Highlights of the Bernese Oberland

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.9 Read 20 reviews

A short hiking break with flexible walks in the Bernese Oberland.
Walking beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, staying at chalet-style hotels.
Chocolate-box Swiss villages of Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald.
Fresh alpine air and delicious food— bubbling fondu overlooking the peaks.
The flexibility to shorten/extend your walks by mountain railways.

A short 4-night walking break taking in the must-see highlights of the Bernese Oberland, with a choice of varied hikes at your fingertips. Stay beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in charming family-run chalet-style hotels with great food and views to die for. The Jungfrau region’s excellent mountain railways link the idyllic Swiss Alpine villages of Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald. You can make great use of the extensive web of trains, cable cars, funiculars and buses to extend or shorten your hikes as you like, or just sit back and admire the view…

What To Expect

This tour offers 3 days of classic alpine walking, with a choice of varied hikes, whilst staying at family-run chalet-style hotels in 3 picture-postcard alpine villages. A fantastic network of trains, cable cars funiculars and buses will whisk you up and down the mountains, allowing you to explore and hike as little or far as you like.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active holiday.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | A classic point to point walking trip, staying in a different location each night

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families, Multi-Generational, Mixed Abilities, Groups > 10, First Timers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Mountains

Inspiration:

Most Popular
Classic

Grade & Terrain

This trip is graded ‘easy to moderate’ overall, as the walks are around 4-14km, but many you can shorten with mountain transport (payable locally or you can opt to purchase a Jungfrau Travel Pass in advance) or skip altogether.

The routes and footpaths are not technically difficult, but a good level of fitness is recommended so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Our routes follow wide tracks, paths and sometimes narrower mountain paths occasionally with steep slopes above and below—as with most Alpine walking a good head for heights and sure-footedness is required. Cable cars and trains can be used to avoid the steepest ascents and descents, but some steep sections are unavoidable— the Eiger Trail and the First to Bachalpsee hikes are the most demanding days, with ascents and descents ranging up to 1050m of ascent/descent, in your route notes we have detailed how these days can be made easier.

Please be aware that earlier in the season there may be some residual snow lying in patches, but this will not require any special equipment or skills; walking poles are recommended.

Navigation

All the hiking trails in Switzerland are very well marked with yellow route signs, indicating distances and directions to all destinations. The network of paths and trails in the Bernese Oberland is also comprehensively way-marked as are all the variations we suggest. We provide you with detailed route notes, maps, GPX tracks and access to the Macs Adventure smart phone navigation app, so you will have no problem finding your way.

Accommodation Information

Stay 4 nights in traditional Swiss chalet-style hotels (of a 3-star standard). The accommodation we normally use is detailed below, however is subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are on request and a supplement is payable.

Meals

Breakfasts are included each day, and you can opt to add a 4-night half board supplement to your arrangements. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival.

Included

4 Nights in 3-star family-run chalet-style hotels.
4 Breakfasts.
Baggage transfers between accommodations (days 2, 3).
Detailed route notes, info pack, maps, GPX tracks and access to the Macs Adventure navigation app
24-7 Emergency telephone support.

Excluded

Travel insurance (required).
Travel to Mürren and from Grindelwald.
Entrance fees (eg. Jungfraujoch excursion).
Public transport (eg. railways, cable cars, chairlifts, funiculars, buses).
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks.
Personal equipment.

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk.
Half board supplement.
Jungfrau Travel Pass or rail travel within Switzerland.

When To Go

This trip is available to start daily, from the end of June to early October. The best months for walking are in the summer months between June and mid-September when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is generally fair.

Getting to the Start

The best way to reach Mürren is by train; just 55 mins from Interlaken. You can fly into Bern (2 hrs away), Zurich or Basel (3 hrs), or Geneva (3h45). Train timetables and details of public transportation in Switzerland are available via the excellent travel planner at www.sbb.ch.

Getting from the End

From Grindelwald most train connections are via Interlaken Ost (35 mins). Travel times are as follows from Grindelwald to city train stations (Hauptbahnhof/HB): to Bern (1h40), Zurich (2h40), Basel (2h40), or Geneva (3h30); Again, please see SBB’s website for timetable planning. Further information regarding travel advice will be in your comprehensive pre-departure information pack.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jackets and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking shoes or boots, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Mürren

Arrive in the alpine village of Mürren, where you’ll wander through car-free streets of wooden chalets, adorned with colourful flowers. Check into your traditional chalet-style hotel .

The best way to reach Mürren is by train; just 55 mins from Interlaken, 2hrs from Bern, 3hrs from Zurich or Basel, 3h45 from Geneva.

Overnight Mürren

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Alpenruh

Chalet Hotel Alpenruh is located adjacent to the Schilthorn cable car station, just minutes from the heart of Mürren. Dine in the popular restaurant or relax in the cosy small bar. If you would like to dine in the restaurant but have not opted for half board, please ensure you talk to the front desk in advance regarding a table reservation as the restaurant is very popular. There is a sauna which you can hire on a private basis (1 hr duration, free) – please make a reservation with the front desk.

Hotel Blumental

Hotel Blumental is located in the very heart of Mürren. Hosts Heidi and Ralph von Allmen are 4^th generation of the family running the hotel; Ralph’s grandfather built the property in 1870 and it was complertely renovated in 1957. The impressive breakfast room dates from 1928. There is a cosy lounge area and a lovely restaurant, as well as an outdoor seating area which is perfect for watching passers by wandering through the peaceful village in the evening. The hotel boasts 20 rooms; 14 in the main building and 6 in the annex which is just to the rear of the property. Guests enjoy free entry to the village sports centre, where you will find a pool and Jacuzzi.

Hotel Alpenblick

Hotel Alpenblick is a simple but friendly property, located in the very heart of Mürren. There are 14 rooms and an apartment. The hotel has a restaurant and has wonderful views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Jungfrau. Located beside the (quiet) railway line from Grutschalp to Muerren, it is popular with rail enthusiasts!

Day 2 Choice of walks/travel to Wengen 4 miles / 6.5 km

You’ll find Wengen just across the Lauterbrunnen valley from Mürren, perched at the top of vertical cliffs springing with waterfalls. You have a choice of rewarding walks at your fingertips, which you can combine with mountain transport to adjust your walk as you wish.

Trains run from Mürren to Grütschalp, from where you can descend by cable car to Lauterbrunnen. The railway from here winds its way up to the car-free alpine village of Wengen, situated on a sunny plateau with outstanding views to the Jungfrau.

Grutschalp to Muerren via the Mountain View Trail: 6.5km, ascent/descent: 450m/300m

Lauterbrunnen to Wengen: 2.6km, ascent/descent: 450m/10m

Wengen- Leiterhorn Loop: 5km, ascent/descent: 285m/275m

Overnight Wengen

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Schoenegg

Hotel Schönegg dates from 1903, and was fully renovated in 2012. Although not strictly a chalet-hotel, the interior and furnishings, with their rich wooden patina, are typical of a Swiss chalet. Your hosts are Caroline & Sylvain Stefanazzi Ogi. Restaurant 1903, with its cosy wooden decor, is inspired by Sylvain's Italian roots. Rooms have charming wooden touches and guests can enjoy the sauna and massage bed (fee payable for the latter). If you have chosen to take the half board option, then this is a set 4-course menu (however can be changed due to preferences/dietary requirements). Packed lunches are available for CHF 15 per person.

Hotel Bären

This lovely 3-star chalet hotel is located just a short walk from the village centre. Rooms are simply furnished and there is a lovely restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. Rooms have balconies and the bathrooms have a shower (no bath).

Hotel Belvedere

The hotel Belvedere was built in 1912 as an art nouveau hotel and enjoys one of the best and peaceful locations in Wengen. It has been refurbished sympathetically to provide today’s comforts without losing the atmosphere of the olden days of the ‘Grand Hotel Belvedere’. Rooms have bathtubs and tea and coffee is available in the lounge (fee payable), however there is also a kettle in each room. There is a grand restaurant and an outdoor seating area. The hotel has free WiFi throughout.

Day 3 Eiger Trail/Travel to Grindelwald 8.5 miles / 13.5 km Day 4 Jungfraujoch optional excursion or choice of walks 10 miles / 16 km

A must-do optional excursion during your stay in the Bernese Oberland is the ‘Top of Europe’ Jungfraujoch, easily reached by rail from either Wengen or Grindelwald. From Kleine Scheidegg, the cog-wheel railway climbs steeply up to the Jungfraujoch (3454m).

At the very top you’ll find an ice palace with ice sculptures, a viewing plateau, restaurants and panoramic “Sphinx” observation terrace with views over the Aletsch glacier, the longest alpine glacier at 23km.

From Grindelwald you’ve a choice of walks; explore the Grosse Scheidegg plateau, the sparkling Bachalpsee or First with its cable car station. Mountain cafés dotted around Grindelwald will tempt you to relax in the sunshine with a large slice of Apfelstrüdel or Mövenpick icecream sundae— you need to keep your energy levels up after all!

First - Bachalpsee - Grosse Scheidegg: 16.0km, ascent/descent: 850m/1050m

Grindelwald - Grosse Scheidegg: 8.5km, ascent/descent: 950m/80m

Overnight Grindelwald

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Gletschergarten

Chalet Hotel Gletschergarten has been family-run since 1899, and is in the 4th generation of the Michel-Breitenstein family. There is a sauna, steam bath and relaxation room. All rooms have a balcony or terrace. Chef François Rollot prepares 4-course dining at the restaurant. Packed lunches are available if required, they are charged at CHF 12.- per person, alternatively there is a bakery shop located across from the hotel.

Hotel Alpenhof

Hotel Alpenhof is located in a stunning elevated position above Grindelwald village. There are 17 rooms, with balcony/garden access. There is a traditional cosy Swiss restaurant. This is a pet-friendly property. Those opting for half board will have a 5-course menu. The restaurant specialises in catering for special diets (gluten and lactose free for example).

Day 5 Onward Travel