6 must-try hikes in the Bernese Oberland—from Alpine treks to hidden valleys

Located in the southernmost part of the canton of Bern, to the west of Switzerland's centre, the Bernese Oberland is defined by its mountains. In the winter, visitors flock to top-tier slopes in Gstaad, Adelboden, Lenk and Kandersteg. But beyond skiing and snowboarding, these areas offer plenty of well-kept and clearly signposted hiking routes that are accessible to travellers all year. Lace up your walking boots and hit some of their first-rate trails, where you'll find thundering waterfalls, alpine meadows, hidden valleys, pristine lakes, mountain panoramas — and plenty of opportunities to sample local cheeses. Here are six of the best hikes in the Bernese Oberland.

1. The Gasterntal

Best for: waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys
Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This gentle trail — snaking through the glacier-dotted Gasterntal Valley — leads walkers along the banks of the Kander river, beside the gushing Chluse gorge and past surging waterfalls. Spectacular views aside, the route is well marked and easy enough for almost every age group.

How to do it: From Kandersteg train station, take the Kander-Reisen bus to Selden — prior booking and cash are both essential. Walking the route in reverse takes approximately 35 minutes: take the path behind Kandersteg station until you cross the river, where the route begins from the first trail on your left and runs all the way to the Sunnbüel cable car station.

2. The ViaAlpina from Adelboden to Lenk

Best for: peaceful forest paths and rolling alpine moorland
Distance: 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The hike from Adelboden to Lenk initially involves trekking through a peaceful, forest-lined path along the Glisbach stream and Allebach River. From there, the vistas open up across rolling green alpine moorland and the Hahnenmoos Pass in the Bernese Alps. For an even greater challenge, continue on the Via Alpina from Lenk until you reach Gstaad — the nearly 14-mile route takes approximately seven hours and threads through the scenic green meadows of the Turbach Valley.

How to do it: The 230 bus goes from Frutigen train station to Adelboden, Post station. Stay overnight at the luxurious spa hotel The Cambrian to tackle the route early. Along the trail, look out for fridges stocked with fresh produce from local farmers — passersby are invited to help themselves, with honesty boxes located nearby to leave payment.

3. Gemmi Pass

Best for: clear Alpine lakes
Distance: 13 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The highlight of this historic hike is the Arvenseeli, a trio of cerulean lakes fed by melting snow from the surrounding pine forest. These lakes shrink and even disappear for a short time during the summer as the mountain streams dry up, so time your trip carefully.

How to do it: The route starts from Kandersteg train station. At the peak of the walk, stop by Gemmi Lodge for some traditional Swiss dishes and a view of Daubensee lake. Finish the walk in Leukerbad, the largest thermal resort in the Alps. Here you can soak away the aches of the day at a public bath or treat yourself to an overnight stay at Le Bristol Leukerbad, which has its own thermal spring.

4. The W19 from Schönried to Sparenmoos

Best for: magnificent mountain scenery
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

The uphill hike from Schönried to the Rellerligrat viewpoint may be challenging, but it rewards hikers with incredible 360-degree views of the mountainous Saanenland region. From there, the route continues on to the Sparenmoos — a high plateau in the Gstaad region known for its serene rolling hills and panoramic views.

How to do it: The walk starts at Schönried train station and there are several mountain restaurants along the way, including Nüjenberg, Hüsliberg, MUMA and Site Alp. The latter is home to a farm shop and show dairy, run by the Santschi family, where visitors can see how the milk from local cows is processed into Bernese Alp cheese, raclette, yogurt and more. At Site Alp, you can also rent a scooter for a speedy descent to Zweisimmen station — just be sure to bring cash.

5. The W35 from Lauenen to the fondue caquelon

Best for: fondue with a view
Distance: 5.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

This trail takes you through forests and meadows to a giant hilltop caquelon (fondue pot) overlooking waterfalls and across the valley. The large wooden caquelon is big enough for several people to sit in and enjoy a fondue picnic made with local cheeses.

How to do it: Take the PostBus from Gstaad train station to the quiet village of Lauenen. From Lauenen, the hike begins with a panoramic trail leading you through the scattered settlement of Tüffi. After a short walk through the forest, you will reach a beautiful hill just before 'ufem Bort', where the fondue caquelon is located. Here, you'll take in sweeping views of the Geltenschuss & Tungelschuss waterfalls as well as the magnificent mountain panorama. Travellers can reserve a pre-prepared ‘fondue backpack’ the day before their hike. These backpacks contain all the ingredients and tools to make a classic or truffle fondue and can be picked up at the village’s Annen-Bettler shop. Alternatively, the trail passes the Hotel Alpenland and Bochtehus-Beizli farmhouse — both offering opportunities to sample the region’s cheeses.

6. The W29 La Videmanette loop

Best for: Gstaad’s dramatic dolomites
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

With awe-inspiring views of the Bernese and Vaudois Alps, as well as the towering pillars of Gstaad's famous dolomites, hikers will love traversing the mountainside and ridgetop La Videmanette loop.

How to do it: Take the gondola from Rougemont to La Videmanette, the start and end point for this hike. Here you’ll also find a restaurant with a sunny terrace that’s perfect for a post-hike treat. There are three via ferratas en route for climbing enthusiasts, while for some evening entertainment, the village of Saanen — just a short hop from Rougemont — often hosts concerts, markets and festivals during the summer.

Surprised by the Bernese Oberland? Discover more of Switzerland here.