Via Alpina – The Bear Trek

The Bernese Oberland resort of Meiringen is rich in tradition and lies in an idyllic Swiss mountain valley to the south-east of Lake Brienz. You can check into your accommodation before enjoying a coffee and cake in one of the many cafés – Meiringen is considered the birthplace of the meringue.

Meiringen is easily reached by train from Lucerne, Bern or Zurich.

Overnight: Meiringen.

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 980 m | 4½ hrs approx.

You begin this morning by taking with a short bus trip to Rosenlaui, where your first hike starts. You ascend over beautiful moorlands to the Grosse Scheidegg mountain pass (1,962 m). You are rewarded for your efforts with a first glimpse of the Eiger’s north face and the 4,000-metre peaks of the Bernese Oberland. You then descend to Grindelwald in the heart of the Jungfrau region and surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

Overnight: Grindelwald.

Distance: 16.5 km | Ascent: 1,155 m | Descent: 915 m | 5½ hrs approx.

Today’s route begins with an ascent over undulating meadows to the Kleine Scheidegg pass (2061 m). You will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery of rock and ice – with the Eiger Glacier as a backdrop and with the peaks of the Mönch, Jungfraujoch and Jungfrau to your right. The Via Alpina then continues over a sunny high trail to the car-free holiday resort of Wengen, beautifully situated high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Overnight: Wengen.

Distance: 21.5 km | Ascent: 1,315 m | Descent: 1,415 m | 7½ hrs approx.

Begin with a short trip down to Lauterbrunnen, where you can admire the mighty impressive Staubbach Waterfall. From here, a cable car brings you up to the sunny terrace of the Mürren. The trail leads on via Alpine pastures, vantage points such as Bryndli and mountain huts such as the Rotstockhütte to the Sefinenfurgge, the impressive mountain pass into the Kiental Valley. In the early months of summer there is often still snow at the Sefinenfurgge. The views over the valley and Blüemlisalp Mountain will take your breath away. A steep descent takes you down into the Kiental Valley to Griesalp or Pochtenalp.

Overnight: Griesalp/Pochtenalp.

Distance: 17 km | Ascent: 1,450 m | Descent: 1,685 m | 7 hrs approx.

Today you face the king’s stage over the 2778m-high Hohtürli Pass, the highest point on the Via Alpina. This is also the most spectacular and rewarding stage on the Bear Trek.

After a long and step walk up to 2,843 meters you can reward yourself with a sustaining meal at the alpine cabin Blüemlisalphütte. The trail then takes you up over the Hohtürli before a descent to the beautiful lake Öschinensee. This is a truy idyllic site – the deep blue lake is surrounded by 500 m cliffs, glaciers and centuries-old fir trees.

From Öschinensee, you can either continue your descent on foot or take the cable car down to Kandersteg.

Overnight: Kandersteg.

Distance: 11.5 km | Ascent: 835 m | Descent: 1,220 m | 4½ hrs approx.

Begin today by taking the cable car up to Allmenalp, then ascend to the Bunderchrinde Pass at 2382 m. A stunning panoramic view of the surrounding summits is your well-earned reward. A steep rocky path takes you downhill before you reach the beautiful meadows of Vordere Bunder. Continue down into the valley to Adelboden. The village on the foot of Wildstrubel Mountain with its wooden chalets is a popular holiday destination throughout the year.

Overnight: Adelboden.

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 980 m | 4½ hrs approx.

Your final walking day on the Bear Trek will feel quite easy compared to what has gone before. From Adelboden you follow riverside, meadow and woodland paths to the Hahnenmoos Pass (1956 m). Wonderful alpine views accompany you as you descend to the green Simmental Valley, passing many cosy wooden chalets along the way.

Your last night in the Bernese Oberland is spent in Lenk, superbly set in the Hinter Simmental basin, with spectacular waterfalls and the perfect backdrop of the Wildstrubel massif.

Overnight: Lenk.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning unless you have booked any additional services with us. You can take a train from Lenk back to Meiringen or to other destinations in Switzerland.