The Bernese Oberland is a hiker’s paradise. Alpine trails crisscross their way through the towns, valleys, and the mountain peaks of this gorgeous place. Take your pick from short, easy, family-friendly trails to cliff walks to thrilling trails. Here are 15 of the best hikes to do in the Bernese Oberland.
All of the hikes on this list are located in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. The Jungfrau region is the most popular area of the Bernese Oberland, encompassing the region around Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Mürren. This is the touristy heart of the Bernese Oberland and the area where many visitors spend most of their time.
Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
This list starts with the shorter, easier hikes and continues on with the longer and more challenging efforts.
Blumental Panorama Trail
Distance: 3.2 km (2 miles)
Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Elevation Loss: 300 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Mürren
This is a shorter version of the Northface Trail (mentioned later in this post). From Mürren, ride the Allmendhubel funicular and enjoy the views of Mürren and of the mighty Jungfrau massif. The Blumental Trail winds its way downhill through a scenic valley and past pension Suppenalp, before descending into Mürren.
The trail is well-marked, just follow the pink “Blumental Panorama Trail” signs.
Allmendhubel
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
Length of Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Lauterbrunnen Valley
This isn’t so much of a hike as a scenic walk. On this mostly flat, easy walk through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you are treated to views colorful gardens, towering waterfalls, and the peaks of Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau towering over you.
Along the way, add on detours to Trummelbach Falls and Mürrenbach Fall. End your hike with a visit to the fairytale town of Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach waterfall.
Stechelberg and the Lauterbrunnen Valley | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
Lauterbrunnen Valley (photo taken from Trummelbach Falls)
Bus stop on the main road in Lauterbrunnen Valley
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Starting in Lauterbrunnen, take the bus to Stechelberg. Walk from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen. There is a paved and gravel pedestrian path that runs parallel to the main road through the valley. If you get tired, simply walk to main road to the nearest bus stop and take the bus back to Lauterbrunnen.
Schynige Platte Panorama Trail
Distance: 3 km (1.9 miles)
Length of Time: 1.25 hours
Elevation Gain: 180 meters
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Schynige Platte
Learn More on the Jungfrau website.
This is a relatively easy trail that is done as a loop from Schynige Platte. Schynige Platte is a mountain summit that offers panoramic views over Interlaken, Lake Brienz, and views of the Jungfrau Massif.
This loop trail winds itself around this mountain peak, through an alpine garden, and offers more sweeping views of the area. Schynige Platte is well worth the visit on your trip to the Bernese Oberland, and this short but sweet hike makes the experience even better.
View of Interlaken
Panorama Trail | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
PRO TRAVEL TIP: You have the option to add this hike onto the Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First hike, mentioned later in this post.
Getting Here: Ride the train from Wildersil to Schynige Platte. It’s best to do this first thing in the morning because this is a popular train ride in the Bernese Oberland.
Grütschalp to Mürren
Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain (Grütschalp to Mürren): 200 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Mürren – Grütschalp
The walk from Grütschalp to Mürren is an easy route that offers spectacular views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. This is a paved trail that runs parallel to the railway that connects Grütschalp and Mürren.
This walk can be done in either direction. If you start in Grütschalp, it will be a slightly uphill walk to Mürren (or a downhill walk if you do this Mürren to Grütschalp).
Transportation: A cable car links Grütschalp with Lauterbrunnen. A short, narrow-gauge train connects Grütschalp with Mürren. You can ride the cable car to Grütschalp, hike to Mürren, spend some time in Mürren, and then take the train back to Grütschalp.
Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg on the Panorama Trail
Distance: 4.4 km (2.75 miles)
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Loss: 166 meters (540 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg
The walk from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is one of the best hikes to do in the Jungfrau region. This easy, mostly downhill trail offers spectacular views of both the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the mountain peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
This hike is suitable for all ages and ability levels. It’s perfect for families, travelers with limited time who want to do a short, memorable hike, and those who want jaw-dropping views with minimal effort.
If you only have the time or the desire to do one short, quick hike in the Jungfrau region, this is a good one to consider.
Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
Kleine Scheidegg | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
How to do this Hike: This is a point to point hike. Ride the cable car to Männlichen. Hike to Kleine Scheidegg. From Kleine Scheidegg, ride the train to your next destination (the train goes to Grindelwald and Wengen and from Wengen you can continue to Lauterbrunnen).
Mürren Via Ferrata
Distance: 2.2 km (1.4 miles)
Length of Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Mürren to Gimmelwald
When: June 1 to October 31, weather permitting
The Mürren via ferrata is a 2.2 km journey, part via ferrata and part hiking trail. You’ll cling to a cliff, climb down steep ladders, walk on a tightrope and a suspension bridge, and (with a guide) zip line across a ravine.
If you are looking for a big thrill, this is one of the best hikes to do in the Bernese Oberland.
View from the Mürren via ferrata | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
Kara on the suspension bridge | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Mürren Via Ferrata
Mönchsjochhütte, Jungfraujoch
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) round trip
Length of Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Jungfraujoch
Mönchsjochhütte is an alpine hut located on Jungfraujoch. On a visit to Jungfraujoch, you have the option to hike out to this hut. This was our favorite experience at Jungfraujoch.
To get to Mönchsjochhütte, it is an uphill walk on a well-groomed snow trail. It looks easy in photos, but at this elevation, it’s more challenging than you might expect. Small hills take your breath away. In the summer, as the sun warms up the snow, it can get slushy which makes walking more difficult.
Hiking to Mönchsjochhütte | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
LEARN MORE: Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe…Is It Worth It?
First to Grosse Scheidegg
Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
Length of Time: 2 hours
Elevation Loss: 200 meters (First to Grosse Scheidegg)
Difficulty: Easy
Location: First to Grosse Scheidegg, near Grindelwald
This easy walking trail starts in First and ends at Grosse Scheidegg, a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps. You will walk through rolling meadows and throughout the hike you are treated to wonderful views of the Jungfrau massif.
This hike can be done in either direction.
How to do this hike: To get to First, ride the cable car from Grindelwald. Hike to Grosse Scheidegg. From Grosse Scheidegg, ride the public bus back to Grindelwald. It is an overall downhill walk if you go from First to Grosse Scheidegg.
First Cliff Walk to Bachalpsee
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Length of Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 100 meters
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: First, near Grindelwald
In First, walk the short and somewhat thrilling First Cliff Walk. Then, follow the wide gravel and dirt trail away from First to Bachalpsee, a pretty alpine lake. This is done as an out-and-back hike, so you start and end in First.
This is a relatively easy, family-friendly hike and another very popular hike to do in the Bernese Oberland, so expect big crowds on this trail.
First Cliff Walk | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
Bachalpsee | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
How to do this hike: Ride the cable car from Grindelwald to First. Hike to Bachalpsee and return to First. Kids, and kids at heart, can fly like a bird or zip-line on the First Flyer or First Glider for a quick thrill. Or, ride go-karts downhill on a wide gravel path. The First Cliff Walk is free to visit but you will have to pay to ride the zip-lines and go-karts.
The Eiger Trail
Distance: 7.25 km (4.5 miles) point-to-point
Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours
Elevation Change: 140 meters up, 800 meters down
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Kleine Scheidegg
This point-to-point hike follows the north face of the Eiger mountain. Along the way, you get jaw-dropping views across the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Mürren and also down to Grindelwald.
This was one of our favorite hikes in the region. The views are unbeatable, it is mostly a downhill walk so you don’t have to be super fit to hike this trail, and it can be easily added onto a visit to Jungfraujoch or Kleine Scheidegg.
Eiger Trail | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
Hiking the Eiger Trail | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Eiger Trail
Northface Trail
Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 miles)
Length of Time: 2.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 380 meters (1,250 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Mürren
The Northface Trail in Mürren has a little bit of everything…stunning mountain views, small hamlets and chalets tucked away amidst the mountains, flower-filled alpine meadows, and pastures filled with cows and their musical bells.
This is an easy walking trail that is done as a loop from Mürren. Along the way, you are treated to spectacular views of Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau as well as views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You also have the option to add on Sprutz waterfall.
If you are visiting Switzerland with kids, this is a great hike to put on your list.
Northface Trail | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
View of Mürren from the hike | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
LEARN MORE: How to Hike the Northface Trail
Schilthorn to Mürren
Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
Length of Time: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation Change: 1600 meters
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Location: Schilthorn – Mürren
Schilthorn is one of the highest peaks in the Jungfrau region and it is one of the best places to go for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. From here, you get jaw-dropping views of the Jungfrau massif.
Starting in Schilthorn, you will descend down through the mountains. Along the way, the view over the towns of Mürren and Gimmelwald, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and the Jungfrau massif are truly spectacular.
Due to the gradient, this hike is challenging whether you choose to hike the trail up or down. It’s steep, so it can be killer on your knees, should you choose to hike downhill from Schilthorn to Mürren. Going up is even more difficult, since it is a steep ascent the entire way. You can shorten the hike by starting (or ending) in Birg rather than Schilthorn.
How to do this Hike: Ride the cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn. Enjoy the views from Piz Gloria, have brunch in the revolving restaurant, and visit Bond World. Hike from Schilthorn to Mürren.
Gimmelwald to Tanzbödeli to Obersteinberg to Stechelberg
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1000 meters
Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Gimmelwald – Obersteinberg – Stechelberg
Learn more here.
This is a challenging, long distance hike that will take the better part of the day. The view from Tanzbödeli is one of the best you can have of the Jungfrau region.
Start in the charming village of Gimmelwald, walk through farmland and dense pine forests, before climbing up to the Tanzbödeli meadow. From this meadow, enjoy panoramic views and get a different perspective of the Jungfrau massif.
Continue onto Obersteinberg for more amazing high alpine views. Have lunch or a snack here before hiking to Stechelberg.
Hiking trail outside of Gimmelwald | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
View of Gimmelwald from the trail. Due to time constraints, we had to end this hike early, so only have photos from the first part of the hike.
Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Length of Time: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 860 meters (2820 feet)
Elevation Loss: 690 meters (2260 feet)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Schynige Platte to First
The hike from Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First is a big day hike in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, but what a spectacular day. A scenic ride on a cogwheel train, alpine lakes, rustic mountain huts, snow-covered trails, and some of the best views of Swiss Alps…these are just a few highlights of this thrilling hike.
With views of the Jungfrau massif, Lake Brienz, and numerous alpine lakes, this is often labeled as one of the best day hikes to do in the Jungfrau region.
Trail between Schynige Platte and Faulhorn | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
Hiking to Faulhorn | Best Hikes in the Bernese Oberland
The view from Faulhorn. The header photo for this post was also taken during this hike.
The Hardergrat Trail
Distance: 24 km point-to-point
Length of Time: 10 hours
Elevation Gain: 3000 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Location: Interlaken
Read more here
The Hardergrat Trail is one of the most famous day hikes in Switzerland and some people say that it is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. This is a tough day hike and for part of the way, the trail follows along a very narrow ridge. With drop-offs and brief sections of rock scrambling, this is a dangerous hike and only recommended for those with a high level of physical fitness and lots of hiking experience.
When to Go Hiking in the Bernese Oberland
The best time to go hiking in the Bernese Oberland is from mid-June through October. Much of the area is snow-covered through May, so the trails do not open until June.
If you are planning a trip to Switzerland during the spring months, most of these trails will still be closed.
Our Recommendations
If you are visiting Switzerland with kids (or want to do an easy hike), our top picks are the Northface Trail, Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg on the Panorama Trail, the Blumental Panorama Trail, or the Schynige Platte Panorama Trail.
For relatively easy hikes that offer jaw-dropping views, it’s hard to beat the Eiger Trail and the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg hike.
If you want to leave the crowds behind (and like the day of a full day hike), hike to Tanzbödeli.
For a big thrill, dangle over the Lauterbrunnen Valley on the Mürren via ferrata.
If you want to walk on the snow, visit Jungfraujoch and hike out to Mönchsjochhütte.
For an epic hiking experience, we loved hiking from Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First. On a future trip to Switzerland, hiking the Hardergrat trail will be #1 on our to-do list.
What do you think are the best hikes in the Bernese Oberland? Let us know in the comment section below.
More Places to Go in Switzerland:
MORE GREAT HIKES IN SWITZERLAND: One of our favorite hikes in Switzerland is the trail from Gornergrat to Riffelberg, which is in Zermatt. Another beautiful hike is the Gastlosen Tour near Gruyères.
MORE GREAT HIKES IN EUROPE: From thrilling trails in the Alps to easy walks along the coast, read our article 20 Best Hikes in Europe for some beautiful hiking trails to put on your travel wish list.
SWITZERLAND ITINERARY: If your visit to the Jungfrau region is part of a bigger trip to Switzerland, check out our Switzerland Itinerary, which has suggestions on what to do if you have 7 days, 14 days, or even longer.
JUNGFRAU REGION: If you are planning a trip to the Jungfrau region, check out our Guide to the Jungfrau Region, which includes maps and important travel planning information. Learn how to plan your time with our Jungfrau Itinerary.
JUNGFRAUJOCH OR SCHILTHORN: Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn are two high alpine excursions in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. If you only have the time for one, which is better, Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn?
LUGANO: Lugano is located in southern Switzerland. From here, you can visit the fairytale bridge Ponte dei Salti and you can easily day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio.
Read all of our articles about Switzerland in our Switzerland Travel Guide.
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- EUROPE: 10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries
- SLOVAKIA: Hiking the High Tatras Travel: How to Plan Your Visit
- NORWAY: 14 Best Hikes in Norway to Put on Your Bucket List
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Comments 27
Hi Julie, thank you so much for all your inputs for the hikes in the region. I am visiting Switzerland in the end of August 2023 with my husband and will be staying in Lauterbrunnen for 2 days. We planned to do the walk to Stechelberg, cable car to Murren, North Face Trail in Murren, hike to Gimmelwald and back to Lauterbrunnen on the first day. On the second day, we plan to do the Eiger Trail and First with Bachalpsee. Are we being too ambitious or is this do-able? We are open to suggestions 🙂
Author
Hello Sunaina. I don’t think this is too ambitious. You will be very active but you are going to get to see a lot of this area with the hikes you picked out. If you are concerned about how much walking you will do the first day, you could ride the bus between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg both ways to save some steps. But this walk is flat, easy, and very nice but I only think it is worth doing in one direction. Another alternative for that day is to ride the cable car from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald, explore Gimmelwald, cable car to Murren, Northface Trail hike, afternoon meal in Murren with a view of mountains, train to Grutschalp (it’s a very pretty train ride), then cable car to Lauterbrunnen. That way you get to see just a little more of the area. For day 2, I don’t have any recommendations…both of those are good half day experiences that can be combined on the same day. Cheers, Julie
Hi Julie! Your guides have helped us tremendously on various trips. We originally found you when planning our Grand Canyon R2R hike in 2021 and have been coming back ever since! We are traveling with our elderly, arthritic dog now and once he’s tired from walking, we have a buggy to push him in. I’m curious if you think any of these hikes are “stroller friendly” (big tires, comfortable on gravel, grass and some rocks). We were there earlier this year and walked from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg and back, dog and buggy in tow, and have since covered various other easy hikes in the alps. Our plan for this next trip (in two weeks) was to hike to Bachalpsee from Grindelwald First, but I am curious if you think any of the other hikes would be suitable. I am particularly curious about Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg via Panorama Trail and the Eiger Trail. The distances/elevation change are comfortable based on what we’ve done before, but it’s difficult to tell if the trail remains wide/flat enough for the buggy. Thanks again for these posts!
Author
Hello Kim. I’m glad you found us too! I think that both Bachalpsee to First and Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg are possible with a stroller. On this list, the Grutschalp to Murren walk is probably OK (not the most exciting walk…Tyler ran it one morning and said it was just OK compared to everything else on the list). Both the Northface Trail and the Eiger Trail have some very narrow sections so these may not be stroller friendly. If you can do the Eiger Trail somehow (maybe without the buggy?) it would be worth it…it’s one of our favorite, short, easy hikes in Europe. Have a great time in Switzerland! Cheers, Julie
Hi Julie, Thank you for all of your great info on this region. We’re staying in Murren in mid September and have 3 full hiking days. We’re moderate hikers (at best )and we want to hike the Eiger Trail, The Northface Trail, Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg on the Panorama Trail (or any Panorama Trail hike) . And also maybe other great hikes that are close to these and not too strenuous. In 3 days, I don’t know how to match them together to maximize our days. Can you suggest how we might do this?
Author
Hello Sherie. Yes, you can do all of this and more. On day 1, ride the cable car from Wengen to Mannlichen. Walk the Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg. Then, walk or take the train to Eigergletscher and walk the Eiger Trail. We have a post with something similar plus Jungfraujoch. On day 2, do the Northface Trail and other things you can do that day are a visit to Schilthorn and Berg, a visit to Murren. On day 3, you could do the Murren via ferrata, the Schynige Platte Panorama Trail, or the First Cliff Walk to Bachalpsee. You could potentially do the Northface Trail and via ferrata on the same day, but it would be a lot (but not impossible) to also do Schilthorn, you’d just have to start early and move rather quickly. Cheers, Julie
Julie, thanks for your great suggestions. We can’t wait to go!
Really appreciate all the suggestions for hikes! we will begin the area 2 1/2 days mid September as well and trying to figure out how to make the most of our time seeing the area and hiking.