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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1320GBP

Overview

Trip Code: JBO

Bernese Oberland Trip highlights


  • The stunning villages of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen & Zermatt
  • A fantastic introduction to the delights of walking in the Swiss Alps
  • Trekking around classic Alpine peaks: Wetterhorn, Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau & the Matterhorn
  • Many opportunities for sightseeing
  • Trek along Bergweg mountain paths & stroll on Wanderweg valley trails
  • Utilise the extensive, Swiss mountain transport system to shorten walks
  • Enjoy good fayre in valley towns & mountain villages
  • Choose each day from a range of walks - often with differing grades & distances
  • Option to upgrade your accommodation

This tour in the Bernese Oberland is the ideal walking introduction to the Swiss Alps. Each day, you can choose from a range of walks including maps, route notes and GPX files. The routes often come with differing grades and distances, so you can decide the nature of the walking yourself. Whether it be a high mountain trek along a Bergweg mountain path, or a valley stroll on a Wanderweg lower level trail.

There are many opportunities for spending time sightseeing and utilising the extensive, Swiss mountain transport system to shorten walks. If you prefer even more time to enjoy good fayre in the valley towns and mountain villages, please ask our team for advise on where to add extra nights.

You travel to the two most spectacular and classical postcard regions of the Swiss Alps. The peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau overlook the valley towns of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, while the celebrated mountain town of Zermatt lies just below the towering Matterhorn.

Our carefully prepared programme of walks allows you time to take the mountain railway to the Jungfraujoch. This is the highest railway station in Europe at nearly 12,000 feet. Stay in independent 2-3* hotels, with options to upgrade your accommodation.

The flower-strewn alpine meadows in summer around Wengen and Murren and upon the Schynige-Platte walk are an unforgettable experience.

Countries:

Switzerland

Starting Point:

Meiringen

Finishing Point:

Zermatt


This pleasant little town is an ideal starting point for hiking in the Bernese region of Switzerland. Meiringen is the home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the 'high street' where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes and his foe Moriarty, the master criminal, fell locked in each other’s arms. A funicular railway may be used to take you to the top of the falls; otherwise, it is 30 minutes’ walk out of town. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which is housed in the old Anglican Church in the open area by the Park Hotel, which is itself a national monument. The town suffered a disastrous fire in 1875 and there remains little except for the old church with archaeological remains lying underneath it and a mediaeval watchtower in the 'upper' part of the town. Settle into our pleasant hotel and explore the resort town in the evening. Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Meiringen - a small 3* hotel offering ensuite rooms, it is approx. a 10 min walk from the centre. It is possible to upgrade to the 4* Hotel Alpbach for an additional cost.

Meals:  D

You have a choice of three possibilities for today's hike in the Swiss Alps. Option 1: Begin the walk to Grindelwald, up to the spectacular Reichenbach Falls enroute. Be prepared to be overawed by the towering Wetterhorn and yet to be soothed by the lush green valley of Grindelwald as it yawns before you. This scenery is then contrasted by the glacial activity prevalent around Grindelwald. Option 2: Take the train to Brienz, followed by a cruise on the Brienzsee. For those waterfall lovers, Brienz is an alluring place. If the shimmering green sea of the Brienzersee does not catch your eye, then the magnificent Giessbachfall waterfall will not fail to demand your attention. Option 3: Take the train to Widerswil, then the mountain train to Schynige Platte, and walk to Grindelwald via the Faulhorn. The long descent from Faulhorn to Grindelwald is made easier by using the Firstbahn 'gondola' cable car. This can also be done from Grindelwald. Accommodation: Hotel Lauberhorn - Spend two nights staying at a cosy 2* chalet-hotel with a spectacular view of the Eiger and the surrounding peaks. The hotel is a short walk from train stations and the Firstbahn gondola station. It is possible to upgrade to the 3* Hotel Hirschen for an additional fee.

Meals:  B

A free day of choice in and around Grindelwald Option 1: A trip on the Jungfrau railway (highest in Europe and 3rd highest in the world) is well worthwhile the fee. Expect a magnificent view from the Jungfraujoch station (3454m) if it is a clear day - so check the weather forecast. An impressive and daring start to the day is offered to those who wish to walk from the train to a lookout cut into the very centre of the Eiger north face. Both glaciers and mountains make for fantastic viewing. Option 2: A gondola (mini-cable car, approx. 32 CHF) trip up to First gives access to a delightful walk to the Faulhorn Peak (2681m), a tremendous viewpoint in clear weather. Option 3: Choose to walk the ridge route from First to Faulhorn then to Bussalp, or to do the complete ridge to Schynige Platte. Option 4: Cable car / walk to Mannlichen summit, with views all round to the Eiger, Jungfrau and Wetterhorn (7 hours). Option 5: The two glaciers' trip offering spectacular views of moraine, crevasses and glacier (6 hours). A must for the avid geologist! Our team has prepared numerous other fine day walks at all altitudes around Grindelwald. For those desiring a rest from the walking, you can still choose from plenty activities including boat trips or train rides.

Meals:  B

Ascend to Kleine Scheidegg, descend to Lauterbrunnen via the car-free boutique town of Wengen. You will walk beneath the North Face of the Eiger and get some fantastic views once again over the Bernese peaks. You can make the day slightly harder by taking The Eiger Trail from Alpiglen to Kleine Scheidegg. Or make it easier by taking the train to Alpiglen and then once again walk down from Wengen. Accommodation: Hotel Silberhorn - Two nights at this 3* hotel, which is only two minutes' walk from the train station. The rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated. The hotel has various types of rooms so you can upgrade (subject to availability).

Meals:  B

This valley boasts spectacular watefalls and is popular with travellers from around the world. From here you can visit Murren, the highest village in the Bernese Oberland and take the cable car up to the Schilthorn, where you can witness the famous 360 degree panorama extending from the Jura to the Black Forest. From Murren you can walk back by a scenic route via Gimmelwald down to Stechelberg, from where there is an hourly bus back along the valley to Lauterbrunnen. You also have another opportunity to take the train to the Jungfraujoch, if you haven't done so already. There are again plenty of walks to choose from - all routes are well signposted and we will give you GPX files.

Meals:  B

After breakfast in Lauterbrunnen, take the early train to Zermatt (with your luggage) to allow yourself a good afternoon’s walking or relaxing. Zermatt is the quintessential Swiss tourist town, the mountain-lover's magnet. The town is almost completely surrounded by the high mountains of the Pennine Alps among which is Monte Rosa (4634m), Switzerland's highest peak. You can wander some of the many paths that abound around Zermatt. Many of these are reachable by cable car or gondola. Accommodation: Hotel Capricorn - Two nights in our 3* hotel in a typical Swiss chalet-type building. This hotel is very comfortable, informal and family run. It has a pleasant terrace garden and a sauna as well as spacious rooms. The excellent restaurant has views out to the Matterhorn and a nice bar.

Meals:  B

Various inspiring walks await you today - the only difficulty is deciding which to choose. Zermatt is traffic-free and is dominated by the imposing, distinctive shape of the Matterhorn. All around Zermatt there is a wonderful panorama of mountain peaks. Below are just some example walks that our team has prepared for you with more options included in our route notes. Option 1: A walk in the shadow of the Matterhorn - 9 km/5.5 miles, 3-4 h Option 2: Views of Monte Rosa - 10 km /6.2 miles, 4 h Option 3: The Trift valley leading to Trift - 5 km/3 miles, 3 h and onto the Mettelhorn 13 km/8 miles, 8 h Option 4: Schwarzsee to Hornlihutte, with optional return via Stafelalp 14 km/8.6 miles, 6 h For a less energetic day, you can take the exciting cable car ride to the top of the Kleine Matterhorn (3820m). This is one of the highest cable cars in the Alps. There are many more walks and activities to choose from in Zermatt to fill your day(s) and you can ask our team with support to extend your stay.

Meals:  B

Depart from Zermatt after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
  • 7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer (1 bag per person not weighing anymore than 20kg) except between Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt where you take it with you on the train
  • Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
  • Emergency hotline

  • 6 dinners, all lunches & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • train from Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt budget approx CHF34.20 with Swiss card and 88.60 without.
  • Excess Luggage
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation


Suitability

moderate

3

We grade this tour as ‘Moderate’; anyone used to hill walking with a daily height gain/loss of up to 3,300 feet (1000 metres) should find the tour within their capability. Most days are a lot easier than this. Day Stages: Average duration of walking per day is 6 hours. Many of the walks can be shortened if desired by the use of cable cars and local postbuses.


Departure dates

Daily from 23 Jun to 18 Sep

Notes

Note:
The Eiger Ultra Trail is in Grindelwald from 16 - 23 July 2024, the trip is not available at this time.

Priceper person from

£1320GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Room SupplementGBP£140
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£230
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Fly in to Zurich and then take a train to Meiringen. From Zermatt, ideally take a train to fly out of Geneva, although Zurich is also possible.

Yes, the cost is not included in our trip, but you will have the opportunity to do this from either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. This allows you flexibility to select the best day to take the train up the Jungfraujoch.

On this walking holiday in Switzerland there is no transport included. It is worth investigating discount cards for train and bus travel with Switzerland Tourism.

People with severe vertigo should not do these walks in the Alps. Most walks do not involve rocky sections. The harder walking routes such as the Eiger Trail or the Schynige Platte do have steep sections, but not rock climbing or scrambling.

Our team have prepared for you so many different walks (maps, route notes & GPX files) that adding extra nights to do more walks, relax or sightsee is well worth it. We would definately recommend Grindelwald (to visit Jungfraujoch) and Zermatt to spend extra time in.


Bernese Oberland Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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