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Traditional Bear Trek in the Swiss Alps

Name: Traditional Bear Trek in the Swiss Alps
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 995.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 6 days

Trails: T2 trails

Distance: 15 - 20 km per day

Ascent per day: More than 1000 m ascent per day

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ
Reviews

> 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

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)

Info

Day

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)

Info

Day

Lauterbrunnen – Griesalp (Recommended Route with Train)

Duration: 07:10 h

Distance: 16.7 km

Ascent: 1010 m

Descent: 1200 m

Today’s stage begins with a scenic gondola ride from Lauterbrunnen to Bergstation Grütschalp, followed by a short and picturesque train journey to Mürren. This is the option we recommend, as it not only adds a fun and scenic experience to your day, but also shortens the hike by about three hours. The full route on foot takes around 10 hours, so using public transport makes the day more manageable and enjoyable—especially considering what's ahead.

Once in Mürren, you’ll start your hike through green alpine meadows up to the Rotstockhütte, a perfect spot to rest and grab a bite before taking on the steep climb to the Sefinenfurgge Pass. The views from the pass are spectacular, with dramatic vistas over the Sefinen and Kien valleys and surrounding peaks. In early summer, there may still be snow at the top. After the pass, a long descent through rocky terrain and scree leads you down into the valley, where the final stretch takes you to Griesalp.

Important: Be sure to arrive at Naturfreunde Haus Gorneren (Griesalp) before 18:00. Dinner is served early, and late arrivals may miss out on the evening meal. Taking the gondola and train at the start helps ensure you reach your destination on time.

Naturfreunde Haus Gorneren (Griesalp)

Info

Day

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)

Info

Day

Kandersteg - Adelboden

Duration: 07:20 h

Distance: 16.4 km

Ascent: 1310 m

Descent: 1130 m

From Kandersteg, the trail climbs steadily toward the Bunderchrinde Pass, whose distinctive shape resembles a giant cauldron. The surrounding peaks offer breathtaking views. From the pass, the path drops steeply over loose terrain toward Berghaus Bonderalp. This section can be foggy, so a head for heights, sure footing, and a steady pace are essential. The route then continues down into the valley to Adelboden.

Hotel Bristol Relais du Silence Superior (Adelboden)

Info

Day

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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Included

Booking the huts

We will take care of arranging accommodation on the Via Alpina 1 for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead.
Full travel guide

You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Via Alpina 1. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Hotels, Hostels or Huts

We arrange your accommodation on the Via Alpina 1 in hotels, hostels or huts along the way. We have selected accommodations on our trek based on the length of each stage and recommendations from hikers who have gone before us on the Via Alpina 1.
Breakfast

Every morning breakfast is waiting for you. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch and dinner are not included, but it can be purchased in the huts.
Navigation support

Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.
Transfers

Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses

Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.
Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast is included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch at the hotels, restaurants on the way or in your accommodation at the end of stage.