High Trails of the Bernese Oberland Hike

High Trails of the Bernese Oberland Hike

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High Trails of the Bernese Oberland Hike

7 Days Starting in Lac de Tseuzier, Switzerland and ending in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Visiting: Lac de Tzeuzier, Rawil Dam, Col de Rawill, Iffigenalp, Simmenfälle, Lenk, Simmen waterfalls, Col d'Ammerten, Engstligenalp, Chindbetti Pass, Kandersteg, Lake Oeschinensee, Hohtürli Pass, Kiental, Sefinenfurgge Pass, Jungfrau, Eiger, Mürren, Kleine Scheidegg, Mönch, Grindelwald, Lower Grindelwald Glacier

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UBO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

8 - 14

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Hiking, Mountain Biking

Tour Overview

Embark on the "High Trails of the Bernese Oberland Hike" and experience the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland's alpine landscapes. This adventure takes you through the heart of the Bernese Oberland, where you'll trek amidst iconic peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau. Discover charming Swiss villages such as Grindelwald and Kandersteg, and savor local culinary delights like Raclette. With an experienced mountain guide, you'll share this journey with fellow hiking enthusiasts, making memories along the way. The tour includes travel to and from the trailhead, luggage transfers, and full board accommodation in mountain refuges and gîte-hostels. Each day promises stunning vistas, challenging ascents, and rewarding descents, culminating in the picturesque village of Grindelwald. Whether you're an experienced hiker or seeking a new adventure, this trek offers an unforgettable exploration of Switzerland's majestic mountains.

Highlights

  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery amongst the highest peaks in Switzerland including the Eiger and Jungfrau.

  • Experience the picturesque Swiss alpine villages such as Grindelwald and Kandersteg.

  • Hike to the lake of Oeschinen and the mountain pastures of Bägli with views of the Glacier Bluemlisalp.

  • Ascend the Hohturli Pass and enjoy the extraordinary glacial cirque of Lake Oeschinensee.

  • Walk through alpine meadows and small hamlets with views of the Jungfrau and the Eiger.

  • Explore the high limestone walls of the Bernese with breathtaking views from the Chindbetti Pass.

  • Enjoy the culinary specialities such as Raclette.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Lac de Tzeuzier, hike to Lenk (5hrs)

Location: Lac de Tzeuzier, Rawil Dam, Col de Rawill, Iffigenalp, Simmenfälle, Lenk

Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge/gîte-hostel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

You will meet your guide mid morning to start your hike. We recommend you have a pre tour night in Sion (accommodation suggestions can be found in our pre tour information). From Rawil Dam (1778m) we skirt around the lake and ascend alpine meadows to reach the col de Rawill (2429m) to cross into the Bernese Oberland. There is a long descent amidst the limestone walls of the rocky mountain landscape to reach the small settlement of Iffigenalp (1584m). Transfer to Simmenfälle and Lenk.(+650m/2133ft, -850m/2788ft)

Day 2 : Hike to Engstligenalp via the Col d'Ammerten (2443m) (5hrs)

Location: Simmen waterfalls, Col d'Ammerten, Engstligenalp

Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge/gîte-hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A beautiful ascent today past the Simmen waterfalls to the Col d'Ammerten (2443m). The route takes you through pastures on the slopes of Mt Wildstrubel before the trail descends to Engstligenalp (1964m).
(+1300m/4265ft, - 500m/1640ft)

Day 3 : Hike to Kandersteg (6hrs)

Location: Chindbetti Pass, Kandersteg

Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge/gîte-hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The high limestone walls of the Bernese offers breathtaking views with its stark beauty against the backdrop of Mt Engstilgen. The route takes you over the Chindbetti Pass (2623m). Following time to absorb the view, we descend along a balcony trail with a frontal view of the mountains of l’Altels and Balmhorn and then continue to Kandersteg.
(+700m/2297ft, - 1000m/3280ft)

Day 4 : Ascent of the Hohtürli Pass and descend to Kiental (6hrs)

Location: Lake Oeschinensee, Hohtürli Pass, Kiental

Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge/gîte-hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A beautiful hike to the lake of Oschinen and the mountain pastures of Bägli. In front the Glacier Blüemlisalp is in view as we ascend the Hohtürli pass (2778m) at the foot of the massif Blümlisalp (3663m). The extraordinary glacial cirque of Lake Oeschinensee altitude (1578m) is a just reward for our climbing efforts. One last look at Kandertal before a rapid descent into the Kien valley (Kiental).
(+1600m/5250ft, -1100m/3610ft)

Day 5 : Hike to Mürren Lauterbrunnen (4158m) (6hrs)

Location: Kiental, Sefinenfurgge Pass, Jungfrau, Eiger, Mürren

Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge/gîte-hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day of big ascents and descents as you set out this morning from Kiental. Today takes us through some of the most spectacular scenery of the Bernese as we ascend the col de Sefinen (Sefinenfurgge pass). The trail through alpine meadows takes us part small hamlets of chalets decorated with flower boxes in full bloom. From the pass we gain superb views of the Jungfrau (4158m) and the Eiger. Descend to Mürren.(+1200m/3937ft, - 1500m/4921ft)

Day 6 : Hike to Grindelwald (7-8hrs)

Location: Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger, Grindelwald

Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge/gîte-hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walking in the alps doesn’t get much better than today’s hike. The focus of the day is an ascent of the Kleine Scheidegg (2061) and skirting the north faces of the Jungfrau, Mönch and the Eiger (the Maiden, the Monk and the Ogre). These three mountains are perhaps the most famous trio in the world and have challenged climbers for over a century. We follow the passage of the "Kleine Scheidegg” inspired by the massive walls above us, before reaching Grindelwald. There is the option of taking an alpine train ride.
(+1200m/3937ft, -1200m/3937ft)

Day 7 : Loop hike (5hrs), trip concludes Grindelwald

Location: Grindelwald, Lower Grindelwald Glacier

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The final day is a loop hike to the Refuge de Bäregg, along the Mättenberg, high above the gorge of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. The views from the trail down to Grindelwald are spectacular. Return to Grindelwald where the trip ends at around 2pm.
(+650m/2132ft, -650m/2132ft)

What's Included

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer for one piece up to 12kg is included.

  • Experienced Mountain Guide

    An experienced mountain guide is included in the tour.

  • Internal Transfers

    Internal transfers as noted in the itinerary are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from the trail head

  • Drinks and snacks eg trail mix and protein bars

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Storage/transfer of excess luggage - fees apply

  • Transfers not noted as included

Grading

GRADE 4 - Daily hikes of 5 to 8 hours. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphill, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only with a good walking pace. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. Adverse conditions can make the walk more challenging. As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights in mountain refuges and gîte-hostels, offering dormitory-style mixed-sex rooms with shared bathrooms. A double room option is available for added privacy, though not always with a private bathroom. Full board is provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7.

What You Carry

As the hikes are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc

Mode of Transport

Travel to and from the trailhead is included, along with luggage transfer for one piece up to 12kg. Some walking transfers are also part of the tour, ensuring a seamless hiking experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 6 nights in mountain refuges or gîte-hostels, which are dormitory style with mixed sex rooms and shared bathrooms. There is an option to upgrade to a double room for all 6 nights at an additional cost, but this does not always include a private bathroom.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served, lunch is picnic style, and dinner consists of 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties. Drinks are not included.

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included for one piece of luggage up to 15kg. Additional luggage storage or transfer is available for a fee and must be pre-booked.

  • What should I carry during the hikes?

    You should carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, a water bottle, a warm top, and a phone.

  • What level of fitness is required for this tour?

    A good level of fitness is required as the tour involves daily hikes of 5 to 8 hours with some challenging stages, including steep uphill and descents. It is suitable for experienced hikers who are regular outdoors people and enjoy aerobic sports several times a week.

  • What kind of footwear is recommended for the tour?

    Good quality walking boots with ankle support are a prerequisite for participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

C. Tilmann(Madison, WI, USA)  

High Trails of the Bernese Oberland Hike

16 Aug 2017

Everything was great. The route was amazing and the guide and van driver where a pleasure to be with. The huts were nice and the food was substantial.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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