Between glaciers and valleys: the great Swiss hike
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationSwiss / French Alps
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions75.71 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Swiss Alps and let yourself be guided by one of the most beautiful high-altitude hiking routes: the Bärentrek , literally “the bear trek”. You will walk at the foot of three mythical peaks – the Eiger , the Mönch and the Jungfrau – on spectacular trails, between alpine passes, majestic glaciers and verdant valleys .
This legendary route, once reserved for wild animals, still promises a true sporting challenge today. The Bärentrek is part of the famous Via Alpina and connects the villages of Meiringen to Adelboden-Lenk , traversing the Bernese Alps in all their splendor. Each stage offers its own share of thrills: mountain passes, breathtaking views of glaciers , crossings of impressive gorges, and authentic encounters with Swiss nature .
Although the bears have long since abandoned the area, the wild beauty of the route remains untouched. The effort is real , but the breathtaking panoramas and unique alpine atmosphere will be your greatest rewards.
Gain some altitude, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and embark on an unforgettable adventure on the Swiss trails.
The highlights
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Following in the footsteps of the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau
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A magical break at Lake Oeschinen
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Grindelwald, the soul of the Bernese Alps
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 991 m
- Average daily descent: 1289 m
Management
Program
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Arrival in Meiringen
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Meiringen
Day 1 -
Meiringen – Grindelwald
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 615 m
- Negative elevation 920 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Take the postal bus to Rosenlaui. From there, you'll travel to the idyllic Schwarzwaldalp. Upon reaching Grosse Scheidegg, a breathtaking panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks awaits you. A long descent will then take you to Grindelwald.
Day 2 -
Grindelwald - Wengen
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1095 m
- Negative elevation 865 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A gentle climb through meadows leads to the "Kleine Scheidegg," with the imposing backdrop of the Eiger's north face. Soon, you'll leave the tourist bustle behind and walk along easy paths to Wengen.
Day 3 -
Wengen - Pochtenalp/Griesalp
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1135 m
- Negative elevation 1840 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a detour via Lauterbrunnen, you'll continue by cable car and train to Mürren. The route passes the Spielbodenalp restaurant and leads to the Rotstock mountain hut. After a break to recharge, you'll climb to the Sefinenfurgge and then descend to Pochtenalp or Griesalp. A spectacular stage!
Day 4 -
Pochtenalp/Griesalp – Kandersteg
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1475 m
- Negative elevation 1715 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today you'll tackle the highlight of your trip – the ascent of the Blüemlisalp. After the challenging climb to 2,840 meters, you'll be rewarded with a hearty lunch at the Blüemlisalp mountain hut. You'll then cross the Hohtürli Pass and hike across the moraines of the Blüemlisalp Glacier before descending to Lake Oeschinen. From there, you'll continue to Kandersteg. Alternative route from Lake Oeschinen: take a cable car down into the valley.
Day 5 -
Kandersteg – Adelboden
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 975 m
- Negative elevation 1460 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The cable car will take you to the Allmenalp, from where you will then climb to the Bunderspitz Pass. Enjoy the magnificent 360° panorama of the entire Alps before descending back down into the valley to Adelboden.
Day 6 -
Adelboden - Lenk
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 930 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this stage, you will leave the winter sports resort of Adelboden and cross the Hahnenmoos pass to reach the Simmental valley.
Day 7 -
Departure or extension
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure or extension
Day 8
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 7 nights in a double room
- Half-board in Griesalp/Pochtenalp
- Daily baggage transport (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg)
- Good for arriving by train
- Cable car and train journey Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp - Mürren
- Itinerary perfectly planned
- Electronic travel documents, including navigation app
- SwissMobile-Plus subscription for one year
- Telephone support
The price does not include
- Tourist tax payable on site
- Travel by bus, funicular and cable car
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.