Interlaken is the central hub of the Bernese Oberland, a exceptional Swiss panorama of snow-capped mountains and deep sided valleys. Listed here are the perfect hikes close to Interlaken together with maps and path ideas.
By: Mark Barnes |
Revealed: 3 Apr 2024
The Bernese Oberland is quintessential Switzerland.
Snow-capped mountains overlook grassy meadows dotted with alpine flowers and picture-perfect wood chalets. Plunging waterfalls minimize steep-sided valleys, and turquoise lakes mirror rugged rock faces.
It’s one of the vital stunning locations to go to in Switzerland.
At its centre is Iterlaken. With a myriad of cable automobiles and trains connecting a maze of trails, its the proper base for mountain climbing within the area. Take pleasure in a simple stroll with picturesque views, or a difficult hike alongside precarious ridges.
Expertise the majesty of snow-covered Jungfraujoch. Be engrossed within the valley of 72 waterfalls. Stare on the imposing facades of the Eiger, Mönch, and Aletschhorn mountains.
These are our prime hikes close to Interlaken organised through straightforward, medium and difficult treks. We’ve got included maps, route directions, and ideas for getting that good picture.
WHERE IS THE BERNESE OBERLAND?
The Bernese Oberland is a area in central Switzerland, positioned south of the Swiss capital of Bern within the canton of the identical identify.
The area is residence to a number of the most dramatic mountain surroundings in Europe, together with most of the highest peaks within the Alps. There are 9, 4,000-metre peaks within the Berner Oberland.
Probably the most well-known peaks over 4,000 metres are:
- Finsteraarhorn (4,274m)
- Mönch (4,107m)
- Jungfrau (4,158m)
- Aletschhorn (4,193m)
Different highlights embrace the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the turquoise lakes of Brienz and Thun. There are additionally charming villages together with Grindelwald, Interlaken, and Mürren.
Probably the most handy place to remain and hike all the perfect trails is Interlaken.
MAP | BEST HIKES NEAR INTERLAKEN
The beneath map comprises every of the routes for our favorite hikes within the Bernese Oberland. Every hike is color coded. All the small print are included within the descriptions additional down on this information and will be simply accessed from Interlaken.
Learn how to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the checklist of areas, then click on on the areas to show additional info. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to avoid wasting to your Google Maps.
EASY HIKES NEAR INTERLAKEN
Our 5 straightforward hikes within the Bernese Oberland are underneath 7 kilometres and will be achieved in lower than 2 hours and quarter-hour. They’ve comparatively little uphill with an ascent of not more than 150 metres.
MODERATE HIKES NEAR INTERLAKEN
Our 6 reasonable walks are as much as 9 kilometres lengthy and require a bit extra ascent or descent or strolling via snow. They take between 2 hours and 4 hours to finish and are extra bodily demanding.
CHALLENGING HIKES NEAR INTERLAKEN
Our 4 difficult hikes are throughout 11 kilometres taking between 5 and 11 hours to finish. They’ve over 900 metres of ascent or descent and require an excellent degree of health.
The Männlichen to Alpiglen hike is nearly within the reasonable part. The Hardnergrat ought to have its personal ‘extraordinarily’ difficult part.
1 – JUNGFRAU EIGER WALK
This can be a nice little path to do on the best way down from the Jungfraujoch. It solely takes half-hour and it’s all downhill.
The hike begins at Eigergletscher Station. Take the prepare from Interlaken to Grindelwald after which hop on the brand new Eiger Categorical for an exhilarating begin to the hike. From the station, you’ll be able to virtually contact the tongues of snow and ice coming down the rocky faces of Mönch and Jungfrau.
The hike passes a captivating wood mountain hut that friends over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Take a shot on the synthetic lake of Fallbodensee, earlier than making your strategy to Kleine Scheidegg.
At Kleine Scheidegg you may get the prepare again to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen after which onto Interlaken.
Tip | Preserve a watch out for picture alternatives of the Jungfraujoch prepare as you stroll down.
ROUTE DETAILS // JUNGFRAU EIGER
Distance – 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) | Time – half-hour | Elevation – 260 meters (850 ft) descent | Problem – Straightforward | Begin – Eigergletscher | Finish – Kleine Scheidegg | Map – Peach path
2 – GRÜTSCHALP TO MÜRREN
This straightforward path ascends the balcony between Grütschalp and Mürren.
The trail goes out and in of bushes, revealing glimpses of the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen valley.
There are grand views throughout to the city of Wengen and as much as the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
The stroll ends in Mürren the place car-free lanes surrounded by cute wood chalets.
Tip | That is a simple and nice stroll, however you can even get most of the identical views on the prepare that runs between Grütschalp and Mürren. So, you would save your vitality for one more hike.
ROUTE DETAILS // GRÜTSCHALP TO MÜRREN
Distance – 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) | Time – 1 hour and half-hour | Elevation – 150 metres (490 ft) ascent | Problem – Straightforward | Begin – Grütschalp | Finish – Mürren | Map – Mild gray path
3 – MÄNNLICHEN PANORAMA TRAIL
The most effective of the simple hikes within the Bernese Oberland, the Männlichen Panorama Path has magnificent views.
It begins on the Männlichen Cable Automobile Station, which has an ideal view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Staubbach Waterfall.
The path heads in the direction of Kleine Scheidegg with the trio of snow-capped giants – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in entrance of you. The city of Grindelwald is in your proper.
The trail is well-signed and really straightforward to comply with. As you make progress, the 1,800m excessive daunting north face of the Eiger turns into increasingly imposing.
Simply earlier than reaching Kleine Scheidegg cease at Restaurant Grindelwaldblick for a break. Head as much as its watchtower for one of the vital scenic views in Switzerland.
Tip | From Männlichen cable automotive an optionally available detour takes you to the Männlichen summit. The views from listed here are even higher. It’s a little larger, so it has a greater angle trying down the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Add 500 metres every means and 120 metres of ascent and descent to incorporate this detour.
ROUTE DETAILS // MÄNNLICHEN PANORAMA TRAIL
Distance – 4.6 kilometres (2.85 miles) | Time – 1 hour half-hour | Elevation – 160 metres (525 ft) descent | Problem – Straightforward | Begin – Männlichen | Finish – Kleine Scheidegg | Map – Blue path
4 – LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY WALK
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is presumably probably the most stunning valley in Europe. Its sheer-sided partitions are minimize by 72 waterfalls, a few of which drop as much as 400 metres.
This straightforward hike follows the valley flooring between Stechelberg and Lauterbrunnen. There may be virtually no ascent or descent making it a really nice stroll in fairly environment.
Comply with the prepare, peering up at snow-capped mountains and over the valley partitions.
There are additionally two waterfalls value making a detour to.
The primary is Trümmelbach Falls (April to November 9 am to five pm), Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall carrying as much as 20,000 litres of water per second.
Deep contained in the valley partitions the ten roaring falls are accessible by a collection of lifts, tunnels, and platforms. Permit 1 to 2 hours to discover the falls. Deliver a raincoat and footwear with good grip.
The second is Staubbach Waterfall, a phenomenal whisp of water dropping 297 metres. It’s the third-highest waterfall within the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and only a quick detour from the trail.
ROUTE DETAILS // LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY
Distance – 6.8 kilometres (4.25 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Elevation – 120 metres (395 ft) descent | Problem – Straightforward | Begin – Stechelberg | Finish – Lauterbrunnen | Map – Inexperienced path
5 – SCHYNIGE PLATTE PANORAMAWEG
This straightforward round stroll is an excellent time out within the Alps.
Take the prepare from Interlaken to Wilderswil after which change onto the cogwheel prepare to Schynige Platte. Inbuilt 1892, the classic prepare with wood carriages climbs 1,420 metres over 7.3 kilometres. Winding in an out of the bushes, glimpses of 4,000-metre mountains flicker via the home windows.
From Schynige Platte there are a number of properly signed Panorama Trails of various lengths.
The one we’ve got included on our map is the longest, however all of them provide fantastic views. To the south are the excessive peaks of the Berner Oberland. To the north, the shimmering turquoise lakes of Lake Thun and Brienz, and Interlaken.
There’s a brief 150 metre ascent between Schynige Platte and Daube. However the ridge stroll from Daube previous Oberberghorn in the direction of Loucherhorn is straightforward and fantastic.
Tip | Sit on the right-hand facet of the prepare for the perfect views.
ROUTE DETAILS // SCHYNIGE PLATTE PANORAMAWEG
Distance – 5.6 kilometres (3.7 miles) | Time – 2 hours and quarter-hour | Elevation – 150 metres (500 ft) ascent and descent | Problem – Straightforward to Average | Begin & Finish: Shynige Platte | Map – Orange path
6 – FIRST TO BACHALPSEE HIKE
This there-and-back hike has large views over Bachalpsee Lake.
It begins on the prime of the Grindelwald – First Cable Automobile Station the place a viewing platform hangs over the Grindelwald Valley.
Subsequent to the platform, the First Cliff Stroll is a 300-metre steel walkway suspended on the facet of the cliff. You possibly can skip it, nevertheless it does mark a dramatic begin to the stroll.
The extensive, easy-to-follow path, now slowly heads as much as Bachalpsee Lake. This is among the hottest hikes close to Interlaken, so that you gained’t have the path to your self. However the lake backed by the triangular form of Wetterhorn, is among the most interesting picture alternatives within the area.
After visiting the lake, return to First the place there are a number of nice family-friendly actions to complete the hike.
- First Flyer is a zipline all the way down to Schreckfeld Cable Automobile Station.
- First Glider drags you backwards from Schreckfeld after which glides you again down at 83 kilometres per hour.
- First Mountain Automobile are 3-wheel carts which you can journey between Schreckfeld and Bort.
- First Trottibike is a scooter run between Bort and Grindelwald.
Tip | If it’s a heat day carry your swimwear to take a dip within the lake.
ROUTE DETAILS // FIRST TO BACHALPSEE
Distance – 6 kilometres (3.75 miles) | Time – 2 hours and half-hour (spherical journey) | Elevation – 200 metres (650 ft) ascent and descent | Problem – Straightforward to Average | Begin & Finish – First | Map – Yellow path
7 – NORTH FACE TRAIL
This hike will be accomplished in both path.
Going downhill from Allmendhubel to Mürren we might rank it as straightforward. Going uphill from Mürren to Allmendhubel we’d name it reasonable.
Both means, the path is well-signed. Merely comply with the blue ‘North Face-Path’ markers at every junction.
The path is a superb exploration of grassy meadows dotted with cute wood chalets. Cows, pigs, goats, and horses dot the panorama as the trail meanders previous rustic barns and dealing farms.
There are grand views as much as the Schilthorn and throughout the higher finish of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Allmendhubel has a restaurant and play space. Mürren, perched on the sting of a vertical cliff is among the extra enchanting villages in Switzerland.
ROUTE DETAILS // NORTH FACE
Distance – 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) | Time – 2 hour half-hour | Elevation – 390 metres (1,280 ft) ascent and 60 metres (200 ft) descent | Problem – Straightforward to Average | Begin – Allmendhubel | Finish – Mürren | Map – Brown path
8 – MÖNCHSJOCHHÜTTE
Top-of-the-line issues to do on the Jungfraujoch is to hike to Mönchsjoch Hut. The very best altitude serviced hut in Switzerland, it stands at a staggering 3,658 metres.
All 12 months spherical, snow and ice encompass the rocky pinnacle on which it stands.
Happily, it’s only one.5 miles from the Jungfraujoch Remark Deck at 3,463m. Nevertheless, mountain climbing via snow at excessive altitudes typically takes longer than you assume. We’d advocate permitting 2 hours for the spherical journey.
Heat up with a espresso at Mönchsjoch Hut.
Just a few solutions for this hike:
- The high-altitude path can typically be closed so examine earlier than you allow.
- It’s very chilly on the summit of this hike, (zero levels even in peak summer season) so carry heat garments and waterproof boots.
- It will also be very sunny and the reflection off the snow will be blinding so don’t neglect your sun shades and sunblock.
- No mountaineering expertise are required, it’s only a easy walk-through snow.
Our Suggestion | This can be a nice hike to do if you happen to already plan on taking the prepare up the Jungfraujoch. Nevertheless, the prepare may be very costly, and it’s not value paying for it, simply to do the hike.
ROUTE DETAILS // MÖNCHSJOCHHÜTTE
Distance – 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Elevation – 210 metres (690 ft) ascent and descent | Problem – Average | Begin & Finish – Jungfraujoch | Map – Black path
9 – NIEDERHORN RIDGE HIKE
All the perfect hikes within the Bernese Oberland listed to date are within the Jungfrau area between Grindelwald, Mürren, and Interlaken.
This hike explores a special a part of the area: the ridges to the north of Interlaken with fantastic views over Lake Thun.
Begin by taking the Beatenberg Cable Automobile up to the Niederhorn Cable Automobile Station and head to the far facet of the restaurant to soak within the views of the lake. If you’re fortunate, paragliders and dangle gliders can be hurling themselves from the summit.
Subsequent head alongside a powerful ridge to Burgfeldstand for effective views down into the valley. Then double again and comply with the path via the bushes to Vorass.
It’s an excellent hike if you happen to like wildlife with probabilities of recognizing ibexes, marmots, and even the occasional chamois.
From Vorass take the cable automotive again all the way down to Beatenberg.
Though this hike got here extremely really useful to us, unhealthy climate meant we couldn’t full it on our final go to. We’re saving it for subsequent time.
ROUTE DETAILS // NIEDERHORN RIDGE
Distance – 7.2 kilometres (4.5 miles) | Time – 3 hours | Elevation – 110 metres (360 ft) ascent and 480 meters (1,575 ft) descent | Problem – Average | Begin – Niederhorn | Finish – Vorass | Map – Darkish Blue path
10 – EIGER TRAIL
The north face of the Eiger is notorious amongst mountaineers. Its 1,800-metre sheer face attracts climbers from all around the world.
One of the simplest ways to get near it and perceive the problem (with out the danger) is to hike the Eiger Path.
The trail begins at Eigergletscher and heads between steep alpine meadows on one facet and the scree slopes of the north face on the opposite. It’s a stunning slim mountain path making its means via grass and rock.
There’s nothing too difficult on route and the path steadily descends.
The views don’t change an excessive amount of as you’re at all times dealing with the identical means, however there’s one thing bewitching about strolling underneath the sheer cliff face.
The hike ends at Alpiglen the place a prepare can take you all the way down to Grindelwald or as much as Kleine Scheidegg.
ROUTE DETAILS // EIGER TRAIL
Distance – 6.15 kilometres (3.8 miles) | Time – 2 hour half-hour | Elevation – 80 metres (260 ft) ascent and 780 metres (2,550 ft) descent | Problem – Average | Begin – Eigergletscher | Finish – Alpiglen | Map – Mild inexperienced path
11 – OESCHINEN LAKE PANORAMA TRAIL
Oeschinen Lake is among the most stunning in Switzerland.
Blue-green waters are surrounded by 3,500-metre-high jagged peaks that rise from its shores. Your entire space appears like a large cauldron of ice and rock. When the solar is shining, its turquoise waters seem incandescent.
A path referred to as the Panoramaweg winds its means above the lake offering breath-taking views.
The hike will be undertaken by anybody with an inexpensive degree of health and the path is straightforward to comply with and properly signed.
Though it’s just a little out of the best way, it’s definitely worth the effort to get there.
You possibly can learn all about it in our Oeschinen Lake Panoramaweg information.
ROUTE DETAILS // OESCHINEN LAKE
Distance – 8.5 kilometres (5.25 miles) | Time – 3 hours and 45 minutes | Elevation – 420 metres (1,375 ft) ascent and descent | Problem – Average | Begin & Finish – Oeschinen Cable Automobile Station | Map – Aubergine path
12 – MÄNNLICHEN TO ALPIGLEN HIKE
This glorious hike combines three shorter trails and collects most of the greatest views of the Berner Oberland area.
It begins on the Männlichen Cable Automobile Station. From right here, you’ll be able to take an optionally available detour to the highest of Männlichen for wonderful views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Subsequent, the path follows the Männlichen Panoramaweg. This path traverses underneath the ridgeline in the direction of Kleine Scheidegg. Wonderful views of the three mighty peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower in entrance of you.
At Kleine Scheidegg the trail follows the Jungfrau Stroll, climbing as much as Eigergletscher.
From right here it follows the Eiger Path, which traverses underneath the mighty north face of the Eiger.
It ends at Alpiglen Practice Station the place you’ll be able to return to most locations within the Berner Oberland area.
There may be nothing technically tough on this stroll and all the paths are properly signed. Restaurant Grindelwaldblick is our selection for lunch. It has just a little watchtower to catch the perfect of the views.
ROUTE DETAILS // MÄNNLICHEN TO ALPIGLEN
Distance – 13.25 km (8.25 miles) | Time – 5 hours | Elevation – 340 metres (1,115 ft) ascent and 945 metres (3,100 ft) descent | Problem – Average | Begin – Männlichen | Finish – Alpiglen | Map – Blue, peach, and lightweight inexperienced trails
13 – SCHILTHORN TO MÜRREN HIKE
This hike begins from Piz Gloria Cable Automobile Station on the prime of the Schilthorn. The rotating restaurant with 360-degree views featured within the James Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
The primary hour of this hike is a stunning stroll alongside a wild rocky ridge.
Though it has steep drops on both facet, the trail is extensive and never too uncovered. There are a few steel ladders and handrails to help and infrequently giant piles of rocks to guard you on one facet.
On the finish of the ridge, the trail drops steeply down the flanks of the mountain. This can be a lengthy 1,000-metre descent. The rocky path steadily turns to grassy meadows dotted with alpine flowers. The mountains of the Berner Oberland unfold out in entrance.
The path will be difficult to identify in locations so be sure you hold referring to the map.
About 90 minutes after leaving the ridge, the path reaches Rotstochhütte, an ideal spot to cease for lunch.
From right here it’s simply over 2 hours and 400 extra metres of descent again to Mürren. The final a part of the path is a part of the North Face Path.
It’s a difficult hike that takes about 5 hours strolling, however you’ll wish to go away at the least 6 hours for lunch and photographs.
ROUTE DETAILS // SCHILTHORN TO MÜRREN
Distance – 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) | Time – 5 hours | Elevation – 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) descent | Problem – Average to Difficult | Begin – Schilthorn | Finish – Mürren | Map – Darkish gray path
14 – SCHYNIGE PLATTE TO FIRST HIKE
If we had to decide on one stroll because the greatest hike in Switzerland, this is able to be it.
It combines two well-liked walks, the Schynige Platte Panoramaweg and Faulhornweg. Alongside the best way you’ll encounter grand views of 4,000-metre peaks, turquoise lakes, a lofty summit, a dangling walkway, and a captivating mountain hut.
The hike begins on the Schynige Platte Cog Railway Station. The path follows the Panoramaweg in the direction of Daube and Oberberghorn with fantastic views all the way down to Interlaken and Lake Brienz.
At Loucheron the Panoramaweg meets up with the Faulhornweg and begins to climb.
The path winds previous a massif cliff face to succeed in Männdelen Hut. From right here, the stroll contours underneath the mountaintop earlier than abruptly showing on the ridgeline. Magnificent views of a number of 4,000-metre peaks dominate the skyline.
A stiff climb brings you to the highest of Faulhorn (2,681m), the place a captivating hut is the best place to cease for lunch. It’s now a gradual descent to Bachalpsee then onto First.
The day ends with a scenic journey on the Grindelwald-First cable automotive to Grindelwald after which the prepare again to Interlaken.
There may be nothing technically tough on this path, nevertheless it’s thought of difficult due to the gap, and the overall ascent of 1,000 metres.
Tip | Get one of many first two trains to Schynige Platte to permit loads of time.
ROUTE DETAILS // SHYNIGE PLATTE TO FIRST
Distance – 16.5 kilometres (10.25 miles) | Time – 7 hours | Elevation – 940 metres (3,080 ft) ascent and 740 metres (2,430) descent | Problem – Difficult | Begin – Shynige Platte | Finish – First | Map – Orange, crimson, and yellow trails
15 – HARDNERGRAT OR BRIENZERGRAT
This difficult hike is 13 miles with over 9,000 ft of complete elevation change. Moreover, near half of the gap is on a very slim ridge.
It ought to solely be undertaken by very match folks, with loads of strolling expertise and no concern of heights. You also needs to solely try it on dry, clear days.
The trail runs alongside a skinny ridge between the funicular at More durable Kulm (1,321m) with fantastic views all the way down to Interlaken and Brienz Rothorn Cable Automobile & Practice Station (2,350m). The most effective views are the world round Augstmatthorn (2,167m) the place it’s potential to identify a colony of ibex.
For those who undertake the stroll from More durable Kulm to Rothorn, it’s referred to as the Hardnergrat. From Rothorn to More durable Kulm it’s referred to as the Brienzergrat.
We recommend you do the Brienzergrat beginning at Rothorn and ending at More durable Kulm for 3 causes:
- The toughest and most fascinating a part of the stroll is in the direction of the Rothorn finish, so if you happen to resolve the hike will not be for you its shorter to show spherical and head again.
- There may be solely 1,100m of ascent within the Brienzergrat path, somewhat than 2,030m within the Hardnergrat path.
- The More durable Kulm cable automotive stays open a lot later than the Brienz Rothorn cogwheel prepare, so you aren’t dashing as a lot to get the final cable automotive down.
We’ve got not really accomplished this hike. We took the cogwheel prepare from Brienz to Rothorn, however the cloud came visiting and the wind picked up, so we ended up coming again down.
Tip | Ebook a seat on the primary prepare within the morning from Brienz to Rothorn. Trains go away one hour earlier on weekends than on weekdays. An additional hour to finish the stroll may come in useful.
ROUTE DETAILS // BRIENZERGRAT
Distance – 20.4 kilometres (12.7 miles) | Time – 9 to 11 hours | Elevation – 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) ascent and 2030 metres (6,660) descent | Problem – Extraordinarily Difficult | Begin – Rothorn Practice Station | Finish – More durable Kulm | Map – Purple path
HIKES NOT TO MISS NEAR INTERLAKEN
Most individuals solely spend three or 4 days within the Bernese Oberland and can’t hope to finish all of the hikes in that point. So, listed here are our favorite Interlaken hikes which we recommend you don’t miss.
- Finest Straightforward Hike – Männlichen Panorama Path
- Finest Average Hike – Oeschinen Lake Panorama Path
- Finest Difficult Hike – Shynige Platte to First Hike
HOW MANY DAYS HIKING IN BERNESE OBERLAND?
We advocate spending at the least three full days within the Bernese Oberland. This offers you adequate time to discover the completely different areas and full the three greatest hikes.
- Day 1 – Hike from Shynige Platte to First.
- Day 2 – Hike the Männlichen Panorama Path mixed with visiting both the Jungfraujoch and/or Mürren and the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
- Day 3 – Hike the Oeschinen Lake Panorama Path.
You would simply spend 5 to seven days within the space, taking boats on the lakes, making an attempt out the opposite hikes and visiting fairly villages.
BEST TIME TO HIKE IN BERNESE OBERLAND
September is the perfect time to hike within the Bernese Oberland.
The summer season mountain climbing season runs from mid-June to mid-October, however snow can nonetheless cowl the upper path early within the season.
The paths are at their most busy throughout the summer season holidays from mid-July to the tip of August. It’s a phenomenal time to go to when the meadows are lush and the alpine flowers blooming. However you’ll not often have a path to your self.
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