Deluxe Bernese Oberland Traverse

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Lauterbrunnen -

Travel by Swiss rail from your arrival in Zurich or Geneva to the beautiful town of Lauterbrunnen. The group will meet in the afternoon at 1:00 pm in the hotel lobby. We will take a train to the car-free town of Wengen and cable car to Männlichen to walk on the “royal walk” to Kleine Scheidegg. Return by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Lauterbrunnen, followed by an orientation and welcome dinner. Overnight in Lauterbrunnen (D)

Ascent: 50-300 feet | Descent: 575-825 feet | Distance: 2.8-3.6 miles (may vary)

Day 2 – Lauterbrunnen Valley, Trümmelbach Falls, Gimmelwald, Mürren

There’s no better way to begin a week of hiking in the Swiss Alps than walking up the Lauterbrunnen Valley with its pastoral setting and being surrounded by the 72 waterfalls cascading down the high cliffs to the valley floor. This valley was Tolkien’s inspiration for Lord of the Rings, and it will certainly inspire you. Explore a ten-tiered underground waterfall before ascending to the traditional farming village of Gimmelwald and on to Mürren with its commanding views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Overnight in Mürren (BSD)

Ascent: (variable) 400 to 2765 ft | Descent: 75 | Distance: 5 to 7.5 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Mürren, Rotstockhütte, Sefinenfurgge, Kiental

From Mürren, we will ascend the Sefinental past the Rotstockhütte to cross the high and rocky reaches of the Sefinenfurgge. This is a great day for wildlife viewing, where we regularly see chamois grazing on the slopes below the pass. A steep descent along a stairway with over 300 steps avoids the dreaded scree slopes and leads into the magical setting of the remote Kiental. We will be staying at a beautiful hotel complex, set quite unexpectedly in the traditional farming hamlet of Griesalp. Overnight in Griesalp (BSD)

Ascent: 3300 ft | Descent: 3900 ft | Distance: 10 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Griesalp, Alpine cheesemaking, Wildwasser

We'll have a much-appreciated rest day in the beautiful hamlet of Griesalp—but with plenty to enjoy and keep us busy. We may make a morning visit to an alpine farm where the cheesemaker crafts sturdy mountain cheeses over and open fire. There will be opportunities for additional day hikes in this area. The chasm below Griesalp is known as Wildwasser, where a dozen waterfalls, chutes, and cascades surround the trail. You can also plan to make a reservation to enjoy the sauna, steam room, or hot pots located in the private garden area of this resort. Overnight in Griesalp (BSD)

Ascent, descent, and distance is variable and optional today (may vary)

Day 5 – Hohtürli, Oeschinensee, Kandersteg

From Griesalp, we cross the stunning Hohtürli pass, the most challenging pass on our journey. A sturdy stairway with about 500 steps enables you to stay above the scree, though it's still a challenging ascent. From the glacial setting on the northern flank of the Blüemlisalp massif, we'll be captivated by the Blüemlisalp Glacier as we descend to the picturesque Oeschinensee. We will take a tram descent to Kandersteg. Overnight in Kandersteg (BSD) 

Ascent: 3300-4600 ft | Descent: About 4000 ft | Distance: 7.5-9 miles (may vary)

Day 6 – Kandersteg, Gasterntal

In this spectacular valley, we’re surrounded by towering cliffs, lush alpine meadows, and glaciated peaks. We'll have the option to hike in the UNESCO-recognized Gasterntal, with glacier-fed waterfalls following the Kander River. This is a lovely walk, going down the canyon, the Chluse Gorge, and back to Kandersteg. Overnight in Kandersteg (BS). Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own in Kandersteg tonight.

Recommended Route: Ascent 175 ft | Descent 1400 ft | Distance: 7 miles (can be variable if we decide to ride the bus part of the way back)

Day 7 – Kandersteg, Bunderspitz, Adelboden

From Kandersteg, we will ascend by tram to Allmenalp and take a remote trail to cross below the Gällihorn to make our ascent over the classic Bundergrat, where a short 20-minute extension leads the summit of the Bunderspitz. We’ll enjoy commanding views that extend to much of the Bernese Alps and down to Lake Thun. Descend into the expansive valley below which nestles the World-Cup ski resort town of Adelboden. Overnight in Adelboden (BSD)

Ascent: 2500 ft | Descent: 3900 ft | Distance: 8.5 miles (may vary)

Day 8 – Adelboden, Engstligenalp Falls

Adelboden is a choice setting with superb hiking in all directions. But an immense waterfall at the head of the valley beckons. We'll have the option to ascend Engstligen Falls, one of the highest and most beautiful in Switzerland to a high alpine meadow for a leisurely lunch before returning to Adelboden. In the afternoon, you may want to schedule a massage and enjoy the hotel’s spa and pool. Overnight in Adelboden (BD) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch on their own in Adelboden today.

Ascent: 0-1800 ft | Descent: 0-1800 ft | Distance: 2-4 miles (variable and optional)

Day 9 – Adelboden, Hahnenmoos, Lenk

From the heart of Adelboden, a cable car to Sillerenbühl will speed our ascent to a high alp and a beautiful walk toward the Hahnenmoospass. The sprawling Hahnenmoospass is the lowest pass on the trip, but it has no shortage of views in all directions. We recommend making our descent over the Pommernpass to the Simmenfälle and then bus into Lenk. Overnight in Lenk (BSD)

Ascent: 625-825-ft | Descent 3300-3500 ft | Distance: 7-7.5miles (may vary)

Day 10 – Lenk to Gstaad

A cable car gives us a quick lift to Stoss or Betelberg, where we will continue to follow much of the Via Alpina trail toward the Trüttlisbergpass. On the descent, we will take a pleasant route to the Village of Lauenen and on to a celebratory conclusion in Gstaad, the trendiest cow town in the Alps. Overnight in Gstaad (BSD)

Ascent: 500-1575 ft | Descent: 2850-3500 ft | Distance 7-13 miles (may vary)

Day 11 – Gstaad, Glacier 3000 or Other Hiking

Gstaad resident, Julie Andrews, describes Gstaad as "the last paradise in a crazy world!" Our time in this paradise can be spent relaxing by the heated outdoor pool of our 4-star hotel, or other more active options in the surrounding mountains. We will have time for a local hike in the area or an excursion to Glacier 3000 where we’ll be thrilled by the views, the Peak Walk suspension bridge, and a chance to be on a glacier high in the Alps. Overnight in Gstaad (BD) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch on their own in Gstaad today.

Ascent, descent, and distance is variable and optional today

Day 12 – Morning in Gstaad. Onward Departure

After breakfast you can explore the town or do any last-minute shopping. Note: it is about 3.5-hours by trains to the Zurich airport, so plan departure flights accordingly. We can help with a hotel in Zurich if needed. (B)