Walking the Bernese Highlights West
Walking the Bernese Highlights West
Walking the Bernese Highlights West
8 Days Starting in Murren and ending in Gstaad
Visiting: Murren, Mürren, Kandersteg, Adelboden, Lenk, Gstaad
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07BW
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-99
Tour Overview
Walking high in the mountains on the Bernese Highlights West offers a more challenging route than the Bernese Highlights East. Amazing views are the reward for your efforts and at every turn in the way you will be greeted by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery to be found in Switzerland - if not the whole of Europe. However, if you wish to opt out of any day's walk or should inclement weather descend, it is possible to travel between all overnight stops by public transport.
Starting in perhaps the most beautiful village in the Bernese Oberland, perched high up above the Lauterbrunnen Valley is Murren. Above Murren rises the great peak of the Schilthorn, with its revolving restaurant made famous by James Bond. Walk up and over the high pass of Sefinenfurgge and continue to the remote valley of Griesalp, set against the backdrop of the Bluemlisalp massif. Continue through the Hohturli pass where views are utterly magnificent! Get up close to a number of glaciers in addition to the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinensee in its stunning setting above Kandersteg. Set within the beautiful Kander valley, Kandersteg is home to an extraordinary amount of diverse Alpine flowers. Follow stunning mountain paths with incredible panoramic views before descending into the mountain village of Adelboden for the night. Another mountain pass awaits you as you head over to Lenk across scenic alpine meadows. Finally, you cross Trutlisbergpass, then down the valley to Gstaad, which despite being known for its prestige has remained truly Alpine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Murren
Location: Murren
It is a good idea to add an extra day or two in Murren before starting your Bernese Highlights walk to get used to walking at high altitudes. We have several walks to chose from based here.
Overnight Hotel Edelweiss, Murren.
Day 2 : Murren To Greisalp
Location: Mürren
Meals Included: Breakfast
You begin with a steady ascent from Murren to Rotstockhutte. Enjoy a healthy lunch in this marvellous setting, before you climb the high pass of Sefinenfurgge which becomes quite steep towards the end. Descend on a scree section, dotted with wooden steps as you enter the attractive valley of Griesalp.
Overnight Hotel Berghaus, Griesalp.
Day 3 : Griesalp To Kandersteg
Location: Kandersteg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another challenging but unforgettable day! Be prepared for an almost unrelenting ascent to reach Hohturli pass at 1,370m. Weather conditions permitting, the views are utterly magnificent! The descent is both long and steep in places, affording close up views of a number of glaciers in addition to the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinensee in its stunning setting above Kandersteg. From Oeschinensee a cable car operates to Kandersteg eliminating the final descent of approx. 1mile.
Overnight Hotel Blumlisalp 3*, Kandersteg.
Day 4 : At Leisure In Kandersteg
Location: Kandersteg
Meals Included: Breakfast
A free day if you wish with time relaxing in the hotel or just wandering around this delightful village.
Overnight Hotel Blumlisalp 3*, Kandersteg.
Day 5 : Kandersteg To Adelboden
Location: Adelboden
Meals Included: Breakfast
Not as tough as the previous days, as we suggest you use the Allmenalp cable car and then walk towards Bunderchrinde. Afterwards, you descend down to the valley, before one last ascent takes you up to the charming village of Adelboden.
Overnight Hotel Adler, Adelboden.
Day 6 : Adelboden To Lenk
Location: Lenk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your walk today is a less dramatic ascent, much of it alongside pretty streams in woodland and then out onto the beautifully groomed pastures of upland Switzerland. The scenery is less rugged though there are still snow-capped peaks in view - you cross from one valley to another on easier paths mainly among scenic alpine meadows.
Overnight Hotel Kreuz, Lenk.
Day 7 : Lenk To Gstaad
Location: Gstaad
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your climb out of Lenk today takes you above the Wallbach valley in a SW direction towards the Truttlisbergpass. Once you are clear of the forest the views grow increasingly stunning and you can see yesterday's walk behind you. You cross from Lenk over the Trutlisbergpass to Lauenen, then down the valley to Gstaad with superb views on both sides of the pass and a short gorge walk to add further dimension to the day. The valley descent (3 miles) can be avoided by catching the bus at Lauenen to Gstaad.
Overnight Hotel Alphorn, Gstaad.
Day 8 : Depart Gstaad
Location: Gstaad
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say fond farewells to Switzerland as you depart on the train.
What's Included
-
7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
-
All breakfasts
-
Navigation appÂ
-
Luggage transfers between hotelsÂ
What's Not Included
-
Travel insurance
-
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
-
Visas or vaccinations
-
Lunches & dinners
-
Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)
Food
Accommodation
Boasting the best views on the snow-covered peaks of Bernese Oberland, Hotel Edelweiss offers a charming mix of cosy rooms together with a modern ambience. Since 1991 Mr & Mrs Kuster-von Allmen have welcomed guests from all over the world to enjoy car-free village of Murren. Hotel guests have complimentary admission to the Alpine Sports Centre, just a few minutes walk away with swimming pool and whirlpool.
Mode of Transport
The tour involves walking through the scenic Bernese Oberland, with luggage transfers between hotels. A cable car is available from Oeschinensee to Kandersteg, and a bus can be taken from Lauenen to Gstaad to avoid the valley descent.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides hotel-to-hotel accommodation, including stays at Hotel Edelweiss in Murren, Hotel Berghaus in Griesalp, Hotel Blumlisalp in Kandersteg, Hotel Adler in Adelboden, Hotel Kreuz in Lenk, and Hotel Alphorn in Gstaad. Hotel Edelweiss offers a mix of cozy rooms with a modern ambiance and complimentary admission to the Alpine Sports Centre.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes all breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
-
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour package.
-
What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Murren and ends in Gstaad.
-
Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is a free day in Kandersteg where you can relax at the hotel or explore the village at your leisure.
-
Are there any optional activities during the tour?
On Day 3, a cable car operates from Oeschinensee to Kandersteg, which can be used to eliminate the final descent of approximately 1 mile. On Day 7, the valley descent from Lauenen to Gstaad can be avoided by catching a bus.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Monday - Monday
Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Monday - Monday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Monday - Monday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.