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Hiking Guide

Bern Hiking & Trekking Guide 2025

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Bern.

The Canton of Bern is Switzerland's second-largest canton, stretching from the UNESCO-listed medieval capital city to the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Home to the federal capital of Switzerland, picturesque alpine lakes, and world-class ski resorts, Bern blends political significance with breathtaking natural beauty.

Top Hiking Trails

The best hikes Bern has to offer.

Gurten Panorama Trail

easy
📏 4km (loop)⏱️ 1.5h📈 80m gain

A gentle introductory hike from the Gurten funicular summit station around the city mountain, with panoramic views across the Swiss Mittelland, the Bernese Alps, and Bern Old Town far below.

Highlights: Panoramic Bernese Alps view, Old Town vistas, wildflower meadows, children's park at summit

Aare River Path (Bern city loop)

easy
📏 8km (loop)⏱️ 2h📈 minimal

A scenic riverside walk following the Aare River around the peninsula of Bern's Old Town, passing beneath the cathedral cliff, through the Marzili, and back via the Kirchenfeldbrücke bridge.

Highlights: Old Town cliffs from river level, Marzili swimming spot, Tierpark animals, botanical garden

Harder Kulm Trail from Interlaken

moderate
📏 5km one way⏱️ 2.5h📈 860m gain

A classic ascent through forest from Interlaken to the Harder Kulm summit viewpoint at 1,322m, where the famous two-lakes view (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz) frames the Jungfrau. The descent by funicular is recommended.

Highlights: Two-lakes view, Jungfrau panorama, wildlife (deer and ibex), forest trails

Northface Trail (Mürren to Grütschalp)

moderate
📏 11km one way⏱️ 4h📈 200m gain / 500m descent

One of Switzerland's most dramatic and iconic hiking routes, crossing the face of the Bernese Oberland directly opposite the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau north faces. The entire trail is a succession of breathtaking viewpoints above the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Highlights: Eiger north face views, Lauterbrunnen Valley vistas, alpine meadows, wildflower pastures, car-free Mürren village

Schynige Platte to First (Classic Alpine Traverse)

hard
📏 16km one way⏱️ 7h📈 800m gain / 1,100m descent

A classic Swiss alpine traverse from Schynige Platte (1,967m) to First (2,168m) above Grindelwald, crossing a ridge line with continuous 360-degree views of the Bernese Alps. The alpine botanical garden at the start makes a perfect warm-up.

Highlights: Panoramic ridge traverse, Faulhorn summit (2,681m), Bachalpsee alpine lake, Bernese Alps panorama, Schynige Platte botanical garden

Faulhorn Summit Hike

hard
📏 10km from First gondola⏱️ 4h return📈 515m gain from First (2,168m to 2,681m)

The Faulhorn at 2,681m is one of the most popular alpine peaks in the Bernese Oberland, accessible from the Grindelwald First gondola via a well-marked trail. The summit viewpoint encompasses the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and on clear days extends to the Monte Rosa.

Highlights: 360-degree Bernese Alps panorama, Bachalpsee lake reflection, Faulhorn Gasthaus (oldest mountain inn in the Alps), Eiger views

Oeschinensee Loop

easy
📏 5km loop⏱️ 2h📈 100m gain

A beautiful easy loop around the UNESCO World Heritage Oeschinensee alpine lake near Kandersteg, with towering limestone cliffs reflected in the turquoise waters. Reached by gondola from Kandersteg village.

Highlights: Turquoise lake reflections, Limestone cliff walls, wildflowers, swimming in summer, ibex sightings

Niesen Ridge Trail

hard
📏 8km return⏱️ 5h📈 1,500m gain from Mülenen

The demanding trail up the iconic Niesen pyramid to 2,362m runs alongside the world's longest staircase (11,674 steps). The summit rewards with a complete 360-degree panorama from the Bernese Alps to the Swiss Jura.

Highlights: Summit 360-degree panorama, World's longest staircase (alongside), Lake Thun and Bernese Oberland views, Swiss Pyramid silhouette

Niederhorn Loop (above Lake Thun)

moderate
📏 10km loop⏱️ 3.5h📈 350m gain

A rewarding loop hike from the Niederhorn summit (1,950m) above the north shore of Lake Thun, with sweeping views across the lake to the Niesen, Stockhorn, and Bernese Oberland peaks. The cable car from Beatenbucht provides fast access.

Highlights: Lake Thun panorama, Bernese Oberland backdrop, alpine pastures, ibex and chamois sightings, Beatushöhlen caves nearby

Grindelwald – Pfingstegg – Stiereg Glacier Trail

moderate
📏 8km return⏱️ 3h📈 400m gain

From Grindelwald village, a cable car reaches the Pfingstegg plateau from where trails lead through alpine forest and meadow to the edge of the Grindelwald Glacier and close-up views of the Eiger and Wetterhorn.

Highlights: Eiger and Wetterhorn views, Grindelwald Glacier viewpoint, Hinter Fieschbachfall waterfall, alpine meadows

Stockhorn Summit via Erlenbach

moderate
📏 12km return⏱️ 4.5h📈 900m gain

The Stockhorn at 2,190m is the most prominent peak visible from Bern city and offers an excellent day hike from Erlenbach via the two-stage cable car. The summit panorama extends north to Bern and south across the Bernese Oberland.

Highlights: Bern panorama to the north, Stockhornsee summit lake, 360-degree Bernese Alps views, relatively accessible

Kandersteg – Gasterntal Valley Walk

easy
📏 12km return⏱️ 3.5h📈 100m gain

A glorious and accessible valley walk from Kandersteg along the Kander River into the wild and dramatic Gasterntal gorge, with waterfalls, old moraines, and the Kander Glacier visible at the valley's head.

Highlights: Kander River gorge, Klus gorge entrance, glacier views at head of valley, old growth forest, waterfalls

Trails by Difficulty

Find trails that match your fitness level.

🟢 Easy

Well-maintained paths with minimal elevation; suitable for all ages and families; leisurely pace

🟡 Moderate

Some elevation and uneven terrain; good walking shoes required; reasonable fitness needed; typically mountain boots advisable

🟠 Challenging

Significant elevation, steep sections, longer distances. Good fitness required. 5-8 hours.

🔴 Expert

Technical terrain, glacial crossings, or exposed ridges; guide strongly recommended; specialist equipment needed

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Complete Hiking Guide

Detailed trail descriptions, packing checklists, and route recommendations.

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Hiking Preparation

What to bring and how to prepare.

Essential Gear

Day Hikes

  • Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
  • Plenty of water (2-3 liters)
  • Snacks and lunch
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • Rain layer/jacket
  • First aid kit
  • Navigation (map, GPS, phone)
  • Flashlight/headlamp

Multi-Day Treks

  • All day hike essentials plus:
  • Backpack (40-60L)
  • Tent or shelter
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Cooking equipment
  • Water purification
  • Extra clothing layers
  • Emergency supplies

Physical Preparation

  • Start training weeks before challenging hikes
  • Build up endurance with regular cardio
  • Practice on local trails with elevation gain
  • Break in new boots before the trip
  • Acclimatize to altitude gradually if needed

Hiking Safety

Stay safe on the trails.

CRITICAL

Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry emergency communication device in remote areas.

HIGH

Check weather conditions before setting out. Turn back if conditions deteriorate. Never underestimate mountains.

HIGH

Stay on marked trails. Getting lost in unfamiliar terrain can be dangerous. Carry navigation tools.

MEDIUM

Be aware of wildlife. Research local animals and know how to respond to encounters.

MEDIUM

Start early to allow plenty of daylight. Always aim to be back before dark.

Local Hazards

  • Alpine weather changes extremely rapidly—always check MeteoSwiss forecast before setting out
  • Sun exposure at altitude is intense—apply SPF 50 even on overcast days
  • Snow and ice possible on high trails June and October
  • Avalanche risk October-May above treeline—check avalanche bulletin at slf.ch
  • Loose rocks on mountain slopes above treeline—always stay on marked trails
  • Wildlife encounters: chamois and ibex are common and harmless; leave them space
  • Water from mountain streams generally safe but check locally; glacial meltwater should be avoided
  • Smartphone coverage is limited in deep valleys—download offline maps before hiking

Best Time to Hike

Plan your hiking adventure for optimal conditions.

🌸 Spring

April-May: valleys and lower trails open; high alpine routes may be snowy until late May; wildflowers begin

☀️ Summer

June-September: all marked trails open; best conditions; alpine flowers peak in July; busiest season

🍂 Fall

October-November: excellent visibility and autumn colours; many alpine routes still open until October; mountain huts closing

❄️ Winter

December-March: lower trails possible with snowshoes; high trails closed or dangerous; ski touring available with guide

Explore Bern's Trails

Get our complete hiking guide with GPS routes, difficulty ratings, and local tips.

Download Hiking Guide