The Bernese Oberland is a beautiful mountain region of jagged peaks, rolling hills and deep gorges. We hike along high passes, through alpine meadows and past glacial lakes, exploring the UNESCO world heritage region of the spectacular Jungfrau-Aletsch Alps. We also visit traditional villages, ride on mountain railways and enjoy delicious Swiss food.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join Tour Geneva; Transfer to Kandersteg
Join tour at Geneva Airport and transfer for 2.5hrs to Kandersteg, situated on a plateau beneath the snow capped peaks of the Blumisalp Massif.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
In Kandersteg
Starting from Kandersteg (1176m) we take a day walk to the glaciated alpine lake of Oeschinensee (1580m), spectacularly set trapped in a hollow beneath the mountains. There are sheer cliffs plunging into the deep blue lake and herds of goats roaming the hillsides. There are a few mountain huts serving drinks and some interesting works of art close to the lake itself.
Approx distance 10-12km, Ascent 600m, Descent 600m
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3:
Kandersteg to Kiental
Leaving Kandersteg, we walk north along the valley side and ascend through trees and open meadows to Unter Gehrenen at 1540m. Above us are the impressive peaks of Sattelhorn, Gehrihorn and Armighorn. Continuing through Alpine pastures and forests we swing east to Raumslauenen at 1409m and descend on a chairlift to Kiental at 950m. This small village is off the beaten track and we spend 2 nights here to fully appreciate the serenity of the mountain setting.
Approx distance 15km, Ascent 500m, Descent 650m
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4:
Kiental
This is a beautiful and quiet valley and we spend the day taking a circular walk further up the valley towards Golderli. The area is dotted with pretty farmhouses practicing traditional Alpine farming with herds of sheep and goat roaming the hillside. There are rivers, streams, waterfalls and fantastic views of snow-clad peaks.
Approx distance 10-12km, Ascent 550m, Descent 550m
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Kiental to Stechelberg
Our trail today is locally called ‘the Panoramaweg’. We walk from Kiental through meadows, trees and many small hamlets before reaching Leissigen (576m) on the shores of Lake Thun. En-route we will have good views across the Kandertal towards Adelboden and north to the lake. From Leissigen we travel by Swiss mainline train to Lauterbrunnen and then the short but ride to Stechelberg (919m). Located at the far end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, it is one of the most stunning locations in the Alps surrounded by the towering cliffs of this classic U-shaped glaciated valley.
Approx distance 12km, Ascent 250m, Descent 600m
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6:
In Stechelberg / Lauterbrunnen Valley
The deep valley of Lauterbrunnen is the most classic U-shaped glaciated valley in Europe. Over 6km long it was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age and has sheer cliffs over 600m high and spectacular waterfalls. We spend 2 full days exploring the area, famous as the home of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The first day will be a guided walk south from our hotel towards Trachsellauenen (1202m) and on to the magnificent waterfalls of Holdrifall and Talbachfall: a beautiful spot surrounded by huge rock faces. . Please note that we may swap Days 6 and 7 according to the local weather conditions and wishes of the group.
Approx distance 10 km, Ascent 650m, Descent 650m
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7:
In Stechelberg / Lauterbrunnen Valley
There are numerous options for your free day including the famous train ride to the Jungfraujoch (3573m). The journey takes you literally through the Eiger and there is a mid-way stop where you can look out and down the infamous North Face. There are outstanding views of the surrounding peaks as well as of the Aletsch glacier - the longest glacier in the Alps. In addition, there are 72 waterfalls cascading into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the most impressive being the Trummelbach falls. There are, of course, numerous walks either further up the valley or up to Murren - a traffic free village perched high on the cliff top. You may also like to head up on the four section cableway to Schilthorn (2971m) which was used in the 1969 James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. From the top it is possible to view 200 mountain peaks from the Bernese Alps to the Black Forest. Alternatively travel by train to Interlaken and take a cruise on both Lake Thun and Brienz that take in visits to medieval lakeside castles.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Transfer to Geneva
The transfer from Stechelberg to Geneva Airport takes approximately 2.5 -3 hours. Tour ends at Geneva airport.
Included meals: Breakfast
