Classic route
102 km
63 miles
Bernese Oberland Traverse
Plan your Bernese Oberland Traverse
Build an itinerary around your hiking style, find accommodation and confidently prepare for your self-guided journey through Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, from Meiringen to Leukerbad.
The trail at a glance
What is the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
The Bernese Oberland Traverse is a multi-day hike through the Swiss Alps, typically travelling from Meiringen to Leukerbad.
It links mountain passes, glacier views, lakes and villages beneath some of the region’s best-known peaks. There is no single fixed route: your distance and daily stages depend on the trails, overnight stops and transport you choose.
Elevation gain
7,200 m
23,700 feet
Typical duration
5–8 days
Duration depends on your route and pace
Country
Switzerland
Across the Bernese Oberland
Highest point
2,778 m
Hohtürli Pass · 9,114 ft
Main hiking season
Jul–Sep
High-pass conditions vary each season
Bernese Oberland Traverse route map
Follow the route from Meiringen to Leukerbad
The classic traverse travels west from Meiringen through the Bernese Oberland towards Leukerbad. Mountain passes, villages and different overnight stops give you several ways to shape the journey.
Use the map as an overview; build your own itinerary to see the distance, ascent and hiking time for each day you choose.
Explore the itinerary planner
Start planning
Plan each part of your Bernese Oberland Traverse
Choose an itinerary that suits your group, understand your accommodation options and keep up with conditions as your hike approaches.
The Hiking Club platform
See your complete Bernese Oberland Traverse plan come together.
Turn the Bernese Oberland Traverse into an itinerary designed around your group. Bring your route, accommodation, trail preparation and navigation together—and keep adjusting the plan as your journey takes shape.
Build your itinerary
Compare daily distance, elevation, hiking time, route
alternatives and transport.
Secure accommodation
Check booking information and live availability, then
set opening-date or cancellation alerts.
Prepare confidently
Follow trail updates, closures, warnings, snow information
and recent community images.
Navigate your route
Download your personalised itinerary and GPS map files
for offline use.
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Descending from Hohtürli Pass, Switzerland
Your itinerary determines the daily distance, elevation and time available to enjoy each part of the route.
Choosing your itinerary
How long does the Bernese Oberland Traverse take?
A classic Bernese Oberland Traverse takes around 5–8 days. The right duration depends on your starting and finishing points, hiking pace, overnight stops and the mountain passes you include.
You can focus on a shorter section or take more time across the full traverse. Trains, buses and mountain transport also give you ways to adjust individual stages without rushing every hiking day.
Accommodation along the trail
How do you book accommodation on the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
The traverse combines mountain huts with hotels and guesthouses in alpine villages. Where you stay shapes your daily stages, particularly around the higher passes, so compare accommodation as you build your itinerary.
Properties have different booking methods, room types and opening dates. Check the options for your preferred hiking dates before settling on a sequence of overnight stops.
Mountain huts
High mountain stays with shared rooms, meals and early access to the next day’s pass.
Hotels and guesthouses
Private rooms and a wider choice of services in towns and alpine villages.
Alpine inns
Characterful stays between the larger villages, often with limited room capacity.
Campgrounds
Formal camping options in selected valleys and villages, with stages planned around their locations.
Blüemlisalphütte, Switzerland
A high mountain hut near the Hohtürli Pass.
Availability changes as properties open reservations and hikers change their plans. The Hiking Club platform provides booking information, live availability and opening-date or cancellation alerts for supported properties.
Across the Bernese Oberland
Bernese Oberland Traverse trail highlights
The traverse links mountain passes, historic villages, waterfalls and alpine lakes beneath some of Switzerland’s most recognisable peaks.
Eastern Bernese Oberland
Grosse Scheidegg
Cross a historic pass with broad views towards the Wetterhorn and Eiger.
Eiger and Jungfrau region
Kleine Scheidegg
A mountain pass and railway crossroads beneath the Eiger’s north face.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Staubbach Falls
A striking waterfall dropping from the cliffs above Lauterbrunnen.
High mountain pass
Hohtürli Pass
A demanding climb to the traverse’s highest pass, close to glaciers and high peaks.
Kandersteg area
Oeschinensee
An alpine lake framed by steep cliffs and the Doldenhorn massif.
Bern–Valais crossing
Gemmi Pass
Cross a historic route between cantons before descending towards the thermal-spring town of Leukerbad.
Choose your trailheads
Where can you start and finish the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
The classic traverse runs west from Meiringen to Leukerbad, but you can choose a shorter section or hike in the opposite direction. Your trailheads determine the mountain passes, villages and daily stages you include.
01
Meiringen
Begin the full east-to-west traverse here. Meiringen has rail connections and gives you a gradual introduction through the eastern Bernese Oberland.
- Best for
- The complete classic route
- Trail access
- Meiringen railway station
02
Leukerbad
Finish the classic traverse in this Valais spa town after crossing Gemmi Pass. You can also begin here and walk east towards Meiringen.
- Best for
- Classic finish or reverse route
- Trail access
- Bus connection to the Rhône Valley
03
Grindelwald
Start or finish near the Eiger if you want to focus on the central and western parts of the traverse without beginning in Meiringen.
- Best for
- A shorter traverse
- Trail access
- Grindelwald railway station
04
Kandersteg
Finish after the Hohtürli crossing and Oeschinensee, or begin here for a shorter journey over Gemmi Pass towards Leukerbad.
- Best for
- A shorter western section
- Trail access
- Kandersteg railway station
Plan both ends of your journey
Your trailheads change every stage between them.
Other possible start or finish points include Lauterbrunnen, Griesalp, Adelboden and Lenk. Compare transport connections, daily distance, elevation and accommodation before choosing the route that fits your group.
Personalise the route
The main Bernese Oberland Traverse and its alternatives
There is no single fixed trail from Meiringen to Leukerbad. You can add viewpoints, visit a different valley or choose an alternative mountain hut. Each choice changes your daily distance, ascent, terrain or overnight options.
The foundation for your itinerary
The classic traverse
The classic east-to-west route links Meiringen and Leukerbad through established mountain paths, villages, high passes and a mixture of huts and hotels. It gives you a useful starting point before adapting the stages to your group.
- 102 km / 63 mi Classic distance
- 7,200 m / 23,600 ft Approx. elevation gain
- 5–8 days Typical duration
Popular alternatives
Six options worth comparing
These are a selection of the route choices and side trips you can consider while building your itinerary.
Mountain scenery
Grindelwald area
Eiger Trail
Walk beneath the Eiger’s north face for a close view of one of the Alps’ most famous mountains.
Panoramic viewpoint
Jungfrau region
Männlichen
Add broad views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau before descending towards Wengen.
Valley side trip
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Trümmelbach Falls
Make time for the waterfalls within the mountain while travelling through the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Historic stay
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Obersteinberg
Choose a more remote overnight stop at a historic mountain hotel above the valley.
Mountain hut
Griesalp area
Gspaltenhornhütte
Add a remote hut stay amid rugged high mountain scenery and views towards the Gamchi Glacier.
Ridge alternative
Kandersteg area
Ueschenegrat
Follow a higher ridgeline alternative with open views and a more exposed mountain feel.
Build the route around your ability
See the impact before adding an alternative.
Add or remove route alternatives in the planning platform and compare the resulting daily distance, elevation, estimated hiking time, transport and accommodation options.
Higher alternatives may be unsuitable in snow, poor weather or difficult trail conditions. Check current conditions and choose routes appropriate for your experience.
Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Confirm local rules before relying on any proposed bivouac location.
Sleeping under canvas
Can you camp on the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
Camping can form part of a Bernese Oberland Traverse itinerary, but suitable overnight locations are limited along some mountain stages. Plan around established campgrounds and confirmed bivouac locations, with huts or village accommodation where needed.
Do not assume that a remote spot permits camping. Check the current local rules and land access for every proposed overnight location. Ask a hut warden before pitching near a mountain hut.
Plan the complete journey
Build camping into your Bernese Oberland itinerary.
Compare campgrounds, mountain huts and other overnight options, then review the distance, elevation and estimated hiking time between your planned stops.
Build a realistic budget
How much does it cost to hike the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
Your total depends on the number of days you hike, where you stay, whether you choose shared or private rooms, and how often you use mountain transport. Plan separately for travel to Switzerland, insurance, equipment and extra nights.
Indicative planning range
CHF 600–1,000
Per person for a six-day self-guided hike.
Your overnight choices make the biggest difference.
Mountain-hut dormitories and simple village stays generally cost less than private rooms and hotels. A longer itinerary adds meals and accommodation, while lifts and trains can add to the total.
This is a starting estimate, not a quoted trip price. Check rates for your dates and chosen itinerary.
Accommodation
Compare hut dormitories, guesthouses and hotels, including any private-room or solo supplements.
Food
Account for half-board meals, packed lunches, village groceries, restaurants and drinks.
Duration
Each extra hiking or rest day usually adds another night of accommodation and meals.
Transport
Allow for trains, buses, gondolas and cable cars you plan to use along your route.
Allow for in your trail budget
- Accommodation during the hike
- Breakfast and any required half-board meals
- Lunches, snacks and other evening meals
Remember to add separately
- Travel to and from the trail
- Insurance, equipment and personal spending
- Optional lifts, luggage transfer and extra nights
Estimate your own trip
Build a budget around your itinerary.
Choose your daily stages and overnight stops, then check the accommodation, meals and transport costs for the journey you actually want to hike.
Costs vary by travel dates, provider prices, availability and personal choices.
Bernese Oberland · Early season
Snow can remain on the high passes after mountain huts begin opening.
Choose your hiking dates
When is the best time to hike the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
The main hiking season generally runs from July to September. The right dates depend on snow conditions at the high passes, hut opening dates, accommodation availability and the experience you want.
Use current conditions to make the final call. An open hut does not necessarily mean its approach or the next high pass is suitable for your group.
Plan around your dates
Match your stages to open accommodation.
Compare Bernese Oberland itineraries and overnight stops for your preferred dates, then adjust your stages around the accommodation you can secure.
Difficulty and preparation
How difficult is the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
The Bernese Oberland Traverse is a demanding multi-day mountain hike. The classic route follows marked trails, but the steep climbs and descents build up over consecutive days. Crossings such as Sefinafurgga and Hohtürli require confident footing.
The challenge depends on your daily stages and route choices. Accommodation locations, pack weight, transport choices and conditions at the high passes can make two itineraries feel very different.
Trail type
Mountain hiking
Elevation gain
7,200 m / 23,700 ft
Typical duration
5–8 days
High mountain passes
The climbs towards Sefinafurgga and Hohtürli are substantial. Steep paths and loose ground demand attention, particularly when you are tired.
Long descents
Descending from the passes can be hard on your legs and knees. Allow enough time for uneven ground rather than judging a stage by its distance alone.
Changing conditions
Snow can linger at higher elevations, while rain, wind and thunderstorms can make exposed mountain paths more difficult. Check recent conditions before each crossing.
Your daily stages
Longer days, accommodation detours and alternative routes change the effort required. Build stages around your group's fitness, experience and recovery time.
Compare Alpine trails
Is the Bernese Oberland Traverse right for you?
The Bernese Oberland Traverse combines a shorter journey with dramatic Swiss mountain scenery and flexible route choices. Compare its distance, duration and trail character with three other Alpine hikes.
Current trail
Bernese Oberland Traverse
A point-to-point journey through the Jungfrau region, connecting mountain villages, high passes and the landscapes around Oeschinensee.
Distance
102 km · 63 mi
Typical duration
5–8 days
Loop route
Tour of Jungfrau Region
A flexible circuit around the Jungfrau region, with panoramic ridges, mountain huts and routes beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Distance
106 km · 66 mi
Typical duration
5–10 days
Longer mountain traverse
Walker’s Haute Route
A demanding journey from Chamonix to Zermatt, crossing remote valleys and a succession of high Alpine passes.
Distance
213 km · 132 mi
Typical duration
11–14 days
Quieter Alpine circuit
Tour des Combins
Circle the Grand Combin massif through Switzerland and Italy, with glaciers, remote passes and traditional mountain huts.
Distance
140 km · 87 mi
Typical duration
7–11 days
Brendan
Bernese Oberland trail specialist
Expert Access
Plan your Bernese Oberland trip with someone who knows the trail.
If you would like personal help, work with Brendan to design an achievable itinerary around your group, hiking dates, route choices, accommodation options and priorities. You can then continue booking and preparing independently inside The Hiking Club platform.
60-minute consultation
Your hiking companions can join.
Personalised itinerary
Designed collaboratively for your group.
Platform access
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Planning questions
Bernese Oberland Traverse FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about planning a self-guided hike across the Bernese Oberland.
How long is the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
The classic Meiringen to Leukerbad route is approximately 102 km (63 miles), with around 7,200 metres (23,700 feet) of elevation gain. Your actual distance changes with your trailheads, route alternatives, accommodation and transport.
How many days do you need?
Most itineraries take 5–8 days. You can focus on a shorter section, or allow more time for manageable stages, mountain huts and the places you want to explore.
Compare Bernese Oberland itineraries before choosing your overnight stops.
Is there only one Bernese Oberland Traverse route?
No. The traverse connects trails between Meiringen and Leukerbad, but you can choose different paths, viewpoints and overnight locations. Alternatives can change your distance, ascent, terrain and the accommodation available for each stage.
How difficult is the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
It is a demanding multi-day mountain hike with substantial ascent and descent. High crossings such as Sefinafurgga and Hohtürli call for fitness and confident footing. Difficulty also depends on your daily stages, pack weight, weather and the alternatives you choose.
Can you hike it without a guide?
Yes. Self-guided hikers need to select suitable stages, arrange accommodation, navigate reliably and check current conditions, especially before crossing the high passes.
Learn how to prepare your route for offline navigation.
Where does the traverse start and finish?
The classic route starts in Meiringen and finishes in Leukerbad. You can also begin farther along the route, including at Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, or finish earlier around Kandersteg, Adelboden or Lenk.
When is the best time to hike?
July to September is the main hiking season. Snow can remain on Sefinafurgga and Hohtürli into early summer; September brings shorter days and some hut closures. Check conditions and opening dates for your specific itinerary.
Review the latest Bernese Oberland trail updates as your departure approaches.
Can you camp along the Bernese Oberland Traverse?
Established campgrounds are available near some valley stages, but they will not suit every overnight stop. Bivouac rules depend on the exact location and local restrictions. Check permission before including any location in your plans.
Are there transport shortcuts along the route?
Yes. Trains, buses and mountain lifts can shorten selected stages or help you reach a different trailhead. Availability and schedules depend on the location and season, so check how each connection changes your daily hiking plan.
When should you book accommodation?
Mountain huts and village properties open reservations at different times. Plan more than one workable set of stages, then check booking status and availability for your dates before committing to the route.
See the current Bernese Oberland accommodation booking status.
Plan your self-guided Bernese Oberland Traverse
Bring your entire Bernese Oberland plan together.
Build an itinerary around your group, find accommodation for your dates, prepare for current conditions and take your personalised route with you into the Swiss Alps.
- Compare routes and daily stages
- Check accommodation availability
- Set opening and cancellation alerts
- Review current trail updates
- Plan transport connections
- Download your route for offline use