WALKING THE BERNESE HIGHLIGHTS WEST

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, to reach the Schilthorn, or take the spectacular cable car to the top. 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.

DAY 1: ARRIVE 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 Jungfrau 3*, Murren (breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 2: MURREN TO GREISALP 17KM/11MILES OR 13KM/8MILES

Potentially the most challenging day but we offer two alternatives - either along the valley route or over the Schilthorn.

If you choose the valley route, you begin with a steady ascent from Murren to 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. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up to the magnificent Schilthorn with unmatched mountain panorama. From there, you follow the ridge which includes some exposed sections before reaching the Sefinenfurgge pass where you begin the long descent to Griesalp.
Overnight Hotel Griesalp 3H, Griesalp (breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 3: GRIESALP TO KANDERSTEG 16KM/10MILES

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 chairlift operates to Kandersteg eliminating the final descent of approx. 1mile.
Overnight Hotel Epoque Victoria 3*, Kandersteg (breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 4: AT LEISURE IN KANDERSTEG

A rest day if you wish with time by the hotel pool or just wandering around this delightful village. If you wish to keep walking, we provide a good choice of walks from this great walking centre. For example, hike up to a mountain hut if you wish to keep things challenging, or take a gentler walk along the Kander or Gastner valleys.
Overnight Hotel Epoque Victoria 3*, Kandersteg (breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 5: KANDERSTEG TO ADELBODEN 14KM/9MILES

Not as tough as the previous days, as we suggest you use the Allmeralp chairlift and then walk towards Bundergrat. Climb to the top of nearby Bunderspitz for spectacular 360 views before descending to the village of Adelboden.
Overnight Hotel Hari 3*, Adelboden (breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 6: ADELBODEN TO LENK 14KM/9MILES

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 Krone 3*, Lenk (breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 7: LENK TO GSTAAD 15KM/9.5MILES

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 Alpine Lodge 3*, Gstaad (breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 8: DEPART GSTAAD

Say fond farewells to Switzerland as you depart on the train.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Included			Not Included
ü	7 night’s accommodation		û	Lunches & drinks with meals
ü	7 breakfasts		û	Travel Insurance (required)
ü	7 dinners
ü	Baggage transfers between hotels, except for night 2 as luggage cannot be transported to these more remote hotels – will need to pack an overnight bag (1 bag per person @20kg)
ü	Route directions and maps
Optional Extras
Ø	‘With flights’ includes typical flight prices from London to Geneva or Zurich. Flights from many local airports are also available (exact price for your dates available on request)
Ø	Train travel from London St Pancras is available. Second class return tickets are typically £393 or first class tickets are available with a typical additional supplement of £114 (exact prices for your dates are available on request)

All prices valid for 2023

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on 7 nights half board in a shared twin/double standard room. 

Length of Trek	With Flights	Without Flights
7 nights	1789	1499

Singles - add from £140 single supplement

Extra night prices - POA

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Bernese Highlights - West

Availability Information

Due to the altitude of the many passes in this trek, it is only available July – September with a chance of snows affecting the walking at the end of September, and the beginning of July.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit. 

When to book your walking holiday in Switzerland - Walking the Bernese Highlights West

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