Best of the Bernese Oberland In Style
- 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.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive MürrenImmerse yourself in a traditional Swiss alpine village; Mürren’s car-free streets are lined with chocolate-box wooden chalets, adorned with colourful flowers. Listen out for the tinkling of cowbells as you settle into your chalet-style hotel for a 2 night stay.
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.
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.
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’.
Flexible Walking: 4-14km
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.
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.
Flexible Walking: 4-13km
The Beausite Park Hotel is located slightly elevated above the village centre of Wengen. The view of the Jungfrau and the mountains is breath-taking and you can easily reach the village centre and the cable way station on foot. They have a large swimming pool with whirlpool and a sauna area with steam bath.
Grand Hotel Belvedere is a 5-star newly-renovated resort nestled away in Wengen, set against the panoramic mountain scenery of Schilthorn, Silberhorn and Jungfrau Mountain. With 90 rooms and suites it carters to individual traveller, couples and families likewise.
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.
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 wth 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.
Flexible Walking: 5-12km
The Beausite Park Hotel is located slightly elevated above the village centre of Wengen. The view of the Jungfrau and the mountains is breath-taking and you can easily reach the village centre and the cable way station on foot. They have a large swimming pool with whirlpool and a sauna area with steam bath.
Grand Hotel Belvedere is a 5-star newly-renovated resort nestled away in Wengen, set against the panoramic mountain scenery of Schilthorn, Silberhorn and Jungfrau Mountain. With 90 rooms and suites it carters to individual traveller, couples and families likewise.
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.
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.
Flexible Walking: 5-13km
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).
All rooms are equiped with free high-speed WiFi, smart TV and sound system, individual air conditioning, international, Swiss and USB sockets as well as minibar, coffee and tea. Every overnight stay in the Bergwelt Grindelwald includes a rich breakfast buffet and access to the exclusive Fire & Ice SPA. O
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!
Flexible Walking: 7-14km
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).
All rooms are equiped with free high-speed WiFi, smart TV and sound system, individual air conditioning, international, Swiss and USB sockets as well as minibar, coffee and tea. Every overnight stay in the Bergwelt Grindelwald includes a rich breakfast buffet and access to the exclusive Fire & Ice SPA. O
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!
Flexible Walking: 7-14km
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).
All rooms are equiped with free high-speed WiFi, smart TV and sound system, individual air conditioning, international, Swiss and USB sockets as well as minibar, coffee and tea. Every overnight stay in the Bergwelt Grindelwald includes a rich breakfast buffet and access to the exclusive Fire & Ice SPA. O
After breakfast check-out of your traditional chalet-style hotel and make your onward journey. If you’re planning a longer European tour then the Italian Lakes combines perfectly with the Swiss Alps.
This trip has a carbon score of 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?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.
In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
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.
Grindelwald is hosting the famous Eiger Ultra Trail race (12th to 16th July). We recommend avoiding the Via Alpina at this time as the area is extremely busy, and most accommodations are full.
The best way to reach Mürren is by train; it is just 55 minutes from Interlaken. You can fly into Zurich or Basel (3 hours) or Geneva (3h45). Train timetables and details of public transportation in Switzerland are available via the excellent travel planner at www.sbb.ch.
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.
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.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the region is very popular, especially over the summer months. However we will always try our best to accommodate your plans.
The walking is graded easy to moderate so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle. Most of the paths are easy to follow and although undulating in parts the paths are generally easy, and where they are tougher, there are alternative walks that day. Walking each day is between 4-14km. If you prefer not to walk each day, then you can take mountain railways or post buses between locations.
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.
You can fly into Zurich, Basel, Geneva or Bern Belp airports in Switzerland, check out the travel details section for more detailed information.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a day pack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
The best months for walking are in the summer months between June and early October when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is generally fair.
The beauty of the Jungfrau region, is that there is an excellent network of mountain railways that you can use (cable cars, train, some postbuses) to shorten or lengthen your walk, or skip it altogether. If outside the car-free villages (eg. Grindelwald) then you can make use of local taxis where possible.
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