Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 4
Challenging
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Edelweiss.
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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.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel Berghaus.
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A small oasis in the middle of the summits of the Bernese Oberland. The Griesalp Hotels offer excellent accommodation with wonderful panoramic views. Relax in the in-house sauna and enjoy regional specialities in the excellent restaurant Berghaus.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel Blümlisalp.
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This charming family run hotel awaits you in Kandersteg. With just 20 rooms, some are located in the main building and some in the newly renovated, nearby chalet. Guests can enjoy local cuisine at their a la carte restaurant.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel Blümlisalp.
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This charming family run hotel awaits you in Kandersteg. With just 20 rooms, some are located in the main building and some in the newly renovated, nearby chalet. Guests can enjoy local cuisine at their a la carte restaurant.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel Adler.
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Hotel Adler in Adelboden is one of the best hotels in town. It offers an excellent restaurant, a small spa-area and rooms with nice views on the adjacent mountain peaks. Built in the traditional chalet-style of the Bernese Oberland, Hotel Adler is centrally located and a good starting point for the coming hiking days.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel Kreuz.
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Centrally located, this chalet-style hotel offers newly renovated rooms. The hotel has a small spa area with pool and sauna and an excellent restaurant serving specialities from the Bernese Oberland.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel Alphorn.
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Hotel Alphorn is located roughly 5 – 10 minutes from the lively city centre of Gstaad. The hotel offers newly renovated rooms, a restaurant and a small spa-area. The perfect spot to relax after a long day walking.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Say fond farewells to Switzerland as you depart on the train.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £420.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £420.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
Out: British Airways London Heathrow to Zurich, rail from Zurich airport to Lauterbrunnen via Bern & Interlaken, cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and rail from Grütschalp to Mürren.
Return: Rail from Gstaad to Zurich airport via Montreux, then British Airways Zurich to London Heathrow.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Standard transfers
Flight inclusive package includes rail tickets from Zurich airport to Murren and from Gstaad to Zurich airport, plus a Swiss Half Fare Card (50% off all public transportation in Switzerland, including most mountain railroads; valid for one month).
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am Monday) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 4
Challenging
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
