Traditional Bear Trek in the Swiss Alps
Duration: 6 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: More than 1000 m ascent per day
> Complete the famous Bear Trek in the Swiss Alps
> Cross breathtaking mountain passes
> Don't worry about arranging the accommodation, we got that covered!
The Bear Trek is the most popular section of the Via Alpina 1, a longer route that crosses the Swiss Alps. During the Bear Trek, also known as the Bärentrek in German, you will complete 6 out of the 20 stages of the Via Alpina 1, from Meiringen to Lenk. During this trek, you will walk from one valley to the next while enjoying the great views of the towns below and the peaks above, like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
On this 6-day route, you will cross mountain passes, you will discover breathtaking waterfalls, shimmering lakes, forestes and moorlands, and you will try exquisite traditional local dishes. Get your hiking boots ready and discover this Swiss gem in the Alps!
Itinerary
Day
1
Meiringen - Grindelwald
Duration: 05:45 h
Distance: 15.2 km
Ascent: 690 m
Descent: 900 m
Take the bus to Rosenlaui, where the first stage of the Bärentrek begins. Hike up to the “Grosse Scheidegg” from where you will have magnificent views of the mountains Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From here you continue to Grindelwald.
Naturfreunde Hostel (Grindelwald)
Day
2
Grindelwald - Lauterbrunnen
Duration: 07:15 h
Distance: 20 km
Ascent: 1120 m
Descent: 1430 m
Today, the trail leads up to the "Kleine Scheidegg". The walk up involves gentle hills and meadows, with traditional wooden huts and stalls dotted along the way. Berghaus Alpiglen is the perfect place for taking a little break. Here you will find delicious local specialties in a tranquil atmosphere. With your batteries recharged, you will be ready to tackle the final section of this stage and climb the Kleine Scheidegg. If you feel energized, you can even continue walking to Jungfraujoch. There are several small paths you can follow to the Lauterbrunnen via the magnificent Trümmelbach waterfall or past Wengen if you’re in a more laid-back mood. There is also an option to take a train and finish today's stage.
Valley Hostel (Lauterbrunnen)
Day
3
Lauterbrunnen - Griesalp
Duration: 09:45 h
Distance: 21.8 km
Ascent: 1840 m
Descent: 1200 m
Today's stage begins with an 800-meter ascent up to the sun terrace where Mürren lies. The ascent is long, but trees provide some nice shade. You can also take a cable car ride all the way up to Mürren. From Mürren, you then hike across lush meadows up to the Rotstockhütte, where you can recharge your batteries before tackling the steep ascent to the Sefinenfurgge Pass. This pass offers breathtaking views of the Sefinen and Kien valleys as well as the surrounding mountains, including a snow-covered Sefinenfurgge in the early summer months. You will then descend through a long set of steps, black rock, and scree until you reach the valley below.
Naturfreunde Haus Gorneren (Griesalp)
Day
4
Griesalp - Kandersteg
Duration: 08:50 h
Distance: 18.4 km
Ascent: 1350 m
Descent: 1630 m
Today's stage is the most impressive of the whole trek. It is no coincidence that this is part of the Swiss Alps Unesco World Heritage. The first section leads over Bundalp to the top of Hohtürli Pass, where you will find glaciers along the northern flank of Blüemlisalp. The road to Blüemlisalp is long and steep. The second half runs down to Lake Oeschinen via impressive glacier moraines. At Lake Oeschinen you will find the cable railway to Kandersteg.
Hotel des Alpes (Kandersteg)
Day
5
Kandersteg - Adelboden
Duration: 07:20 h
Distance: 16.4 km
Ascent: 1310 m
Descent: 1130 m
Today your trek starts after taking the cable car up to “Allmenalp”, from where you hike up to Bonderchrinde Pass with its distinctive shape, resembling a cauldron. The view on the surrounding peaks is breathtaking. A narrow trail that runs parallel to the ridge will take you to your next destination. A head for heights is paramount in this section of the trail. The route will lead you down into the valley to Adelboden.
Hotel Bristol Relais du Silence Superior (Adelboden)
Day
6
Adelboden - Lenk
Duration: 04:45 h
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 640 m
Descent: 920 m
From the famous village of Adelboden, you will walk towards the Hahnenmoos Pass. This section of the trail guides you through forests and moorlands. Wonderful views of the peak of Mount Wildstrubel guide your way down to Lenk.
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