At a Glance
![](https://onlyluxetravel.com/pub/media/wysiwyg/Itinerary/Europe/Switzerland/switzerland-mountain-hikers.jpg)
Journey across the awe-inspiring terrains of Switzerland featuring magnificent forests, snow-capped peaks, gorgeous lakes, and pastures dotted with cows. Encounter unique artworks, visit iconic sites, and learn Swiss traditions on this 6-day adventure in the Bernese Oberland of the Swiss Alps.
Your adventure begins in Kandersteg as you take in the spectacular alpine scenery. Hike on a ridge above the deep blue Lake Oeschinen, encircled by limestone cliffs, snowy peaks, and hanging ice. Navigate alpine meadows and pine forests that provide breathtaking vistas of Blüemlisalp and Hohtürli Passes. Marvel at unique artworks carved from stone and wood at an outdoor sculpture gallery. Pedal past the turquoise waters of Lake Thun on your way to Interlaken. Embark on a cogwheel train to Grindelwald and embrace an alphorn demonstration. Take in views of ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfer
- 5 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
![]() |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10 a.m. at the Waldhotel Doldenhorn, our first night's hotel, located a kilometre and half (a mile) from the Kandersteg train station on Doldenhornstrasse in Kandersteg. A tour leader will be at the train station by 9:45 a.m. to pick up guests and take them to the hotel. If you get to Kandersteg train station earlier, you can call the hotel from the train station to arrange a taxi ride. Ensure you let your Trip Consultant know if you plan to meet your tour leaders at the Waldhotel Doldenhorn or any Kandersteg train station. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and come with your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike. (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations.) Hello, Switzerland! After we meet in Kandersteg, a gondola takes you up 1692 metres (5,550 feet) to the stunning Oeschinensee (see means "lake" in German), with its incredibly deep-blue waters, where we savour lunch at a lakeside mountain hut. Your tour leaders give you a brief trip orientation before we set out on our first hike offering a view of Kandersteg, a town whose gorgeous scenery and fresh alpine air are the perfect introduction to the locality. In the vast Kander Valley, underneath the Blümlisalp and Doldenhorn summits, Kandersteg has long been a vital mountaineering centre and a European destination. Kandersteg is famous for prolific wildflowers and Simmental cattle, which you'll probably see feeding in the green mountain pastures we pass through. Navigate alpine meadows and pine forests to the shoreline for breathtaking vistas of Blümlisalp, 3568 metres (12,000 feet) and Hohtürli Pass, 2774 metres (9,100 feet). We trek to the Unterbärgli hut, an ideal place to relax and enjoy a cold beer or a cup of hot cocoa before hitting the trail again. When you are rested, descend to the lake, where an amphitheater of steep limestone cliffs rises hundreds of metres before giving way to a massive cap of snowy pinnacles and hanging glaciers. Pause along the shoreline to soak in the exceptional works of art carved from stone and wood at an outdoor sculpture gallery. If you choose the longer hiking option from Unterbärgli hut, you add a short but steep climb that provides vistas of Oeschinensee. You'll remain high above the lake and skirt around to the gondola. |
|
![]() |
You’ll stay at the delightful Waldhotel Doldenhorn, a classic Swiss lodge in woodland, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. Relax amid its charmingly cosy atmosphere featuring a fireplace corner or rejuvenate in the wellness facilities including indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, various saunas and a relaxation room. This evening, celebrate our arrival in the Bernese Oberland with a welcome reception and the first of many mouth-watering traditional Swiss meals. |
![]() |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: To kick off our first day of riding, your trip leaders fit your bike and educate you briefly on biking techniques and safety. Then hop in the saddle and cycle through a pleasant rolling valley providing scenes of classic Switzerland, from delightful wooden chalets adorned with geranium-filled window boxes to herds of soft-eyed milk cows decked with leather collars and brass bells. We enjoy lunch in the lakeside town of Thun and then board a train for a panoramic ride along the turquoise waters of Lake Thun to Interlaken, fittingly named for its location between Lakes Thun and Brienz. If you would like a more extended option, miss the train and take a spin around the lake to Interlaken. |
|
![]() |
We take a cogwheel train from Interlaken to the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, an elegant chalet-style hotel, with panoramic views of the Eiger mountains. After a full day of adventure, a dip in the heated indoor pool awaits or unwind at the sauna and steam baths. The alphorn is a traditional Swiss instrument (it can be up to 4 metres in length!) used by alpine herdsmen and villagers to announce daily activities. Tonight, we are entertained with alphorn by a local player. Dinner features a traditional menu, including cheese fondue. |
![]() |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: We savour a delightful breakfast before heading to the summit of First Peak 2164 metres (7,100 feet) using a gondola, where we meet our local guide for the day's hike. Navigate winding hills to Bachalpsee, one of Switzerland's most alluring lakes, encircled by a striking background of rugged snow-covered peaks and cascading glaciers. We take a break to eat lunch along the route, soaking in magnificent views of Eiger's north face (if the weather permits). Trek to Bort and board the gondola down to return to Grindelwald. You could also hop on a Trotti bike (a two-wheeled push scooter) and cycle along a tarred pathway to the valley floor. If you are interested in tackling more distance, you can continue along the path up to the small alpine district of Bussalp. The walk highlights panoramas of Eiger (Ogre), Mönch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Maiden) Mountains. In Bussalp, rest a bit and chug down a warm drink before taking a short shuttle back to Grindelwald. Later in the afternoon, enjoy some downtime in Grindelwald; perhaps, get a steam bath or a massage at the hotel's space (spa treatments at own expense). This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many attractive restaurants in town. |
![]() |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: We are dedicating today to hiking beneath one of the most symbolic sights in the Swiss Alps: The Eiger. Towering 3968 metres (13,020 feet) over the valleys below, the cragged snow-dusted mountain makes a gorgeous backdrop to our hike. After breakfast, we board a train for a scenic ride to the tiny village of Alpiglen, situated at the base of the Eiger. Set out on foot along the famed Eiger Trail, going through pastures decorated with cows. Be on the lookout for mountaineers trying to tackle Eiger's rugged north face, considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Take a lunch break at a scenic spot along the trail or in Grindelwald. Reenergized, climb steadily to the Kleine Scheidegg alpine pass, home to Switzerland's highest major train station. Then take a scenic trail to Männlichen Gondola, where we convene for celebratory drinks with a beautiful mountain background. |
|
![]() |
Using a gondola and shuttle, we reach our final stop for today, the elegant Grandhotel Giessbach. You’ll stay at this historic hotel nestled on a secluded position on a hill above the serene Lake Brienz amid a 22-hectare park. This regal hotel stands adjacent to the striking Giessbach Falls, which tumble down the heavily wooded slopes into Lake Brienz. Savour a nice meal of regional specialties at the hotel and at your leisure for dinner. |
![]() |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: After breakfast, board a quick shuttle to Brienz to embark on a memorable ride through the Meiringen Valley. Cycle beneath towering cliffs along tarred bike paths past numerous waterfalls, picturesque farmhouses, and peaceful fields. Getting to the town of Meiringen, take your time to explore and maybe indulge in a crispy meringue; it is said that the treat was created here! If it's accessible, you may pay a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum as Holmes was staying in Meiringen when Professor Moriarity finally caught up to him at a nearby Reichenbach Falls. Mount your bike and pedal through the green landscape to the town of Brienz. Get aboard a ferry bound for Bönigen on the opposite shore of Lake Brienz. However, if you'd like to cover a few more kilometres, hop back in the saddle and arrive by your own steam. While in Böningen, we savour lunch accompanied by views of the Brienzersee. After that, meet up with your kayak and push off to get a unique point of view of your attractive surroundings. You also have a rare opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the calm mountain waters of the Brienzersee! Returning to land, we hop in a shuttle to our hotel, where we have the time to unwind before gathering for a farewell reception and dinner. |
![]() |
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft) If you'd prefer a slow start to your day, feel free to sleep in, hang around the luscious breakfast buffet, relax by the pool or simply savour the tranquility by the terrace. If not, you may go on a morning walk along the serene shore of Lake Brienz. After saying our goodbyes late morning, your tour leaders will help you catch the ferry to Interlaken. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Kandersteg
- The finish point is Interlaken
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Kandersteg. The closest international airport is Bern Airport and is 50 km from the center of Interlaken.
Switzerland has four distinct climatic regions: alpine, subtropical, continental and Mediterranean. Mountain weather is very unpredictable and can change drastically with little warning and with temperatures dipping to freezing. It's essential that you bring appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants, and plenty of warm clothes. Please be prepared for all types of conditions to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable one. Please be aware that weather-related trail conditions, such as lingering heavy snow, may result in itinerary changes. These conditions are more common during spring and early summer departures. Rest assured your leaders are equipped with fabulous alternate routes should they be needed.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km (36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
![]() |
Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
|
![]() |
Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
|
![]() |
Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.