How To Explore the Best Bernese Oberland Hikes (Complete Guide)

The Bernese Oberland is home to some of Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine hiking trails, where emerald valleys meet towering peaks and glaciers stretch toward the sky.

The Bernese Oberland region encompasses dramatic mountain landscapes dominated by the iconic trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. These peaks rise dramatically from lush alpine meadows, creating a playground for hikers of all abilities.

This stunning region in the heart of the Swiss Alps has been captivating visitors for centuries. From flower-filled valleys to dramatic cliff-top trails, the Bernese Oberland offers hiking experiences that rank among the world’s finest.

The hikes here wind through traditional Swiss villages, traverse high alpine passes, and offer breathtaking views of some of Europe’s most impressive glaciers and peaks.

Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter spectacular waterfalls, pristine mountain lakes, and panoramic viewpoints that have made this region legendary among hikers worldwide.

The region is also home to numerous mountain restaurants and huts where you can refuel with traditional Swiss cuisine while soaking in the extraordinary mountain scenery.

The trails vary from easy valley walks to challenging high-altitude routes. You’ll need to choose based on your fitness level and experience, as some paths involve significant elevation gain and exposed sections.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ve covered everything you need to know about hiking in the Bernese Oberland, including the best trails, how to get there, practical tips, and detailed route information.

TOP BERNESE OBERLAND HIKES OVERVIEW

Most Popular Trails:

• Schynige Platte to First: 15 km / 9.3 miles – 6 hours – Difficult
• Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles – 1.5 hours – Easy
• Hardergrat Ridge: 10 km / 6.2 miles – 5 hours – Very Difficult
• Oeschinen Lake Loop: 7 km / 4.3 miles – 2.5 hours – Moderate
• Grindelwald to Bachalpsee: 12 km / 7.5 miles – 4 hours – Moderate

I absolutely love the variety in the Bernese Oberland. Whether you’re looking for a gentle family walk with stunning views or a challenging ridge traverse, this region delivers.

The hiking season runs from late June through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather and all facilities open.

CLASSIC ROUTE: MÄNNLICHEN TO KLEINE SCHEIDEGG

Route Details

• Start: Männlichen (cable car station)
• Finish: Kleine Scheidegg (railway station)
• Distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Elevation gain: 120 meters ascent, 280 meters descent
• Difficulty: Easy

This is arguably the most famous easy hike in the Bernese Oberland, and for good reason. The trail offers unobstructed views of the Eiger North Face throughout the entire walk.

The hike begins at Männlichen, which you reach via cable car from either Grindelwald or Wengen. From the top station at 2,227 meters, you’re immediately greeted by panoramic mountain views.

The wide, well-maintained trail undulates gently along the mountainside, passing through alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers in summer. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau dominate the skyline throughout.

I’ve walked this trail multiple times, and it never gets old. Even on busy summer days, the sheer magnificence of the setting makes it worthwhile.

The path descends gradually to Kleine Scheidegg, a mountain pass and railway junction where you can catch the train back to Grindelwald or Wengen, or continue up to the Jungfraujoch.

We rated this as easy because the path is wide, well-marked, and suitable for most fitness levels. However, it’s still a mountain trail at altitude, so take your time and bring appropriate clothing.

I recommend taking about 2-3 hours in total to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and perhaps stop for refreshments at one of the mountain restaurants along the way.

CHALLENGING ROUTE: HARDERGRAT RIDGE

Route Details

• Start / Finish: Harder Kulm (funicular from Interlaken)
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (one way to Brienz)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation gain: 800 meters ascent, 1,600 meters descent
• Difficulty: Very Difficult (exposed sections)

The Hardergrat is one of Switzerland’s most thrilling ridge walks, featuring knife-edge sections with dramatic drops on both sides.

This spectacular traverse begins at Harder Kulm above Interlaken and follows a narrow ridge eastward to Brienz. The views stretch from Lake Thun and Lake Brienz to the high peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

The trail involves scrambling over rocky sections, negotiating narrow ridge paths, and managing significant exposure. Fixed cables and chains assist in the most challenging sections, but you need a head for heights.

I hiked this in late July during perfect conditions. Even then, the exposure was significant, and I was grateful for the calm weather. This is not a trail to attempt if you’re uncomfortable with heights or in poor weather.

The first section from Harder Kulm to Augstmatthorn involves the most technical scrambling. The ridge then continues with ups and downs, passing several summits before the long descent to Brienz.

We rated this as very difficult due to the exposure, scrambling sections, length, and significant elevation changes. You absolutely need good hiking boots with excellent grip, and I wouldn’t attempt it without prior mountain hiking experience.

The route took us about 6 hours of actual hiking, but we spent nearly 8 hours total with breaks and photo stops. The views from the ridge are absolutely phenomenal.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHT: BACHALPSEE FROM FIRST

Route Details

• Start / Finish: First (cable car station)
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles (round trip)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation gain: 160 meters
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The hike to Bachalpsee is one of the most photographed trails in Switzerland, famous for its mirror-like alpine lake reflecting the surrounding peaks.

Starting from First, reached by cable car from Grindelwald, the wide trail climbs gently through alpine meadows with the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn dominating the skyline.

The path is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for families, though the altitude (around 2,300 meters) means you should take it easy if you’re not acclimatized.

After about an hour of steady walking, you’ll reach Bachalpsee, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by cotton grass and wildflowers. On calm mornings, the water perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks.

I visited in early August when the wildflowers were at their peak. Arriving early morning meant fewer crowds and glassy water for photography – absolutely magical.

The trail continues beyond Bachalpsee to Faulhorn for those wanting a longer hike, but most people return from the lake via the same route.

We spent about 3 hours total including time at the lake for lunch and photos. Bring a swimsuit if you’re brave – the water is freezing but refreshing after the climb!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY OPTION: OESCHINEN LAKE

Route Details

• Start / Finish: Oeschinensee gondola station
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles (lake loop)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Elevation gain: Minimal (if taking gondola)
• Difficulty: Easy

Oeschinen Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Switzerland, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.

You can reach the lake by taking the gondola from Kandersteg and then walking 20 minutes downhill, or hiking up from the valley (about 1.5 hours, moderate difficulty).

The trail around the lake is relatively flat and suitable for families with children. The turquoise waters, dramatic cliff faces, and cascading waterfalls create an unforgettable setting.

Several restaurants near the lake serve traditional Swiss food, and you can rent rowboats to explore the lake from the water.

I particularly loved walking to the western end of the lake for quieter spots and stunning views back toward the main basin. In summer, the brave can swim in the chilly mountain water.

The loop around the lake took us about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, but we spent an entire afternoon here enjoying lunch, swimming, and simply soaking in the scenery.

This is perfect for a relaxed day in the mountains without challenging terrain, making it ideal for families or those wanting spectacular scenery without difficult hiking.

BERNESE OBERLAND HIKING MAP

The Bernese Oberland covers a large area, and trails connect numerous villages and mountain stations. Key hiking centers include:

• Grindelwald: Access to First, Männlichen, and trails toward the Eiger
• Lauterbrunnen: Gateway to Mürren, Gimmelwald, and waterfall hikes
• Wengen: Car-free village with access to Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg
• Kandersteg: Base for Oeschinen Lake and passes south

For physical maps, I recommend:

• Kompass 1:50,000 Map 85: Interlaken – Thunersee
• Swiss Topo 1:50,000: Sheet 254T – Interlaken
• Kümmerly+Frey: Jungfrau Region

For digital navigation, the Swiss Mobility App is excellent and shows all official hiking trails. Alternatively, Maps.me works offline with downloaded maps of the region.

GETTING TO THE BERNESE OBERLAND

The Bernese Oberland is easily accessible by train from major Swiss cities, and the excellent public transportation network makes car-free travel convenient.

BY TRAIN

Interlaken is the main hub, with regular trains from:

• Bern: 1 hour
• Zurich: 2-2.5 hours
• Lucerne: 2 hours
• Geneva: 3 hours

From Interlaken, local trains and mountain railways reach Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and other hiking bases.

The Swiss Travel Pass includes most trains, buses, and boats, plus discounts on mountain railways. I highly recommend it if you’re planning multiple days of exploring.

BY CAR

If driving, Interlaken is about 1 hour from Bern, 1.5 hours from Lucerne, and 2.5 hours from Zurich.

Note that several villages (Wengen, Mürren, Gimmelwald) are car-free. You’ll need to park in valley stations and take cable cars or trains.

Parking can be expensive and limited in summer. I often find it easier to rely on public transport, which is frequent and reliable.

MOUNTAIN TRANSPORT

Cable cars and mountain railways are essential for accessing trailheads:

• Grindelwald – First: CHF 35 return (summer 2024)
• Grindelwald/Wengen – Männlichen: CHF 35-40 return
• Interlaken – Harder Kulm: CHF 32 return
• Kandersteg – Oeschinensee: CHF 20 return

These prices are approximate and vary by season. Half-price with Swiss Travel Pass.

HIKING SEASON AND WEATHER

Best Time to Hike

The optimal hiking season in the Bernese Oberland runs from late June to mid-September.

• Late June – Early July: Snow melting from high passes, wildflowers beginning, fewer crowds
• Mid-July – August: Peak season, all trails open, warmest weather, busiest period
• September: Fewer crowds, stable weather, autumn colors, some facilities closing

I’ve hiked here in July and September. July offers guaranteed snow-free trails and all facilities open, but expect crowds on popular routes. September provides stunning fall colors with more solitude, though weather can be less predictable.

Weather Considerations

Mountain weather changes rapidly. Even in summer, temperatures at altitude can drop significantly, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.

I always check the Swiss MeteoSwiss forecast before hiking and carry extra layers regardless of morning conditions.

Snow can occur at high elevations even in summer. Check trail conditions with local tourist offices or mountain railway staff before setting out on high-altitude routes.

The famous föhn wind can bring warm temperatures and clear visibility, but also instability. Local knowledge is valuable for timing your hikes.

MOUNTAIN RESTAURANTS AND HUTS

One of the joys of hiking in the Bernese Oberland is the abundance of mountain restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine.

Top Mountain Restaurants

RESTAURANT PANORAMA – MÄNNLICHEN Perched at the top of the Männlichen cable car with spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Perfect for lunch before or after the hike to Kleine Scheidegg. They serve excellent rösti and alpine cheese specialties.

BERGRESTAURANT FIRST At the First cable car station, this busy restaurant offers both sit-down dining and a self-service section. The terrace views are phenomenal, though it gets crowded in summer. I recommend arriving early or late to avoid peak lunch hours.

RESTAURANT KLEINE SCHEIDEGG Multiple restaurants at this historic mountain pass junction. The Hotel Bellevue has the best views directly facing the Eiger North Face. Prices are higher here due to the location, but the setting is unbeatable.

GASTHAUS OESCHINENSEE Right on the shores of Oeschinen Lake with a large sunny terrace. The setting is magical, and the food is hearty traditional Swiss fare. Try their homemade cakes with afternoon coffee.

Most mountain restaurants open from mid-June to mid-September, typically serving lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Many also offer breakfast and afternoon refreshments.

WHAT TO PACK FOR BERNESE OBERLAND HIKES

Essential Gear

Hiking Boots: Proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential, especially for longer or more technical trails. I use something similar to Salomon Quest 4D GTX for challenging routes.

Hiking Poles: These make a huge difference on steep descents and uneven terrain. I use Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles and wouldn’t hike without them now.

Layered Clothing: Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring:

• Base layer (merino wool is ideal)
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or light down)
• Waterproof/windproof shell jacket
• Hiking pants (quick-dry material)
• Warm hat and gloves (yes, even in summer for high-altitude trails)

Rain Gear: A quality waterproof jacket is non-negotiable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Alps. I use a Arc’teryx Beta AR jacket.

Sun Protection: The sun is intense at altitude. Bring:

• High SPF sunscreen (I reapply every 2 hours)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Brimmed hat or cap

Hydration: Carry at least 2 liters of water for longer hikes. I use a Osprey Hydration Pack, which makes drinking on the move much easier.

Navigation: While trails are well-marked, bring:

• Physical map (Swiss Topo or Kompass)
• Smartphone with downloaded offline maps
• Fully charged power bank

First Aid Kit: Basic supplies including blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

Snacks: Mountain restaurants exist, but bring energy bars, nuts, or fruit for trail snacking.

Cash: Many mountain restaurants prefer cash (Swiss Francs). ATMs are only in valley towns.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

The Bernese Oberland offers accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to simple mountain huts.

Valley Towns

Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken offer the widest choice of hotels, hostels, and apartments. Staying in valley towns means more dining options and easier access to multiple trailheads.

I’ve stayed in Grindelwald several times – it’s perfectly positioned for early morning cable car access.

Mountain Villages

Wengen, Mürren, and Gimmelwald are car-free villages perched on the mountainside. Accommodation is pricier but the atmosphere is special, and you’re already at elevation for hiking.

Wengen has more facilities; Mürren offers spectacular views; Gimmelwald is tiny but charming.

Mountain Huts

Several SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) huts in the region offer overnight stays for multi-day treks. Book well in advance in summer – these fill up quickly.

I haven’t stayed in huts here yet, but it’s on my list for a multi-day traverse.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Mountain hiking requires respect for the environment and awareness of risks.

Key Safety Tips

• Check weather forecasts and don’t hesitate to turn back if conditions deteriorate
• Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and have plenty of daylight
• Tell someone your plans before setting out on longer hikes
• Know your limits – don’t attempt trails beyond your fitness level or experience
• Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost and protect alpine vegetation
• Carry emergency supplies even on short hikes: warm layers, first aid, whistle, headlamp

Emergency Contacts

• Swiss Emergency Number: 112
• Mountain Rescue (REGA): 1414
• Air Rescue: 1415

I always save these numbers in my phone before hiking, though fortunately I’ve never needed them.

Altitude Considerations

Many trails reach 2,500-3,000 meters. If you’re coming from sea level, you might experience mild altitude effects: headache, breathlessness, fatigue.

Take it slow, stay hydrated, and give yourself time to acclimatize. I usually do easier valley hikes my first day before tackling high-altitude routes.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

The Bernese Oberland is a photographer’s paradise, but getting great shots requires some planning.

Best Photo Locations

• Bachalpsee: Early morning for mirror reflections
• Männlichen Trail: Eiger North Face views throughout
• Oeschinen Lake: Western shore for best angles
• Kleine Scheidegg: Sunrise on the peaks is magical

Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and before sunset provides the best light. This often means very early starts via the first cable cars, but it’s worth it for empty trails and perfect light.

Drones: Drone regulations in Switzerland are strict. Check current rules with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Generally, drones are prohibited in nature reserves and near crowds. Always check locally before flying.

I’ve captured my best shots in September when fall colors add extra dimension and afternoon light is warmer than mid-summer.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

After numerous trips to the Bernese Oberland, I’m still captivated every time I return. This region offers something truly special – the combination of dramatic peaks, excellent infrastructure, and diverse trails creates an unmatched hiking destination.

For first-time visitors, I recommend starting with the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg trail for an accessible introduction to the region’s beauty. Then branch out based on your interests and fitness level.

The investment in cable car tickets might seem steep, but the access to spectacular terrain without hours of elevation gain makes it worthwhile. Plus, the Swiss efficiency and maintenance of trails and facilities is impressive.

Whether you’re after challenging ridge scrambles, family-friendly lake walks, or classic alpine panoramas, the Bernese Oberland delivers beyond expectations.

I’m already planning my next visit – there are so many trails I haven’t explored yet. This is a region you can return to repeatedly and still find new adventures.

Safe hiking, and I hope you fall in love with the Bernese Oberland as much as I have!