Classic Walks of the Bernese Oberland

▼ Day 1: Arrive in Grindelwald
Easily Accessible by Bus or Train

Travel to Grindelwald, a bustling centre of mountaineering, beneath some of the most famous mountains in the world. The lively village sits in a green valley of Alpine pasture and forest, with the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau looking from above. The layered village has no end of fantastic restaurants and cafes, where you can try Swiss specialities such as fondue or raclette. Travel to Grindelwald by train is straightforward, just 2.5 hours from Zurich.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Grindelwald

▼ Day 2: The Eiger Trail
13.4km & 1451m ascent (8.3 miles & 4760ft)

To get to the start of the trail at Alpiglen, it’s either a 2 hour walk or a 20 minute mountain train from Grindelwald. From here, the panoramic route traverses underneath the famous north face of the Eiger. Upon reaching Eigergletscher, impressive views of the Mönch and Jungfrau open up to the south. Then it’s on to the pass at Kleine Scheidegg, where you can take in the panorama over a coffee or a cool beer before taking a train back to Grindelwald.
(Distance and ascent are without the mountain railway)

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Grindelwald

▼ Day 3: Bachsee & Faulhorn
15.6km & 539m ascent (9.7 miles & 1768ft)

From Grindelwald take the gondola up to First, saving yourself over 1000m of ascent. Now it’s a short walk to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps - Bachsee, where the snowy peaks of the Bernese Oberland are wonderfully reflected in its blue waters. Above Bachsee, continue a gradual climb up to the summit of Faulhorn, unusual for having a hotel on the top. From here, head down the quieter side of the mountain to Mittelläger, through green farmland ringing with the sound of cowbells. To get back to Grindelwald, it’s either a 2 hour walk, or a 30 minute bus.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Grindelwald

▼ Day 4: Travel Grindelwald to Mürren
By Train & Cable Car

30 minutes by train will whisk you from Grindelwald to the village of Lauterbrunnen, where we recommend breaking your journey. Here you can spend a couple of hours wandering the scenic Lauterbrunnen valley, enclosed on both sides by steep rock walls, down which waterfalls tumble. This area inspired some of the landscape described by Tolkien in the Lord of the Rings, and it’s easy to see why. Then it’s a quick gondola and mountain train up to the picturesque car-free village of Mürren, perched high above the valley, and boasting breathtaking views back across the valley to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungrau.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Mürren

▼ Day 5: The Rotstock Hut
13.1km & 543m ascent (8.1 miles & 1781ft)

In contrast to previous days, today’s walk will feel more off the beaten track. Starting from Mürren, make a gradual ascent across grassy hillside, passing small wooden barns and farms as you go. Your objective is the Rotstockhütte, a classic Alpine hut located high in mountainous terrain, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch or coffee break. Whilst those on the Via Alpina trek would carry on into the wilderness, your comfortable accommodation is back down the hill in Mürren.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Mürren

▼ Day 6: Grütschalp Circuit
12.1km & 476m ascent (7.5 miles & 1561ft)

A short ascent out of the back of Mürren takes you to Blumental (which, translating as “flower valley”, blooms with wildflowers in early summer). It’s then a gentle traverse through Alpine pasture and open hillside to Grütschalp. This is a great route for wildlife spotting, with Marmots and Chamois a common sighting. From Grütschalp, it’s a straightforward walk on good tracks back to Mürren.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Mürren

▼ Day 7: Travel Mürren to Kandersteg
By Cable Car & Train

It’s a 2.5 hour journey from Mürren to Kandersteg, via swift and efficient Swiss trains. Kandersteg is a popular base for many outdoor activities - the Kandertal valley offers a wide range of hiking options.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Kandersteg

▼ Day 8: The Öeschinensee
8.3km & 512m ascent (5.1 miles & 1680ft)

A challenger to the Bachsee for the most beautiful lake in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The turquoise waters of the Öeschinensee sit beneath dramatic high cliffs, with icy peaks of the Doldenhorn and Blüemisalphorn rising immediately above. Allow 1-2 hours for the walk up from the village of Kandersteg, though this can be almost entirely skipped by cable car. You’ll then want to spend plenty of time exploring the shores.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Kandersteg

▼ Day 9: The Kanderfirn Glacier from Selden
10.7km & 623m ascent (6.6 miles & 2043ft)

From Kandersteg it’s a 30-40 minute bus ride to the tiny hamlet of Selden. From here set off up the upper reaches of the Kandertal valley, breaking out above the treeline to reach the bottom of the Kanderfirn glacier. This is a walk with a true feeling of wilderness, amongst empty and rocky terrain. Return the same way to Selden.

Accommodation: Guest House or Hotel in Kandersteg

▼ Day 10: Depart from Kandersteg
By Train

Well located on the train to Bern, it’s a mere 2.5 hours by train to Geneva, and 3 to Zurich.