Walking the Bernese Highlights West, 8 Days

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Holiday code
W07BW
Holiday type
Self-guided walking
Duration
7 nights
Accommodation
hotel-to-hotel
and
Activity level

From $3020per person, tour only

Departure months
JFMAMJJASOND

Carbon footprint
10.0KG CO2e, per person per day

What your holiday price includes

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All breakfasts
Navigation app
Luggage transfers between hotels

Optional Upgrades

Suitable for

Solo travellers
Couples

Excellent choice for

Flora & fauna, high peaks, lake & river routes

Switzerland: The Bernese Oberland

Walking the Bernese Highlights West

Delight in magnificent views along this as you cross high mountain passes linking alpine valleys
Walk to some of the most remote areas and be rewarded with dramatic mountain scenery
View exquisite glaciers and the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinensee

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 and 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.

Day 1: Arrive Murren

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 Edelweiss 3*, Murren.

Day 2: Murren to Greisalp (17km/10.6mi or 13km/8.1mi)

You begin with a steady ascent from Murren to Rotstockhutte. Enjoy a healthy lunch in this marvellous setting, before you climb 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.
Overnight Hotel Berghaus 3H, Griesalp (breakfast included).

Day 3: Griesalp to Kandersteg (16km/9.9mi)

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 cable car operates to Kandersteg eliminating the final descent of approx. 1mile.
Overnight Hotel Blumlisalp 3*, Kandersteg (breakfast included).

Day 4: Free Day in Kandersteg

A free 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 Blumlisalp 3*, Kandersteg (breakfast included).

Day 5: Kandersteg to Adelboden (14km/8.7mi)

Not as tough as the previous days, as we suggest you use the Allmenalp cable car and then walk towards Bunderchrinde. Afterwards, you descend down to the valley, before one last ascent takes you up to the charming village of Adelboden.
Overnight Hotel Adler 3*, Adelboden (breakfast included).

Day 6: Adelboden to Lenk (14km/8.7mi)

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 Kreuz 3*, Lenk (breakfast included).

Day 7: Lenk to Gstaad (15km/9.3mi)

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 Hotel Alphorn 3*, Gstaad (breakfast included).

Day 8: Depart Gstaad

Say fond farewells to Switzerland as you depart on the train.

Where you stay

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.

Hotel Edelweiss, Murren

NEARBY:

Boasting the best views on the snow-covered peaks of Bernese Oberland, Hotel Edelweiss offers a charming mix of cosy rooms together with a modern ambience. Since 1991 Mr & Mrs Kuster-von Allmen have welcomed guests from all over the world to enjoy car-free village of Murren. Hotel guests have complimentary admission to the Alpine Sports Centre, just a few minutes walk away with swimming pool and whirlpool.