Switzerland: Hiking Bernese Alps
Seven nights; seven days of moderate to challenging hiking in the highlands of Switzerland. Travel by foot through hidden valleys, alpine lakes and flora, Swiss pines, and of course, edelweiss!
“The staff at Freewheeling was very helpful in all aspects of planning our trip… A pleasure to deal with.” - Bill K.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Alpine meadows in full bloom.
- Swiss chocolate!
- Hidden gems accessible only by foot.
- Famous Matterhorn and Eiger trails.
- Scenic train rides.
- Varied terrain with gorgeous panoramic views: green valleys, emerald lakes, rock formations, wildflowers, and mountain peaks.
- A chance to re-enact your favourite scenes from The Sound of Music.
- Vibrant city of Zürich - Known for its global financial importance, and consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. Its pre-medieval history, waterfront promenades, and countless museums, galleries, and theatres.
- Charming villages and sophisticated infrastructure.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Hikes are moderate to challenging, with inclines up to 1600 meters and elevation up to 2923 meters; shorter hikes with less climbing are possible by using cable cars and mountain trains. Most trails are groomed gravel pathways. Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended; hiking poles will be an asset. Transfers are by train, cable car, and van.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Zurich to Interlaken by train; hike Breitlauenen to Schynige Platte 3km (+400m / -0m).
- 2: Schynige Platte to Männdlenen, Faulhorn, and First ~16km (+800m / -625m); cable car to Grindelwald.
- 3: The Eiger Trail from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, up to ~14km (+1500m / -500m).
- 4: Hike Kleine Scheidegg to Männlichen and down to Wengen ~10km (+250m / -1000m); train to Zermatt.
- 5: Hike Seenweg Trail ~9km, and Flower Trail 5km (+500 / -500m).
- 6: The Matterhorn Glacier Trail ~6.5km, and Matterhorn Trail ~10km (+200m / -1500m).
- 7: Bettmerhorn to Fiescheralp ~9.5km (+200m / -500m); transfer to Zurich.
- 8: Farewells.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Zurich, Hauptbahnhof Train Station (tourist information center), 08:30, day one. Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Finish: Zurich, following breakfast on day eight.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Zurich to Interlaken by train; hike Breitlauenen to Schynige Platte 3km (+400m / -0m).
Morning meeting at Zurich’s train station where you’ll embark on a two-hour train ride to Interlaken. Nestled between the emerald Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken marks the beginning of the Bernese Highlands. After lunch at Harderkulm you’ll board the mountain train to Breitlaunen, taking in the majestic views of the surrounding Alps. Continue by foot across the wide expanse of Alp Bigelti. Enjoy the views of Lake Brienz and the Bödeli, a plain between Lakes Thun and Brienz, before reaching your destination, Schynige Platte. Consider a visit to the Alpine Botanical Garden with 500 varieties of Alpine flowers near your mountain hotel almost 2000m above sea level.
Please note that your accommodations for the first night include shared bathrooms; we hope you will agree that the majestic mountain-top beauty of the location compensates. Private facilities are provided for the remainder of the tour.Meal Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Schynige Platte, Schynige PlatteDAY 2:
Schynige Platte to Männdlenen, Faulhorn, and First ~16km (+800m / -625m); cable car to Grindelwald.
Today’s hike between Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald takes you through a diverse landscape, offering breath-taking views of the Bernese Alps, pristine mountain lakes, fragrant meadows, and dramatic rock formations. After an independent lunch at Faulhorn (site of the oldest mountain hotel in Europe), continue to First where optional activities, such as ziplining and mountain carts, may be enjoyed. A 25-minute cable car transfer brings you to the historic tourist village of Grindelwald, the base from which alpinists make their attempts at the North Face of the Eiger.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Grindelwalderhof , or Derby Hotel, GrindelwaldDAY 3:
The Eiger Trail from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, up to ~14km (+1500m / -500m).
Starting from Grindelwald you will walk through the alpine forest into the midst of the famous mountain peaks: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (the Ogre, the Monk, and the Maiden). This morning route includes a significant elevation gain and more relaxed walkers may opt to travel by mountain train from Grindelwald to Alpiglen where you can descent to Kleine Scheidegg by foot. Early arrivals at Kleine Scheidegg will allow time for an optional visit to the impressive Sphinx Observatory at Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, Kleine Scheidegg.DAY 4:
Hike Kleine Scheidegg to Männlichen and down to Wengen ~10km (+250m / -1000m); train to Zermatt.
Relish the gorgeous Jungfrau massif views as you walk along the trail from Kleine Scheidegg to Männlichen. The path leads through grasslands where hundreds of alpine flowers bloom in summer. Marvel at the startlingly different terrain of Männlichen: one side of the mountain is covered with grassy slopes, while the other is comprised of craggy cliffs dropping into the valley. After a steep downhill section into Wengen you’ll be transfer to Tasch where you’ll board the train for the quick journey to Zermatt where you’ll spend the next three nights.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Backstage Boutique Spa Hotel, Zermatt.DAY 5:
Hike Seenweg Trail ~9km, and Flower Trail 5km (+500 / -500m).
This morning’s hike journeys past the lakes of the Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee, each with their own unique colorings and characteristics. Enjoy a picnic lunch while contemplating the stillness and peace of these alpine meadows. Presumably, the only question in your mind in this tranquil place will be, why does the edelweiss have fleecy hairs?
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 6:
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail ~6.5km, and Matterhorn Trail ~10km (+200m / -1500m).
Following a short cable car ride today’s trail leads you over what was once a river of ice. If you pause to close your eyes and lift your head, you may be lucky enough to feel a gentle cool breeze brush your face. This is known as a glacial kiss. Excluding the optional visit to Jungfraujoch, today’s hike will bring you to the highest point of the adventure at 2923m above sea level. Discover how the Matterhorn was made by giants from Valtournenche, or so the natives will tell you; carved wooden sculptures may be seen, beautifully depicting such folk tales, legends, and stories of the culture.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 7:
Bettmerhorn to Fiescheralp ~9.5km (+200m / -500m); transfer to Zurich.
A very full day requires an early start, first traveling by train from Zermatt to Tasch then by van to Betten where you’ll climb to Bettmerhorn by cable car. The Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest of the Alps, serves as the magnificent backdrop for most of today’s hike. The trail of natural stone steps leads you down to Fiescheralp. Descend to Fiesch by cable car where you’ll be for an early evening arrival at your hotel in Zurich, to savour the final night of your Bernese journey.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Boutique Hotel Wellenberg, or Central Plaza Hotel, Zürich.DAY 8:
Farewells.
Your tour concludes following breakfast.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2025 DATES:
2026 DATES:
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(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 7245 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, ground transportation (including trains and cable cars), guide support, maps, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 6695 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, ground transportation (including trains and cable cars) inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1195
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy our Bernese Alps hike is July & August to mid-September.
Keep in mind that even when the air feels cool, at high altitudes the sun is strong and sunscreen and hats are important.
Summer, July to August, typically peaks around 22 °C (72 °F). Temperatures in September are normally warmer than spring, ranging from 7 to 15, but drop quickly in October.
GET TO THE START
Fly into Zurich International Airport (ZRH), also known as Kloten Aiport, only 13km from the city centre. Switzerland is known for its excellent infrastructure, and streetcars, shuttle buses, and trains are frequent and economical.
Zurich’s main train station is conveniently located in the heart of the city, and connects Zurich with Paris, Milan, Hamburg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and other European cities. Travel Information
AFTER THE FINISH
Your tour ends on the morning of day eight, in Zurich.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
We highly recommend allotting time to savour the vibrant metropolis of Zurich, consistently rated one of the most livable cities in the world. Familiarize yourself with its pre-medieval history, waterfront promenades, and countless museums, galleries, and theatres.
Please let us know if you plan to stay before or after your tour and we will be happy to help with hotel reservations.
If you have several days:
Zurich warrants a few days if time allows, or explore some of the beautiful European countryside by train.
Zurich Hotel Recommendations:
Hotel St. Gotthard This 4 star hotel in the center of Zurich City is ideal for business and city breaks. Best location Bahnhofstrasse, Fraumünster, ETH Zurich.
Engimatt City & Garden Hotel This 4 star hotel is your green oasis in the middle of Zurich. The famous Bahnhofstrasse in the city centre is only five minutes away by tram. You can also walk there in 15-20 minutes.
Sheraton Zurich Hotel Experience Zurich as you have never experienced it before! Sheraton Zurich Hotel is the perfect starting point for a stroll through the area and its trendy shops and bars. Sheraton brings people together. Meet the young and cosmopolitan neighborhood in our bar NUOVO or at the Route 26 Steakhouse. The city center and the central station are only a few minutes away by tram.
The Dolder Grand This 5 star hotel is high above Zurich and in the middle of nature you will find the perfect setting for lasting memories. Our City Resort on the edge of the Adlisberg Forest - just minutes from the city center - is a true oasis of tranquility.
Hotel Four Points by Sheraton Sihlcity – Zurich
Designhotel Plattenhof The Design & Boutique Hotel Plattenhof is close to the University of Zurich, ETH, University Hospital and Children's Hospital. The Old Town, the Schauspielhaus, the Opera House, the Kongresshaus, the Kunsthaus and the Zücher City are within walking distance.
Hotel Scheuble A 2-minute walk from the nearest tram stop, this informal hotel is a 10-minute walk from both the Swiss National Museum and cafes along the bustling Bahnhofstrasse.
Zurcherhof, Best Western Hotel
MORE READING
Located in the western part of Switzerland, the Bernese Alps are well-known to hikers and climbers. Charming villages and sophisticated infrastructure make this region logistically manageable for everyday explorers. Peaks well over 4000 meters above sea level provide a magnificent panorama, set against green valleys and alpine meadows along gravel trails. Expect daily train, van, and cable car transport.
Your tour begins and ends with transfers from and to Zürich. Known for its global financial importance, Zürich consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world. Its pre-medieval history, waterfront promenades, and countless museums, galleries, and theatres warrant extra time. We recommend allowing an extra day or two before or after your tour to explore the vibrant metropolis; please let us know if you would like us to arrange reservations on your behalf.
The Switzerland Reading Recommendations:
The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann, 1924, John E. Woods (Translator) - Mann uses a sanatorium in the Swiss Alps, a community devoted exclusively to sickness, as a microcosm for Europe, which in the years before 1914 was already exhibiting the first symptoms of its own terminal irrationality. The Magic Mountain is a monumental work of erudition and irony, sexual tension and intellectual ferment, a book that pulses with life in the midst of death.
Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman, 1992 - A young Albert Einstein wrests with his theory of relativity in turn-of-the-century Bern.
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, 1929 -Two lovers struggle through the horrors of World War I, finding brief peace in Switzerland in the last act.
Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner, 1995 - A writer of romance novels attempts to recover from her own misguided love affair by fleeing to Switzerland.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, 1818 - Set partially in Geneva, this novel explores the nature of humanity when scientist Victor Frankenstein creates a monster and brings it to life.
I'm Not Stiller by Max Frisch, 1954 - In an attempt to reclaim his true identity, a prisoner in a small Swiss town recounts his adventurous life.
A Tramp Abroad by Mark Twain, 1880 - Twain humorously recounts his 1878 "walking tour" through the Alps.
Eiger Dreams by Jon Krakauer, 1990 - In this collection of essays, Krakauer explores the trials and triumphs of mountaineering.
Scrambles Amongst the Alps by Edward Whymper, 1871 - This mountaineering classic recounts adventure and tragedy in the life of the first climber ever to summit the Matterhorn.
Swiss History in a Nutshell by Gregoire Nappey, 2010 - Nappey delivers information that's concise and enjoyable, yet not dumbed-down.
Swiss Watching by Diccon Bewes, 2010 - This fun, well-researched book covers all the basics in an easy-to-digest look at 21st-century Switzerland.