Best of the Bernese Oberland In Style

8 Days & 7 Nights 5 Read 3 reviews

A stylish week of flexible alpine walking, staying in historic 4-star hotels.
A choice of varied hikes beneath the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The chocolate-box wooden chalets of Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald.
Platefuls of steaming rösti and pots of bubbling fondu, at mountain cafés.
An optional Jungfraujoch visit & the thrill of riding cable cars and funiculars.

Stay 7 nights in historic 4-star hotels with views to die for, whilst enjoying a choice of alpine walks beneath the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, icons of the Swiss Alps. Each evening, you’ve the option to dine at your gourmet hotel-restaurant, replenishing serving classic 4 or 5-course Swiss feasts. This tour is based in 3 traditional villages; Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald; criss-crossed by a superb web of mountain railways, meaning you can shorten or lengthen your walks as you wish. There’s also the option to visit the Jungfraujoch, at 3454m it is the highest railway station in Europe, where a wonderland of ice, snow and rock awaits, overlooking the sweeping Aletsch glacier.

What To Expect

Stylish historic 4-star hotels combine with the classic walks on this week-long trip to the Swiss Alps. By day, choose from varied walks, by night enjoy fine dining, and relaxing spas, staying in quaint villages. A network of trains, cable cars, funiculars and buses means you can wander further afield, shorten/lengthen your walks, or simply sit back and enjoy the views.

Trip Style:

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

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking holiday

This trip is suitable for:

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

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Mountains

Inspiration:

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

The network of paths and trails in the Bernese Oberland is comprehensively way-marked as are all the variations we suggest. We provide you with detailed route notes and maps so you will have no problem following the route suggested, or indeed if you wish to take alternative routes according to your wishes.

Accommodation Information

Stay 7 nights in historic Swiss 4-star hotels. The accommodation we normally use is detailed below, however is subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered (hotel facilities may change if only alternative properties are available—should you have any specific requirements, please let us know). You can add on extra nights in any of the overnight locations on this tour.

Meals

Breakfasts are included each day, and you can opt to add a 7-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

7 Nights in historic 4-star family-run hotels.
7 Breakfasts.
Baggage transfers between accommodations (days 3, 5).
Route notes, map & info pack.
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.

How far in advance do I need to book?

How fit do I need to be?

How do the baggage transfers work?

Which is the best airport to fly to?

What personal equipment do I need?

When is the best time of year?

What happens if I cant walk a stage? 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Mürren Day 2 Schilthorn/choice of walks from Mürren 4 miles / 6.5 km

Mürren is nestled amidst a backdrop of iconic peaks; the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The Jungfrau region is a hiker’s paradise, with around 500km of superb way-marked trails. You can make good use of the cable cars, railways and funicular services to shorten or lengthen your hike as you wish! Each day we offer a variety of suggested walks to get you exploring the alpine meadows and mountain slopes.

Another option for today is to ride the cable car to the top of the Schilthorn, where you can admire 200 other peaks from the Skyline viewing platform at 2970m. There’s also a 360° restaurant and interactive Bond World 007 exhibition; paying homage to the thriller ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’.

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

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 Eiger

Hotel Eiger was founded in 1892 and is found in the heart car-free Mürren. Your hosts are Susanna and Adrian Stähli, the fourth generation of managing Hotel Eiger! This family-run chalet-hotel boasts a swimming pool, Jacuzzi with views of the Eiger and Mönch peaks, rain shower, sauna and solarium. Dine in the Eiger Saal with a 5-course half-board dinner option or a la carte menu, where you’ll enjoy views of the three iconic peaks, or opt for the cosy Eiger Stubli. Delicious dishes include jugged venison hunter’s style with bacon, pearl onions and bread croutons, buttered spätzli and root vegetables, and to follow there’s dark Toberlerone chocolate mousse, or parfait of strawberries and green pepper with Cointreau. Hotel Eiger has a relaxing lounge and a terrace for soaking up the sunshine and mountain vistas. By evening you can nestle into the Tächi Bar with a glass of whisky, wine, hot chocolate or pot of fine English tea. Stay in a superior room, with balcony and magnificent views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Day 3 Choice of walks/travel to Wengen 3 miles / 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. Spend your next 2 nights here.

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 Silberhorn

Hotel Silberhorn is in the heart of the village, and boasts an impressive spa with fitness suite. It has 63 rooms and two restaurants (one of which is a la carte, serving such Swiss specialities as raclette and fondu; the other is a buffet/half board restaurant). Guests can book massages with therapists (booking recommended 1-2 days in advance, payable locally). There is a solarium (surcharge payable). The spa has a relaxation area with lounge beds and whirlpools and herbal tea. There are herb and Finnish saunas and a steam bath (facilities open from 14:00-20:00). Minimum age 16yrs for the sauna/spa area. Rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, and there is free WiFi in the entire hotel.

Hotel Wengenerhof

Hotel Wengener Hof is one of the most traditional hotels in Wengen, and dates from 1898. The Wengener Hof occupies a peaceful location in the village, with extensive gardens and views to the Jungfrau, and over the Breithorn mountain chain down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The lobby bar with its open fire is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif. The hotel's chefs serve a 5-course menu each evening in the bright dining room (with a gala dinner on Sundays). A highlight is the excellent selection of exquisite Bordeaux wines, and you can book a visit to the wine cellar. The village centre and the Männlichen cable car are just 3 minutes away, and Wengen station a 5 minutes’ walk away. Transport from and to Wengen train station is by the hotel's electric vehicle. Guests enjoy free access to the wellness and fitness facilities of sister hotel Silberhorn. Stay in a south-facing room, Jungfrau view, with balcony. Free WiFi throughout the hotel. If you have chosen to take half board, then you will enjoy a 5-course menu, with 3 choices.

Day 4 Männlichen cable car, walk to Kleine Scheidegg/Wengen 7.5 miles / 12 km

A must-do walk is the aptly named Panorama Trail, reached by the Männlichen cable car (2342m). The trail traces the foot of the Männlichen chain, through woods and alpine pastures with views of the mighty rock walls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and untouched Trümmelbach Valley to Kleine Scheidegg (2061m).

Reward yourself with a cold beer, steaming plate of rösti and melting raclette at this celebrated mountain pass, with breath-taking views to the Eiger, Lauberhorn and their glaciers. From Kleine Scheidegg you can also ride the railway up to the Jungfraujoch, the highest point reachable by rail in Europe (also see Days 6 & 7).

You can board the Wengernalp railway back to the village or continue your walk further.

Maennlichen-Kleine Scheidegg - Wengen: 12km, ascent/descent: 950m/50m

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 Silberhorn

Hotel Wengenerhof

Day 5 Eiger Trail/Travel to Grindelwald 8.5 miles / 13.5 km

One of our favourite Swiss walks is the Eiger Trail from Eigergletscher (a short train ride from Wengen) to Alpiglen. This high route brings you right in front of the famous North Face itself; look up and right to see the metal ladders and perhaps even a climber or two setting off on an adventure.

Soak up the views over the Wetterhorn and the Grosse Scheidegg before continuing on a zig-zag trail down to Alpiglen. Here you can jump on board the train, or walk further via Gletscherschlucht to Grindelwald, your base for the next 3 nights.

Remember, you can also take cable cars or the train all the way from Wengen to picture-postcard Grindelwald, and there are easier/shorter walks to choose from.

Eiger trail via the Gletscherschlucht to Grindelwald: 13.5km, ascent/descent: 250m/1500m

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 Belvedere

Belvedere Swiss Quality Hote is a 4-star superior hotel dating from 1907, with unrivalled direct views of the Eiger. Your hosts are the Hauser family, now in their third generation of running the hotel. Relax in the small but attractive spa area with its large indoor pool, ‘Experience’ shower, Finnish sauna and glacier steam bath, or take a dip in the outdoor salt water Jacuzzi. You can book the sauna for private use in the evening – please ask at reception. The fine dining Restaurant Français showcases inventive cuisine featuring fresh, home-grown ingredients; classic Swiss specialities as well as light fusion food with a Mediterranean or Asian influence. The restaurant is a member of the French gourmet association ‘Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’. On Monday evenings you have the chance to take a peek behind the scenes, with a visit to the kitchen with Markus Berger and his crew. All rooms have a large balcony with mountain views, and there’s even a choice of pillows for a truly refreshing sleep! If you would like to dine on the terrace we recommend making a reservation, especially during July and August (as this is very popular).

Day 6 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 ice cream 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 Belvedere

Day 7 Jungfraujoch optional excursion or choice of walks 10 miles / 16 km

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 Belvedere

Day 8 Onward Travel