Epic Trekking Adventure in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland - 14 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy bike rides around colorful towns like Interlaken and Chamonix
• Ride cable cars and trains up to mountain peaks like the Matterhorn
• Explore lush valleys and cascading waterfalls in Switzerland
• Embark on multiday hikes in the Bernese Oberland Alps

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Chamonix (France), "Fat Bike" Ride

Welcome to Switzerland! You'll arrive in Geneva, an attractive lakeside metropolis home to the European offices of the United Nations. However, international diplomacy will have to wait, as from the airport, you'll transfer to the station for the three-hour train ride south into France and the village of Chamonix. This resort area is world-famous for a good reason: it's located in an idyllic valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps (15,781 ft/ 4,810 m).

After checking into your hotel, the fun really starts. That's because you'll meet a guide and transfer outside of town for a ride through the gorgeous Chamonix Valley. Your mode of transport is what's known as a "fat bike"—a souped-up bicycle fitted with durable tires perfect for off-roading. On this memorable two-hour ride, you and your guide will pedal around the base of the Mount Blanc massif, enjoying the Alpine scenery as you go. At the end of the day, you'll return to town.

Day 2: Chamonix Walking Tour, Col des Montets Pass Hike

Regarded as the French capital of Alpine mountaineering, Chamonix has quite a history of outdoor excursions. You'll learn about it on a brisk walking tour of town led by a local guide. Besides the legacy of winter sports and the town's museums, there are plenty of other highlights worth visiting. As you stroll the historic center, which is filled with impressive Alpine architecture, you'll pass famous landmarks like the 19th-century Church of Saint Michel and the charming Jacques Balmat Square.

Later, you'll really give your legs a workout on a 6.5-mile (10 km) hike. First, you'll transfer from Chamonix to the Col des Montets Pass. Also located at the foot of Mont Blanc, it connects the Chamonix Valley in France with the Vallorcine Valley near the border with Switzerland. It's the perfect place for this half-day day hike, as the pass offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley and peaks.

From the start, you'll follow a trail around the mountains to the Cheserys Lakes, known for their glassy, crystalline waters. Continue to another high-mountain mirror lake, Lac Blanc, keeping an eye out for ibexes along the way. Eventually, after passing through high meadows dotted with wildflowers, you'll arrive in the La Flégère region. Board a cable car for the fun ride down to the valley floor and the hamlet of Les Praz. You can then choose to hike back to Chamonix through forest trails or return by public transport, arriving in time to enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant in town.

Day 3: Half-Day Mont Blanc Hike: Montenevers to Chalet Caillet

Another epic half-day hike is in store for you this morning. Leave your hotel and transfer to the station for a ride on a traditional cogwheel mountain train to the Montenevers area of the Mont Blanc massif. Located at 6,230 feet (1,898 m), this scenic region sits above the famous Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), one of the largest glaciers in the Alps.

From there, hike up to Mount Signal Forbes at 7,215 feet (2,199 m) for fabulous views of the Chamonix Aiguilles peaks towering high above. Next, traverse toward the Blatière peak and join the famous Grand Balcon trail with its sweeping vistas before descending to the quaint Chalet Caillet. Reward yourself with an aperitif and a meal amid mountain views. From there, it's a short hike down to your hotel in Chamonix.

Day 4: Train to Zermatt (Switzerland), Spa Day & Matterhorn Fondue Party

Leave early on a three-hour train ride east back into Switzerland and Zermatt. Located in the Pennine Alps, this is yet another idyllic mountain town. Mostly, Zermatt is famous for its views of the nearby Matterhorn peak—an iconic mountain you'll visit later. First, you'll check into your hotel and then transfer to a nearby wellness spa for a bit of pampering. Here, you can enjoy massages and treatments utilizing all-natural products, plus relax in saunas and steam baths.

Now that you're rejuvenated, you'll embark on perhaps the most famous gondola ride in all of Europe: the 40-minute journey up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At 12,740 feet (3,883 m), this is the highest mountain station on the continent. At the summit, there's a viewing platform where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding peaks that are unrivaled anywhere else in the world.

After some time at the summit, board another cable car for a fun activity that few visitors ever experience—a fondue party in your own private gondola. The classic Swiss fondue is a blend of high-quality cheeses, typically Gruyère and Emmental, served with bite-sized cubes of crusty bread. There will be place settings for up to four guests, during which you and your friends/loved ones can enjoy this national delicacy amid incredible views of the Matterhorn. Later, you'll ride a gondola back down to Zermatt.

Day 5: Half-Day Circuit Hike: Zermatt to Zmutt

After breakfast, you'll embark on a half-day hike to the hamlet of Zmutt, home to charming chalets nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn. The guided excursion begins in Zermatt's town center on a route that will take you through the villages of Herbrigg and Hubel. From there, follow a south-facing mountain trail across the valley toward the north face of the Matterhorn. Then, it's a short descent into Zmutt, one of the region's most attractive towns. 

Upon arrival, you'll break for lunch, then return to Zermatt on a loop trail. Along the way, you'll stop at Zum See, another colorful Swiss village. In each of these towns you visit, you'll see raccards—traditional wooden structures used for grain storage (you'll definitely want to take plenty of photos). Continue on to Zermatt, arriving in time for dinner. 

Day 6: Full-Day Europaweg Trail Hike

You're in for a treat this morning, as you'll spend the day hiking the famous Europaweg Trail. One of the most famous long-distance treks in the Alps, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, including the Matterhorn. Traditionally, this is a multiday hike, but you'll be traveling on one portion of the route, which you can finish in a day.

It starts with crossing the world's longest pedestrian suspension footbridge (1,620 ft/ 494 m). Once across the bridge, the trail continues with short climbs and descents as it contours along the mountainside. At a trail junction just above the village of Täsch, you can descend into town and take the train back to Zermatt. Or, if you'd like to continue, stay on the trail and continue on to other mountain villages. At the end of the trek, you'll return to Zermatt.

Day 7: Train to Interlaken, E-Bike Tour

Say goodbye to Zermatt this morning as you board a train for the 2.5-hour ride north to Interlaken. Located in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland region between two turquoise lakes (Thun and Brienz), this picture-postcard town offers a breathtaking backdrop with the towering peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel.

Then, head out and explore in and around town on a three-hour e-bike tour. Meet your guide and group in the town center, then set off to the medieval village of Unterseen. From there, you'll ride along the shores of turquoise Lake Thun, passing charming cottages and historic manor homes. Follow the route back around, traveling to postcard villages and countryside areas around Lake Brienz, like Wilderswil and Bönigen. Eventually, you'll return to Interlaken and will have the rest of the day free.

Day 8: Multiday Bernese Oberland Hike: Schynige Platte to Mount Faulhorn

Prepare yourself for a multiday trek you won't soon forget. The adventure begins early with a ride in a Swiss cogwheel train from Interlaken to the Schynige Platte station. This mountain ridge sits at 6,496 feet (1,980 m) and offers unrivaled views of the surrounding peaks.

From the station, set off on the day's hike. The first leg of the trek from Schynige Platte is a bit of a warm-up, as it's an easy ascent up to a mountain hut at 7,690 feet (2,344 m). Then, push onward up to the summit of Mount Faulhorn at 8,795 feet (2,681 m). The total hiking time is about 2-3 hours, at the end of which you'll reach the Berghaus Faulhorn mountain hut, where you'll overnight. 

Day 9: Multiday Bernese Oberland Hike: Mount Faulhorn to Grindelwald & Alpiglen

Today's hike is a bit more strenuous as it follows a route that takes 5-6 hours to complete. Luckily, every mile is packed with dazzling Bernese Oberland scenery. The journey kicks off in the morning with a hike down to the glassy waters of Bach Lake at 7,434 feet (2,266 m). Take a moment to relax on the lakeshore amid views of surrounding mountain peaks that tower over 13,000 feet (4,000 m).

Then, break up the hiking with a gondola ride down to Grindelwald. This village is renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain scenery, including some of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, like Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. While here, you can take a stroll around town. Later, continue on foot or by cog train up to Berghaus Alpiglen. This mountain inn sits at the foot of the Eiger's north face. You'll spend the night in one of the inn's private rooms or dormitories.

Day 10: Multiday Bernese Oberland Hike: Alpiglen to Wengen, Train to Jungfraujoch

Today's journey is a highlight of the trip, as you'll hike along the famous Eiger Trail. It's a four-hour route that will take you along high ridges to Kleine Scheidegg, a mountain pass at 6,762 feet (2,061 m). All along the trail, you'll enjoy more memorable views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Once at Kleine Scheidegg (6,758 ft/ 2060 m), hop aboard a cogwheel train to get up to the Jungfraujoch region of the Swiss Alps. Known as the "Top of Europe," this high mountain pass in the Bernese Alps sits at an elevation of 11,371 feet (3,466 m). From the station, there are great views of Eiger's north face, but for really great vistas, head to the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory. Here, you can look out to the Aletsch Glacier (the longest glacier in the Alps), a vast ice flow laid out like an enormous freeway running between mountain peaks. 

Afterward, you'll ride the cable car back down and continue on foot. The rest of the trail descends through fertile Alpine meadows to the idyllic hamlet of Wengen (4,180 ft/ 1,274 m), located high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Here, you'll check into the inn, where you'll overnight. Feel free to head out and explore the town on foot amid total peace and tranquility—Wengen is car-free.

Day 11: Multiday Bernese Oberland Hike: Wengen to Mürren & Lauterbrunnen Valley

Leave the inn after breakfast on a three-hour hike down through Alpine meadows to the perfectly U-shaped valley of Lauterbrunnen. From here, ride a cable car and train to the car-free mountain town of Mürren. All around are green pastures and mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. Upon arrival, you'll check into the hotel, where you'll overnight.

If you like, enjoy an optional cable car ride to the Schilthorn peak, which was featured in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." At the top is a revolving restaurant and viewing platform. Later, return to Mürren.

Day 12: Train to Interlaken, Kayaking on Lake Brienz

Congratulations—you've completed one of the most scenic multiday hikes in the Alps. Leave your hotel in the morning and board a train for the one-hour ride back to Interlaken. After checking into your hotel, enjoy another fun outdoor activity with a three-hour kayak ride on Lake Brienz.

During this leisurely excursion, you'll paddle across Brienz's glassy turquoise waters and enjoy views of the surrounding Alpine summits. It's a group ride during which you'll travel along waterfront cliffs, stop at hidden beaches, and visit castles dating to the 12th century. At the end of the ride, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Interlaken. 

Day 13: E-Bike Tour of Lauterbrunnen Valley & Waterfalls

The adventure continues this morning with a bike ride along scenic forest paths to the storybook village of Lauterbrunnen. This entire region is part of a UNESCO-listed scenic area known as the "Valley of the 72 Waterfalls." It's filled with natural wonders, many of which you'll see on this full-day excursion. Highlights include riding through lush coniferous forests and along the Lütschine glacial river.

Also, you can bet there will be stops to marvel at the region's famous cascades. One break includes a short hike to the dazzling Staubbach Falls, which plunge 974 feet (297 m) over a cliff face near a village. You'll also visit the otherworldly Trümmelbach Falls—a network of glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain. Lunch will be a Swiss picnic comprised of a selection of sausages and cheeses from the region. At the end of the day, you'll cycle back to Interlaken.

Day 14: Depart Interlaken

You've packed a lot of Alpine adventures into your two-week holiday, and now it's time to bid Switzerland adieu. In the morning, you'll transfer to the station in Interlaken and then back to an international airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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