There was an error with your log in
Trip options
Protection
How to pay
Checkout
Bernese Oberland Traverse: 7-Day Self-Guided Hiking Tour, Swiss Alps
Date and group size
Select date
/ /

Add-ons

Accommodation options

Price is based on twin-share rooms. Choose how many members of your group would like to stay in single occupancy rooms during the trip.

Printed travel package

Get a printed version of your free digital travel package at your first stay. Price per person.

Preferred date range

You’ve already picked your ideal start date, but if you’re flexible, sharing a range of possible dates gives us more to work with and gets your trip confirmed sooner. Let us know your earliest and latest possible start dates below.

Required participant information

We’ll just need a few details for you and anyone else you’re booking for: first & last name, room preference (twin, double, triple, etc.), food allergies, and emergency contact.

Select your adventure protection

Redpoint travel protection
Weather shifts, flights cancel. Core and Premium include Redpoint travel protection to cover you when they do. Standard follows 57hours' booking policy. See full coverage
Every booking, whichever you pick
Cancel within 48h of booking 100% refund
Cancel 90+ days before departure (Any or no reason) 70% refund
Full coverage details
Basic Standard terms Most popular Core protection Recommended Premium protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund 100% refund 100% refund
Cancel 90+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
70% refund 70% refund 70% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
75% refund 100% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel under 90 days (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p. Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p. Up to $100,000 p.p.
Basic Standard terms
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 90+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
70% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
Cancel under 90 days (Any or no reason)
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Most popular Core protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 90+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
70% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
75% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
Cancel under 90 days (Any or no reason)
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p.
Recommended Premium protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 90+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
70% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
100% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel under 90 days (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p.
Cancellation policy

The percentages in the table above are of the full trip price, not of what you’ve paid at the time of booking.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of booking receive a full refund on all plans, including booking fees and insurance. After the 48-hour window, your refund depends on your selected protection plan and when you cancel. Core and Premium plans extend your cancellation rights beyond the Standard policy:

  • With Core, a covered reason gets you 75% of your trip cost back — even the day before you go.
  • With Premium, a covered reason gets you 100% of your trip cost back — and any other reason gets you 75%, right up to the day you leave.
What counts as a covered reason
  • Sudden illness or injury — yours, a travel companion’s, or an immediate family member’s, confirmed by a doctor
  • Death of a traveler or an immediate family member
  • A natural disaster affecting your destination or your departure point
  • A government travel advisory against travel to your destination

Changing your mind isn’t a covered reason. Premium is the only plan that covers that. Documentation is required for all insurance claims.

Everything the travel insurance covers

Both plans include travel insurance through Redpoint Travel Protection. Core insures 75% of your trip cost; Premium insures 100%.

Maximum per person:

  • Trip cancellation — up to 100% of your trip cost
  • Cancel for any reason — up to 75% of your trip cost (Premium only)
  • Trip interruption — 150% of the trip cost limit
  • Trip delay — $200 a day, $1,000 max
  • Itinerary change — $250
  • Single occupancy supplement — up to 100% of trip cost
  • Missed connection — $1,000
  • Travel inconvenience — $250 each, $750 max
  • Pet return — $1,000 per pet
  • Baggage and personal effects — $2,500, max $300 an item
  • Baggage delay — $600, after 12 hours
  • Baggage delivery — $100 per trip
  • Emergency medical expenses — $100,000
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation — up to $1,000,000

These are maximums. What a claim actually pays depends on what you can document and on the policy’s exclusions — pre-existing conditions and undeclared activities among them. We’ll send the full policy wording with your confirmation.

Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0
Bernese Oberland Traverse: 7-Day Self-Guided Hiking Tour, Swiss Alps
Itinerary
Bernese Oberland Traverse: 7-Day Self-Guided Hiking Tour, Swiss Alps
Date(s)
--
Number of travelers
1 Person
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Pay deposit now, the rest by
Travel and medical insurance available
Earn $0.00 Adventure credits
  • This self-guided trek across the Bernese Oberland links some of the most spectacular trails in the Swiss Alps. Over seven days, you’ll hike from Lenk to Grindelwald along panoramic “balcony” routes with constant views of legendary peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Each day brings a new alpine pass, traditional mountain village, or sweeping valley landscape. The route includes two high passes above 2,600 m (8,500 ft), offering unforgettable views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. With luggage transfers, comfortable hotels, and navigation tools provided, the journey is both adventurous and seamless, letting you focus fully on the experience of hiking through one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain regions.

    • Arrive in the alpine village of Lenk, set beneath the Wildstrubel massif. After checking in at your hotel, take time to explore the village or head out for a short warm-up hike nearby. This relaxed first day allows you to settle into the Bernese Oberland before the hiking begins the following morning. Lenk is known for its traditional alpine atmosphere and scenic setting at the head of the Simmental Valley. Enjoy a quiet evening in the mountains as you prepare for the days ahead.

      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Lenk

      Lenk valley in Switzerland
    • Your first hiking day leads from Lenk toward the Hahnenmoos Pass. The trail gradually climbs through forests and open alpine meadows before reaching the panoramic pass, where wide views open across the surrounding peaks. From here, descend toward the lively mountain village of Adelboden. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional alpine pastures and small mountain huts scattered across the landscape. Adelboden is a classic Bernese Oberland village, known for its wooden chalets and welcoming mountain atmosphere.

      Meals: Breakfast, dinner
      Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Adelboden

      Direct route over Hahnenmoos Pass:
      Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), 4.5 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -600 m (+3,281 ft / -1,969 ft)

      Extended high route:
      Hiking: 14.6 km (9.1 mi), 6 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +1,250 m / -900 m (+4,101 ft / -2,953 ft)

      View near Adelboden
    • Today you continue deeper into the Bernese Oberland. The trail climbs above Adelboden through alpine meadows and forested slopes before reaching high viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains. From there, the route gradually descends toward the village of Kandersteg. The scenery alternates between open alpine terrain and lush valleys with rushing streams. Kandersteg sits in a broad valley surrounded by towering peaks and has long been a starting point for classic alpine routes in the region.

      Meals: Breakfast, dinner
      Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kandersteg

      Standard route:
      Hiking: 16 km (9.9 mi), 6 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +970 m / -700 m (+3,182 ft / -2,297 ft)

      Extended alpine route:
      Hiking: 20 km (12.4 mi), 7 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +1,250 m / -1,350 m (+4,100 ft / -4,429 ft)

      Kandersteg village in Switzerland
    • One of the most dramatic stages of the trip awaits today. The trail climbs steadily from Kandersteg toward the Hohtürli Pass at 2,778 m (9,114 ft), passing waterfalls and alpine meadows before reaching rugged high-alpine terrain. As you gain elevation, the views widen to reveal glaciers and surrounding peaks. After reaching the pass, descend into the remote valley of Griesalp. This quiet alpine hamlet is surrounded by steep peaks and offers a peaceful overnight stop after a challenging day on the trail.

      Meals: Breakfast, dinner
      Accommodation: Hotel in Griesalp
      Hiking: 16 km (9.9 mi), 7–8 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +1,600 m / -1,350 m (+5,249 ft / -4,429 ft)

      Swiss Alps near a lake
    • Today you cross another high alpine pass, Sefinenfurgge at 2,612 m (8,570 ft). The route winds through remote alpine terrain before reaching the dramatic high point of the day. From the pass, descend toward the famous Lauterbrunnen Valley. Along the way, sweeping views open across cliffs, waterfalls, and deep valleys. The day ends in Mürren, a picturesque car-free village perched high above the valley.

      Meals: Breakfast, dinner
      Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Mürren
      Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), 6–7 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +1,200 m / -1,000 m (+3,937 ft / -3,281 ft)

      Murren charming village
    • Today’s stage will start with taking the mountain railway or cable car from Mürren to Lauterbrunnen (not included). Descend from Mürren toward the Lauterbrunnen Valley before climbing again toward Kleine Scheidegg. Along the way you may pass the powerful Trümmelbach Falls. As you approach Kleine Scheidegg, the iconic north face of the Eiger rises dramatically above the trail. From here, continue through alpine meadows and mountain paths toward Grindelwald. This famous alpine village sits beneath some of the most recognizable peaks in the Swiss Alps.

      Meals: Breakfast
      Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Grindelwald

      Via Kleine Scheidegg:
      Hiking: 20 km (12.4 mi), 7–7.5 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +1,350 m / -1,150 m (+4,429 ft / -3,773 ft)

      Shorter variant with train transfer:
      Hiking: 13 km (8.1 mi), 4–5 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +950 m / -700 m (+3,117 ft / -2,297 ft)

      Lauterbrunnen valley in Switzerland
    • Your final day offers the option to hike to the summit of Faulhorn at 2,680 m (8,793 ft). The trail climbs above Grindelwald, offering sweeping views across the Bernese Alps and valleys below. From the summit, the panorama stretches toward alpine lakes and surrounding peaks. Several route variations allow you to choose a shorter outing or a longer alpine hike. It’s a rewarding final experience before departing the Bernese Oberland.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Short scenic hike:
      Hiking: 9.3 km (5.8 mi), 4 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -900 m (+2,295 ft / -2,950 ft)

      Full Faulhorn circuit:
      Hiking: 21 km (13 mi), 8 hours
      Elevation gain/loss: +1,626 m / -1,630 m (+5,335 ft / -5,350 ft)

      Faulhorn mountain summit
    • Included:

        • 7-day self-guided Bernese Oberland hiking tour
        • Accommodation:
          • 5 nights in 3-star hotels in double occupancy rooms, en-suite bathrooms in the rooms
          • 1 night in a 2-star hotel in superior rooms in Griesalp
        • Meals: 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners
        • Luggage transfers between accommodations (1 bag per person)
        • Private group transfer by shuttle on Days 4 and 5. All other transports are not included (cable car, trains, buses, etc.)
        • Digital travel package with maps, itinerary details, and navigation app

      Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

        • Single occupancy room
        • Printed travel packet
        • Extra nights in Lenk or Grindelwald — available at an additional fee, leave us a note at checkout

      Not included:

        • Travel to Lenk and from Grindelwald
        • 1 dinner and lunches — can be purchased locally 
        • Drinks
        • Cable cars, trains, buses, or other local transport along the route
        • Tourist taxes at accommodations (approximately 5 CHF per person per night)
        • Personal expenses
        • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
        • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

      Should you need to make any changes to your booking after confirmation, please be aware that a €50 administrative fee applies to each modification.

      Please note that occasionally, the itinerary needs adjusting—usually due to logistics like fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or bad weather. Any changes are always made with your safety and comfort in mind.

      Accommodation can shift too, though rarely, depending on availability. If an alternate accommodation is used for a given night, it’ll always be in the same star range as advertised.

    • To fully enjoy this Bernese Oberland hiking tour, it’s recommended to have a very good level of fitness and solid hiking experience.

      You should be comfortable hiking up to 8 hours and up to 20 km (12.4 mi) per day, with typical elevation gains of 800–1,250 m (2,625–4,100 ft) on some stages. 

      If you’re used to full-day hikes in mountainous terrain with sustained elevation gain and loss, you’ll be well prepared for this adventure.

      Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking tours in Switzerland here!

    • The following items are required for this Bernese Oberland self-guided tour unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed. 

      You can either carry all your belongings with you, or you can opt for the Luggage Transfers Included option. Luggage transfer limit is 20 kg / 44 lb—please stick to this as extra items are not easily stored by the team.

      Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option — it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.

      Clothing:

        • Hiking boots/shoes — waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in
        • Hiking socks — one pair for every day or two days of the trip (hiking/sport specific padded socks, no cotton please)
        • Sun hat — wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
        • Warm hat & gloves — lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
        • Hiking shirts — non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts
        • Warm top — mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
        • Insulating jacket — down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
        • Hiking pants & shorts — nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings
        • Base layer/long underwear — 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
        • Rain gear — waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (for the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear)
        • Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

      Gear:

        • Backpack — a 30–45 liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking
        • Personal luggage — small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack
        • Hydration system — 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
        • Trekking poles — telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain (strongly recommended)
        • Headlamp — preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
        • Picnic/lunch kit — knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
        • Phone, charger, power bank
        • Waterproof travel case or pouch — used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
        • Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm
        • First aid kit
        • Personal toilet paper kit — toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes
        • Toiletries
        • Contact lenses & glasses
        • Prescription medication — with emergency back-up supply
        • Cash in local currency

      First aid kit suggestions:

      Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

      Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:

        • Medications — brands of choice; all medications should be prescribed or approved by a doctor prior to use
        • Prescription drugs — any required prescriptions with backup doses (kept in carry-on luggage)
        • Epinephrine — multiple doses recommended if severe allergies are present, with doctor prescription
        • Pain relief — ibuprofen, aspirin, non-aspirin (e.g., Tylenol)
        • Antihistamine — diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl)
        • Non-drowsy allergy relief — loratadine (e.g., Claritin)
        • Antacid/heartburn relief — bismuth (e.g., Pepto-Bismol), antacid tablets
        • Anti-diarrheal — loperamide hydrochloride (e.g., Imodium)
        • Cold/flu medicine
        • Electrolyte replacement/drink mix
        • Creams — antibiotic ointment, anti-itch (hydrocortisone), arnica
        • Eye problems: dry/itchy — eye drops
        • Feminine hygiene — tampons, pads
        • Wound care — assorted bandages, antiseptic swabs
        • Blister kit
        • Sun protection — sunscreen, SPF lip balm
        • Various items — athletic tape/“KT tape,” nail clippers, tweezers, small bottle of hand sanitizer, sewing kit (for clothing/button repairs), disposable surgical gloves (1–2 pairs)

      Optional items:

        • Face masks — 2–3 recommended
        • Travel power adapter — electric power voltage in Switzerland is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are type J
        • Support braces — joint braces if currently needed or from past injuries (e.g., knee, ankle, elbow)
        • Sleep mask & ear plugs
        • Bug repellent
        • Quick drying towel or bandana(s)
        • Swimsuit

      Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

    • Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided Bernese Oberland hiking tour, we take care of: 

        • lodging
        • breakfasts and most dinners
        • luggage transfers
        • select private transfers

      Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

      Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.

      As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • Due to safety reasons, it takes a minimum of 2 people for this Bernese Oberland hiking tour to operate. Solo hikers are not allowed to join. The maximum group size is set at 20 participants.

      A Bernese Oberland hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
        • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Bernese Oberland hiking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

      If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • The price for this Bernese Oberland hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

    • The starting point of your Bernese Oberland hiking tour is Lenk, Switzerland. To get there, most people fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), Geneva Airport (GVA), or Bern Airport (BRN). From there, you can take a train, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach Lenk.

    • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

      Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar