In the Shadow of the Eiger
A journey across the majestic Berner Oberland.
The Berner Oberland in Switzerland is everything that you could imagine. Towering snowy mountain peaks, glacier carved valleys, beautiful wooden alpine chalets and lush green meadows ringing with cows bells.
We have chosen to follow the Via Alpina, a trans-alpine pass that links the age old footpaths across the Alps. Starting in the small town of Adelboden and finishing at the foot of the impressive North face of the Eiger, this is exceptional hiking in the heart of Switzerland.
July / August / September
Duration: 9 days + 2 optional days
Grade: Challenging – Strenuous
Airport: Geneva
Hiking across the Berner Oberland below the Eiger, Monch & Jungfrau
A combination of remote mountain refuges and comfortable hotels
Private vehicle support provided on request
Days 1 - 2
Starting in the small town of Adelboden in the heart of the Berner Oberland we hike over the Bunderschrinde pass (7845ft) to enjoy impressive views over the Blumisalps and into the Kander Valley. An opportunity to stay in the village of Kandersteg for two nights and explore the beautiful Gasterntal Valley set on the edge of the Jungfrau – Aletsch World Heritage Site, with the peaks of the Balmhorn and Doldenhorn towering above.
Days 3 - 4
From Kandersteg we ascend past the spectacular Oeschinensee Lake before climbing steeply to reach the first off our two most strenuous passes. The Hohturli pass at (9141ft), alongside the Blumlisalp glacier provides a magnificent back drop. We enjoy lunch in the high mountain refuge before descending to the small hamlet of Griesalp. Our second pass the Sefinenfurke (8620ft) is the gateway to the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. We descend taking refreshments in the Rotstockhütte before spending two nights in the unique, car free village of Murren, set high on the mountain side.
Days 5 - 9
Making the most of our rest day in Murren, we utilise the mountain telepherique system to explore the ariel walk ways of the mid station, hiking up to the top station of the Schilthorn (9744ft). This is the setting of the famous ski run in the James Bond movie, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’.
Descending from Murren we stay in the remote mountain hotel of Obersteingberg. Small, charming and with no electricity. From our Inn we descend into the spectacular Lauterbrunnen Valley with over 70 waterfalls, hiking up to the resort town on Wengen before utilising the cog train to arrive at Kleine Scheidegg. A stunning location below the North Face of the Eiger.
Our final grand finale we take the cog train through the middle of the Eiger to arrive at the highest station in Europe, the Jungfrau (11,332ft). In good weather we hike over the Aletsch glacier and enjoy lunch at the high mountain refuge – Monch Hütte.
Days 10 - 11 - Optional days
For those with a little extra time you can extend your trip by 2 days and enjoy the elegant city of Lucerne, exploring the old city wall, small restaurants and cafes, or take a journey across the lake in a restored steam boat and further explore the surrounding mountains of Mt Pilatus, said to have been climber by Queen Victoria in 1867, and Mount Rigi – ‘Queen of the Mountains.’
Need To Know
Accommodation
6 x nights in family run 3 * hotels
1 x night in rustic mountain refuge
2 x nights staying in the elegant hotel below the North Face of the Eiger
2 x optional nights in 4* fabulous Balance Hotel on Lake Lucerne
What’s included
All accommodation
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, drinks on first and last night
Lifts / gondalas /mountain train / telepherique
Private vehicle support can be provided on request.
Guides
We adopt an excellent guiding ratio meaning we can cater for differing levels within the group and offer extra add-ons where appropriate, such as taking in a side peak or giving two different trail choices.
One Guide – 1 – 7 clients
Two Guides – 8 – 14 clients