Traditional Bear Trek in the Swiss Alps

6 days
T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km 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: 05:30 h
Distance: 14.8 km
Ascent: 630 m
Descent: 940 m
Take the bus to Rosenlaui, where the first stage of the Bärentrek begins. Walk 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
Naturfreunde Hostel (Grindelwald)
Day
2

Grindelwald - Lauterbrunnen

Duration: 06:55 h
Distance: 19.2 km
Ascent: 1120 m
Descent: 1340 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)

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Valley Hostel (Lauterbrunnen)
Day
3

Lauterbrunnen - Griesalp

Duration: 09:45 h
Distance: 22.1 km
Ascent: 1830 m
Descent: 1220 m
Today's stage begins with an 800 m 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)

Info
Naturfreunde Haus Gorneren (Griesalp)
See entire itinerary

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

    We will send you on your way with a digital travel guide that includes a route description for the Via Alpina 1, interactive hiking maps, and the most important information applicable to your trek

  • 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.

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 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.

FAQ

  • Best Season for the Via Alpina 1, Switzerland

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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Contact our Trekking Expert
Annemiek Meulenbeld

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