Jonathan Williams

The Bernese Oberland lies at the heart of the Swiss Alps, home to some of the most iconic mountain scenery in Europe. Towering above deep glacial valleys and turquoise lakes are legendary peaks such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, backed by higher summits including the Finsteraarhorn and Schreckhorn. Well-engineered mountain paths cross high passes, circle glacier-clad massifs and link welcoming huts and traditional alpine villages, making this region one of the finest trekking destinations in the Alps. This guidebook brings together five outstanding multi-day treks in the Bernese Oberland, offering over a month of walking in total. Routes range from classic circuits beneath the great north faces to quieter western ranges and remote high passes. Accommodation options are plentiful, from remote hütten and characterful mountain inns to small valley hotels, while Switzerland’s excellent network of trains, buses and cable cars makes access straightforward. Most treks are achievable in under a week, though they can be combined or adapted to suit longer adventures. The Treks: Tour of the Jungfrau Region (TJR) – 119km, 9 stages, ±8250m – A classic hut-to-hut circuit around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Mürren beneath the mighty Jungfrau massif. Starting and finishing in Grindelwald, under the Wetterhorn and Eiger, this varied route offers superb mountain views, flexible stage options and plentiful accommodation. The Bärentrek (Via Alpina, National Route 1) – 82km, 5 stages, +6120m / -5550m – The central section of Switzerland’s Via Alpina, linking Meiringen to Kandersteg beneath the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Long but straightforward early stages lead to more challenging crossings of the Sefinenfurgga and Hohtürli passes. A tough and rewarding high-level traverse. Via Berna (Alpine Section) – 122km, 9 stages, +8280m / -6920m – A linear trek from lakeside Spiez to the remote Sustenpass, using sections of the Via Alpina and sharing stages with the TJR. This mountain-focused section explores the Oberland from Lake Thun through Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Meiringen. Tour of the Wildstrubel – 127km, 6 stages, ±7500m – A circuit of the glaciated Wildstrubel massif from Kandersteg via Adelboden and Lenk, crossing the Rawilpass into Valais. Return options include the Gemmipass or the quieter Lötschental and Lötschenpass. Tour of the Wildhorn – 61km, 4 stages, ±4550m – A shorter but wild trek in the western Bernese Alps, beginning at Iffigenalp near Lenk. Crossing high terrain towards the Diablerets and into Valais, this compact route includes a pass at nearly 2900m. Across all five routes, trekkers encounter classic high passes such as the Hohtürli, Sefinenfurgga and Grosse Scheidegg; tranquil valleys including the upper Lauterbrunnen, Kiental and Kandertal; and beautiful alpine lakes such as Oeschinensee and Bachsee. The trekking season typically runs from mid-June to late September, with September often offering stable weather and quieter trails, though some accommodation closes at the end of the month. This guidebook includes: Full stage-by-stage route descriptions for all five Bernese Oberland treks, with clear daily distances, ascent and descent figures, route highlights and practical notes to help you plan realistic itinerariesDetailed mapping and route guidance, enabling confident navigation across high passes, mountain trails and valley approaches, with options for shortening, extending or linking stagesComprehensive accommodation listings for huts, mountain inns and valley hotels, including booking advice and guidance on planning overnight stops during the busy summer seasonExtensive planning information covering transport and access, including Switzerland’s integrated rail, bus and cable-car network, discount travel passes and advice on reaching start and finish pointsSeasonal and safety advice for trekking in the Berne

Discover the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), one of the world's most renowned long-distance hiking trails. Traverse a diverse tapestry of landscapes, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, rugged peaks, and picturesque mountain villages. This multi-day circular route covers 170 km (105 miles), beginning and ending in Les Houches, guiding you past welcoming refuges, sparkling streams, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Perfect for fit walkers who have some long-distance hiking experience, this comprehensive guidebook divides the Tour du Mont Blanc into 11 manageable daily stages. Follow the journey as it winds through the enchanting alpine villages of Les Houches and Les Contamines, as well as the picturesque Italian town of Courmayeur. Along the way, experience a harmonious blend of spectacular mountain views, genuine hospitality, and memorable cultural encounters. The Tour du Mont Blanc is described in both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, allowing you to tailor your journey from Les Houches through key locations such as Les Contamines and Courmayeur, to accommodate your transport, accommodation, or preferred mountain conditions. Clear, step-by-step directions guide you around the full TMB circuit, with 1:100,000 IGN planning maps and downloadable GPX files to help you navigate between iconic villages and mountain passes, including Les Houches, Les Contamines, and Courmayeur. Each stage includes detailed, stage-by-stage route descriptions and suggested itineraries for completing the Tour du Mont Blanc in 9, 7, or 5 days, with daily start and finish points in villages such as Les Houches, Les Contamines, and Courmayeur. For every stage: start/finish points, distance, estimated walking time, elevation profiles, terrain summaries, refreshment stops, and accommodation options in villages including Les Houches, Les Contamines, and Courmayeur. Stage facilities planner helps you estimate distances to the next refreshments, accommodations, and notable high points, with details for popular stopping points across the route such as Les Houches, Courmayeur, and Les Contamines. Refreshment stops and accommodation options are highlighted for each stage, with special notes on trail-side facilities in Les Houches, Courmayeur, and Les Contamines, essential hubs for walkers along the circuit. A pocket-sized map booklet (available separately) with detailed 1:25,000 IGN maps ensures confident navigation through every stage, from Les Houches to Courmayeur and beyond. Plan your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure with confidence and experience one of the world’s greatest long-distance walks with this definitive guidebook.

Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, where the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower above glistening lakes, deep valleys, and vibrant alpine meadows. Highlights include classic panorama trails, ascents to accessible summits, and visits to alpine lakes and huts, all offering unforgettable views of the Wetterhorn, Schynige Platte, Bachsee, and the cascading waterfalls plunging into the Lauterbrunnen valley. Ideal for fit walkers accustomed to days out in the hills, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 50 exceptional day walks through Grindelwald, Wengen, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and Mürren in the Bernese Oberland. Each route reveals the chocolate-box beauty and dramatic scenery at the heart of the Swiss Alps. Walks are graded by difficulty, making it easy to find the perfect adventure for your experience and ambitions. Many routes take advantage of the region’s extensive network of buses, mountain trains, and cable cars, offering easy access to high-altitude trails and breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. Explore celebrated Bernese Oberland destinations, including Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and through routes from Meiringen to Griesalp, each a gateway to unforgettable mountain days. Routes range from gentle 5km (3-mile) strolls to challenging 23km (14-mile) treks, with walking times from 1 to 10 hours. The Bernese Oberland is best enjoyed between early June and mid-October, as lower and mid-altitude walks become accessible when the snows melt and wildflowers bloom. Features 1:50,000 maps and downloadable GPX tracks for every walk in the Bernese Oberland, ensuring straightforward navigation and clear route-finding, even in the high Alps. Each route description includes an at-a-glance information box with distance, ascent and descent, estimated time, grade, start and finish points, public transport access, and main refreshment opportunities, perfect for planning your days in the Alps. Practical advice covers everything you need for your Bernese Oberland trek: essential equipment, preparation, travel, discount cards and passes, mountain safety, accommodation, mountain huts, berghotels, and refreshment stops, so your time in the Jungfrau region is enjoyable and worry-free. Features summary tables for quick route comparison, including highlights, distance (km), ascent (m), descent (m), grade (1–4), and time (hr/min), making it easy to evaluate and plan your Bernese Oberland walks at a glance. Walks are graded into three levels: easy hiking trails (yellow), mountain hiking trails (red-and-white), and alpine routes (blue-and-white), so you can choose your Bernese Oberland walk, from relaxed balcony walks and lakeside rambles to exposed mountain traverses and summit ascents. Plan your adventure in the Bernese Oberland with the definitive Cicerone guidebook and discover a region of limitless variety, where every trail leads to a new wonder and the spirit of Swiss mountain adventure awaits.