Trip code: W07BW 4 (1 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 4
Challenging
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Due to the popularity of the Bernese Highlights West, we recommend you book well in advance of travel. Please do call for further advice.
Walking high in the mountains on the Bernese Highlights West offers a more challenging route than the Bernese Highlights East. Amazing views are the reward for your efforts and at every turn in the way you will be greeted by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery to be found in Switzerland - if not the whole of Europe. However, if you wish to opt out of any day's walk or should inclement weather descend, it is possible to travel between all overnight stops by public transport.
Starting in perhaps the most beautiful village in the Bernese Oberland, perched high up above the Lauterbrunnen Valley is Murren. Above Murren rises the great peak of the Schilthorn, with its revolving restaurant made famous by James Bond. Walk up and over the high pass of Sefinenfurgge and continue to the remote valley of Griesalp, set against the backdrop of the Bluemlisalp massif. Continue through the Hohturli pass where views are utterly magnificent! Get up close to a number of glaciers in addition to the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinensee in its stunning setting above Kandersteg. Set within the beautiful Kander valley, Kandersteg is home to an extraordinary amount of diverse Alpine flowers. Follow stunning mountain paths with incredible panoramic views before descending into the mountain village of Adelboden for the night. Another mountain pass awaits you as you head over to Lenk across scenic alpine meadows. Finally, you cross Trutlisbergpass, then down the valley to Gstaad, which despite being known for its prestige has remained truly Alpine.
It is a good idea to add an extra day or two in Murren before starting your Bernese Highlights walk to get used to walking at high altitudes.
You stay at Hotel Edelweiss.
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Boasting the best views of the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Oberland, Hotel Edelweiss offers a charming mix of cosy rooms together with a modern ambience. Since 1991 Mr & Mrs Kuster-von Allmen have welcomed guests from all over the world to enjoy the car-free village of Murren. Hotel guests have complimentary admission to the Alpine Sports Centre, just a few minutes walk away with swimming pool and whirlpool.
You begin with a steady ascent from Murren to Rotstockhutte. Enjoy a healthy lunch in this marvellous setting, before you climb the high pass of Sefinenfurgge which becomes quite steep towards the end. Descend on a scree section, dotted with wooden steps as you enter the attractive valley of Griesalp.
You stay at Hotel Berghaus.
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A small oasis in the middle of the summits of the Bernese Oberland. The Griesalp Hotels offer excellent accommodation with wonderful panoramic views. Relax in the in-house sauna and enjoy regional specialities in the excellent restaurant Berghaus.
Another challenging but unforgettable day! Be prepared for an almost unrelenting ascent to reach Hohturli pass at 1,370m. Weather conditions permitting, the views are utterly magnificent! The descent is both long and steep in places, affording close up views of a number of glaciers in addition to the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinensee in its stunning setting above Kandersteg. From Oeschinensee a cable car operates to Kandersteg eliminating the final descent of approx. 1mile.
You stay at Hotel Blümlisalp.
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This charming family run hotel awaits you in Kandersteg. With just 20 rooms, some are located in the main building and some in the newly renovated, nearby chalet. Guests can enjoy local cuisine at their a la carte restaurant.
A free day if you wish with time relaxing in the hotel or just wandering around this delightful village.
You stay at Hotel Blümlisalp.
VisaWiFiTVTea/coffee
This charming family run hotel awaits you in Kandersteg. With just 20 rooms, some are located in the main building and some in the newly renovated, nearby chalet. Guests can enjoy local cuisine at their a la carte restaurant.
Not as tough as the previous days, as we suggest you use the Allmenalp cable car and then walk towards Bunderchrinde. Afterwards, you descend down to the valley, before one last ascent takes you up to the charming village of Adelboden.
You stay at Hotel Adler.
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Hotel Adler in Adelboden is one of the best hotels in town. It offers an excellent restaurant, a small spa-area and rooms with nice views on the adjacent mountain peaks. Built in the traditional chalet-style of the Bernese Oberland, Hotel Adler is centrally located and a good starting point for the coming hiking days.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Your walk today is a less dramatic ascent, much of it alongside pretty streams in woodland and then out onto the beautifully groomed pastures of upland Switzerland. The scenery is less rugged though there are still snow-capped peaks in view - you cross from one valley to another on easier paths mainly among scenic alpine meadows.
You stay at Hotel Kreuz.
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Centrally located, this chalet-style hotel offers newly renovated rooms. The hotel has a small spa area with pool and sauna and an excellent restaurant serving specialities from the Bernese Oberland.
Your climb out of Lenk today takes you above the Wallbach valley in a SW direction towards the Truttlisbergpass. Once you are clear of the forest the views grow increasingly stunning and you can see yesterday's walk behind you. You cross from Lenk over the Trutlisbergpass to Lauenen, then down the valley to Gstaad with superb views on both sides of the pass and a short gorge walk to add further dimension to the day. The valley descent (3 miles) can be avoided by catching the bus at Lauenen to Gstaad.
You stay at Hotel Alphorn.
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Hotel Alphorn is located roughly 5 – 10 minutes from the lively city centre of Gstaad. The hotel offers newly renovated rooms, a restaurant and a small spa-area. The perfect spot to relax after a long day walking.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Say fond farewells to Switzerland as you depart on the train.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £291.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Twin-bedded rooms in Swiss resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as 'Austrian Twins' and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Zurich airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 4
Challenging
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
