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The Bernese OberlandA classic walk from valley to valley
The Bernese Oberland is justly famed as the most dramatic region of Switzerland, but the romantic names of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Schilthorn are but part of the story. The Oberland also possesses villages tucked away in the quiet, sheltered valleys, where you will find a special serenity. For walking, few regions are the Oberland's equal. Well-waymarked paths offer thrilling views at every turn, with vivid green meadows – carpeted in flowers from mid-June to mid-July - giving way to dramatic, snow-capped peaks. Our walk, from valley to valley through magnificent scenery, is accessible to most, with grade 3 options high into the mountains, and opportunities to shorten ascents with cable cars to make walks of a grade 2 standard. Nights: 7
Starting point: Hotel Victoria (3*), Kandersteg. Run by the charming Platzer family, the Victoria offers a blend of comfort and home charm. With spacious lounges, a pleasant bar, tennis courts, gardens, a sauna and an indoor pool with views of the mountains, there is plenty of space to relax. Days 1 & 2: there are numerous walking options for your two days in Kandersteg, particularly if you take advantage of the cable car, chairlift or bus to extend your range (pay locally in all cases). We recommend that one of your walks takes in beautiful Lake Oeschinensee (for a gentle walk, you can stick to its shores, for a more strenuous walk, you can ascend into the surrounding mountains for superb views over the water). Another rewarding possibility is a walk through the wonderful Kander Gorge into the Gasterntal, a magnificent, secluded glacial valley that is now a nature reserve. The walk can be extended by ascending some 1,000 metres to the edge of the Kanderfirn Glacier. (up to 18km, 6hrs) Day 3: leaving Kandersteg, you have a choice of routes to reach Adelboden. The easier of the two leads along the west side of valley, passing the famous Blausee or 'Blue Lake' (small entrance fee payable locally) to reach Frutigen, where you catch the postbus to Adelboden (included). The more challenging route leads up another valley for the steep but immensely rewarding ascent to the rocky Bunderchrinde Pass. Here, at over 2,000 metres, the views often stretch as far as distant Lake Thun, and you can look right along the Gasterntal glacial valley. (13km, 3hrs or 16km, 7hrs) Day 4: from Adelboden, you ascend steadily to the summit of Sillerenbüel (1,977 metres) before dropping down to the Hahnenmoos Pass, where you are rewarded on a clear day with great views of the Wildstrubel Massif. You then descend towards Lenk across open meadows, enjoying views towards the mighty Gletscherhorn and Weisshorn peaks as well as the Plaine Morte glacier. It is possible to shorten the walk by taking a cable car or bus. (up to 16km, 5.5hrs) Day 5: today's route is another rewarding walk with outstanding and ever-changing scenery. Your walk starts by heading up the wooded Wallbach Gorge, passing a dramatic waterfall. You then gradually ascend across the flanks of the Ronewald to cross the Trüttlisberg Pass at 2,038 metres, where you can often spot chamois and marmots. From here, the route descends through pastureland to the pretty Lauenental Valley. As on the previous day, you can shorten the route by taking advantage of the gondola lift or bus. (up to 16km, 6hrs) Day 6: for a contrast to the tranquil scenery that you have explored during the week, we suggest that on your last day you walk to the chic and bustling resort of Gstaad. The walk, along the Höhi Wispile ridge, also offers the opportunity to look back at the majestic mountains through which you have walked. After strolling through Gstaad, you return to Lauenen on a lower route through the valley or can take the bus. (up to 20km, 6.5hrs) Recommendations for extra nights: Hotel Adler (Adelboden) for relaxation and extra walking (the hotel has a good spa, while the village has tennis courts, bike hire and an ice rink. A circular walk leads up and above the Engstlige Valley to the foot of the river's spectacular waterfalls, returning along an attractive riverside path). Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.
Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. You can also read our website travel diary for a personal account of the holiday. Similar holidays: The High Route (grade 3), Towards the Matterhorn (grades 2 & 3), Villages of the Engadine (grades 2 & 3), The High Dolomites (grades 2 & 3), Lake Oeschinensee & Beyond (7 nights in Kandersteg) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Zurich & Geneva Extra night prices
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Dramatic mountain views 
