What a marvelous trip. Thank you for making so many special arrangements to make this a dream come true for us. - J.D., Colorado
The Bernese Oberland Traverse hiking route is generally rated strenuous and can be fairly challenging depending on the section and your pace. Hikers should be in good physical condition, experienced with mountain terrain, and comfortable with sustained uphill and downhill hiking. Trekking poles are recommended, and a training plan focused on endurance, strength, and hiking-specific skills is highly advised.
Daily distances: 7–10 miles
Duration: 7–8 hours per day
Elevation gain and descent: Moderate, often up to 3,000-4,000 feet per day, with some higher points reaching over 9,000 feet
Terrain: Well-maintained alpine trails, with some steep and physically demanding sections. Hikers should be prepared for variable alpine weather and uneven or rocky paths. Certain areas, including the top of Seffinenfurga and Hohtürli passes, feature exposed sections and numerous stairs.
The Bernese Oberland Traverse tour begins in Lauterbrunnen and ends in Gstaad. Your package includes a 1-day rail pass to travel to Lauterbrunnen and another 1-day rail pass from Gstaad to your departure airport (GVA or ZHR). We provide detailed instructions and train schedule recommendations, and since seat reservations aren’t required in Switzerland, there’s no need to book in advance. Each 1-day rail pass is valid only on its designated travel date but allows unlimited travel throughout Switzerland on that day.
You’ll also receive a Swiss Half Fare Card, which provides discounted rates on additional train tickets, buses, and mountain excursions. This card can be used for any extra days you spend in Switzerland before or after your tour.
We keep our groups small and intimate—typically 12 to 13 guests—to ensure personalized attention and exceptional service. A minimum of 6 participants is required for the tour to be a guaranteed departure.
Luggage transfers are included on the Bernese Oberland Traverse tour between all hotels, so you can hike carrying only the essentials while your main bags are transported for you. You will be responsible for bringing your luggage at the start and end of the tour. We recommend using a backpack with a hip belt for daily items such as rain gear, water, and snacks. For the luggage transfers, please bring only one checked-size suitcase per person, weighing no more than 20 kg (44 lbs), as this limit is strictly enforced by the transfer company.
Yes! The full Swiss Via Alpina route spans from Sargans to Montreux and includes approximately 19 stages. We divide the route into two tours: our Via Alpina tour covers the eastern half (stages 1–9, from Vaduz/Sargans to Grindelwald), while our Bernese Oberland Traverse tour covers the western half (stages 11–15, from Lauterbrunnen to Gstaad). You can also combine both tours to hike the entire route.
There are three stops on this tour where we’ll spend two nights at the same hotel, allowing you the option to rest or join the hike on those extra days. On days when the group travels to the next town along the route, guests are expected to hike, and alternative transportation is not included. We strongly recommend training in advance to ensure you’re prepared for the physical demands of the journey. If you have any concerns about your hiking ability, please let us know — we may be able to recommend a less strenuous tour.
If you’re unable to hike on a particular day, you’ll be responsible for covering the cost of your own transportation (such as a train, public bus, or private taxi) to the next accommodation. On days when the group stays at the same hotel for two nights, the second day’s hike is optional — you’re welcome to rest and relax at the hotel instead. Our guides will gladly offer advice and recommendations to help you reach the next hotel or village if needed.
Hotels along the Bernese Oberland Traverse are typically cozy, family-run lodgings offering comfortable rooms, hearty meals, and stunning alpine views. Some things to be aware of:
Most hotels have no air conditioning, but windows can usually be opened for ventilation.
Bathrooms usually feature deep bathtubs with hand-held showers instead of walk-in showers.
All hotels on this tour will have private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Note that the hotel in Adelboden only has one large bed in each room and does not offer twin beds. If you prefer to have two separate twin beds, you can upgrade to a junior suite and bring in a rollaway bed at an additional cost.
While Swiss cuisine is traditionally dairy-based, we are able to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions and special needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and lactose-free diets. Vegan options are limited but generally available; however, please note that Hotel Griesalp is unable to provide vegan meals, and a vegetarian alternative will be offered.
We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking -7-8 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents, averaging 2500-3000 vertical feet per day at an elevation just over 9000 feet above sea level. Sure-footedness is important, and a history of severe vertigo may impact your ability to do this tour.
We cross two of the most spectacular and challenging hiking passes in the Swiss Alps—the Sefinenfurgge and the Hohtürli. On these passes, there are long staircases, scree slopes, some exposed drop-offs protected by cables or handholds, and short ladder assists of about 2 meters. Please note that there are two days during this tour where the elevation gains could be between 3300 and 4600 vertical feet. Trekking poles are highly recommended on this tour.
Assume 2.5 miles/hour on the flat.
Assume 1200 feet of up per hour.
Assume 2000 feet of down per hour.
