Self Guided Via Alpina: Bernese Oberland FAQ’s

WHAT NOW?

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen Adventure Base for your Via Alpina: Bernese Oberland trek! From now until you set foot in the Alps, we’re here to help you prepare so you can make the most of this incredible experience.

Your full trip itinerary will be sent via our mobile app closer to your departure date. It will include all the essential details to navigate the route smoothly. In the meantime, here are some key points to get you started.

 

WHAT IS THE VIA ALPINA?

The Via Alpina is Switzerland’s most famous long-distance hiking trail — a 20-stage traverse stretching the length of the Swiss Alps, from the Liechtenstein border all the way into Lake Geneva. The route links valleys, mountain passes, and traditional alpine villages, offering a mix of dramatic scenery and authentic mountain culture.

The Bernese Oberland Traverse is considered the crown jewel of the Via Alpina. This 9-day stretch covers stages 10 to 16, guiding you through the heart of the Bernese Alps — home to some of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks, villages, and valleys.

Our Bernese Oberland Highlights trip is stages 10 & 11, where the trail passes beneath the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and winds through the postcard-perfect villages of Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren, and the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley.

The remaining stages carry you across quieter valleys and high passes, through charming alpine towns like Kandersteg, Adelboden, and Lenk, before reaching the chic resort of Gstaad. Along the way, you’ll cross mountain meadows, descend into deep glacial valleys, and spend nights in cozy alpine hotels.

The Bernese Oberland section combines everything people imagine when they picture the Swiss Alps: jagged snow-capped peaks, tumbling waterfalls, green meadows dotted with cows, and villages that feel lifted straight from a storybook.

 

WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?

The best advice: pack light! You’ll need less than you think. Trail shoes are suitable for the Via Alpina; heavy hiking boots aren’t necessary unless preferred. Lightweight, waterproof layers are essential, and trekking poles are highly recommended to help with steep ascents and descents. You’ll find our full kit list here. If you’d like further advice on how to choose the right backpack for your trek please see here.

 

NAVIGATION

Introducing our itinerary app. . . 

We’ve done some collaborating to make your Via Alpina trek a breeze. It’s like having your own personal travel guide, offering easy access to everything you need, from itineraries and track details to water/food stops and useful information. All your trip essentials are just a tap away, so you can focus on making the most of your time away and having an awesome adventure.

How will I navigate on my own?

• It’s important you study the route before you set off, preferably the evening before each day of hiking, so that you have an idea of what your next day will entail. Take into consideration distance, elevation gain and loss, and exposure to elements (will you be up high in terrain exposed to the elements, or lower down in perhaps more sheltered terrain) when studying these.
• Phone signal is not always available on the trails and battery life on your mobile device can quickly be drained when using the itinerary app, as well as by colder temperatures (such as in cold winds). It is a good idea to carry an external battery charger as a backup so that you can charge on the go if necessary.  Putting your phone in airplane mode will help preserve its battery life.
• Trails are well sign posted but they often present various options. Often there are variation routes that get you to the same place. For example, there might be a high pass or a low pass. Deciding which one to take will depend on weather conditions and/or your preference on the day. Each sign will also provide a rough estimate of the time it takes to get to the next stop.
• Our advice is to check your device whenever you get to a junction to ensure that you are taking the correct trail to lead you to your destination. Taking these few minutes to confirm you’re going in the right direction will save you time in the long run, as a wrong turn can be costly time-wise but also energy-wise.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?

Mid-July through August is peak season—stable weather, fully open huts.
Earlier (late June) you might still face snow on high passes, more limited services.
Later (September) is possible but days are shorter, huts start closing, and weather becomes more unpredictable.

 

HOW DO I GET TO THE START POINT?

Meiringen is the starting point for our itineraries. Zurich is the closest airport to access to the Via Alpina, however you can also fly into Geneva depending on your travel plans pre trek. See Getting to your Adventure page here.

CAN I SKIP SECTIONS OR PARTS OF THE HIKE?

Yes — the Bernese Oberland Traverse is very flexible. Many sections are well served by trains, buses, and cable cars, which makes it easy to shorten or adjust your itinerary. You might choose to skip a high pass, link villages by train, or even start and end at different points depending on the time you have. Key hubs like Meiringen, Interlaken, and Lauterbrunnen are all well connected to Switzerland’s wider transport network and major airports, so you’ll have no trouble planning an itinerary that fits your schedule.

 

COMMUNICATION

For urgent issues:

Phone: +33 7497 767 71 (French Office)

For non urgent issues:

Phone: +44 20 3813 4779 (UK Office)

Email: hello@adventurebase.com (we aim to respond rapidly).

What to do in an emergency?

If critical, dial 112 (the European emergency number).

Whilst we have done our utmost to ensure that your trip will go according to plan, there are certain elements that are beyond our control. We recommend that you carefully read and understand the following section in case you find yourself in need of assistance.

The mountains, if not treated with complete respect, can be a dangerous place. Weather can change quickly, and terrain can quickly become treacherous. Making good safe decisions based on the weather forecast and your energy levels when on a self-guided trip is paramount to making sure you have a successful trip.

We have two numbers you can call if there is an emergency but if the situation is critical and requires immediate support then please call 112. This is a European emergency number and will connect you to the appropriate mountain rescue services who can then redirect you to the local service you need. You can also find your exact location using the SOS function on the itinerary app whilst you’re offline.

 

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

There are two options for handling your luggage on the trek:

• Self-sufficient: Carry everything yourself.
• Luggage transfers: Have your overnight bag delivered to your refuge each night (before 18:00).

Important Notes:

• Not all refuges have vehicle access, so there may be nights when your luggage isn’t delivered until the next accessible location.
• If you’re staying in an Airbnb, luggage transfers are unavailable.

Feel free to reach out to us at hello@adventurebase.com if you’d like to add luggage transfers to your booking.

 

INSURANCE

Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but these also carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. See more information on insurance here.

 

MONEY

On the trip, you’ll use Swiss Francs (CHF).

• You’ll likely spend 50-70CHF per day (for a lunch and an evening meal) depending on what you buy. Expect to spend more if you’re taking any gondolas or trains to shorten the days hike.
• Not all places accept credit cards, especially in remote places, so bring cash for small purchases. However, most places do, and all of your accommodations will accept cards.
• Some refuges may have limited wifi, which can affect the ability to process card payments. In these cases, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand as a backup.
• ATMs are widely available in towns like Meiringen, Grindelwald, Interlaken, Kandersteg.
• Switzerland is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, so it’s worth planning your budget with that in mind. A good way to keep costs down is to buy picnic supplies — fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and chocolate — from local supermarkets like Coop or Migros, which are easy to find in larger towns.

Do I need to pay a tourist tax during the trip?

We do our best to cover all tourist taxes in advance when booking your accommodation. However, some places—require the tax to be paid in cash on departure. If that’s the case it’s usually just a small amount (a few CHF per person per night).

 

CULTURE

On this trek, you’ll immerse yourself in the Swiss-German culture of the Bernese Oberland. Daily life here still reflects deep alpine traditions: you’ll hear cowbells echoing across green meadows, see beautifully kept wooden chalets with flower boxes spilling over, and maybe even spot the famous edelweiss flower along the trail.

Food & Drink
Expect hearty, comforting mountain fare: golden rösti (crispy potato pancakes), warming fondues and raclette, fresh alpine cheeses, and of course world-class Swiss chocolate. Many places serve simple but delicious dishes made with local ingredients, often paired with regional wines or herbal schnapps.

People & Language
This region is in the Swiss-German–speaking part of Switzerland, so you’ll hear Swiss German (a dialect quite different from standard German) as the local tongue. But don’t worry if you don’t speak it—most people working in tourism also speak excellent English, and you’ll often hear French, Italian, and even Romansh spoken elsewhere in Switzerland. Trying out a friendly “Grüezi” (hello) is always appreciated.

International Atmosphere
You won’t be alone on the Via Alpina—hikers come from all over the world to experience these trails. Sharing mountain huts or hotel dining rooms with people from different countries is part of what makes this journey so memorable: a blend of local alpine culture and international hiking camaraderie.

Local Etiquette

• Swiss are punctual — if a bus says 08:12, it will leave at 08:12.
• Always greet people you pass on the trail with a “Grüezi” or “Hallo.”
• Tipping isn’t obligatory, but rounding up or leaving a small amount is appreciated.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Throughout the trek, you’ll stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and charming chalet-style inns, in private rooms for a restful night after the trail. In several locations, you can even upgrade to premium options for a touch of extra comfort—just let us know in advance, and we’ll arrange it whenever available.

How to check into your accommodation? 

To check in, simply provide your name along with the name of the company, Adventure Base. All bookings are made on your behalf by Adventure Base. Please also take a moment to reconfirm your dietary requirements at check-in.

Any drinks, snacks, lunches or dinner (apart from night 1) are not included and must be paid for separately.

 

ADD-ONS & EXTRA DAYS

If you have a little extra time before or after your trek, there are some fantastic ways to extend your adventure:

• Grindelwald & the Jungfraujoch
  Just a short train ride from Interlaken, Grindelwald is a classic alpine village beneath the north face of the Eiger. From here, you can ride the cog railway up to the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe” at 3,454m. With its ice tunnels, panoramic viewing platforms, and year-round snow, it’s one of Switzerland’s most famous experiences.

• Interlaken
  Nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is the perfect base for paragliding, boat trips, or simply relaxing with a view of the Jungfrau massif. Many trekkers spend a night here pre- or post-trip.

• Montreux on Lake Geneva
  If your trek ends in Gstaad, you can hop on a scenic train through the vineyards to Montreux. This resort town on Lake Geneva’s shores has a Mediterranean vibe, with palm-lined promenades, jazz heritage, and easy connections to Geneva Airport.

These add-ons are great if you want to balance your mountain time with a taste of Swiss culture, lakeside relaxation, or one of the Alps’ most iconic train rides.

WIFI / SERVICE

During the trek, internet and cell service is pretty good but can be limited, especially in remote areas. All of the accommodations will have Wifi for you to use. You’ll generally have phone service for most of the trip, but be prepared for occasional gaps in coverage.

 

ITINERARY CHANGES

All accommodation has been booked in advance and we don’t have the ability to change it unfortunately. In the unlikely event that you’re not able to continue to your next accommodation due to injury or weather then you will need to arrange for alternative transportation. That might include a bus, train or a taxi to get you to where you need to be. Any changes to your itinerary while out on the trip are at your own expense.

 

WEATHER

The weather in the Swiss Alps can be quite varied. During the peak trekking season (July to September), temperatures typically range in the mid- late 20s°C. However, in the mountains, conditions can change quickly, and you might experience temperatures dropping to freezing or rising into the low 30s°C. It’s important to be prepared for these fluctuations, so bring plenty of layers, sun protection (like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses), and be ready for any weather.

If the weather turns bad, the plan will depend on the severity of the conditions. You may continue the trek if it’s raining or snowing, as long as it’s safe. Always prioritise safety and mountain conditions when deciding whether to continue or adjust your plans.

 

WILDLIFE & NATURE

The Bernese Oberland isn’t just about dramatic peaks and storybook villages — the natural world here is just as memorable. On the trails you might spot marmottes whistling from rocky outcrops, ibex clambering across steep cliffs, or golden eagles soaring above. In the meadows, keep an eye out for alpine wildflowers like edelweiss, gentians, and alpenrose, which bloom in summer and paint the mountainsides with colour. You’ll also hear the steady soundtrack of cowbells, as alpine farmers move their herds up to higher pastures. Switzerland protects much of this landscape, so tread lightly, stay on marked paths, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the Alps at their wildest.

FITNESS

The Via Alpina Bernese Oberland Section is a wonderful but challenging adventure. It features significant ascents and descents, so it’s important not to underestimate the fitness required to complete and truly enjoy it. While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, we strongly recommend doing some training to ensure you arrive in good physical shape for this type of trek.

This is considered a moderate to challenging trek, involving varied terrains, altitude changes, and long days of walking. The most demanding aspect for many is the elevation, so it’s helpful to train with elevation gain and descent prior to the trek.

You don’t need previous trekking experience, but having some hill-walking experience will make the journey much easier. You should be comfortable walking for long periods on mixed ground with plenty of ascents and descents, while carrying a backpack. Being prepared will ensure you have a fantastic time on the trek!

See here for trekking training tips.

 

TOP TIPS

It is mostly common sense but there are a few things that are good to bear in mind.

• It’s often more exerting travelling uphill so when you’re traveling downhill it is a nice courtesty to step aside to let uphill travellers pass (if the trail is too narrow to accommodate two people side-by-side).
• Follow the “Leave No Trace” principle: don’t leave any rubbish behind on the trails, including organic waste (such as egg shells or orange peels), and try not to disturb the natural habitat (this includes not wandering off the trail).
• Set off as early as you can in the mornings in order to give yourself enough time to get to your destination. It is easy to underestimate how long the journey can take and it is better to have ‘too much’ time than arrive late.
• Make sure you’ve got plenty of blister plasters. Although your boots might be worn-in and comfortable, multiple consecutive days of trekking can still give you blisters and these can ruin a trip.