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T e Travel Guide


Surprising Switzerland: breathtaking hikes in the Bernese Oberland


With traditions rooted in centuries of Alpine culture, the Bernese Oberland in western Switzerland is a mountain- lover’s paradise where hikers can hit the trails year-round. T e region is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and top-tier skiing destina- tions. However,


these areas also have


plenty of well-kept and clearly signpost- ed hiking routes that are accessible to travellers throughout the year. Lace up your walking boots and hit some of their top trails, taking in thundering water- falls, Alpine meadows, hidden valleys and plenty of opportunities to sample local cheeses. Here are fi ve must-try hikes in the Bernese Oberland.


THE GASTERNTAL T is gentle valley trail leads you through the glacier-carved Gasterntal, along the banks of the Kander River, the gushing Chluse gorge and surging waterfalls. Af- ter a visit to the cosy Steinbock Restau- rant, you can hike back to the village of Kandersteg through the unspoiled beau- ty of this wild high valley. How to do it: from Kandersteg train


station, take the Kander-Reisen bus to Selden — prior booking and cash are both essential.


THE VIA ALPINA FROM ADELBODEN TO LENK Hiking from Adelboden to Lenk initial- ly involves a peaceful, forest-lined path along the Allebach River and Gilsbach stream. From there, the vistas open up across rolling green Alpine moorland and the Hahnenmoos Pass in the Bernese Alps. For an even greater challenge, con- tinue on the Via Alpina from Lenk until you reach Gstaad: the nearly 14-mile route takes approximately seven hours, leading you through the scenic green meadows of the Turbach Valley. How to do it: the 230 bus goes from


Frutigen train station to Adelboden, Post station. Stay overnight at the luxurious spa hotel T e Cambrian to tackle the route early. Along the trail, look out for fridges stocked with fresh produce from local farmers — passersby are invited to help themselves, with honesty boxes located nearby to leave payment.


GEMMI PASS T e highlight of this historic hike is the Arvenseeli, a trio of cerulean lakes fed by melting snow from the surrounding pine forest. T ese lakes shrink and even disappear for a short time during the summer as the mountain streams dry up. How to do it: the route starts from


Kandersteg train station. At the peak of the walk, stop by Gemmi Lodge, over- looking Daubensee lake, for some tradi- tional Swiss dishes. Finish the walk in


Leukerbad, the largest thermal resort in the Alps, where you can soak away the aches of the day at a public bath or treat yourself to a stay at Le Bristol Leukerbad, which has its very own thermal spring.


THE W19 FROM SCHÖNRIED TO SPARENMOOS T e uphill hike from Schönried to the Rellerligrat viewpoint may be challeng- ing, but it rewards hikers with incredi- ble 360-degree views of the mountain- ous Saanenland region. From there, the route continues on to the Sparenmoos — a high moorland plateau in the Gstaad region known for its serene rolling hills and panoramic views. How to do it: the walk starts at Schön-


ried train station and there are several mountain restaurants along the way, including Nüjenberg, Hüsliberg, Muma and Site Alp. T e latter is home to a farm shop, where visitors can see how the milk from local cows is processed into Bernese Alp cheese, yoghurt and more.


THE W35 FROM LAUENEN TO THE FONDUE CAQUELON T is trail takes you through forests and meadows to a giant caquelon (fondue pot) overlooking waterfalls. T is hilltop wooden model is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy fondue made with local cheeses. How to do it: take the PostBus from


Gstaad train station to the charming vil- lage of Lauenen. From Lauenen, the hike begins with a trail leading you through the scattered settlement of Tüffi . After a short walk through the forest, you will reach a beautiful hill just before ‘ufem Bort’, where the caquelon stands. Here, you’ll take in sweeping views of the peaks, and Geltenschuss and Tungelschuss wa- terfalls. A pre-prepared ‘fondue back- pack’ containing ingredients for a fondue can be reserved the day ahead to pick up at the village’s Annen-Bettler shop or a local dairy.


PLAN YOUR TRIP Swiss off ers direct fl ights from London to Zurich and Geneva. Both cities are approximately four hours by public transport from the Bernese Oberland. Many accommodation options in the region include free local public trans- port as well as mountain lift discounts through the Gstaad Card or Adelboden- Lenk-Kandersteg Guest Card.


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For more information, visit gstaad.ch and adelboden-lenk-kandersteg.ch/en


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