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 trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Gurten Panorama Trail
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.
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2
Aare River Path (Bern city loop)
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.
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3
Harder Kulm Trail from Interlaken
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.
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4
Northface Trail (Mürren to Grütschalp)
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.
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5
Schynige Platte to First (Classic Alpine Traverse)
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.
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6
Faulhorn Summit Hike
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.
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7
Oeschinensee Loop
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.
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8
Niesen Ridge Trail
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.
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9
Niederhorn Loop (above Lake Thun)
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.
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10
Grindelwald – Pfingstegg – Stiereg Glacier Trail
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.
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11
Stockhorn Summit via Erlenbach
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.
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12
Kandersteg – Gasterntal Valley Walk
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.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Bern.
- 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
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Alpine weather changes extremely rapidly—always check MeteoSwiss forecast before setting out
Hazard: Sun exposure at altitude is intense—apply SPF 50 even on overcast days
Hazard: Snow and ice possible on high trails June and October
Hazard: Avalanche risk October-May above treeline—check avalanche bulletin at slf.ch
Hazard: Loose rocks on mountain slopes above treeline—always stay on marked trails
Hazard: Wildlife encounters: chamois and ibex are common and harmless; leave them space
Hazard: Water from mountain streams generally safe but check locally; glacial meltwater should be avoided
Hazard: Smartphone coverage is limited in deep valleys—download offline maps before hiking