8-Day Via Alpina: Bernese Oberland Trek

Our Guide is happy to welcome you at Zurich Airport, setting the stage for an incredible journey and providing essential details about the trail, safety precautions, and the stunning landscapes you’ll traverse in the days ahead. Your Guide will accompany to the Train station and make sure you are confident to travel by yourself to Griesalp, where your adventure begins.

NB: The last public transport connection to Griesalp departs at approximately 13:15 from Zurich Airport. We therefore recommend arriving in Switzerland before midday or planning an overnight stay.

The route includes a ride on the famous PostAuto bus, known for its incredibly steep 28% grade—the steepest PostAuto route in Switzerland! 

Nestled in the Kiental Valley, part of the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, Griesalp serves as the starting point for one of the most challenging and scenic hikes on the Via Alpina, leading up to the Hohtürli Pass and the stunning Blüemlisalp Glacier.

Take a stroll through the tranquil surroundings or simply relax and enjoy a hearty dinner featuring traditional Swiss specialties. This peaceful setting will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the alpine atmosphere before the hiking adventure truly begins.

Accommodation: Griesalp Hotels (or comparable lodging). 

Our Guide will meet you at the hotel to kick off the trip in the best possible way. 

Wake up to crisp mountain air and a nourishing breakfast before setting off on one of the most spectacular segments of the Via Alpina. The trail leads you from Griesalp to Kandersteg, an awe-inspiring route that showcases the raw beauty of the Swiss Alps.

The journey begins with a challenging ascent leading you to the stunning Hohtürli Pass (9114 ft/2778m). As you climb, be rewarded with panoramic views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and the pristine Blüemlisalp Glacier.

Our guide will accompany you on today’s hike to help you familiarize yourself with the Swiss hiking trails and trail signs. You have the entire day to ask all your questions about how the hiking trails in Switzerland works.

Descending from the pass, the trail winds through rocky moraines before revealing one of the most stunning sights of the entire journey: the deep-blue Lake Oeschinen. Backed by sheer cliffs and alpine glaciers, this pristine lake is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps. Take a moment to soak in the view before continuing down through lush alpine meadows and into the picturesque village of Kandersteg.

To ease the descent, take a scenic cable car ride down into the village, where you’ll be welcomed by traditional Swiss charm. Here, you can unwind, indulge in a well-deserved traditional Swiss meal, and rest in your comfortable mountain hotel, reflecting on the incredible day’s journey.

Today’s Hike
The hike is flexible and your Guide can adjust the route depending on your fitness level.
On average:

• Distance: ~17 km (10 miles)

• Elevation Gain: ~1,450 m (4,757 ft)

• Elevation Loss: ~1,700 m (5,577 ft)

• Time: ~7 hours (depending on pace & stops)

• Hiking Difficulty Level: Challenging (sustained ascent and high-alpine terrain with long descent)

Hiking routes: When booking, in your Travel App you will find the official Via Alpina route plus our shorter and most scenic alternatives.

Meals included: Breakfast. 

Accommodation: Seiler’s Vintage Hotel (or comparable lodging).

Begin your day with embarking on another stunning leg of the Via Alpina. Today’s recommended hike leads you from Kandersteg to Adelboden.

The trail starts in Kandersteg, a charming village at the foot of the Lötschberg Pass, which became a tourist destination after the construction of the Lötschberg tunnel.

As you leave the village, the trail follows the scenic banks of the Kander River. Soon, you’ll begin a steady ascent, passing through a dramatic canyon-like section along the Alpbach before reaching the open alpine pastures of Usser Üschene.

For an easier ascent, we highly recommend taking the cable car directly to Allmenalp. Here, the striking rock walls of Lohner Mountain dominate the skyline.

The climb continues toward Alpschele, a stunning viewpoint rewarding your efforts with sweeping panoramas of Lake Oeschinen and the distant Blüemlisalp Hut. From here, the final ascent to the Bunderchrinde Pass (7815 ft/2382m) is a demanding but exhilarating adventure. As you crest the pass, an awe-inspiring vista unfolds: the entire Engstligen Valley stretches out before you, with Adelboden nestled below.

Today’s Hike

The hike is flexible and you can adjust the route depending on your fitness level.

On average:

• Distance: ~16 km (10 miles)

• Elevation Gain: ~1400 m (4,593 ft)

• Elevation Loss: ~1,250 m (4,101 ft)

• Time: ~6 hours (depending on pace & stops)

• Hiking Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (steady ascent followed by long descent with rocky terrain)

Hiking routes: When booking, in your Travel App you will find the official Via Alpina route plus our shorter and most scenic alternatives.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel Adler Adelboden (or comparable lodging).

After a restful night in Adelboden, the day start with a scenic and relatively gentle hike to Lenk.

The trail follows the picturesque Glisbach stream. As you ascend steadily, breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks unfold, with the mighty Wildstrubel massif dominating the horizon. The highest point of today’s hike is the Hahnenmoospass, a well-known mountain pass that serves as a winter ski hub and a summer paradise for hikers.

From the pass, enjoy stunning vistas of the Simmental Valley before beginning the descent. The trail meanders through rolling meadows, dotted with traditional Swiss chalets, and leads down into Lenk, beautifully situated in the Hinter Simmental basin. With its spectacular waterfalls and therapeutic thermal springs, Lenk offers the perfect setting to unwind and relax after a rewarding day on the trail.

Today’s Hike

The hike is flexible and you can adjust the route depending on your fitness level.

On average:

• Distance: ~14 km (8 miles)

• Elevation Gain: ~700 m (2,297 ft)

• Elevation Loss: ~1000 m (3,281 ft)

• Time: ~4.5 hours (depending on pace & stops)

• Hiking Difficulty Level: Moderate (steady ascent to the pass, then a gentle descent through meadows)

Hiking routes: When booking, in your Travel App you will find the official Via Alpina route plus our shorter and most scenic alternatives.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel Kreuz (or comparable lodging).

Today’s adventure takes you from the peaceful village of Lenk to the sophisticated alpine resort of Gstaad. The hike begins with a steady ascent through the Wallegggraben and into rugged limestone terrain, home to elusive lynx and breathtaking alpine vistas.

Reaching the Trüttlisbergpass, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Turbach valley. A gentle descent follows, with glimpses of the famous Lake Lauenen and the cascading Geltenschuss waterfall.

Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation in Gstaad, explore its elegant streets, and enjoy a well-deserved meal in this prestigious alpine haven.

Today’s Hike

The hike is flexible and you can adjust the route depending on your fitness level.

On average:

• Distance: ~22 km (13 miles)
• Elevation Gain: ~1150 m (3,773 ft)
• Elevation Loss: ~1200 m (3,937 ft)
• Time: ~7 hours (depending on pace & stops)
• Hiking Difficulty level : Moderate to Challenging (steady uphill followed by a long, scenic descent)

In your Travel App, we don’t just guide you along the original routes, we also handpick our favorite, most breathtaking scenic paths as alternatives.

Hiking routes: When booking, in your Travel App you will find the official Via Alpina route plus our shorter and most scenic alternatives.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: The Mansard (or comparable lodging).

After several days of incredible hiking, enjoy a well-earned rest day in the Swiss alpine resort of Gstaad. Take the opportunity to explore the elegant village, indulge in world-class Swiss cuisine, or relax in a spa.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the famous Cheese Grotto, where you’ll discover the art of Swiss cheesemaking. Sample aged cheeses, learn about traditional production methods, and immerse yourself in this delicious cultural experience.

Please note that the Cheese Grotto visit is available for groups only and must be reserved in advance.

Spend the night in a premium hotel, ensuring a rejuvenating stay before the next leg of your adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: The Mansard (or comparable lodging).

Today your journey continues with a scenic train ride from Gstaad to Rossinière before embarking on a challenging yet breathtaking ascent toward the summit of  Rochers de Naye. Each step of this hike reveals more of the dramatic landscape surrounding Lake Geneva.

After reaching the summit, board the historic cogwheel train at Rochers de Naye down to Montreux, a stunning lakeside town known for its Mediterranean charm and cultural vibrancy.

Here, you can settle into your hotel, reflecting on the incredible adventure that has brought you from the heart of the Alps to the shores of Lake Geneva.

Today’s hike

The hike is flexible and you can adjust the route depending on your fitness level.
On average:

• Distance: ~19 km (11.8 miles)

• Elevation Gain: ~1,850 m (6,069 ft)

• Elevation Loss: ~800 m (2,625 ft)

• Time: ~7 hours (depending on pace & stops)

• Hiking Difficulty Level: Challenging (long ascent with steep terrain and rewarding views)

Hiking routes: When booking, in your Travel App you will find the official Via Alpina route plus our shorter and most scenic alternatives.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel Mona (or comparable lodging).

Today your Via Alpina: Bernese Oberland Trek comes to an end.

Take a moment to celebrate your achievement, completing this spectacular hike is no small feat! As you bid farewell to the Swiss Alps, cherish the breathtaking landscapes, the friendships formed, and the memories made along the way. Have a safe journey home and until the next adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Not ready to go home?

The Post-Tour option extends your Via Alpina Hiking Tour with 3 nights in Zermatt. Via Apina Post-Trip Information and Pricing.