Classic Bernese Oberland
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20 | 7 days - 6 nights |
The Bernese Oberland is one of the most spectacular regions of the Swiss Alps. Part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage area, it includes the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.
The region includes a number of picturesque villages, including Wengen, Mürren, Kandersteg, and the famed mountain resort of Grindelwald. Winding through the mountains and pastures are hundreds of miles of great trail running. Bags can be easily transported through this region, making for endless trail running opportunities.
Along the way, there are great day-run possibilities. Trail run to the working alpine farm of Obersteinberg, through the steep-walled LauterbrunnenValley, or under the north wall of the Eiger. There are plenty of day-off opportunities, too—notably a trip on the train through the Eiger to the snowy mountain-top Junfraujoch station, or a visit to car-free Mürren.
This area is suitable for either a level 1 or level 2 trail running tour – let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll plan the runs that suit you best.
If you’re traveling over August 1st, you’ll get to experience the Swiss National Day. This involves processions of locals in their traditional dress, Swiss horns and fireworks!
In recent years, the addition of the five Eiger Ultra trail races has focused attention on the great trail running available in the Bernese Oberland. Interested in taking part? Run the Alps has a limited number of entries available. Contact us for details.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 : You’ll arrive in Switzerland, then take a train and a bus to Schwarzwaldalp. After checking-in to your hotel, you could do a short trail run above the village, past huge waterfalls and imposing mountains.
Distance 8km (5mi), Ascent / descent 150-300m (500-1000ft).
Day 2 : Today you start with a climb up to the Grosse Scheidegg pass, then traverse the hillside, with views of the Eiger ahead, and the Grindelwald valley below. You’ll arrive at the postcard-perfect Bachsee Lake, before winding down on quiet trails to the town of Grindelwald.
Distance 17.7km (11mi); Ascent 820m (2700ft); Descent 700m (2300ft).
Day 3 : Today you’ll contour along a scenic ridge, high above Grindelwald and opposite the Eiger, which towers above. You’ll pass mountain lakes, then return to Grindelwald for a second night.
Distance 10-19km (6-12mi); Ascent 915m (3000ft); Shorter option available.
Day 4 : From Grindelwald, you’ll run up to the Kleine Scheidegg pass, directly under the Eiger. Follow lesser-known trails through quiet meadows and alpine farms, before arriving in the quaint, car-free mountain village of Wengen.
Distance 10-16km (6-10mi); Ascent 915m (3000ft); Descent 610m (2000ft); Shorter option available.
Day 5 : Today you’ll run to the end of the Lauterbrunnen valley, following parts of the Jungfrau Marathon route. You’ll then run up to Obersteinberg, a high alpine farm with restaurant and accommodation, then descend through forests to the town of Mürren.
Distance 10-16km (6-10mi); Ascent 915m (3000ft); Descent 610m (2000ft); Shorter option available.
Day 6 : You have a second day in Mürren, high above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Go for a local run through alpine pastures, or ride the tram up to Schilthorn, then descend back to town. Alternatively, you spend the day exploring the town, with unparalleled cliffside views!
Distance 10-16km (6-10mi); 915m (3000ft) ascent; 610m (2000ft) descent; Shorter option available.
Day 7 : Today you’ll say good-bye to the Bernese Oberland and depart for your post-tour destination.
Book this tour
$3450 per person
$650 single supplement
Looking for a customized itinerary?
Please get in touch. We’d love to discuss your options with you.
Prefer to go with a guide?
Explore our group guided trips or inquire about our privately guided trips.
- Accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels and/or mountain huts
- Buffet breakfasts each morning and multi-course dinners each evening
- Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up
- Luggage transfers
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
- In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline
- Flights / transportation to and from the tour
- Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
- Drinks with dinners
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Trail snacks and lunches – our materials include info of where to stop along the way or if bringing trail snacks is a better option based on the day
Plan for your flight to arrive by 11am the day your tour starts at the latest. Flights from the U.S. usually depart the day before. The closest airport is Zurich, which is a little over 3 hours away by train. Geneva is 4 hours, 45 minutes away. There are train stations in each airport, making for convenient onward travel to the region. Your tour package will include detailed information about how to travel on the Swiss rail and bus system to the start of the tour in Schwarzwaldalp.
Plan to depart from Mürren the day your tour ends. The closest airports are Zurich (about 3h20min) and Geneva (4 to 4.5h). If you have a morning flight, plan for one night at a hotel in your departure city. We can assist you with hotel and city information, if you need.
- Why Run the Alps? See how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and what sets us apart here.
- Group Discounts: When we create tours for a group of five or more self-guided guests, there is an opportunity for some savings. We’re pleased to pass them on to you – please get in touch to explore your options.
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard guided and self-guided trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Want to shorten or extend your trip or add an Alps Trail Race? Just let us know and we’d be happy to help.
- Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes–read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
- Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. You can check out our Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but don’t think you can afford it, please check out our Tour Grants Program.
- Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
- Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.
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