Via Alpina Switzerland Hike

Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Meiringen is a charming alpine town surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush green valleys. Best known as the gateway to the spectacular Aare Gorge and the thundering Reichenbach Falls - famously linked to Sherlock Holmes. If time permits, you may wish to catch the Reichenbach Falls funicular and then hike back down or take the Gelmerbahn Mountain Cable car to gain spectacular views and enjoy a beautiful loop walk.

From Meiringen take the bus to Rosenlaui (allow CHF25) to begin your hike. The trail climbs steadily through alpine pastures to the Grosse Scheidegg Pass from where you'll have a magnificent view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. The descent to Grindelwald is long but on well-formed mountain paths, passing through meadows and forest before reaching this lively mountain village at the foot of the Eiger. Grindelwald is known as the 'village of glaciers' due to its location in an amphitheatre of peaks including the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Hiking: approx 14km/8.7mi, +700m/-980m Short Option: Hike to Grosse Scheidegg then by bus to Grindelwald (2.5hrs, 6.5km/4mi, +645m/-55m). There are numerous bus stops are on the way down to Grindelwald and buses run regularly.

Today's trail follows the railway up to the "Kleine Scheidegg“. After a short descent to Grund (943m), continue along a steep forest track ascending to the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m), from where you continue via a sunny trail to the car-free resort town Wengen. You will either stay here or head down a further 45 minutes past the spectacular Trümmelbach-waterfall to Lauterbrunnen (797m), deep in the Loetschinen Valley (or travel by funicular). Hiking: approx 16.5km/10,3mi, 1155m/-915m Shorten: take the funicular to Alpiglen, hike to Wengen (3.5 hours, 11km/6.8mi, +475m/-795m) We recommend taking a rest day here to really appreciate the trails and attractions of the valley around Lauterbrunnen - must be requested at the time of booking.

A stunningly scenic hike today. It's a long route and we recommend taking the short-cut (see below - cable cars, trains not included) to Mürren (at 1655m). The climb from Mürren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Mostly along small paths, there's some scree up to the pass with ropes to help, and your exertions are rewarded with panoramic views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass, which is often covered in snow in summer, it is a steep and impressive descent (with stairs) into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp (1408m) or Pochtenalp for overnight. Hiking: approx +1315m/-1415m, 21.5km/13mi Optional short-cut: (recommended, especially in the event of bad weather): includes a walk or train in the valley from Lauterbrunnen then cable car up to Gütschalp and connecting train to Mürren.

The ascent to the Blüemlisalp Hutt, just above the Hohturli Pass (2778m), is the most spectacular and hardest day of the trip. The trail begins along easy terrain but becomes more eroded, requiring care with your footing. After a long and steep hike up to 2843m you can enjoy an excellent meal and views at the hut on the pass before tackling the scree down. Descending on the glacier moraines, you cross the scree slopes using a series of staircases, as the gradient is very steep (trekking poles recommended). The staircases make the crossing easy, but if you experience vertigo you may have some issues here. The route down to Kandersteg is long but very beautiful. Lake Öschinen is a brilliant blue, in a dramatic setting surrounded by sheer cliffs. Continue to Kandersteg (1180m) on foot, or shorten the hike and descend by cable car. Hiking: approx. 17km/10.5mi, +1450m/-1685m

The ascent to the Blüemlisalp is the most spectacular stage on your hiking tour. After a long and steep hike up to 2843m you may enjoy an excellent meal at the Swiss mountain pasture “Blüemlisalphütte”. From there the trail leads over the “Hohtürli” and glacier moraines down to Lake Öschinen where Kandersteg is only a short walk away. There is an option to take the cable car from Oschinen down the valley. Hiking approx. 13km/8mi +1475m/-1715m If the event of bad weather, there is an alternative hike passing farms and villages, and blue Lake Blausee.

From the pretty village of Adelboden you hike towards the Hahnenmoos pass. Wonderful views to the peak of Wildstrubel guide you down to the Simmental Valley. You will spend your last night in the Bernese Oberland in the lovely town of Lenk, which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls). Hiking: 14km/8.6mi, +700m/-980m