Via Alpina Bernese Oberland in 7 Days Self Guided Trail Running

The day starts in Meiringen and follows the Reichenbach Valley up toward Schwarzwaldalp, with the option to shorten the ascent using public transport. The route passes the famous Reichenbach Falls, then climbs through forest before opening into alpine meadows with views of the Rosenlaui Glacier and peaks like the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn. Along the way you can visit the historic Rosenlaui Hotel and the impressive Glacier Gorge, before an easy final run along the river brings you to Schwarzwaldalp.

Continuing on from Schwarzwaldalp, climbing gently through forest and alpine meadows toward Grosse Scheidegg Pass. From the pass, the views open dramatically to the Eiger, Mönch, and surrounding peaks, with the Berghaus terrace a great place to pause. From here the route continues toward Grindelwald, either descending directly down to the town or heading on an alternative higher route toward First, passing streams and waterfalls before reaching the iconic Bachalpsee Lake beneath the Schreckhorn. The trail then drops through flower-filled slopes with sweeping views of the Bernese Alps, finishing near Bort with the option to take the gondola down into Grindelwald.

Approximate distances:

23kms / 1400m up / 1000m down

The hike starts in Grindelwald, climbing gently through alpine meadows and past chalets toward Kleine Scheidegg, with the Eiger dominating the skyline. From Alpiglen, the Eigerweg trail offers a closer, more dramatic route along the base of the Eiger North Face, passing waterfalls, tunnels, and moraine paths beneath glaciers. The final stretch descends through forests and past streams through Wengen and down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where towering cliffs and numerous waterfalls line the route, with the option to shorten the day using the train at several points along the route.

Approximate distances:

20kms / 1100m up / 1400m down

The day begins in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where towering cliffs and numerous waterfalls line the route. From the valley floor, the trail climbs gently or via gondola toward Mürren, passing scenic meadows, forests, and streams. Highlights are the panoramic views back towards the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

From Mürren, the trail begins again just behind the gondola station. After a brief stretch on pavement, the road ends and a narrow footpath takes over. The path climbs in sharp zigzags across alpine meadows, leading through the Sefinental valley to the Rotstockhütte. This charming mountain hut is the perfect place to pause for a coffee and a sweet treat before continuing toward the Sefinenfurgge Pass. From the hut, the trail grows steeper, a challenging section where the effort pays off with every step. Handrails and ropes are fixed along the narrow, loose sections to help with balance, especially if the rocks are damp.

At 2,612 meters, the Sefinenfurgge rewards you with sweeping views of the Schilthorn, the Kiental valley, and the Blüemlisalp alpine pastures. The descent begins abruptly with a wooden staircase that can be slippery in wet conditions, trekking poles or the support ropes are useful here. After dropping through rocky terrain, the trail gradually softens into green meadows. Following a bubbling stream and passing a picturesque waterfall, you arrive at Obere Dürreberg. The path then continues until you drop down via a 4x4 gravel path to the wide pastures of Griesalp.

Approximate distances:

22kms / 1800m up / 1200m down

The day begins at Greisalp, winding through forest before reaching Berghaus Bundalp, a perfect spot to rest before the climb to Hohtürli Pass at 2,778 m. The ascent leads up into rugged terrain, with the option to pause at Blüemlisalphütte for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The descent leads past the Blüemlisalp Glacier toward Oeschinensee, with options to follow a higher, panoramic trail or a lower, wider path to the lake. Both routes converge near the lake, where you can either take the gondola or continue on foot down to Kandersteg.

Approximate distances:

17kms / 1450m up / 1700m down

Today starts in Kandersteg, following rivers, forests, and meadows before climbing along the Alpbach Gorge to the Usser Üschene pastures. A steep ascent leads to Alpschele with views of Lake Oeschinensee and surrounding peaks. The trail continues across rocky and steep terrain to Bunderchrinde Pass at 2,382 m, offering sweeping views over Adelboden and the Engstligental valley. The descent drops sharply through mountainside paths and streams, finishing in the lively village of Adelboden.

Approximate distances:

16 km / 1400m up / 1250m down

The trail starts in Adelboden, dropping from the village before following streams and rocky paths with views of the Engstligenfälle waterfall and the Wildstrubel massif. From Bergläger, the trail ascends toward Hahnenmoos Pass offering panoramic views over the mountains and valleys. From the pass, the route descends through alpine meadows and past traditional chalets to reach Lenk, a charming village at the base of the valley.

Approximate distances:

14kms / 600m up / 900m down

The day begins with a climb out of the village of Lenk, heading into the forest along the Wallbach river. Soon you’ll pass a striking waterfall, where a staircase helps you climb alongside it. From there, the trail takes on a short but steep ascent, the then path winds through lush meadows before reaching the forest’s edge. This stretch is part of the Lynx Trail, leading into lynx territory - though unfortunately spotting one is very unlikely.

As you climb higher, sweeping views open up, revealing the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn peaks. Crossing out of the municipality of Valais, you make your way toward Gstaad via the Trüttlisbergpass 2,033m, the highest point of this stage. From here, the scenery drops dramatically into the beautiful Turbach Valley below.

The route then descends toward Turbach, starting across marshy ground. With the Hornfluh and Giferhorn mountains flanking the valley, the trail leads deeper into this peaceful, untouched valley dotted with dairy farms. Following the stream, you’ll be surrounded by steep slopes on either side. As you descend further, the valley floor, where year-round settlements are tucked away becomes greener and more welcoming. Passing scattered farmsteads and hamlets, the trail finally delivers you to the chic alpine village of Gstaad.

You did it hike complete! Now the choice is yours: kick back and celebrate with a cozy night in Gstaad, or hop on the train (just 1.5 hours) to Montreux where you can toast your achievement lakeside and maybe even dive right in. If you’d rather stretch out the celebration, you can always save Montreux for tomorrow, or simply continue your onward travels.

Approximate distances:

22.kms / 1150m up / 1200 m down