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Switzerland Hiking: The Bernese Oberland & Engelberg

9 days  |  11 days with Lucerne region extension

Physical activity
Group size
10–24 travelers

Breathtakingly beautiful hikes, panoramas for days.

The hills are alive! Once you land in Switzerland and get a glimpse of the landscapes blanketed with wildflowers, alpine chalets, and bell-toting cows, you'll want to shout this from mountaintops. Your journey begins in Interlaken, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland—a region in the southernmost part of the canton of Bern that's home to over 800 lakes. You’ll have the chance to hike around a few standouts, like the crystal-clear Bachalpsee and cobalt-colored Oeschinensee. As you venture through the valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, you'll soak up fresh mountain air while admiring some of the Alps' most iconic peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. You’ll even explore the car-free village of Mürren, perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Glaciers and gondolas await at the trip finale in Engelberg, an atmospheric mountain town, where you’ll have a cheese tasting and visit a local dairy farm before embarking on one last scenic hike through alpine wonders that’ll take your breath away.

What's included

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • Private bus for local transfers
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • Cheese tasting
  • An expert Swiss Tour Director
  • Local licensed guides for select hikes
  • Select guided sightseeing tours
  • Tickets for cable cars, gondolas, buses, and cogwheel trains

Why you'll love it

  • Marvel at Oeschinensee, a majestic alpine lake, during a hike in the Blüemlisalp massif
  • Explore Grindelwald, a picturesque village surrounded by dramatic Alpine peaks
  • Hike an 8.4-mile loop near Mürren, traversing meadows and glacial streams
  • Come face-to-face with the Eiger’s north face on your hike near the Eiger Glacier
  • Tour a cheese farm and sample cheese right from the source over lunch
  • Ascend Engelberg’s Fürenalp panorama trail, passing the stunning Stäuber waterfall

Itinerary

Overnight flight

Day 1: Fly to Zurich

The excitement is so high you can barely contain yourself—you’re off to Switzerland! Check that you’ve packed everything on your list (especially thermals and layers—alpine weather in Switzerland can be chilly at elevation) and head to the airport for your overnight flight.

Interlaken

Day 2: Arrival in Zurich & transfer to Interlaken

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Don’t worry if you’re fighting jet lag—today is all about getting on Swiss time. When you land in Zurich, you’ll make the 2-hour journey to Interlaken, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. This stunning Alpine region in central Switzerland is home to some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, many of which you’ll see over the coming days. Interlaken, sandwiched between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, serves as the adventure capital of the area, known for hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities that attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

Today’s highlights
  • Meet an EF representative at the airport.
  • Transfer 2 hours to your hotel in Interlaken.
  • Toast with a glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink while you get to know your fellow hikers and Tour Director during a Welcome Orientation.
  • Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and keep the bonding going with the group.

Note: Transfer from the airport to the hotel is only available to travelers who book round-trip flights with EF Adventures.

Handpicked accommodations

From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.

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Interlaken - Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel

With history stretching back over 120 years, the Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel in Interlaken is as charming as it is luxurious. This adults-only retreat, just steps from Interlaken Ost station, is the perfect homebase for...

Grindelwald - Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort

In the shadow of the Alps, Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort offers a retreat that channels the spirit of early Alpine explorers. This Swiss Premium resort features rooms and suites that blend natural wood with luxurious design,...

Engelberg - Terminus Bellevue

Settle in for some serious comfort—Hotel Bellevue-Terminus in Engelberg offers a fresh take on alpine hospitality. This recently renovated retreat is both historic and modern, creating a stylish base for adventuring. After...

Lucerne - Radisson Blu (Extension)

At Radisson Blu Lucerne, you're perfectly positioned to experience the best of the city. Just a short walk from the train station, you'll find yourself in a sleek, modern hotel with views of the surrounding Alps. Start your day...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Know before you go

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