not the whole of Europe. However, if you wish to opt out of any day's walk or should inclement weather descend, it is possible to travel between all overnight stops by public transport.
Starting in perhaps the most beautiful village in the Bernese Oberland, perched high up above the Lauterbrunnen Valley is Murren. Above Murren rises the great peak of the Schilthorn, with its revolving restaurant made famous by James Bond. Walk up and over the high pass of Sefinenfurgge, to reach the Schilthorn, or take the spectacular cable car to the top. Continue to the remote valley of Griesalp, set against the backdrop of the Bluemlisalp massif. Continue through the Hohturli pass where views are utterly magnificent! Get up close to a number of glaciers in addition to the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinensee in its stunning setting above Kandersteg. Set within the beautiful Kander valley, Kandersteg is home to an extraordinary amount of diverse Alpine flowers. Follow stunning mountain paths with incredible panoramic views before descending into the mountain village of Adelboden for the night. Another mountain pass awaits you as you head over to Lenk across scenic alpine meadows. Finally, you cross Trutlisbergpass, then down the valley to Gstaad, which despite being known for its prestige has remained truly Alpine.
It is a good idea to add an extra day or two in Murren 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 Jungfrau 3*, Murren (breakfast and dinner included).
Potentially the most challenging day but we offer two alternatives - either along the valley route or over the Schilthorn.
If you choose the valley route, you begin with a steady ascent from Murren to the high pass of Sefinenfurgge which becomes quite steep towards the end. Descend on a scree section, dotted with wooden steps as you enter the attractive valley of Griesalp. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up to the magnificent Schilthorn with unmatched mountain panorama. From there, you follow the ridge which includes some exposed sections before reaching the Sefinenfurgge pass where you begin the long descent to Griesalp.
Overnight Hotel Griesalp 3H, Griesalp (breakfast and dinner included).
Another challenging but unforgettable day! Be prepared for an almost unrelenting ascent to reach Hohturli pass at 1,370m. Weather conditions permitting, the views are utterly magnificent! The descent is both long and steep in places, affording close up views of a number of glaciers in addition to the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinensee in its stunning setting above Kandersteg. From Oeschinensee a chairlift operates to Kandersteg eliminating the final descent of approx. 1mile.
Overnight Hotel Epoque Victoria 3*, Kandersteg (breakfast and dinner included).
A rest day if you wish with time by the hotel pool or just wandering around this delightful village. If you wish to keep walking, we provide a good choice of walks from this great walking centre. For example, hike up to a mountain hut if you wish to keep things challenging, or take a gentler walk along the Kander or Gastner valleys.
Overnight Hotel Epoque Victoria 3*, Kandersteg (breakfast and dinner included).
Not as tough as the previous days, as we suggest you use the Allmeralp chairlift and then walk towards Bundergrat. Climb to the top of nearby Bunderspitz for spectacular 360 views before descending to the village of Adelboden.
Overnight Hotel Hari 3*, Adelboden (breakfast and dinner included).
Your walk today is a less dramatic ascent, much of it alongside pretty streams in woodland and then out onto the beautifully groomed pastures of upland Switzerland. The scenery is less rugged though there are still snow-capped peaks in view - you cross from one valley to another on easier paths mainly among scenic alpine meadows.
Overnight Hotel Krone 3*, Lenk (breakfast and dinner included).
Your climb out of Lenk today takes you above the Wallbach valley in a SW direction towards the Truttlisbergpass. Once you are clear of the forest the views grow increasingly stunning and you can see yesterday's walk behind you. You cross from Lenk over the Trutlisbergpass to Lauenen, then down the valley to Gstaad with superb views on both sides of the pass and a short gorge walk to add further dimension to the day. The valley descent (3 miles) can be avoided by catching the bus at Lauenen to Gstaad.
Overnight Alpine Lodge 3*, Gstaad (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 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
This hotel enjoys an isolated location at the foot of the Blüemlisalp. At 1,408m above sea level you are surrounded from a fascinating mountain world (UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch). Guests can also relax in the small spa area (sauna and steam bath).
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Conveniently situated on a southern slope in the popular village of Adelboden, this lovely hotel offers panoramic views. From the south-facing rooms you can enjoy views over the valley and towards the surrounding 3000m high mountains. From the north-facing rooms you can see the impressive Schlachtfluh rock face.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.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
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
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.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
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.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
