Alps
/ Swiss
Trail running stage facing the glaciers of the Swiss Oberland
Réf : CNRAQY
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationAlps / Swiss
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions100.13 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇬🇧English
In a few words
In the heart of the Bernese Oberland, this trip, organized within an international group, is designed for trail running enthusiasts seeking a challenging alpine adventure. Winding its way through high-altitude meadows, mountain villages, and technical mountain passes, the route meanders between glaciers and legendary peaks, such as the Finsteraarhorn, the highest point in the Bernese Alps. The approach is fluid: an alternation of running and brisk walking adapted to the changing terrain and altitude.
The trails, sometimes smooth, sometimes more rugged, offer complete immersion in a demanding mountain environment, perfect for building endurance and technical confidence. Some sections follow old historical paths, bearing witness to the local alpine culture.
Designed for experienced runners, this route combines performance and contemplation, with a continuous progression through spectacular landscapes. An ideal trip to hone your skills in the high mountains, while discovering an iconic region of Switzerland.
The highlights
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Total immersion in the Swiss mountain world and its alpine culture
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A challenging alpine route between glaciers, mythical peaks and technical passes
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Trail running with minimal self-sufficiency thanks to luggage transfers each evening
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Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
You have an UTMB Index of 500 or higher and run 3 to 4 times a week, including at least one long run. You have previously completed trail runs of at least 30 km with 1,700 m of elevation gain. You will be undertaking daily 7-hour outings covering approximately 35 km and 2,000 m of elevation gain across varied terrain, including runnable trails, alpine pastures, scree slopes, and snow patches.
The expert's opinion
English-speaking stay within an international group
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 21 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1218 m
- Average daily descent: 1298 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 10 people
Languages spoken:
🇬🇧
English
Becki Penrose
Becki Penrose
Becki is a full-time outdoor professional with a passion for the mountains, which she explores both on foot and on skis. She divides her time between working as a freelance outdoor trainer in the UK, where she leads and trains groups in a wide range of outdoor activities and delivers skills development courses, and guiding in the mid-mountain ranges of the European Alps.
As an International Mountain Leader, Becki spends each summer leading various trail running and trekking trips in the Alps. She has also led groups on mountain expeditions and treks in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Morocco, Bolivia, China, and Tanzania.
For Becki, an ideal day in the mountains involves moving efficiently and independently, mastering navigation and the natural environment — and if this is done over several days, even better.
She particularly appreciates the opportunities she has to accompany and support participants in developing their mountain and trail running skills, both in the UK and in the Alps.
Becki has also participated in numerous multi-day mountain races, as well as ultra-trails and mountain marathons, both in the UK and in Europe.
Program
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Arrival in Interlaken and meeting with the group
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You arrive in Interlaken, a charming town nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, in the heart of a spectacular alpine landscape. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and high-altitude meadows, the town offers an ideal setting to begin this adventure. You meet your guide at the hotel, where an introductory meeting allows you to get to know the international group and to review the highlights of the upcoming trip.
Day 1 -
Warm-up around Interlaken
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Our first mountain outing will be a gentle introduction to the area around Interlaken, kicking off the week. The guide will determine the route based on the weather and the group's energy levels. Depending on the conditions, you can choose a relatively flat route or explore more hilly terrain to get your legs moving. Whichever option you choose, this warm-up offers a wonderful immersion in a spectacular natural setting, amidst forests, ridges, and alpine panoramas.
Day 2 -
Scenic crossing to Grindelwald
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 01h10 - 10km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1704 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting in Interlaken, the trek begins its traverse of the Bernese Oberland. A short warm-up takes you to Wilderswil, where you board the cogwheel train to the Schynige Platte (2068m). This 1500m ascent brings you to the start of the famous Eiger panoramic trail at First. For approximately 15km, you'll hike along a balcony trail facing the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, passing through flowery alpine meadows and high-altitude farms. The day's high point is reached at the Faulhorn (2681m), offering a 360° view of the surrounding mountains and Lake Brienz below. The descent continues past Lake Bachalpsee and along the Eiger trail to the First station, then down into the valley to Grindelwald.
Day 3 -
Below the north face of the Eiger
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1575 m
- Negative elevation 1330 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This day celebrates the imposing Eiger (3970m), an iconic peak whose north face has captivated generations of mountaineers. After starting on the flat valley trails, you'll reach Grund, then begin a steep ascent through the forest from Gletcherschlucht, the site of an old mountain chapel. At 1700m, you'll reach the Eiger Balcony, a traverse that runs along the north face and reveals the full grandeur of this legendary wall. The path winds its way between waterfalls, streams, and persistent snowfields, leading to the Kleine Scheidegg plateau. An immersive experience at the foot of an Alpine giant, where history, nature, and sheer verticality meet.
Day 4 -
From the Lauterbrunnen valleys to the Sefinenfurgge pass
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 1830 m
- Negative elevation 1660 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You begin the day with a descent along the Jungfrau Marathon Trail to Lauterbrunnen, an iconic village nestled in a spectacular glacial valley. Surrounded by towering cliffs, 72 waterfalls, and wildflower meadows, the region is one of the largest protected areas in Switzerland. The trail, still relatively flat, follows the waterfalls to Stechelberg, then on to the Sefinen waterfall at the valley floor. From there, the ascent to the Sefinenfurgge Pass, the second highest pass on the Via Alpina, begins. Crossing alpine pastures and isolated farms near Mürren, you'll enjoy constant views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. A steeper climb to the Wasenegg ridge leads to the upper Sefinental Valley, dominated by the peaks of the Tschingelspitz, Gspaltenhorn, and Butlasse.
Day 5 -
From the Hohtürli Pass to Lake Oeschinen and Kandersteg
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1350 m
- Negative elevation 1620 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You begin the day with a gradual ascent to the Blüemlisalphütte, traversing high-altitude pastures before reaching more rocky terrain as you approach the Hohtürli (2778m). Located just above the pass, the mountain hut offers a breathtaking panorama of the Blüemlisalp Glacier, perfect for a well-deserved break. After a coffee or a pastry, it's time to descend to the Oeschinensee (1522m). This glacial lake with its turquoise waters, fed by glacial melt, owes its color to "glacial flour," suspended rock particles that absorb light. The contrast with the surrounding peaks creates an almost surreal landscape, especially on a clear day. You then continue the descent to Kandersteg, nestled in the valley.
Day 6 -
Last pass and descent towards Adelboden
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 1550 m
- Negative elevation 1470 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
For this final day, you begin gently in the valley bottom before joining the slopes of the Via Alpina towards the Tschingellochtighore (2630m). The ascent crosses peaceful alpine pastures before reaching this summit with its unique name, derived from the local dialect. It evokes a rocky ridge and a gap, characteristic of the surrounding landscape. From the ridge, you begin the descent along a plateau at 1950m, from where you can admire the route you have just completed. The final stretch involves skirting the slopes, overlooking them, before plunging down towards Adelboden, the endpoint of this beautiful alpine traverse.
Day 7 -
End of stay and return
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. The trip ends in Adelboden, at the end of this beautiful journey through the Bernese Oberland.
Day 8
Note
English-speaking stay within an international group
The itinerary outlined above is the one planned for this trip. However, for reasons of safety, weather, or group dynamics, your guide may need to modify the program daily to ensure the best possible experience for everyone.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 2
The Hotel Post Hardermannli is a historic chalet-style building. This welcoming hotel enjoys an ideal location in the heart of Interlaken's oldest quarter, close to the scenic trails that run along the shores of the shimmering Lakes Thun and Brienz. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, Interlaken is a paradise for nature lovers who, at the end of a day's hike, can explore the picturesque and enchanting charm of the village, with its traditional Swiss chalets, cozy cafes, and boutiques.
🏨 3-star hotel - Day 3
This charming, family-run hotel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where you will be pampered with genuine attention and kindness.
🏨 4-star hotel - Day 4
The Braunbär hotel is located in the heart of Wengen.
This family-run hotel is the perfect stop on our trail running trip through the beautiful Bernese Oberland region. The name "Braunbär," meaning "brown bear," reflects the hotel's close connection to nature and the mountains.
🏨 2-star hotel - Day 5
Step back in time at the family-run Hotel Waldrand, where nostalgic charm and alpine serenity create a truly unique experience. With no mobile network coverage, it's the perfect opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the moment.
🏠 Inn - Day 6
The Nordic Arena House is a group accommodation facility primarily used by teams that come to train at the Nordic Arena.
Located at the entrance to the village of Kandersteg, it is a premier site dedicated to Nordic skiing and ski jumping. Created in 1978, the Nordic Arena House serves as the national Nordic skiing center and houses ski jumping hills nestled in the heart of a breathtaking mountain landscape.
🏨 3-star hotel - Day 7
The Alpina family holiday hotel is a 3-star family-run establishment situated in a peaceful and sunny location above Adelboden.
Access
Departure
Interlaken, Suisse
Day 1
: 18h30
End of stay
Adelboden, Suisse
Day 8
- 08h00
Today, you'll arrive in the famous Swiss town of Interlaken. You'll meet your guide in the lounge or reception area of the Hotel Hardermannli, where an introductory meeting will be held. This will be an opportunity to get to know your guide and the other participants, and to discuss the program for the coming week.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare d’Interlaken West
The nearest train station to the hotel is Interlaken West, located approximately a 5-7 minute walk away. From the station, cross the railway tracks and then the bridge over the river. At the roundabout, turn right. Hotel Post Hardermannli is a short walk from there.
The nearest airport isZurich Or Basel
From Zurich:
From Zurich Airport, take the train towards Interlaken West. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and usually requires a change in Bern. Trains are frequent and comfortable. A direct train runs once an hour.
From Basel-Mulhouse Airport:
You must first take bus number 50 to Basel SBB train station. The bus runs approximately every 10 minutes and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
From Basel SBB station, take the train towards Interlaken West. Direct trains usually run every 2 hours.
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
Parking is limited and is located directly in front of the hotel. If the parking lot is full, you will need to use the public parking lot near the hotel.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by a fully qualified mountain guide who is also an experienced trail running guide.
- Accommodation in a shared twin room
- Half-board for the entire duration of the stay (breakfast and dinner)
- Daily luggage transfer between the different accommodations
- The train journey to Schynige Platte
The price does not include
- Lunches
- Travel insurance - mandatory
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The ski lifts you choose to use
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
Options
- Supplement for single room : CHF598.50 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Julia team
• 8 stays
Our local partner is a UK-based tour operator specializing in guided mountain adventures. They offer off-the-beaten-path tours, entirely designed and led by experienced mountain professionals. Bilingual (French/English), the team ensures meticulous organization to guarantee high-quality, active holidays. Expertise for those passionate about wilderness exploration and authentic high-altitude discoveries.
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