Mountain Adventure Holidays
This is an exciting running trip which takes place in the best of the stunning Bernese Oberland, in Switzerland. The mountains in this region contain some of the highest in Switzerland, such as the Finsteraarhorn, which sits at 4,274 m (14,022 ft). For centuries tourist have travelled to these mountains to experience the summits, the glaciers, the sparking peaks, the alpine flower meadows, and all things Swiss!
Our guide will take the route at a steady pace mixing running with fast hiking on the uphill depending on the terrain. Passing through spectacular mountain scenery, following trails steeped in history, culture and folklore. Many of the trails date back centuries and you will feel the history under your feet as you follow in the footsteps of hunters, herdsmen, smugglers and armies. Smooth, runnable trails are interspersed with technical, rocky sections over the high mountain passes.
Breathtaking alpine landscapes await, flanked by colourful meadows tumbling down into picturesque hamlets and villages. It is both a nature lover's and a trail runner’s paradise. This trip is suitable for experienced mountain trail runners.
Today you travel to the famous Swiss town of Interlaken.
Interlaken is gorgeous built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It has traditional houses and parkland and is surrounded by mountains, forests, alpine meadows and glaciers.
Today you will do a shake out run in the mountains around Interlaken. The guide will have a few ideas and depending on the weather and how the group feels. We might go for a more flat run before tackling the uphills for the next week, or we might already go and get those muscles warm with a bit of angulating terrain. Either way, the area around Interlaken is stunning and it'll be a great way to start the week.
Leaving Interlaken we begin our Bernese Oberland Traverse with a short warm up run to Wilderswil and the Schynige Platte cog rail way station. The train takes 45 minutes and ascends 1500m (4921ft) through woodland to reach 2068m (6784ft) above the treeline and the start of the 'Eiger to First' panoramic trail. This 'must do' mountain path is quite breathetaking offering some of the best views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau along the way. Enjoy 15km (9.5miles) of balcony trail running through mountan meadows, passing traditional alpine farms and up to our highest point so far the Faulhorn summit at 2681m (8795ft) where we gain 360 degree mountain views with the Brienzersee lake below. It's all down hill from here as we pick up the Eiger Trail past the picturesque Bachalpsee alpine lake down to the cable car at First. From there we continue descending all the way down into Grindelwald.
Ascent: 1000m (3280ft) Descent: 1704m (5590ft) Distance: 25km ( 15.5 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00
Today is all about the Eiger! The notorious Eiger stands at 3970m above Grindelwald and has been enthralling visitors to the valley for decades, most notably since 1858 when local Mountain Guides Christian Almer and Peter Bohren together with their guest Charles Barrington, reached the summit for the first time. The Eiger began attracting a wealth of aspiring mountaineers from all over Europe wishing to tackle its steep north face – known as the ‘last problem of the Alps’ in north face climbing terms. It was finally conquered in 1938 by Anderl Heckmair, Fritz Kasparek, Ludwig Vörg and Heinrich Harrer, in a battle waged over 4 days. Inspired by the myth of the Eiger, the trail running event Eiger Ultra Trail was launched in 2013.
Our route today takes in the Eiger trail below the northface to reach the plateau of Kleine Scheidegg. Leaving our hotel first on flat valley trails we reach Grund then at the site of an ancient mountain chapel at Gletcherschlucht we start a steep hike through the forest to reach the main Eiger balcony trail at 1700m which then traverses gradually under the Eiger itself. It here that one can start to appreciate this mountains true grandure and challenges that climbers face to reach it's summit. The trail passes waterfalls, crosses streams and there is often snowmelt late into the summer months.
From our high point today at 2285m (7496m) we can see clearly view the full Eiger Northface rock climb and if you look carefully the small windows where the Jungfraujoch train passes through the mountain (and the access point for climbers to reach the start of the climbing route)! Our trail opens out to reach the Kleine Scheidegg plateau and from here if there is time take the Jungfraujoch train through the Eiger to 3454m (11332ft) and visit the 'roof of Europe'! We then descend to the famous ski village of Wengen where we will spend the night.
Ascent: 1575m (5170ft) Descent: 1330m (4365ft) Distance: 25.3km (15.7miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00
We start with a descent today as we join the Jungfrau Marathon trail and make our way to the delightful town of Lauterbrunnen.
Lauterbrunnen is situated in one of the most impressive trough valleys in the Alps, between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks. With its 72 thundering waterfalls, secluded valleys, colourful alpine meadows and remote mountain inns, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland.
Still on the Jungfrau Marathon trail, but on a surprisingly flat path, our journey takes us past numerous impressive waterfalls to reach Stechelberg and the Sefinen waterfall at the head of the valley. From here we start our climb to the remote Sefinenfurgge pass which is the second highest pass on the Alpine Pass Route. We traverses beautiful meadows with breathtaking views of the high peaks towering above the Lauterbrunnental, Sefinental and Kiental valleys.
The trail ascends through pastures and past small farms on the outskirts of Murren. Great views of the big three, the Eiger, Monch and Junfrau, are your constant companion. After a short, steep climb up the head of the Wasenegg ridge, the trail enters the Sefinental where an overlook showcases the Tschingelspitz, Gspalterhorn and Butlasse towering above the head of the valley.
A beautiful trail now contours through pastures along the valley’s north slopes to Rotstock Hut. Beyond the hut a steep trail ascends pretty meadows and then scree covered slopes to the Sefinenfurrge Pass 2611m (8570ft), a small notch on a remote ridge. Here enjoy your last views of the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. To the west new vistas open to the Armighorn and Dundenhorn rising above the west side of the Kiental.
To descend our trail is initially steep and on some scree, but this soon eases off to fun running trails down to reach a short detour trail that we will take to reach our lunch stop at the delightful Gspaltenhornhutte at 2455m (8054ft). From here we can soak up the views beside the Gamchig glacier and peaks all around before we begin our a fun descent down to the mountain of village Griesalp
Ascent: 1830m (6005ft) Descent: 1660 m (5440ft) Distance: 25.4km (15.7 miles) Duration: 6 - 7 hrs
Today we are starting the day with a climb. Slowly making our way up to Bluemlisalphutte. Passing high alpine pastures and moving from lots of greenery to the more rocky terrain when we get closer to the Hohtürli pass (2778m). Just above the pass you will find the Hut. This mountain hut offers breathtaking views of the Blüemlisalp Glacier and the surrounding alpine landscape, making it an ideal resting point after a long climb.
After a short coffee and/or cake break we will wake up our quads and start descending to the Oeschinensee (1522m). You will get to see the spectacular turquoise color of the lake, which is primarily due to the presence of finely ground particles called "glacial flour." These particles are created as glaciers move over rock, grinding it down into a fine powder. When the meltwater from the glaciers flows into the lake, it carries these tiny particles, which reflect and scatter sunlight in a way that gives the water its stunning turquoise hue.
The high mineral content in the glacial flour also contributes to the vibrant color, creating an almost magical contrast against the surrounding mountains. The clearer the water, the more intense the color, especially on bright sunny days when the sunlight interacts with the lake’s surface.
From the lake we will continue our way down towards Kandersteg.
Ascent: 1350m (4430ft) Descent: 1620m (5315ft) Distance: 17.3km (10.7miles) Duration: 5h00
Today we will wake up our legs by following the valley floor for the first kilometers. From there we will be following the gorgeous Via Alpina trail up towards the Tschingellochtighore (2630m) passing through alpine pastures.
The Tschingellochtighore, the name itself is a bit of a tongue-twister and derives from the local dialect. While the exact translation is a bit unclear, the name can be broken down as follows; Tschingel: Likely refers to the "Tschingel" area, which is a ridge or high point, Loch: This often means a gap, hole, or cleft in a mountain, Tighore: This part of the word may be specific to the local dialect, potentially referring to a feature of the mountain or a geographic term.
From the top we will start descending, initially following the ridge we then descend onto a little plateau (1950m), from which we can admire the path we've just covered. At this point we will begin our last kilometers of this amazing journey in the Bernese overlands and will contour, hugging the mountains for a little while until we run down towards the village of Adelboden.
Ascent: 1550m (5085ft) Descent: 1470m (4820ft) Distance: 21.2km (13.2miles) Duration: Run/Walk 5h00
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Nestled in the heart of Interlaken's oldest district, the Hotel Post Hardermannli welcomes you with a warm embrace of Swiss charm and comfort. Housed in a historical chalet-style building, this cozy hotel is perfectly situated near the scenic river walkways that connect the shimmering Lakes of Thun and Brienz. Surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery, Interlaken is a paradise for nature lovers who at the end of a running day can go explore the quaint, storybook charm of the village with its traditional Swiss chalets, cozy cafés, and boutique shops.
Experience the timeless charm of the Hotel Hirschen, a family-run gem nestled in the heart of Grindelwald since 1880. Renowned for its rustic, cozy ambiance and delightful regional cuisine, this historic hotel offers a perfect place after a big day in the mountains. Enjoy a well deserved drink on the terrace before you treat yourself to the sauna.
Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Jungfrau region, you can enjoy watching the Eiger North Face, the Jungfraujoch, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Swiss Jungfrau-Aletsch Alps from the hotel terrace.
The Braunbär Hotel is found in the center of Wengen, the family-owned Braunbär Hotel is the perfect stop on our trail running journey through the stunning Bernese Oberland region. “Braunbär,” meaning “brown bear,” reflects the hotel's strong connection to nature and the mountains. Today when you come back after your run, you can unwind in the spa or simply enjoy a cold drink on the terrace.
Step back in time at the family-run Waldrand Hotel, where nostalgic charm and Alpine serenity create a one-of-a-kind experience. Located in a breathtaking setting, their simple, grandmother-style rooms offer a cozy retreat after a day on the trails. Without mobile reception, this is a perfect chance to disconnect, recharge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the moment.
Located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Hotel Alpina lays in the wonderful little town of Kandersteg. Kandersteg is a charming Alpine village steeped in Swiss tradition, where its vibrant cultural heritage blends with stunning natural beauty, offering a unique glimpse into mountain life through its historic architecture, local festivals, and outdoor activities. After a day of running through the mountains, relax while stretching or grabbing a gold drink in the lovely garden of the hotel.
After our last leg of the 115km journey across the Bernese Oberland, we will enjoy a well deserved night at the Hotel Bristol in Adelboden. This family-run hotel offers a cozy and personable atmosphere, with stunning mountain views from its lovely garden. The hotel has an incredible spa area, equipped with steam bath, bio sauna, experience shower, Jacuzzi tubs as well as relaxation loungers with the fantastic view of the Adelboden mountains. A perfect way to recover and look back on a great adventure.
Arriving
Arriving by Train
The easiest way to reach Interlaken is by train. The train service in Switzerland is renowned world-wide for its efficiency and timing. It is a wonderful to see the countryside while relaxing and enjoying the views. You can find full details at the Swiss Train Service website where you can book tickets on line. If you are planning to travel extensively in Switzerland consider buying a half-fare card which is valid for one month.
Arriving by Air
Basel and Zurich are the closest international airports, both of which are 2h20 by train. Check www.sbb.ch for times. Flights from Basel are usually more frequent than Zurich and take 1h30. You can also fly into Geneva airport a day earlier and make use of the Swiss trains to get to Interlaken.
Departure
You will depart from Adelboden where you can easily use the rail network to connect to any onward travel.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.
Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude.
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £500.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
Your trail running guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. For our trail running trips we employ International Mountain Leaders who have a particular passion for trail running. Many of our trail running guides have competed in mountain marathons, and ultra marathons in the European Alps and further afield.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
We have graded this trip Advanced. You can read the grades in full here. You can also read the statistics with regard to running distance, ascent, descent etc on the daily itinerary.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all but one of the nights, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the night you are in the mountain Refugi at Tossals Verds you will need to carry a few extra items in your rucksack.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
When creating tailor-made trips for our private guests we do not include the cost of any additional expenses such as transport, accommodation or cable cars which may be required to complete your route due to itinerary changes. We always aim to complete the proposed itinerary that you have agreed with us. However, in terms of both safety and enjoyment the day-by-day route can only be followed when conditions and weather make it appropriate. Your guide will make a decision on your route based on those conditions. Any decision by your guide will be final and indisputable. We therefore ask that you are prepared to cover these expenses, if needed, for your group and the guide. It is rare that we need to apply this, but by operating on a case-by-case basis we avoid building these costs into your agreed trip price.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 19 Jul - Sat 26 Jul Code: BTR1 |
Price: £2595 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Sat 13 Sep - Sat 20 Sep Code: BTR2 |
Price: £2545 | Spaces available | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 25 Jul - Sat 01 Aug Code: BTR1 |
Price: £2650 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Sat 12 Sep - Sat 19 Sep Code: BTR2 |
Price: £2595 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £2545 |
| Holiday Type | Trail Running |
| Duration | 7 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2780m (9120ft) |
| Countries Visited | Switzerland |
| Meet In | Interlaken |
