Self-Guided Alpina Charme Walking and Hiking Tour
Discover Switzerland's most impressive sights on the Via Alpina Beartrek, a unique hiking route that traverses glaciers and spectacular alpine passes. This challenging trek leads past the iconic trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, through breathtaking valleys and canyons to the renowned ski resort of Adelboden-Lenk.
Named for a time when only wild animals could navigate these heights, the trail now offers well-maintained but demanding paths. Cross alpine passes, witness stunning glacial landscapes, and be rewarded with panoramic vistas that showcase the perfect beauty of the Swiss Alps. Each day brings new heights and unforgettable alpine scenery.
Self-Guided
Casual+ hotels
Meiringen
Lenk
challenging
15 km / 9 mi
6
Min. 2, Max. 12
Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Bern Airport (BRN)
Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Bern Airport (BRN)
Highlights
Iconic Alpine Trio: Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau
Experience up-close views of Switzerland's most famous mountain triumvirate as you hike through spectacular alpine terrain with panoramic vistas at every turn.
High Alpine Pass Crossings
Conquer challenging alpine passes including Grosse Scheidegg, Sefinenfurgge, and Hohtürli at 2,843 meters, with rewarding glacier views and pristine mountain landscapes.
Premium Mountain Hotels
Stay in charming 4-star hotels throughout your journey, including historic family-run properties with exceptional cuisine, spa facilities, and stunning mountain views.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | Casual+ Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Meiringen | Hotel Victoria (4-star) | |||
| DAY 2 | Grindelwald | Hotel Kirchbühl (4-star) | B | 15 km / 9 mi | hiking |
| DAY 3 | Wengen | Hotel Regina (4-star) | B | 16 km / 10 mi | hiking |
| DAY 4 | Griesalp | Griesalp Hotels | B | 17 km / 11 mi | hiking |
| DAY 5 | Kandersteg | Victoria Belle Epoque | B | 17 km / 11 mi | hiking |
| DAY 6 | Adelboden | Bellevue & Spa Parkhotel (4-star) | B | 12 km / 7 mi | hiking |
| DAY 7 | Lenk | Hotel Kreuz | B | 14 km / 9 mi | hiking |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Meiringen
Arrive in Meiringen and check into the family-run Hotel Victoria, situated directly in the town center. This classy 4-star hotel provides the perfect base to begin your Beartrek adventure, offering distinguished cuisine to fuel your upcoming alpine journey.
Day 2: Grindelwald
Take the bus up to Rosenlaui and begin your hike to the idyllic Schwarzwaldalp. Continue ascending to Grosse Scheidegg, where an impressive panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau triumvirate awaits. Enjoy a long, scenic descent down to Grindelwald, where you'll stay at Hotel Kirchbühl with its fantastic view of the Eiger north face.
Day 3: Wengen
The trail ascends to Kleine Scheidegg before continuing along a sunny high trail to the car-free holiday resort of Wengen. Follow a small path past the spectacular Trümmelbach waterfall as you descend to Lauterbrunnen. Stay at the elegant Hotel Regina with its enchanting views of the Jungfrau.
Day 4: Griesalp
Take an early morning train to Lauterbrunnen, then continue by cable car and railway to Mürren. In early summer, you'll often encounter snow on the alpine pass Sefinenfurgge. Trek through breathtaking alpine scenery to reach Griesalp, a small oasis in the heart of the Bernese Oberland summits, where you'll enjoy halfboard accommodation.
Day 5: Kandersteg
Experience the most spectacular stage of your hiking tour with the ascent to Blüemlisalp. After a long, steep climb to 2,843 meters, enjoy an excellent meal at the Swiss mountain pasture Blüemlisalphütte. From there, the trail leads over the Hohtürli pass and across glacier moraines down to the stunning Lake Öschinen. Kandersteg is just a short walk away, or you can take the cable car down into the valley.
Day 6: Adelboden
Take the cable car up to Allmenalp and hike to Bunderspitz, where breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks await. Descend into the valley to reach Adelboden, one of the world's most renowned ski resorts, where the luxurious Bellevue Parkhotel & Spa offers creative cuisine and relaxing spa facilities.
Day 7: Lenk
From the well-known village of Adelboden, hike towards Hahnenmoospass. Wonderful alpine views and the majestic peak of Mount Wildstrubel guide you down into the Simmental valley. Arrive in Lenk, where the typical chalet-style Hotel Kreuz provides an ideal endpoint for your Beartrek adventure.
Day 8: Departure
Departure day or extend your stay to explore more of the beautiful Simmental valley and surrounding alpine region.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Additional Inclusions
· Accommodation as mentioned with breakfast · Halfboard on the Griesalp/Pochtenalp · Daily luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg) · Subsidy for arrival by train · Cable car and train ride Lauterbrunnen - Grütschalp - Mürren · Carefully elaborated route description · Digital travel documents incl. navigation app
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival:
The tour begins with arrival in Meiringen, a charming alpine town in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), located approximately 2–2.5 hours away by train. From Zurich Airport, travellers can reach Meiringen via Switzerland’s efficient rail network with connections through Lucerne or Interlaken. Meiringen railway station is conveniently located near the town centre, making it easy to access accommodation and prepare for the start of the Via Alpina hiking adventure.
Departure:
The tour concludes in the picturesque mountain village of Lenk, situated in the Simmental Valley. After completing the final stage of the hike, travellers can depart from Lenk railway station, which offers regular train connections via Zweisimmen to major Swiss cities such as Bern, Interlaken, and Zurich. The nearest international airport for departure is Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 2.5–3 hours away by train, ensuring convenient onward travel for international flights.
Weather
The Via Alpina “Beartrek” Charme tour in the Bernese Alps experiences a typical alpine mountain climate, with the hiking season running from late June to mid-September, when the high mountain passes are generally snow-free and accessible.
During summer, daytime temperatures in the valleys usually range between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), while higher elevations and mountain passes can feel cooler, particularly in the mornings and evenings. July and August usually bring stable weather, clear alpine views, and lush green meadows, making them ideal months for hiking around famous peaks such as Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Even during summer, mountain weather can change quickly, with occasional rain showers and cooler winds at higher altitudes. Early in the season, particularly in late June, some higher passes may still have patches of snow, while September offers crisp air, pleasant temperatures around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), fewer crowds, and beautiful early autumn scenery in the Alps
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Good
July
Best
August
Best
September
Good
October
Offseason
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.
Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear
- Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
- Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
- Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
- Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended on uneven terrain).
- Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
- Headlamp or small flashlight.
- Light gloves and beanie for early mornings or high altitudes.
Clothing
- Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
- Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
- Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
- Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
- Extra socks (preferably synthetic or wool).
Other Necessities
- Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
- Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
- Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.
Pro Tips
- Pack light — you’ll appreciate it on uphill climbs.
- Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
- Keep rain gear easily accessible in your daypack.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a challenging alpine hiking tour requiring surefootedness, good physical condition, and no fear of heights. You'll cross several high alpine passes with significant elevation gain, including a climb to 2,843 meters at Blüemlisalp.
Parts of the tour can be shortened in case of bad weather. In early summer months, there may still be snow on alpine passes like Sefinenfurgge. Your detailed route description will include alternative options.
Yes, daily luggage transfer is included for one piece of luggage per person with a maximum weight of 20 kg.
Arrive by public transport to Meiringen. A subsidy for arrival by train is included in the tour price. The tour ends in Lenk, from where you can depart by public transport.
The cable car and train ride from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp to Mürren on Day 4 is included. The cable car from Kandersteg to Allmenalp on Day 6 is also included. Note that other journeys by post bus, mountain railways, and cable cars are not included.
