High Trails of the Bernese Oberland
High Trails of the Bernese Oberland
7 Days Starting in Lac de Tseuzier and ending in Grindelwald
Visiting: Switzerland
Tour Overview
A stunning walk capturing the essence of Switzerland - emerald alpine lakes, soaring snow capped peaks, flower laden meadows and quaint wooden farm houses. The Bernese Oberland is a region dominated by high peaks, many over 4000m. Following a section of the Alpine Pass Route that crosses the country, the walk traverses from Lenk, known for its stunning variety of wildflowers across high passes to the famous ski resort, Grindelwald. From a variety of vantage points be rewarded with impressive views of vast glaciers, some of the highest peaks in Switzerland including the Eiger (3970m), Jungfrau (4158m) and Finsteraarhorn (4274m) while to the north glimpse the vast lakes surrounding Interlaken (Thunersee and Brienzersee). At night experience traditional Swiss alpine hospitality in the mountain huts designed to comfort weary walkers and feast on simple yet hearty cuisine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Lac De Tzeuzier, Walk To Lenk (5Hrs, +650M, -850M)
You will meet your guide mid morning to start your walk. We recommend you have a pre tour night in Sion (accommodation suggestions can be found in our pre tour information). From Rawil Dam (1778m) we skirt around the lake and ascend alpine meadows to reach the col de Rawill (2429m) to cross into the Bernese Oberland. There is a long descent amidst the limestone walls of the rocky mountain landscape to reach the small settlement of Iffigenalp (1584m). Transfer to Simmenfälle and Lenk.
(+650m/2133ft, -850m/2788ft)
Day 2 : Walk To Engstligenalp Via The Col D'ammerten (2443M) (5Hrs, +1300M, - 500M)
A beautiful ascent today past the Simmen waterfalls to the Col d'Ammerten (2443m). The route takes you through pastures on the slopes of Mt Wildstrubel before the trail descends to Engstligenalp (1964m).
(+1300m/4265ft, - 500m/1640ft)
Day 3 : Walk To Kandersteg (6Hrs, +700M, -1000M)
The high limestone walls of the Bernese offers breathtaking views with its stark beauty against the backdrop of Mt Engstilgen. The route takes you over the Chindbetti Pass (2623m). Following time to absorb the view, we descend along a balcony trail with a frontal view of the mountains of l’Altels and Balmhorn and then continue to Kandersteg.
(+700m/2297ft, - 1000m/3280ft)
Day 4 : Ascent Of The Hohtürli Pass And Descend To Kiental (6Hrs, +1600M, -1100M)
A beautiful hike to the lake of Oschinen and the mountain pastures of Bägli. In front the Glacier Blüemlisalp is in view as we ascend the Hohtürli pass (2778m) at the foot of the massif Blümlisalp (3663m). The extraordinary glacial cirque of Lake Oeschinensee altitude (1578m) is a just reward for our climbing efforts. One last look at Kandertal before a rapid descent into the Kien valley (Kiental).
(+1600m/5250ft, -1100m/3610ft)
Day 5 : Walk To Mürren Lauterbrunnen (4158M) (6Hrs, +1200M, - 900M)
Another day of big ascents and descents as you set out this morning from Kiental. Today takes us through some of the most spectacular scenery of the Bernese as we ascend the col de Sefinen (Sefinenfurgge pass). The trail through alpine meadows takes us part small hamlets of chalets decorated with flower boxes in full bloom. From the pass we gain superb views of the Jungfrau (4158m) and the Eiger. Descend to Mürren.
(+1200m/3937ft, - 900m/2952ft)
Day 6 : Walk To Grindelwald (7-8Hrs, +1200M, -1200M)
Walking in the alps doesn’t get much better than today’s hike. The focus of the day is an ascent of the Kleine Scheidegg (2061) and skirting the north faces of the Jungfrau, Mönch and the Eiger (the Maiden, the Monk and the Ogre). These three mountains are perhaps the most famous trio in the world and have challenged climbers for over a century. We follow the passage of the "Kleine Scheidegg” inspired by the massive walls above us, before reaching Grindelwald. There is the option of taking an alpine train ride.
(+1200m/3937ft, -1200m/3937ft)
Day 7 : Loop Walk (5Hrs, +650M, -650M), Trip Concludes Grindelwald
The final day is a loop hike to the Refuge de Bäregg, along the Mättenberg, high above the gorge of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. The views from the trail down to Grindelwald are spectacular. Return to Grindelwald where the trip ends at around 2pm.
(+650m/2132ft, -650m/2132ft)
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels dormitory style -
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
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6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges and gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 12kg, some walking transfers
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Experienced mountain guide
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Travel to and from the trail head
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Drinks
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Items of a personal nature
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Storage of excess luggage
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Transfers
What's Not Included
Grading
This trip is graded moderate to challenging (4) and includes daily walks of 5 to 8 hours. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphill, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only with a good walking pace. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. Adverse conditions can make the walk more challenging. As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.
Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels dormitory style
Accommodation is on a full board basis starting from lunch on day 1 and finishing at lunch on day 7. The mountain huts that you stay in are dormitory style mixed sex rooms with shared bathrooms but no showers. The gîtes are simple rural retreats, similar to a hostel with mixed sex rooms, shared bathrooms with showers.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.